Auto Clerks

newVideoPlayer(”/JettaVsTire_Jalopnik.flv”, 506, 423,”"); Last week we showed you the runaway truck tire that destroyed a poor little Jetta, and without a police report, we could only speculate as to what really happened. Given the high interest, the intrepid TexasAreHot worked to track down more information. As most of you surmised, it was a trailer tire that went AWOL at high speed. But what was missing was an explanation for the curious angle at which said tire entered the dealership. The answer, and a picture of the poor car responsible, below the jump.

galleryPost(’vwjettatire’, 4, ‘That Will Buff Right Out Part One’); It turns out that the tire separated from the truck and then made contact with this very thrashed Camaro Z28, which acted as the perfect ramp with which to launch the tire into the dealership. That’s what’s happening just as the video begins. As far as we know, this is the extent of the damage from one seriously wicked (possibly possessed) tire.

Original post by Matt Hardigree

newVideoPlayer(”/JettaVsTire_Jalopnik.flv”, 506, 423,”"); Last week we showed you the runaway truck tire that destroyed a poor little Jetta, and without a police report, we could only speculate as to what really happened. Given the high interest, the intrepid TexasAreHot worked to track down more information. As most of you surmised, it was a trailer tire that went AWOL at high speed. But what was missing was an explanation for the curious angle at which said tire entered the dealership. The answer, and a picture of the poor car responsible, below the jump.

galleryPost(’vwjettatire’, 4, ‘That Will Buff Right Out Part One’); It turns out that the tire separated from the truck and then made contact with this very thrashed Camaro Z28, which acted as the perfect ramp with which to launch the tire into the dealership. That’s what’s happening just as the video begins. As far as we know, this is the extent of the damage from one seriously wicked (possibly possessed) tire.

Original post by Matt Hardigree

newVideoPlayer(”/JettaVsTire_Jalopnik.flv”, 506, 423,”"); Last week we showed you the runaway truck tire that destroyed a poor little Jetta, and without a police report, we could only speculate as to what really happened. Given the high interest, the intrepid TexasAreHot worked to track down more information. As most of you surmised, it was a trailer tire that went AWOL at high speed. But what was missing was an explanation for the curious angle at which said tire entered the dealership. The answer, and a picture of the poor car responsible, below the jump.

galleryPost(’vwjettatire’, 4, ‘That Will Buff Right Out Part One’); It turns out that the tire separated from the truck and then made contact with this very thrashed Camaro Z28, which acted as the perfect ramp with which to launch the tire into the dealership. That’s what’s happening just as the video begins. As far as we know, this is the extent of the damage from one seriously wicked (possibly possessed) tire.

Original post by Matt Hardigree

Context is very important. For instance, without context, the words “I’m going to put it in her brownie” could mean almost anything. Movie trailers, in particular, rely on enticing the viewer by withholding context. Whole scenes are moved around or spliced together to get someone to see a movie, even if it means selling a film as something it isn’t. This has turned into a game, with people taking movies and recasting them in an entirely different genre. The most famous example of this is turning the film The Shining into a happy family film called Shining. Though we think the Quantum of Solace trailer is going where we think the film is going, JohnnyIchiban makes a good point.

You know, taken out of context, that whole

“How long have we got?

30 seconds.”

bit with Wright and Craig could be misconstrued for more “flamboyant” Bond adventure

Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

Original post by Matt Hardigree

In the God Save The Queen Edition challenge on Friday, the Lotus Elan used the head-shaped hole in its windshield to secure the win over the super-rare Jensen GT. A UK-versus-UK matchup is a fine thing, but we mustn’t forget the other two Project Car Hell Superpowers: Italy and France! In our last PCH Superpower Showdown, Britain claimed the PCH Intergalactic Superchampion trophy (which is the only award in the world that comes with a spun rod bearing); today, we’re going to have our first-ever three-way contest, with a trio of sporty GT coupes for your horror enjoyment.

When was the last time you saw a Renault R17 on the street? How about an R17 Gordini? Best of all, an R17 Gordini convertible? Sure, you only got 65 horses from that Franco-Malaise engine, but that’s nothing that a firehose-like torrent of money few performance upgrades can’t remedy. Head on down to Anaheim and pick up this 1974 Renault R17 Gordini; the auction will be over by the time you’re reading this, but we suspect the reserve price won’t be reached. This one’s got it all- it’s been sitting for nearly 15 years, the seller comes right out and says the brake and fuel systems are hopeless, and the finicky-looking pseudo-convertible top (which seems similar in concept to- yet far more complex than- the old Beetle ragtop roof) alone should be good for an eternity of pain. Yet get everything working right and this car would be an object of worship!

If you’re going to strip all the skin off your knuckles and ten years off your lifespan over a sports car, shouldn’t it be an Italian sports car? Sure, when the conversation turns to you, everyone’s sentences will begin with “Let’s face it…” but you’ll have that soulful Italian beauty waiting for you in your Garage Of Doom! Say, this 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint, which has a totally affordable Buy It Now of $4,599. Oh, it needs some work; the seller has done a fine job of detailing the quagmire challenge that threatens awaits this car’s next victim owner. It’s been sitting for 23 years. There’s rust. There are missing parts. The interior is completely trashed. You get an incorrect- and probably dead- engine and transmission as part of the deal. But look on the bright side: the original windshield-washer reservoir and air-cleaner clamp are still there!

Have you ever heard of a Bond Equipe? Neither had we, until UDMan and SOS10 hipped us to this 1964 Bond Equipe GTS4. Since this car has been on eBay before and no bidder met the reserve, we figure the same thing will happen here; that means you’ll be able to swoop in and make an offer the seller won’t refuse! The Equipe GTS4 was built on a Triumph Herald chassis (which means that parts are an easy phone call to Britain away), and this example actually runs. It doesn’t stop, but you’ll deal with that. It appears that most of the original components are still there, and check out the real wood!

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Original post by Murilee Martin

newVideoPlayer(”/partyacargo.flv”, 506, 423,”");With football season looming, it’s time to begin preparations for tailgating season. And if you want to enjoy all of the fun of tailgating — music, beer and more beer — without any of the hassle, the Party-A-CarGo box is the way to go. This diamond-plated supercooler includes everything you need for a good time, including an audio system and room for a keg of your favorite suds.

The whole mess hooks up to your vehicle’s hitch, conveniently obscuring your license plate, which could be a problem while getting to and from the stadium. And when you’re pulled over for not displaying a license tag, law enforcement probably won’t be too happy with the fact that it’s obscured by a keg of beer. Remember, no tapping until you’re parked! There are three different versions available with prices of $2,895 and up. [Product Page via Giz]

Original post by Travis Hudson

We’ve been running the Classic Ad Watch series for years now, and we’ve seen some pretty entertaining car commercials along the way. Since the Fourth of July week is all about the frenzy of consumption that is the American Dream, we’ll be taking a look back at some of our most beloved ads from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Best of all, we’re letting you vote on which is your favorite from each decade! First up is that most beloved decade of the Baby Boomers, who will ensure that the rest of us get to hear “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” an average of 5.5 times per day for the rest of our lives: the 1960s! Make the jump to check out and vote on the ads, featuring stars such as Abe Vigoda and Petula Clark hawking the products of Detroit, Wolfsburg, Longbridge, Kenosha, and Göteborg.

10: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport
Emerging from an an eruption of foam rocks and dry-ice smoke, the ‘67 Camaro SS 350 roared out of the cheapest special-effects house in Hollywood and into our hearts, and no convenience-store parking lot would remain burnout-free, ever again! This ad demonstrates the Camaro’s often-overlooked off-road capabilities.

9: BMC Mini Deluxe
Car buyers around the British Commonwealth were tired of those damn sliding side windows on the otherwise-luxurious Mini, so BMC decided to spend a few pence on crank-operated glass. In this ad, we learn that bikini’d Aussie babes “like it going up and down.” Wink, wink!

8: 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
The kids back in ‘69 wanted fast cars and rock-n-roll, and those who weren’t schlepping M16s in the Iron Triangle could get both with the GTO Judge. We totally dig the grooo-oovy Paul Revere and the Raiders in American Revolution garb.

7: 1967 AMC Rebel
AMC was all about cheap- wait, we mean economical- and Abe Vigoda was proud to point out the ways in which the ‘67 Rebel packed standard features not found in such extravagant machines as the Ford Fairlane and Chevy Chevelle. Coil spring rear seat!

6: 1966 Lincoln Continental
This informercial-length epic shows how the longer, wider, taller ‘66 Lincoln Continental served as a patriotic statement, with Commies pointing out its features. Why, even the People’s Commissar feels compelled to mount dual machine-guns in the truck, in case of attack by rival Politburo factions.

5: 1969 Ford Mustang
Not to be outdone by the all-out rockin’ in the Judge ad, Ford put together an even more wholesome band for their ad for the special-edition ‘69 Mustangs. Could you imagine anyone in this ad sucking on a big doobie packed with stems and seeds, or catching scabies in a commune’s beanbag chair?

4: 1968 Pontiac GTO
The Goat gets a couple of ads in our Top Ten, because it’s impossible not to love the sight of lab-coated scientists bashing the snout of a car with a sledgehammer while their peers howl with bloodlust. Too bad the paint always flaked off those Enduraflex bumpers after a few years.

3: Plymouth Fury
Sideburns! Petula Clark! Purple microdots! We’re betting the last ingredient was sadly absent from the set when they filmed this ad, which features the ‘68 Fury as a musical instrument.

2: Volvo Amazon
Is “luxury” the first word that pops into your head when you think of the Volvo Amazon of the 1960s? Of course! We’ve got a sexy Amazon driver with a breathy voice and bizarre enunciation ’splaining the whole thing for us… in Swedish.

1: Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen bus of the early 60s was only 6″ longer than the Beetle (and powered by the same lawnmower-esque engine), but just watch how it inhales huge stacks of boxes, crowds of impatient German commuters, and painting equipment! As long as it doesn’t have to climb any hills with those loads, it’s all gut! This one’s got some of the finest animation we’ve ever seen in a car ad.

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Original post by Murilee Martin

Tesla, makers of the Tesla Roadster that hasn’t yet seemed able to make it to market, have just announced plans for the Model S, a five passenger, all-electric “sports” sedan capable of 225 miles in a charge and a starting price in the range of $60,000. We have yet to see images of the car or details on the date, but the Governator himself was on hand to announce the Model S will be built in a new manufacturing facility somewhere in California. This was rolled out amidst new plans created by the California Air Resources Board to encourage zero emissions vehicle adoption. We’ll pass on additional news as we get it, but for now the full press release is after the jump.

Governor Schwarzenegger Celebrates Clean Technology Investment in California, Welcomes Tesla Motors Production to California

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Tesla Motors representatives to announce Tesla’s decision to locate its new manufacturing facility for its Model S, Tesla’s second-generation vehicle, in California. As part of the state’s ongoing commitment to clean technology, the Governor also announced a new program that waives the sales tax on investment in new manufacturing equipment for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). This program was developed in conjunction with the State Treasurer and the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA).

“Today’s announcement is great news for California, our economy and our environment. We want these cutting-edge companies not to just start in California and do their research and development here-we want them to build in California,” Governor Schwarzenegger said.

“Tesla’s announcement today is just one of many we will celebrate as we implement AB 32 and reach our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. I have always said that we must protect our economy and our environment at the same time, and today it is clear that we are once again demonstrating to the world how to do that.”

California’s green-friendly atmosphere is encouraging clean businesses from around the world to invest in California, stimulating our economy and contributing to the fight against global warming. According to the California Green Innovation Index by Next10, a non-partisan research organization, in 2006 venture capital investment in energy technology companies in California was just shy of $1 billion, more than double the total from 2005.

Last Thursday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its AB 32 Draft Scoping Plan, the market-based roadmap which will guide California toward its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. This roadmap will motivate companies like Tesla to come to California and bring their innovation, reduced emissions and thousands of jobs with them.

Last Wednesday, CAEATFA approved a new program that exempts new ZEV manufacturers from paying sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment to encourage ZEV manufacturing in California. For Tesla, these incentives will mean millions of dollars in savings when the company invests in building their new plant in California. And if they choose a city that is in an Enterprise Zone, they will save millions more. Tesla will also be eligible for at least $1 million in Employment Training Panel Workforce Development Funds to train employees.

Tesla’s Model S will be a fully electric, five passenger, multi-use sport sedan with a driving range of approximately 225 miles on one charge. The projected cost of the Model S is $60,000.

“These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change,” said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA. “By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realize their full potential in our state. In the bargain, we believe the policy will bolster our emerging green economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I’m very pleased the policy helped convince Tesla to build its high-performance electric cars in California.”

In addition, California’s new Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicles Technology Program, AB 118 by Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles), which the Governor signed into law last year, established a new program that will generate more than $100 million annually for development of new technologies, vehicles and fuels. Funding is expected to be available in March 2009.

California’s ZEV program is the world’s only enforceable requirement for the development and production of zero-emission vehicles. The following state and federal programs support ZEVs:

* Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Program: Offers up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of alternative fuel vehicles. Battery electric vehicles, such as a Tesla, typically receive the full $5,000 grant.
* High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access: Vehicles are eligible to receive the white HOV lane access sticker allowing them to be driven in the HOV lane with only one occupant. This white sticker is different from the yellow stickers issued to hybrid vehicles in that their availability is not capped at a specified number of vehicles.
* California’s Environmental Performance Label: Requires all new cars starting in 2009 to display a sticker to inform consumers about the smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions of each vehicle. Vehicles are scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. ZEVs will receive a score of 10 for both smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions.
* Federal Tax Incentives for Recharging Stations: A federal tax deduction of up to $100,000 per location is available for qualified electric vehicle recharging property used in a trade or business.
* Local Community Programs: Offers public charging, free parking and supportive building codes for installation of home charging units.
* Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Requires fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in California. This first-of-its-kind standard firmly establishes sustainable demand for lower-carbon fuels without favoring one fuel over another. To start, the standard will reduce the carbon intensity of California’s passenger vehicle fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter.

Original post by Ben Wojdyla

The Honda Civic hybrid is the latest victim of the hybrid tax break exemption. Beginning on July 1, the tax credit for owning a Honda Civic hybrid will be sliced in half, from $1,050 to $525, on its way down to zero. If you recall, owners of hybrid vehicles are only eligible for the full tax credit until the manufacturer sells 60,000 units of that particular hybrid vehicle. Then a phase-out process begins, eventually reducing the credit to nothing except that warm glow you get from the batteries exploding saving the planet.

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your hybrid buck, it’s best to avoid the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry hybrid—the tax credit on the latter two have already been reduced to zero. There’s a good number of eligible hybrids, but at the rate people are snatching up these vehicles, don’t expect the full tax credit to last. [LA Times]

Original post by Travis Hudson

newVideoPlayer(”/Duel_Swede_476.flv”, 506, 423,”"); OK, so it’s a Mustang instead of a ‘71 Plymouth Valiant, but we’ll cut the makers of this homage to Steven Spielberg’s Duel some slack on that detail; it’s not easy finding a toy 4-door Valiant in France. Thanks to- who else?- Franzouse for the tip! [Dailymotion.com]

Original post by Murilee Martin