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Sometimes you get lucky. And sometimes you get really lucky. We’ve been looking forward to testing the new Lexus IS C retractable hardtop convertible for a long time. Aimed squarely at competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 retractable hardtops, the IS 250 C with a 204-hp V6 starts at $38,940, while the more powerful 306-hp IS 350 C starts at $44,390. Either model gets you a sophisticated looking 2-door coupe that transforms into an even-better looking open vehicle in just 20 seconds with the touch of a button. So about that lucky part — Well, we’d have been happy to test any IS C, but Lexus sweetened the deal with a very special IS 350 C, brimming with performance goodies from Lexus’ F-Sport catalog. And frankly, this transformed the car into the most exciting and well-balanced Lexus we have ever driven. Yes, even including the $58,000 416-hp, V8 IS F sedan. At first glance, our tester was a jaw-dropper. In Obsidian black, with a black leather interior, it was sleek and sophisticated. Sitting on its lowered suspension with massive charcoal 19-inch forged wheels, it was the epitome of badness. The IS had the performance goods to back up the looks. A beautiful stainless...
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The days for lawful texting while driving are numbered, with several government and academic studies exposing the extreme dangers of this popular distraction. Ahead of a Department of Transportation-led safety conference in Washington, D.C., next week, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has announced its support for banning text messaging using a hand-held device or calling using a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The AAM is an 11-member industry group consisting of BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Several AAM members are developing solutions to facilitate text-based communication, all offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free phone operation. There is general consensus on the problem and the risks, with some studies equating texting to drunk driving, or worse. However, the debate continues on how to reduce those risks, through legislation and/or technology. (Read “ Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash .”) AAM has come forward with the strong statement: …"texting on a hand-held device while driving is challenging the ability...
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It's the week ending August 14, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. This weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year for car fans, with the Wooodward Avenue Dream cruise in Detroit, and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey. No matter whether you prefer classic American musclecars or the most beautiful and rarest historic automobiles these two events are certain to indulge your wildest automotive fantasies. AutoBlog has more than a few stories on the West Coast's Pebble Beach activities so take your pick: You can choose to check out this 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSport , peruse the debut of the new Porsche Panamera or wish for a woodie from the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection. The New York Times has several features on Woodward, including a happy, sentimental feature on a true love story that began more than 50 years ago in a Ford Model A on Woodward Avenue , a gastronomical observation on participation in the nostalgic event , as well as an economical observation of the event's financial importance . At the beginning of the week, General Motors announced the EPA...
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It's the week ending July 10, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is that GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson led a "state of the company" address this morning, describing the three top priorities for the new General Motors as it emerges from bankruptcy....
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It's the week ending June 26, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is death of Michael Jackson, and even the car sites are talking about it. Besides that, we've got high-performance road tests, long-distance road trips, and green news too! And let's not forget about the Cash for Clunkers/CARS legislation signed into Law by Obama this week! Big News: President Obama signed the Cash for Clunkers legislation into law this week, only it's been renamed the "Car Allowance Rebate System." In case you missed it, we've got a complete description of the new auto sales incentive program here at autoMedia.com Are you ready to go shopping? Do your research first here in our online New Car Buyer's Guide. Autoblog spent three days in the upcoming 2010 Porsche Panamera assailing the Bavarian Alps, streaking across the German Autobahn at speeds up to 170mph, and meandering through picturesque Alpine towns. What did they think of Porsche's gorgeous four-door sedan? It sounds as if they liked it. Although the closest thing you can get to an...
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Father's Day is this weekend, so we've collected an assortment of gadgets and gizmos meant specifically for that Car Guy you love so much: It doesn't matter if he's your Dad or Husband, Brother or Uncle, Son or special friend, if he loves cars, we know you'll find something here that's perfect for him. ...
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autoMedia.com is starting something new this week! Lots of events have been in the news, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel are the highlights we found at each. Consider this your carnival of cribnotes to items of interest in the automotive arena. AutoBlog: Now's Your Chance: Repo'd Nissan GT-R up for auction It's barely got 3000 miles on the odometer and already the owner has defaulted on his Nissan GT-R car loan, so the bank is putting it on the auction block at Matley's Richmond Auto Auction today in Virginia. Blogger Dan Roth says he'd "be hiding this thing in a garage more secret and secure than *** Cheney's undisclosed location while we sold an organ or two on the black market to pay its bills." After all, "You've got a spare kidney, but it's not like the GTR comes along every day." Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner: 145 mph on chocolate? Matt Kelly, the Los Angeles Alternative Transportation Examiner asks "is that milk or dark chocolate?" Apparently, he says, "London scientists have unveiled what they hope will be one of the world's...
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With all the muckraking surround federal aid to the Detroit 3, the media hasn’t dug deep into how foreign transplant factories have been subsidized with state funds. Good Jobs First reports that $3.6 billion in aid has been provided since 1980 through property and sales tax exemptions, income tax credits, infrastructure aid, land discounts, and training grants. A national policy resource center for grassroots groups and public officials, promoting corporate and government accountability in economic development, Good Jobs First says this estimate does not include joint ventures with U.S. companies, nor funds granted to hundreds of foreign-owned auto supply companies that have located in the same areas. Government-supplied subsidies include: Honda, Marysville OH, 1980, $27 million Nissan, Smyrna, TN, 1980, $233 million Toyota, Georgetown, KY, 1985, $147 million Honda, Anna, OH, 1985, $27 million* Subaru, Lafayette, IN, 1986, $94 million Honda, East Liberty, OH, 1987, $27 million BMW, Spartanburg, SC, 1992, $150 million Mercedes-Benz, Vance, AL, 1993, $258 million Toyota, Princeton, IN, 1995, $30 million Nissan, Decherd, TN, 1995, $200 million Toyota, Buffalo, WV, 1996, more than $15 million...
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Just when its well-heeled customers are reeling from the financial roller coaster on Wall Street, BMW provides its own economic stimulus plan in the form of ultra-low finance rates on its full 2008 product range. The 0.9% offer is applicable to everything from the thrilling BMW 128i all the way to the premium Alpina B7 . This could be a great time to buy the 3 Series , X3 , and M-powered car you always wanted. The deal is available only to “qualified customers” through 10/31/2008. It is subject to credit approval, and your local dealer can advise if this Halloween-time incentive is a trick or treat. Research eligible BMWs in our 2008 new car buyer’s guide , or look ahead in our 2009 guide . All BMW road tests can be found in our Reviews section .
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While the economy experiences a meltdown, there still remain well-heeled power brokers throwing money around like confetti. (A few executives from AIG come to mind…) For those with the business acumen and courage to remain financially sound during these stormy times, BMW has teamed with Neiman Marcus to offer a limited edition 2009 BMW 750iL. Commemorating the 7 Series' 31st anniversary, only 31 of these personalized uber sedans will be built by BMW Individual. The redesigned, fifth-generation 7 builds on its long tradition of being a large, powerful, high-tech sedan worthy of being the flagship for the "ultimate driving machine" brand. It is powered by an all-new V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Gizmos galore, the 7 will offer massaging, air-conditioned back seats, hard-drive music storage, active blind spot detection, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a heads-up display. Among its many new features, the new 7 Series introduces Driving Dynamics Control, which enables the driver to select from four progressively sporty driving programs - Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus - with the touch...
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