Jalopnik

DSCN1509_2.JPG Art Cars

Artercel Spotted in San Francisco

It's got gams on the roof and a donations box stuck to the hood. It's beflowered, be-beaded and bedazzled. It's this wee Toyota we spotted yesterday in San Francisco while hanging out with Friend o' tha Jalop Suzanne. Oddly enough, we didn't notice it until her son Troy pointed it out. Such is the vibrancy of the City that things that would seem completely wacked-out elsewhere become mere curiosities in San Francisco. – Davey G. Johnson
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5:00 PM on Sun Dec 31 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
406 views, 6 comments

Latest by lascauxcaveman: I don't think it technically an art car if you can actually see any of the original paint color. Its a more »

DSCN1516.JPG Retro

Megasquirted 2002 on the Streets of San Francisco

Last night, we popped by the 500 Club in San Francisco with Friend o' tha Jalop Melissa. The place was reasonably packed, so we asked a couple of guys if we could share their booth. We got to chitchatting about jobs and whatnot (In SF, introductions are more often than not followed by the inevitable "So, what do you do?"); we explained that we are one of the people that exist in the form of Jalopnik.com, and John mentioned that he had a 2002. We asked if he'd seen Finkbuilt Steve's Megasquirt conversion. Turns out, he was fully aware of it, and what's more, had done a Megasquirt conversion of his own. More impressively, the 2002 is his first project; he'd never really turned a wrench in anger before starting work on the '73 Bimmer. More »

4:00 PM on Sun Dec 31 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
560 views, 5 comments

Latest by MattP: iamjames: Tim Skwiot's page on Megasquirting his 2002 has some hard numbers: http://www.hbci.com/~tskwiot/2002.html I'm not totally convinced using the Megasquirt without a MAF more »

Have-A-YouTube-New-Year.jpg Ads/Promotions

YouTube, Times Square Ringing Whoring In The New Year With Chevrolet

Good job by Chevy in buying up any and every advertising possibility as the US of A rings in the new year. To capture the attention of the greatest of generations, Times Square will get a Chevy clock and the brand that brought you both the Corvette and the Aveo will be passing out plastic hats and some other silliness. And for those of us who happen to be a member of one of the lesser n' younger generations, the General's bargain brand's dropping its name on top of the service responsible for this year's Time Person of The Year — YouTube. The American Revolution's sponsoring an "upload your new year's greetings, get on the front page of YouTube" thing. Because yeah, I really give a rat's ass about some dude in Dubuque wishing me a Happy New Year. Who's making the calls on this new media anyway? I mean, if it's not a dick in a box somewhere, it's marketing like this. – Ray Wert More »

3:03 PM on Sun Dec 31 2006
By Ray Wert
158 views, Comment

Detroit Auto Show

Detroit Auto Show Preview: Ford's Non-Mustang Mustang-Platformed Interceptor Concept

What you see in front of you is the product of a bold move — or so we're told. This four-door sedan concept's got a 5.0-liter Cammer V8 with 400hp, and was called by FoMoCo Prez of the 'mericas "a Mustang all grown up." But since with our luck all we'll see this year is a five hundred with the Gillette-like "Hi, I'm Dave" tri-blade on the front end, we're pleased to see what Ford's got here — despite the fact it'll have the opposite of the Lincoln MKR concept's independent rear axle. Ford should be building something like this for fans of the strong n' forward-facing fascia of the classic 'merican sedan. This is a car that could compete with a 300C — if it were in the market now and not merely a concept. But whatevs, maybe it actually means FoMoCo's gonna bring something to market in the sedan market with some pizazz over the next five years. Gallery below and full release after the jump. – Ray Wert More »

12:38 AM on Sun Dec 31 2006
By Ray Wert
949 views, 54 comments

Latest by danio3834: The Police market is still better off with the Crown Vic than the Charger. Full frame construction, solid axle, big more »

batt_lead_alt.jpg car care

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts: Battery Maintenance


The battery in a modern automobile is not of very modern technology. Despite promises of atomic cars and everlasting power, the old tech lead-acid battery still rides under many hoods. So-called maintenance-free batteries are really just updated versions of the first automotive lead-acid battery used to kick over a production Cadillac in the year of 1912. While design improvements have of course been made, the automobile battery still requires occasional help. Regular battery inspection and maintenance can make the difference between a five-year battery lasting five years, and a battery that gives up a year or so after purchase on a wicked cold night in a dark far corner of the airport long-term parking lot. More »

2:06 PM on Sat Dec 30 2006
By Mike Bumbeck
6,266 views, 16 comments

Latest by pridemel: Thanks for the battery info. It was very helpful. more »

Retro

The Subaru Legacy Touring Bruce

Ol' Thnderblt said it best: "Porsche may have bruce, but only Subaru has Bruce." We have nothing more to add. – Davey G. Johnson More »

1:00 AM on Sat Dec 30 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
437 views, 4 comments

ih_18_pass.jpg Auctions

Somehow Much Better Than an Excursion Limo: 18-Place Travelall on eBay

We think if we were going to drive a stretch vehicle, this International Travelall would pretty much have to be it. This '71 model is apparently one of 24 converted for use on military bases. Featuring a 392-inch V8 for what we can only imagine was marginally-adequate acceleration. That said, nobody ever bought an International for its speed. Bidding ends on January 3rd and it's just over 3k at the moment, but this thing looks like an absolute hoot. This would make a fine Jalopnik mobile-blogging staff car. Denton, please fire up your eBay account and buy it us. Pleeeeeeease? – Davey G. Johnson More »

9:00 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
982 views, 13 comments

Latest by scotte: Parallel parking, anyone? more »

subaru_tame.jpg Retro

The Taming of the 'Ru: 1973 Subie Ad

Perhaps you're a man who grabs life by the cuff. You live life your way. And it shows...in the clothes you wear...in the women you love...and in the car you drive The Subaru GL Coupe is waiting for you. Sleek. Agile. The sculptured lines of the one piece body invite you in. With front wheel drive she's different. A step ahead of the others. Go to her. Let her cradle you in the softness of her highback reclining bucket seats. Surround yourself with the lushness of her interior appointments. The GL Coupe is ready. Now. Turn her on. Lead her to the open road. This is where the Subaru GL Coupe wants to be. Unleash the relentless power of her 1400cc quadrozontal engine. Control the Coupe's every movement — her every twist and turn — as you take hold of her rack and pinion steering. She'll make it smooth with her four wheel independent suspension. She'll carry you away as she peaks to the red line of her tach. The Subaru GL Coupe is yours. Waiting for you. And one more good thing, she costs so little to keep happy.
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8:30 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
221 views, 9 comments

Latest by B-town: Read it in your best William Shatner voice and it's even better. more »

dramatic_impression.jpg Novelties

TAKE A GRIP OF STEERING! Japanese Spare-Tire Covers

More amusement than you can shake a Daihatsu Terios Kid at. Click over and giggle. After all, when you hear the birds sing, you can be sure that spring has come. When you hear the birds sing, you can be sure of that. [Thanks to David for the tip.] – Davey G. Johnson More »

8:00 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
366 views, 5 comments

Latest by imoody: The one that says, "Tender relationship between earth and people," and then has a picture of a cactus is the more »

red_K_vrn.jpg News

Yikes-O-Rama! Is Bugatti Planning a 1,200hp Veyron?

We found this via the German Car Blog with no attribution to the original article, so we can't vouch for its veracity, but according to the story they quote, Bugatti is working on a boosted sport version of the Veyron with 1,200hp. Again, as far as we're concerned this is a pure, unsubstantiated rumor at this point. It runs somewhat contrary to the rumors that've been flying around the VW unit, including that it may be shuttered. Would the "Sport" Veyron be the last hurrah for a marque that's had too many last hurrahs over the years? – Davey G. Johnson More »

7:15 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
621 views, 13 comments

Latest by FЯeeMan: You want 20% more power? Sure, we just add 4 more cylindars and another turbo. You got yer more »

News: Industry News

It's Expected, He's Gone: Bernhard No Longer to Represent Vee Dub

w_bernhard.jpgis the little issue of the two-year noncompete clause in Bernhard's contract. Does this mean that one of the brightest minds in autoexecudom will be sidelined while Pi ch continues to assert his capricious will via VW's supervisory board and Auburn Hills proves that it seemingly has no idea what it's doing without the firm hand of a German at the helm? Dr. Z, Wendelin, do something! – Davey G. JohnsonVolkswagen's Bernhard Is Poised To Leave Over Planned Shake-Up [Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)]Related:
Wolfgang & Winterkorn Get Kicked Up a Notch at VW [Internal]

6:15 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
80 views, Comment

b_d_mck.jpg News

Thank You, Don't Drive Through: Canucks to Crack Down on Idling Cars

The city fathers in Hamilton, Ontario, are mulling over proposals from eco-activist group Environment Hamilton to cut down on emissions by in part, halting construction of new drive-through windows in theh municipality, as well as gradually shutting down existing in-car service portals over an unspecified period of time. However, the government doesn't think that they'll be able to shutter the existing windows, although they apparently agree with most of the group's 10-point plan for the destruction of convenience and improvement of Hamilton's air quality. – Davey G. Johnson More »

5:45 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
1,023 views, 14 comments

Latest by Ladyjane: I have an idea. Why cant drive-thrus construct a device that is simular as the car wash. One places their more »

uglycar_redsilver.jpg Retro

It's Schadenfriday! A Plethora of Unfortunate Automobiles

We stumbled across this gallery of what the master of these pages terms "ugly cars." Some were born with severe aesthetic defects, while others were defiled by overzealous owners of questionable talent and taste. Regardless, flip through and feel better that you're most likely not the one seen in any of these cars. Although we'd be proud to roll in the Edsel ambulance. – Davey G. Johnson More »

4:30 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
389 views, 12 comments

Latest by shaunirving: Thankfully, there's a happy ending to the 1958 Plymouth Tornado show car (the odd-looking red car). It was fully restored more »

Official Car Pundit Drinking Game

Official Car Pundit Drinking Game: DaimlerChrysler Wants A Chery To Get On Top Of The B-Segment

CarPunditDrinkGame_blktype.gifWell, Wert's just all over the place tonight. Just in time to finish the year off with a shot, we've got ourselves one final edition of the only Official Car Pundit Drinking Game, our apparently half-paralyzed in the smile Associate Editor from Detroit will be on CNBC's "On The Money" this evening at 7 PM EST this evening to discuss DaimlerChrysler's hope for a profitable entrance into the B-segment by way of a Chinese manufacturer which wished its crash tests were as sweet as the name sounds. But now it's your turn — let's see if anyone's still around to come up with some new rules. As always, if you're confused — here's your reference guide, helpfully translated from Mandarin. More »

4:17 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Ray Wert
50 views, 2 comments

Latest by no_slushbox: CNBC asks about American attitudes toward Chinese cars: One drink Horrible Chery QQ crash tests are mentioned: One drink Wert says more »

pack42.jpg News

God Bless Martin Swig: The Anti-Football Run!

When it comes to American football, at least one of Los Jalops has a very similar attitude toward the sport that one J. Clarkson espouses toward soccer. And while said Jalop will likely be in the vicinity of Sausalito, CA on January First, he will sadly be unable to participate in the Anti-Football Run thrown by California Mille organizer and raconteur Martin Swig due to the lack of an interesting car. More »

3:30 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
161 views, 5 comments

Latest by SFAC: not only did he bust the union...but he fired all his employees a month before christmas with no severance, his more »

2007-Detroit-Auto-Show-Stage.jpg Detroit Auto Show

Detroit Auto Show Preview: The Stage Is Being Set

We're now ten days away from the 2007 North American International Auto Show, or as it's also known — NAIAS, NAMBLA, Deeeetroit Auuuuto Shooow! (Pistons fans will get this one) and even NAIAnachroniSm. Whatever you want to call it, it's the biggest auto show on this here planet. And hey, if it's in Detroit — let's see what all of the local stations are doing to fete the show. Oh, what's this we hear — only NBC Universal has the right to the big dance — and therefore they're the only ones with the right to show more than five minutes of video from the show each day? Oh...well, then let's see what the local NBC affiliate has going on. How about an action-packed two-minute video of the set up of the show — featuring the revelation Mercedes will have an ice rink at the show, along with a teaser at the end for a one hour prime-time special airing tonight at 8 PM on NAIAS. I wonder if anyone we know might be appearing on that special this evening to talk about some movie about robot cars filmed here in Metro Detroit? – Ray Wert More »

3:15 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Ray Wert
423 views, 4 comments

Latest by Ray Wert: Wow, I look shitty on WDIV! more »

new_year_post.jpg Announcements

Jalopnik Advertiser Drive-by



The happiest New Year to our benefactors, and to those who'd like to become such. May you never have to choose between Jackie Kannon's Music for Rat Fink Lovers and Elin and Egil's Med et smll on your high-end vehicle's audio system. More »

3:00 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Mike Spinelli
29 views, 1 comment

Latest by Jakob: "Med et smil" is danish and if anyone is wondering it means "With a smile". more »

trevtisserie1.JPG car care

Easy-Peasy Rotisserie!

When performing a restoration, a rotisserie is often helpful, allowing one a comfortable working position while providing access to places that would otherwise be nigh-on impossible to get to without an expensive lift. We came across this ingenious solution while up at Trevor's a couple of months back — Trev's restoring a Mini that used to be a crisps delivery van in Dublin. It's in relatively good shape for a 40-year old car that was never seen as more than an appliance, but the suspension needed to be rebuilt and there was a healthy amount of floorpan corrosion. More »

3:00 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
1,815 views, 3 comments

Latest by kancept: One day, when I clean out my garage, I'll get to restoring my Charger SE. :-/ Just makes more »

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