Filed under: SUV, Toyota, Off-Road

Earlier this week, we heard word that Toyota would be sending its sluggishly-selling Sequoia out to pasture after this current product cycle came to a close. Those whispers were evidently enough to ruffle a few feathers at the Japanese automaker, as the company has come out with a cleverly-worded denial:

Toyota denies any reports of the discontinuation of the Sequoia. For obvious competitive reasons, Toyota does not discuss future product plans. Sequoia continues to be a profitable, high-quality vehicle for Toyota and several years remain in the life of the current generation. Our focus remains on building our vehicles, including the Sequoia, with the highest possible quality.

Call us crazy, but the statement above doesn't do much to assure us about the future of the high-riding family hauler beyond this generation's expected lifecycle. Either way, we can certainly say that the current Sequoia will continue to dominate mall parking lots for at least a few more years. Past that, Toyota isn't saying what its plans are for its biggest vehicle.







[Source: Toyota]

Toyota denies Sequoia discontinuation - sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology, Nissan

The automotive landscape is changing quickly with a raft of smaller, more efficient autos coming to market. We're even on the verge of mass-market electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. The bogey has shifted and will continue to shift over time, so Nissan is aiming to get ahead on the changes of tomorrow. The Japanese automaker issued a press release Wednesday to inform the world that it is working on a "Health & Well-Being" concept to make driving in a Nissan safer and healthier than ever before... and we can see some out of the box thinking showing through.



Have dry skin? The Nissan of two or three years from now could pump breathable vitamin C into the cabin, helping to keep your skin moisturized. Just when we were beginning to wonder if we would ever fix our dry elbow problem. Exciting stuff, and there's more.



The next-generation climate control system could control the filtering of air, a plasmacluster ion generator and inside/outside air control with but one control. How about a speedometer that keeps you out of trouble by reminding you of important dates like anniversaries and birthdays? As long as it doesn't tell us to slow down and it can shut up when prompted, we're okay with that. The Japanese automaker is also working on "easy chars" that utilize NASA research to promote proper blood flow in the legs and back during long trips. Another new seat design is new Comfortable Captain Seat, which utilizes an integrated leg rest, articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads to keep passengers comfy for long periods of time. Hit the jump to read Nissan's invigorating presser.



[Source: Nissan via The Economic Times]

Continue reading Nissan to moisturize occupants with breathable vitamin C in new autos?

Nissan to moisturize occupants with breathable vitamin C in new autos? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:27:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, Porsche, Racing

We're guessing that Porsche had to do some head scratching when it came to figuring out which motorsports arena would best suit its big Panamera. After all, the company prides itself on forging its wares in the fire of competition. Heck, it even managed to find a suitable arena for the high-riding Cayenne in the Trans-Siberia Rally. Fortunately, it didn't take long for the scientists at Stuttgart to locate a racing league that would suit the portly Porsche's talents: The N.Technology team chose to campaign a modified version of the fast four-door in the Italian Supercar series.



The field is made up of other massive bruisers, complete with front-mounted V8 power plants. On any given race day, you can easily see a Chrysler 300C tango with a Maserati Quattroporte - something that few other race leagues on the planet can boast. Evidently, the big Panamera is off to a good start - the car managed to take the checkered flag on its very first outing. We haven't been able to lay our hands on any footage of the N.Technology car dishing out heaping spoonfuls of hurt to the rest of the field, but we have found a quick clip of last year's season for a little taste of incredibly compelling action. Hit the jump to see for yourself.



[Source: Jonsibal via Autoguide]

Continue reading Porsche Panamera touring car is victorious, proves mass is no object [w/video]

Porsche Panamera touring car is victorious, proves mass is no object [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Lexus

While the BP oil well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico may have shifted the media spotlight away from from Toyota's recall problems over the last several months, that doesn't mean the crisis has ended. One of two new recalls announced by the automaker today covers 39,000 Lexus LX 470 SUVs built between the 2003 and 2007 model years.



According to Toyota, a snap ring that retains two sections of the SUV's steering column can get dislodged following a heavy impact on the front wheels of SUV, such as hitting a severe pothole. Without the snap ring in place, using the steering can result in the column working itself free.



Toyota claims that no accidents have resulted from the problem and that a redesigned snap ring will keep the part where it belongs. LX owners can expect to see notifications in their mailbox starting in about two weeks. In the meantime, interested parties can check out the official recall press release after the jump.







[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls Lexus LX 470 for potential 'steering shaft disengagement'

Toyota recalls Lexus LX 470 for potential 'steering shaft disengagement' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:29:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Specialty

Surely, you're familiar with the Jetsons, the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon world from the 1960s that was said to take place in the year 2062. Too futuristic for your blood? How about Ridley's Scott's Blade Runner, which starred Harrison Ford and was supposed to show life in the year 2019? And then there's Back to the Future II, which is even closer to our modern day, depicting life at 2015.



What's the constant in all of these retro-futuristic takes on what tomorrow may hold? Hoverboards. Flying cars. We're not sure about you, but we don't see no stinkin' flying cars floating down our streets. So, what gives? Besides reality, of course. Well... actually, reality is the key. The problem with flying cars from 50 years ago all the way until today remains the same: because the machine needs to operate just as capably in the sky as on the ground, compromises have to be made.



Compromises don't exactly equal success in the automotive or airplane marketplace. To meet government regulations, an automobile must pass a stringent series of safety and environmental tests, and the same is true for airplanes. Needless to say, then, combining the two is pretty darn difficult to accomplish. That said, Popular Mechanics has found reason to be excited about the prospect of the Terrafugia flying car. If that's a topic that interests you, we suggest you click here to read all about it.







[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Where are the flying cars we were promised? Popular Mechanics thinks it has the answer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation's recall woes have resurfaced today with official word that the company will recall some 373,000 second-generation Toyota Avalon models built between the 2000 and 2004 model years.



According to the Japanese automaker, the full-size sedans' steering lock bars can crack, eventually leading to a break. If that failure occurs, the steering column interlock system can become difficult to unlock when parked, potentially disabling the vehicle. Worse, if the driver is in a right-hand turn with "sufficient lateral acceleration," under very specific conditions, the damaged lock bar can actually engage, locking the steering wheel and disabling steering control of the vehicle, a condition that increases the likelihood of an accident.



For its part, Toyota says it is unaware of any crashes stemming from the Avalon's steering interlock issue, and it will replace the steering column bracket in affected vehicles for free. The complete press release is available after the jump.







[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 373,000 2000-2004 Avalon sedans in U.S. over faulty steering locks

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 373,000 2000-2004 Avalon sedans in U.S. over faulty steering locks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:25:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc.

According to the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Monthly Statistical Report, U.S. gasoline deliveries for the first half of 2010 averaged 8.88 million barrels per day, 0.6 percent lower than the corresponding period a year ago. Though the drop in demand is minuscule, it does provide us with an indication that despite low gas prices and a rebounding economy, U.S. demand for gas continues to wane.



The numbers for the month of June paint a more vivid picture of our declining need for gas. June gasoline deliveries of 9.18 million barrel per day were the lowest level for any June on record since 2004 and were 0.5 percent lower than June 2009 deliveries. To gain a better understanding of the numbers, gasoline prices in 2004 barely cracked $2, whereas prices now sit at a nationwide average just north of $2.70.



API chief economist John Felmy offered additional insight into the declining demand for gas:

The listless economic recovery continues to take a bite out of gasoline demand. It's clear from the gasoline deliveries data that consumer confidence in the economy remains shaky. This certainly supports API's position that increased taxes or other anti-jobs policies by Congress or the administration could increase unemployment and harm our economic recovery.

While economists like to attribute decreased demand for gasoline to our shaky economical situation, we'd also point out that advancements in fuel-saving technologies lead to a dwindling need for gas. Follow the jump for more info from the API.



[Source: American Petroleum Institute | Image: FutureAtlas - C.C License 2.0]

Continue reading API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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	Plug-In 2010: Bill Nye, Chelsea Sexton return for public night panel             Who loves electric cars? These folks.		2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? Yup.             What else would you put in a $41,000 car?
	Is the Toyota Prius' history a way to predict the Chevy Volt's long-term value?             The question can only be answered by knowing about the batteries.	Other news:                             Plug-in 2010: GM talks details about the Volt's $41,000 price tag                 Plug-In 2010: Evatran's Plugless Power parking block puts proximity charging under your car                 Production of Nissan Leaf battery pack now underway in Japan

AutoblogGreen for 07.29.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:58:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Australia

Albert Einstein has commonly been quoted as saying that stupidity (or insanity, depending on your source) is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Which begs the question, with over 100 years of traffic enforcement behind us, why are we still relying on the same methods of catch and punish to modify driver behavior? If it hasn't worked over the last century, chances are it won't work over the next. But Australian V8 Supercar champ Jamie Whincup has come up with a zany idea that just might cut down on his country's driving death toll - education.



In a move likely to draw some knee-jerk guffaws, Whincup is calling for driver's education to begin at 12 years-old. The tweens in question wouldn't actually be behind the wheel, but would begin to receive lessons on the components of a car, the effect of drugs and alcohol on your ability to operate a vehicle and the consequences of excess speed. We're not entirely sure the average pre-teen is going to be able to wrangle enough synapses away from Hanna Montana to make a difference, but we're all for improved driver education as a means of improving road safety.



Have a look at the story below, then chime in with your own opinion by taking our poll and leaving your thoughts in Comments.

View Poll

[Source: Drive | Image: Matchbox]

V8 Supercar champ in Australia wants kids to learn to drive at age 12. How about you? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

As of 2010, the Toyota Prius has been available in North America for a decade, and it remains by far the best selling hybrid both here and around the world. Since its Japanese market introduction 1997, drivers have bought more than 1.8 million of the gas-electric dynamos, with about half of those ending up in the United States (and apparently half of those landing on driveways in the San Francisco Bay area!).



The original Prius was a gawky-looking four-door sedan that was slow and often didn't meet up with customer's fuel economy expectations. It wasn't until the second-generation model arrived in 2004 with a new teardop hatchback body style that the Prius really took off. By 2007, cumulative sales topped half a million, with the third generation model arriving two years later offering improved efficiency and better dynamic performance than ever. This year, Toyota has begun to deploy a test fleet of plug-in Priuses with lithium ion batteries with full series production of those versions coming in 2012.



While we wait for our future corded Prius models to give us even more pull with our eco-minded friends, we'll join Toyota in celebrating the now-iconic green machine by checking out the historic gallery below.







[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota celebrates a decade of Prius

Toyota celebrates a decade of Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:32:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.28.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc.

We know you've been anxiously awaiting the Autoblog iPhone app, and rest assured, we're working on it. But as a stop-gap to sate your iDevice desires for Autoblog on the go, those of you with an iPad can get our newest stories pumped directly into the palm of your hand in a few easy steps.



If you're not familiar with Flipboard, it's a free iPad app that imports your Twitter and Facebook feeds to create a magazine-style reading experience of links, photos and your friend's ill-advised status updates. Flipboard also allows you to scan through a variety of subjects - from tech news to celebrity gossip - and pick individual Twitter feeds to create a personalized, customized news-reading experience. If you want your daily does of automotive news, views and reviews, download Flipboard for the iPad from the App Store and follow the instructions below the virtual fold.

Continue reading Get Autoblog on Flipboard for your iPad in 3 easy steps

Get Autoblog on Flipboard for your iPad in 3 easy steps originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Celebrities, Humor, Specialty

Just like any self-respecting car guy, Jay Leno has had his fair share of run-ins with local law enforcement. And, much like the rest of us, some of those run-ins result in great story material for those Monday morning watercooler conversations. But as you'd expect, Leno's are more entertaining.



Take, for example, a recent exchange Leno had with Visor Down in the U.K. Says the late-night comedian:

I have the record for the oldest vehicle to be done for speeding. It was a 1912 Stanley Steamer, and I had it cranked up to 75mph on a freeway.

Nice. Needless to say, we're suitably impressed by the speed Leno was able to attain in such a rarefied piece of automotive history. Sadly, the police officer didn't seem to share our respect:

I'm kind of proud of that, especially considering the engine is steam-powered and makes less than 10 bhp. The cop who issued the citation was remarkably straight-faced and unimpressed with my feat, which I thought was a little unimaginative of him. How could you seriously issue a speeding ticket to something with the same engine as a small steam locomotive?

Jay, if it makes you feel any better (and we're sure it doesn't), we completely agree. Read the rest of the interview at Visor Down here.



[Source: Visor Down]

Jay Leno's best speeding story is better than yours originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorcycle

Shoppers at Harley-Davidson dealers across North America will be faced with the choice of three new models this year, as the 2011 lineup marks the release of the Sportster SuperLow, XR1200X and Road Glide Ultra. This hat trick of new releases increases Milwaukee's total offerings to an impressive 32 unique (that is... as long as you want a V-twin and two or three wheels) models.



If your confidence is in need of inspiration, as H-D words it, than the new SuperLow may be just what you're looking for. Sporting a design and build that highlight ease of handling and a low stand-over height, the SuperLow may drag pegs through the turns, but it should also help keep confidence high at stoplights. The second model, named the XR1200X (which we previously covered here) claims to "hone Sportster performance to its very limit" offering standard adjustable suspension, floating front brake rotors, and a high compression version of the 1200cc Evo engine packaged in the XR chassis. The matte-black finish of the engine and drive components complete the no-nonsense look of the XR1200X.



Rounding out the new releases is the Road Glide Ultra, which has its sights set further on the horizon while wielding a frame-mounted fairing. The new cockpit encases a four-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio system (with iPod connection), as well as a cruise control feature, amongst other luxuries. More touring amenities include the King Tour Pack, luggage carrier and standard ABS... we expect Route 66 has another thing coming.



Four new CVO variations will be available in limited quantities for the 2011 model year, several of which we recently had an opportunity to put through their paces, so stay tuned for the imminent full ride reports on all the new bacon from hog-central Harley-Davidson. For now, you can see more pictures and read the press release after the break.







[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Convertible, Etc., Pontiac, Humor, Off-Road, Racing

It's been said that any time two individuals are headed to the same location at the same time, a race is likely to ensue. If you need proof, look no further than Maine's lobster boat races. What began as a friendly tradition among returning fisherman has evolved into the NASCAR of the seas - where high-dollar fiberglass drag boats reign supreme and the little guys are left to try to hold their own on sea-borne Pontiac Sunbird convertibles. Or something. You see, in New Harbor, Maine, one man has established himself as the force to be reckoned with. Lobster man Galen Alley decided to plop a hefty supercharged V8 into the back of a 2,000-pound fiberglass craft once upon a time and has been grand poobah of lobster waters ever since.



That just doesn't quite sit well with Stevie Johnson - a boat builder who has vowed to knock Alley off of his high horse, so to speak. Since showmanship is next to godliness in these lobster boat races, Johnson snapped up a cabin cruiser, cut the craft down to its hull and bolted a Pontiac Sunbird Convertible to the deck. How'd he fare? After doing demonstration passes for the crowd all day, Johnson forgot to top off the tanks on his craft and ran out of fuel before crossing the finish line. He says he'll be back next year, possibly with an ocean-going Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.



[Source: The Wall Street Journal via Jalopnik]

Pontiac Sunbird racing lobster boat warps our fragile little minds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

It will still be awhile before you can get an up close and personal look at the new Audi A7 Sportback. Since Audi recently flooded the interwebs with an array of images, you've likely already made up your mind as to whether you loathe or love the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo competitor, but there's nothing like being able to walk around a vehicle for yourself without the cumbersome medium of a photographer's lens between you and the sheet metal. Fortunately, Audi has been so kind as to share a lengthy studio walk-around video of the new quad-ring creation.



The flick lingers over just about every inch of the A7 Sportback, including the interior and exterior. We get a quick peep at the car's mechanized rear spoiler, as well as the cavernous amounts of room under the lengthy hatch. It may not be quite the same as getting your finger prints all over the paint, but it's dang close. Hit the jump to take a look.







[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Video: Audi A7 in the studio

Video: Audi A7 in the studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Volvo, Luxury

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating older Volvo XC90 models for potential faulty electronics that could cause the headlights and turn signals to fail. So far, the government isn't aware of any crashes resulting from the fault, but 21 owners have filed a complaint. The defect manifests itself on 2004-2005 XC90 SUVs, and NHTSA says that 93,487 vehicles are potentially impacted by the problem.



Fortunately, should the NHTSA issue a recall, the problem is a relatively easy fix. Regulators say that simply replacing a bad control module is enough to set everything working again. So far, there are no reports of similar problems occurring in any other Volvo models of similar vintage, but you can bet your eyes that the NHTSA will be taking a closer look at the company's line up from four years ago just to make sure.



[Source: Bloomberg via San Francisco Chronicle]

Volvo XC90 reportedly under NHTSA investigation for intermittent lighting failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

The clever wrenches at the German tuning powerhouse MTM have gotten a hold of the Audi RS5. Always ones to turn fast faster, the group claims to have squeezed the car's top speed to 188 mph. But instead of focusing on pulling even more horsepower from the already staggering 4.2-liter V8, the company simply upped the factory speed limiter to allow for a more potent v-max. MTM will politely ask for a check for $1,429 (at current conversion rates) for the upgrade, which isn't exactly pocket change. According to MTM, the car still produces 450 horsepower, though the company will be happy to supply you with a new free-breathing exhaust system that just might turn an extra pony or two loose.



In addition to the lofty top speed, MTM has rolled out a hefty selection of wheels just for the RS5. We're guessing a new set of tires will probably be in order if you plan on bumping up against that new 188 mph top end, too. Eventually, the company plans to roll out a complete suspension for the car. And here's hoping they come up with some equally competent brakes in the process.







[Source: MTM]

MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

As we're sure you've noticed by now, General Motors has been making lots of waves over the past few days with the pricing announcement (finally!) of its 2011 Chevrolet Volt. And, as you're surely aware, GM's plug-in hybrid is capable of traveling at least 40 miles per charge without using a single drop of gasoline. But what happens when the time comes to pump some good ol' crude into the tank? You'll be using premium.



Yes, you read that right. Premium gasoline only in GM's mostly gasoline-free automobile. It seems a bit odd that The General would force its customers into using higher-priced gasoline if there wasn't a good reason for it, but it certainly wouldn't seem that the engine is highly stressed - 80 horsepower from 1.4 liters isn't exactly bleeding edge.



There is a possibility, however, that the car's engineers were able to wrestle a bit more efficiency from its constant-load engine/generator setup by using higher octane fuel. In any case, the automaker has not offered up any specific explanations on why premium is required or, for that matter, what kind of fuel mileage the Volt will attain when the gasoline-powered engine is in operation.



We feel compelled to point out that it probably doesn't matter much that the Volt requires premium fuel considering how little gasoline the average user is likely to go through any given month. But naturally, your mileage will vary.







[Source: The Truth About Cars]

2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volvo, Luxury

Some habits die hard. Swedish manufacturer Volvo has always been one for extensive research. The company's reputation for safety is based largely on its understanding of the mechanics of a collision thanks to impossibly thorough field studies. So it should come as no surprise that when we all thought Volvo was putting down the clipboard in favor of a cocktail glass by throwing a slew of parties in some of the world's most iconic cities, the carmaker was actually studying human behavior. Go figure. Why? The move was part of the quest to unearth the Naughty Capitol of Europe as part of the S60 marketing campaign.



Each of the company's parties included a few clandestine experiments designed to test participants' naughtiness, including seeing how many people would try to talk their way into a fake VIP room, hit on an actress who was pretending to be married or sprint through a well-manicured flower bed. Volvo held the same experiments in Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Madrid. Not surprisingly, the City of Light took the crown by a wide, wide margin. Hit the jump for a look at a video of Swedish sins.



[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Video: Volvo crowns Paris 'naughtiest' city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch

Video: Volvo crowns Paris 'naughtiest' city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST.  Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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