Jalopnik: Europe

Europe's First Stealth Drone Looks Like An Angry Cylon

Sam Biddle — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST

Europe's collaborative nEUROn drone may be late to the invisible death from above party, but it sure is compensating with some scary looks. Check out the Cylon mug on this puppy as it greets the world for the first time. More »

This is how Europeans become muscle car freaks

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EDT

What sparks a European's love of American (and Australian) muscle cars? In this beautifully-shot profile, Ralf Becker, editor-in-chief of Hamburg-based car-porn purveyor Chromjuwelen.com, cites Hot Wheels cars, Mad Max and punk rock with inspiring his longtime devotion to "chrome jewels." More »

I Flew On The World's Largest Airliner

Miklós Tallián — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EDT

Miklós Tallián caught the first flight of an Airbus A380, the largest passenger jet ever built, from Tokyo to Frankfurt. This is what it's like to fly on one of the world's most complex aircraft. —Ed. More »

This Is A Math Geek's Lamborghini Countach

Sam Smith — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EDT

Yep, that's a Lambo. This elegant pile of angles was produced using a 3-D modeling process that its makers have dubbed the Lo Res Project. How they made it is both simple and fascinating. More »

Chevy Volt Too Slow, May Go Gas-Powered

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:20:00 EDT

The Chevy Volt's gas engine may directly power wheels in speedy Europe. [Telegraph] More »

Five Reasons Monaco Is The Grandest Of Grands Prix

Sam Smith — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:00:00 EDT

The oldest race on the Formula 1 calendar is also one of the most glamorous and most dangerous. The 68th running of the Monaco Grand Prix took place last weekend. Miss it? Here's why you should pay attention. More »

Chinese Automakers Only Sold 745 Cars In Europe This Year

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

We're waiting for the eventual emergence of Chinese automakers as exporters more ominous and less hilarious than they are now. But with just 745 sales in Europe this year (mostly to Italians), they've got a long way to go. [ChinaCarTimes] More »

The Ultimate Automotive Survivors: 50 Cars Made For Over 20 Years

Murilee Martin — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT

While the Beetle, Ambassador, Mini, and 2CV each enjoyed more than four decades of production in pretty much their original form, we mustn't overlook the other long-term survivors of the automotive world. More »

The Broken Windshield Fallacy: A Libertarian Argument Against Cash For Clunkers

Peter Orosz — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EDT

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The US Cash For Clunkers program may be over, but Germany is still running its own version. In an editorial for Wall Street Journal Europe, the Cato Institute’s Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar exposes the program’s misconceptions. More »

German Motorway Closed By Flying Cash

Ray Wert — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:30:00 EDT

A German motorway was closed after wind blew $31,000 out of a motorist's convertible during a test drive. Police blocked the motorway in both directions for half-an-hour, helping the man collect his money. More »

Opel To Partially Break Away From GM

Ray Wert — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:15:00 EST

REPORT: Opel to partially break away from GM. [IHT] More »

Fahrmitgas "3-Euro Car": 100 Kilometers For Just Three Euros

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

For the moment it's merely a concept, but the Chevrolet Matiz-based "3-Euro Car" from German supplier Fahrmitgas offers something many price-sensitive Europeans want: the ability to drive 100 kilometers for just €3. More »

Volvo Trucks Posts 99.7% Decline In Euro Truck Orders Over Last Quarter

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:40:00 EDT

One of the behemoths of the global heavy trucking industry, Volvo Trucks, has reported a truly shocking decline in sales for the third quarter of this year. Volvo claims a 99.7% reduction in demand compared to the same period a year ago. That means orders went from 41,970 trucks in the third quarter of 2007 to just 115 in the third quarter of 2008. No, that's not a typo, one hundred fifteen trucks on order across Europe. Global sales for Volvo have declined 55% and its partners Scania, Renault and Mack are reporting sharp declines in orders as well. Ladies and gentlemen, if you ever wanted an indication of what things may come, this may be the strongest one we've seen yet. Financiapocalype, ho! [ThisIsMoney] More »

One Ford, Explained: Jalopnik's Ford Announcement Cheat Sheet

Ray Wert — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:40:00 EDT

As you already know, Ford dropped a double dose of news on us this morning. First, they lost $8.7 billion during the second quarter of this year. Second, they've officially revealed "One Ford," their global product realignment plan to bring to the United States much of their European lineup that's considered by many to be top-notch. With some seriously long press releases to wade through and items like "North America Long-Lived Assets" to explain, we figured you could use a hand in figuring out what this all means. So, we've put together a quick walk-through of what was said and our explanation — in patented Jalopnik Snap Judgment style — below the jump for all you people out there who just want to be "in the know." More »

What European Cars Should American Car Companies Bring Over?

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:40:00 EDT

We're constantly harping on American companies for not bringing over their European cars, but with news that Ford is doing just that, the question has new immediacy. The British Motor Show is a good place to start. The show will witness the debut of the Ford Focus RS, which speaks to a rally heritage we don't have but sorely need. Maybe it's the technology, or maybe we just want the diesel versions of cars we already have. More »

Buy Your Own Authentic European Vanity Tag

Travis Hudson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

A young chap is selling completely authentic European customized license plates. You can get any combination you like pressed into the plate of your country of choice — and even add authentic registration stickers. We'd probably avoid purchasing one if you do actually live in a European country, since it's completely illegal. Even the product description seems a bit shady, involving the store owner "knowing a guy." More »

Aveobots, Roll Out: Chevy Takes Swipe At Transforming Citroen In New Euro Econobox Ad

Ray Wert — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:30:00 EDT

Whether it's a C4 on top of a parking garage, the same C4 showing off a penchant for ice-skating or a Chinese man just looking to score with the ladies, Citroens like to transform. In fact, so much so they've already been made fun of once before in a faux ad for the 2CV. But now another automaker's getting into the act in a new ad from the brand all about the 'merican revolution in a commercial for the new Kalos-replacing five-door hatchback Aveo econo-box. That's right, Chevy — the very last brand you'd ever expect to be knocking a badge for advertising their love of cars that transform into robots. We're guessing someone at Chevy's ad agency may have forgotten Chevys like to transform too — heck, they even have a toy version of the Aveo named "Swerve." Talk about the heights of hypocrisy. Unless Chevy's just making fun of Citroens for dancing. [via YouTube] More »

European PReVENT Looks To Make Uncrashable Car

Travis Hudson — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:40:00 EDT

A European company by the strange name of PReVENT is looking to do what we figure has to be an impossible task: create the uncrashable car. The company with a funny name is using their budget of nearly $80 million develop a wide variety of oddly-named technologies to assist drivers in potentially dangerous situations. A few of those strange tech names below the jump. More »

Sony Welcomes European GT5 Prologue Release With Pit Lane Party

Travis Hudson — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is still a couple weeks away for us Yankee Doodle Dandies, but our European counterparts get a crack at the game now, as the demo is currently available for European PlayStation 3 consoles. To commemorate the release of the demo, Sony threw a pretty big party in London and had quite the repertoire of vehicles representing as well. More »

Brilliance BS2 Coming To Beijing And Possibly Europe, America Not So Much

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EDT

Chinese automaker Brilliance, a.k.a., Hauchen, is possibly going to be showing their Brilliance BS2 hatchback at the Beijing Motor Show, according to Autohome and Dutch AutoWeek forums. These apparently leaked photos show a not too unattractive hatchback that combines lines from the Suzuki Reno, Opel Astra and Seigfried Breuer. The company eventually plans to sell 150,000 vehicles in Europe over the next few years and this could be the way they do it. More »

60-Car Pileup On Austrian Autobahn

Ray Wert — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EDT

The good folks at CarDomain were kind enough to point us to another example of vehicular destruction today. As if we hadn't already had our fill with that crushed Nissan GT-R in Malaysia and the toppled Genesis sedans. Maybe we're just starting to feel a little bit dangerously destructive these days. Who knows. Anyway, there was a 60-car pileup on a motorway near Seewalchen, Austria today. One dead, 30 injured. And look, there's video for all you sick fucks to enjoy. I'm going to go and open a new bottle of scotch. And no, not the good stuff — the real rot-gut, twist up your insides kind that you buy for cheap at the bodega down the street. Yeah, it's just that kind of a day. [MSNBC via CarDomain] More »

Fiat Ritmo: Handbuilt By Robots!

Murilee Martin — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT

After seeing a 1981 Fiat Strada as today's Down On The Street car, it seems only right that we should see an ad for its European sibling, the Fiat Ritmo. Naturally, car buyers of the time were eager to buy vehicles made by Italian robots, and who can blame them? More »

2009 Honda Accord Tourer Spotted, Wanted

Ray Wert — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:15:00 EST

We're always interested in seeing what's going on across the pond from Honda, especially because it so often ends up over here as an Acura. We can only hope the 2009 Honda Accord Tourer's one of those lob passes from the Europeans as we've liked the look since we first saw it as the Honda Accord Tourer Concept back in Frankfurt last year. Here's a shot taken from some unknown location by a user at the Temple of VTec forums early today that leaves very little to the imagination and gets our wagon woody wickedly wooden. [via TOV]
More »

Lincoln: Going Global Baby!

Wes Siler — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST

Our second favorite Ford executive, CEO Alan Mulally, says the company is considering taking their luxury brand global. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Mulally said, "We are considering distribution in Europe and Asia. We already sell Lincolns in the Middle East." A spokesman for the company was quick to qualify the statement, saying this could happen ""sometime in the future since the priority right now is clearly on North America." Perhaps Licoln hopes to take a leaf from Cadillac's book, that company is on their third attempt to crack the European market, this time with the new CTS. [Source: Automotive News] More »

EU Outlines New Environmental Restrictions, Disappoints Ze Germans and Ze Greens

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST

The European Commission announced their energy bill today, which will require carmakers to reduce the CO2 emissions of new automobiles by approximately 20% to 120 grams per kilometer (30 fingers per ounce, we think) by 2012. Within the EU cars account for 12% of all carbon emissions. On one side, environmental groups are upset that the new plan abandons an old plan to cut emissions by 25%. On the other side, makers of larger cars, cars with smaller volumes and larger cars with smaller volumes may seek concessions or exemptions. More »

Ford Europe Confirms High-Performance 2009 Focus RS

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:43:52 EST

Along the same vein earlier of cars we're just not getting here in the United States, Ford of Europe just confirmed they plan to bring a new high-performance model of the Ford Focus to market in 2009, a Ford Focus RS. To go along with that announcement, FoMoEurope has apparently hired the same advertising team in charge of the reveals of the new Subaru WRX STI and the new Porsche Cayenne. But the car itself will be based on the new Focus ST and as we've already seen some pretty good spy photos of the new high-po Focus, we're not overly concerned about this new shot. Although Ford of Europe isn't revealing any technical details other than the car being "rally-inspired", one thing's for certain — it'll be better than what we've got on these shores bearing the same model name. Full press release after the jump. More »

The Ford Verve Sedan Concept, Now In High-Resolution

Ray Wert — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:15:00 EST

Although Ford's new sedan version of the Verve concept's already been unveiled at the Guangzhou International Auto Show and we've already given you the press release and some low-res shots on the Sedan concept of the Ford Verve, we've just now noticed Ford's released some high-res shots showing off the big-hatch b-car from Ford. On the off chance the Euro side of the pond ends up winning the design competition currently underway at Ford between the 'merican "Bold Moves" and the European "Bold Mouths" — we figured you might like to see what we could be getting stateside. Without further ado — here's the hot shots galleried up for your pleasure below. More »

Jeep Cherokee Diesel

bwojdyla — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST

We've been seeing the properly named and for Europe only (for now) Jeep Cherokee running around metro Detroit for a couple of months in various stages of undress. Yesterday the stars aligned and we chased this totally naked Bosch test mule up I75 to a Meijer parking lot, where, after a few glamour shots, our phone battery crapped out. Weak. In any case Jeep fans, prepare for the gnashing of teeth and the rending of flesh, because this was a six speed, turbodiesel rocking the D's highways and byways. That's just rubbing salt in the wound. Far be it for us lowly bloggers to question the wisdom of the newly reminted Chrysler, but it seems that the off roading community would plotz for an oil burning Cherokee with a six speed manual cog swapper, but what do we know. Check that gallery for some exciting chase shots. More »

France at War With Germany... Over Car Emissions

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST

Europe is heating up over vehicle emissions (someone tell the Archduke of Austria to hide), and it's France on the offensive this time. A report recently came out detailing that while most European car companies were reducing emissions, German car emissions actually rose by 1.9%. Germany wants different limits for the heavier luxury cars it produces, compared to the smaller models produced in Italy, Spain, France and other countries. More »

Slowest Cities Study Finds Hamburg Drivers Are Crazy

tingwall — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:45:00 EDT

The results of a study to find the slowest-moving cities in Europe are predictable. More people equals more traffic, which in turn leads to slower-moving traffic. What's remarkable is the fastest city in the study, Hamburg, had drivers averaging 52 mph within a 16-square-mile area surrounding the busiest part of the city. But Hamburg obviously bucks the trend, as the slowest city creeps along at less than 12 mph, and many more cities were just slightly faster. Of the 30 cities examined, London (12 mph), Berlin (15 mph) and Warsaw (16 mph) topped for slowest. The list was published by Keepmoving.co.uk, a UK-based provider of traffic information. The group's aim was to compare the congestion of British cities with those of their European peers, and determine how public transportation infrastructure affected street traffic. With three UK cities in the top five and six in the top ten, it looks like they accomplished that goal, no matter how wacked some of their results seem. [World Car Fans] More »

Frankfurt Auto Show: Euro Ford Focus Is Cooler Than Us, Probably Gets All The Chicks Too

Ray Wert — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:30:00 EDT

Oh yes, there's more from Ford here at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Next up is the Euro Ford Focus, and as we've come to expect — it's totally cooler than the new and watered down Ford Focus we've got stateside. I mean, seriously — just look at the slope of that there hot hatch, the touch of a spoiler, that hot Mondeo-like grille. We're in love. We don't even care how it drives — it looks cool enough that we really want one of these new Ford Focii just revealed today at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Full press release after the jump and gallery of the new US Ford Focus for comparison below. More »

Frankfurt Auto Show: New European Chevrolet Aveo Has Huge Boot And Overbite To Match

Ray Wert — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:13:30 EDT

There's a new Chevrolet Aveo hatchback for Europe and as we've already shown you, it's got a new front face with a gaping wide mouth. Still has the same great storage space and fuel economy it's always had and hey, now you can get an auto tranny on this as of now European only model. (Yes, we know a Aveo hatch exists in the US, but it doesn't have anywhere near as great of an overbite — yet) We'll actually read the press release when we've had a moment to breathe, but for the moment check it out yourself after the jump. More »

Euro Honda Civic Spotted in Detroit

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:15:56 EDT

One of our Detroiter buddies, Andrew, sent these candids of a European model Honda Civic as seen on the streets of St. Clair shores.

He says: It was wearing an M plate and had dual triangular exhaust tips through the bumper cover like a CTR. The guy really didn't enjoy me taking pictures of it.

We're suckers for this fish-out-of-water stuff, even if all it means is that someone has a loophole to the DOT, usually for testing purposes. And remember, that's not blur, that's action! And further remember, send any and all out-of-place car sightings to tips@jalopnik.com. More »

Toyota, EDF Working Together On European Plug-In Hybrid

Ray Wert — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:45:00 EDT

Toyota recently got the OK to go into the plug-in game in Japan, and now the super-best number one awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun's looking to do the same in France. Toyota and Electricite de France SA (EDF) are working together to "evaluate Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles in Europe." Why's Toyota need EDF's help? Well, no plug-in technology's going to be considered viable unless there's an infrastructure set up for plugging in the cars. Word on the street is that although EDF's deal with Toyota is expected to cover France at first it could be extended to other countries. Maybe this was the "innovation" Toyota was talking about in their Frankfurt Auto Show press release from a few days ago. Or maybe we'll just have to wait until the Tokyo Auto Show to know for sure. Full press release below the jump. More »

Opel Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:59:57 EDT

It's not Space Camp, it's race camp. It's OPC Race Camp, a racing talent casting call, for which Opel provides the cars. Its aim is to assemble a team that will participate in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in 2008. But first, there's a car to mention. It's the Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition, a limited-run model fitted with a wider track, fat meats and a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that can propel it to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 152 mph. Inside, there's a trim package of full leather trim, carbon-look fittings and a serial-numbered badge on the glove box. The Nürburgring Edition is the training car for ~~Space Camp~~ the race camp, now in its fourth round. Tom Skerritt, call the front desk. More »

Ford S-Max in the US

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:35:15 EDT

Overseas models continually pop up on US streets, often as the chosen rides for homesick diplomats, sometimes as cross-border jobbies from Canada or Mexico and frequently as test vehicles fielded by automaking engineers. Since there's been talk of Ford CEO Allan Mulally being quite hot to bring some of Ford Europe's finest kinetic designs to the US, spotting an S-Max MPV on the streets of LA may be enough to get tongues wagging. Of course the unfavorable exchange rate makes such a prospect of a Euro-built Ford import unlikely. Now, if FoMoCo sets up an S-Max werks in Mexico, LA will be maxed out inside a year. (Thanks to Rick Rubin for the def tip.) More »

Konigseder Dodge Caliber

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:43:47 EDT

With Dodge's push to get Europeans interested in its chunky-monkey Caliber, we're sure the company's pleased tuning shops are getting in on Caliber-tweaking. The latest is from German mod house Konigseder, which gave the Caliber a one-two smack of aftermarket goods. The worked up this body kit, which emphasizes the Caliber's angularity, rather than infuse a slippery look into the slab wagon. It's all atop 22" chrome that wouldn't be out of place in a Kroger's parking lot. With Caliber sales ahead of expectations across the Atlantic, we'll bet this'll be happening pretty often from now on. [World Car Fans] More »

Report: Audi Q7 V12 TDI Coming in 2008

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:15:28 EDT

Earlier this year at the Detroit show, we eyeballed a snow-white SUV prototype whose purity-implying paint scheme belied the sooty oil burner hidden within. Admittedly, the metaphor of that Audi Q7 concept stretches thin, considering the Audi V12 TDI under the hood is far less emmisive than diesel-fired smokers of the past, and potent enough for Audi's Le Mans racers (in racing trim, natch). Back then, Audi reps stood mute on the subject of release date, satisfied enough with dropping the hint and moving on. But as Dutch auto mag Autotelegraaf reports, the twelve-banger Q7 is on the European docket for the second half of 2008 as a 2009 model. It won't have the full Le Mans monte, but will likely get the concept's 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, giving it the potential to become the most exciting new vehicle in years, and a fitting amuse bouche hinting at a sumptuous main course. That is, yet-unconfirmed Audi R8 V12 TDI. We've got one word for ya, kid. Oil. [Autotelegraaf via The German Car Blog] More »

Cadillac to Show New European Models in Frankfurt

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:10:31 EDT

Cadillac's ill satisfied with selling only as many cars in Europe as can be counted on Bob Lutz's hands. It wants a larger chunk of the continent's luxury market. The problem is, Europeans know Cadillac (perhaps better than we do) for cars as long as a Spanish galleon and twice as floaty, not as rebodied Saabs. Still, the company announced (again) it's launching the new BLS wagon, the company's first real station wagon (sorry, SRX, your ground clearance is too high) in Frankfurt. It's a continued push to shore up its European line. Sharing the spotlight will be the midsize 2008 CTS, which will face off against the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, likely to expected results at first. The question is, even with its French derivation, does Cadillac have a shot in the land where Teutonic sedan stride like titans athwart the earth? The rough go continues. More »

Another Side to the C'eed: Kia Reveals Back of Hatch

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EDT

It may just look like the rear section of a run-of-the-mill European hatchback to you, but to Kia it's yet another facet of its new C'eed three-door, the company's most important model in the grab-a-piece-of Europe sweepstakes. Earlier this month we saw the front, of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer's continental design. The rear reminds us of Opels and Volkswagens and other such asymmetrically portal'd runabouts. That's exactly what Kia doesn't want, though we're not sure a few carve-outs placed strategically are enough to make the C'eed a standout in a hatch-crowded market. We'll see in Frankfurt. More »