Aston Martin Annoyed by Sexy Used Car Ad, Lawyers Up and Demands Image Take Down

Aston Martin Annoyed by Sexy Used Car Ad, Lawyers Up and Demands Image Take Down

For a Britain-based carmaker, Aston Martin sure lacks a sense of humor â€" at least when it comes to fan-made ads, because as far as cars are concerned, the company showed its funny side by slapping its cherished winged logo on a Toyota iQ and naming it the Cygnet…

Why are we telling you all this? Because we just received a letter from Lewis Silkin LLP, a law firm that represents Aston Martin, and which demands the takedown of an image/ad we shared on our site of a young lady posing on a kitchen bench with the tagline, "You kn ow you're not the first. But do you really care?", for the brand's used car division, and which cloned an older BMW commercial.

We did not create the image but merely shared it after it circulated on the internet (i.e. on Twitter) and noted that it was not made by Aston Martin. The letter talks about copyright infringement (not by us, by the creator of the ad) and that the "image itself brings the Aston Martin brand into disrepute and is defamatory of AML" (we seriously doubt that there's anything more defamatory to AM's history than the Cygnet).

In any case, here's the law firm's cookie-cutter letter, which will likely land in more email boxes today with different links to the posts:

"AN unauthorised copy of the Aston Martin ‘wings’ device appears in the bottom left hand corner of the image found at http://www.carscoops.com/2013/02/bmw-like-used-aston-martin-ad-is-not.html.  The image also uses without authorisation AML’s trade marks for the wings device and ASTON MARTIN (in the phrase ‘Aston Martin pre-owned’ and in the domain name www.used-astonmartin.com). [Editor's note: It say's 'Pre Owed' not 'pre-owned']

The image appears to be an advertisement for Aston Martin pre-owned cars but has not been authorised or approved by AML. For the avoidance of doubt, AML has never consented to the use of its name or ‘wings’ device or domain name in this image.

The image appears to be an advertisement for Aston Martin pre-owned cars but has not been authorised or approved by AML. For the avoidanc e of doubt, AML has never consented to the use of its name or ‘wings’ device or domain name in this image.

Accordingly, the reproduction of the ‘wings’ device in the image constitutes copyright infringement; and the use of the ASTON MARTIN name and ‘wings’ device trademarks constitute trade mark infringement; and the image itself brings the Aston Martin brand into disrepute and is defamatory of AML.

Given the seriousness of this matter we ask that you take down the infringing image immediately, both at the URL referred to above and anywhere else that it may appear on www.carscoops.com."

If you want our opinion, Aston Martin should have issued a statement saying that it has nothing to do with the ad and leave it there as far the media is concerned, especially since the image did not bad-mouth the brand. Handing out cease and decease letters to sites and possibly individuals who merely reported the story because "the image itself brings the Aston Martin brand into disrepute and is defamatory of AML" shows a lack of humor and understanding of how the internet works. At least, that's our two cents worth. Feel free to chip in your thoughts below.

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Camry, Fusion, Accord, Malibu, Altima: Which is the best midsize sedan in America?

Camry, Fusion, Accord, Malibu, Altima: Which is the best midsize sedan in America?

What happens when five sleep-deprived, under-caffeinated automotive journalists of varying backgrounds spend a rainy day in and out of five of the best-selling midsize sedans in America?

An unconventional but practical road test. That’s what.

That’s right. We drove in and around Los Angeles in the 2013 Nissan Altima, 2012 Toyota Camry, 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Honda Accord, and 2013 Chevy Malibu to see which we liked best, in order to answer which car was best on the highway? Which car would we take on backcountry roads? With children? And a trunk full of groceries?

In the end, or really, not long after the beginning, the decision was unanimously clear: We should have had more coffee before starting. Also: In a very tough segment, there is one surefire, uncontested standout and four attractive good values of varying competence.

Case in point? Here’s Associate Editor Jacob Brown on the car that finished last in our comparison: “It’s a better car than I think most people would admit, and no one should feel ashamed to own one.” “What a letdown” is how we felt about the car in fourth place. And why did we use “honest, inoffensive, solid, simple, unexciting, un-engaging, appliance-like, bland, grayge, durable, reputable, middle-ground, standard, rudimentary, unsophisticated, un-flashy, anonymous, supportive, cheap, and smart” to describe the car that finished third overall? ”This car is sooo close to being the ideal family sedan,” said News Director Keith Buglewicz, on our runner up. So, what was wrong with it?

I suppose you want to know what we wrote about the winner, too. Of course, by this point, you should have figured out that the answers are just a click away.

2013 Honda CR-V Long-Term Update 1

2013 Honda CR-V Long-Term Update 1

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Few Flaws Keep Bluetooth System from Greatness

2013 Infiniti JX Long-Term Update 1

2013 Infiniti JX Long-Term Update 1

[unable to retrieve full-text content]New Technologies Abound in the 7-seat SUV

Vauxhall Ampera Tries its Luck as an Ambulance Apprentice

Vauxhall Ampera Tries its Luck as an Ambulance Apprentice

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Putin Reportedly Unhappy with New Zil-4112P Limo, Marussia Tries its Luck with Concepts

Putin Reportedly Unhappy with New Zil-4112P Limo, Marussia Tries its Luck with Concepts

We don't know if being the President of Russia is an easy job, but it's one that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is more than happy to do, as the former KGB officer has served President from 2000 to 2008, as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012, while he was also re-elected President again in May of 2012. What can we say; the man loves being a head of state…

The job comes with many benefits, including the ability to choose the kind of wheels you roll around in. However, Putin wasn't satisfied with simp ly picking out an existing car to base a presidential limousine; no, he wanted one created from scratch from a Russian company, so he asked local automakers to present their proposals.

A less luxurious version of the same car will be used by government officials to run red lights and scare Russians replace upscale German cars, such as Mercedes and BMW.

ZiL, which used to produce luxury vehicles for leaders of the Soviet Union was the first to present its proposal for a presentational limousine with a prototype named ZIL-4112P powered by a 7.7-liter engine coupled to a six-sp eed automatic transmission, in September of 2012.

Citing a Kremlin source, Russia's , Izvestia reported that Putin was "unhappy" with the result, though, ZiL's acting CEO, Sergei Sokolov, denied the report, saying the president has not seen the car yet. Russian officials neither denied or confirmed the report.

The other two Russian carmakers vying for the prestigious contract are Marussia Motors and GAZ.

According to the Moscow Times, GAZ is developing a luxury model based on the Volkswagen Phaeton and Audi A8, with the car to be ready in 2014.

Marussia has just completed a competition in cooperation with our creative Russian friends over at Cardesign, who notified us about the concepts that made it to the final round, with the winner (or winners), to be announced on May 1. You can check them out for yourself in the gallery below and tell us which one you like the best.

Marussia Concept Photos via Cardesign

Thanks to for the heads up Mikhail!

MARUSSIA CONCEPT LIMOUSINES

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Official: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Name Confirmed, First Images Released

Official: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Name Confirmed, First Images Released

It’s still about a month away from taking to the stage at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, but the 2014 Jeep Cherokee broke cover today courtesy of its parent company, Chrysler. No official specs came with it, but the Auburn Hills-based automaker released four photos, which can be seen below.

What we do know, however, is that the Cherokee nameplate will be revived, after taking a 12 year hiatus. The original Jeep Cherokee entered production back in 1974 and ran through 1983 under the tutelage of AMC Motors. Production of the next-generation Jeep Cherokee began in 1984 and was produced by American Motors and later Chrysler until 2001. Now, the Cherokee name has returned, but it doesn’t look like much in Jeep’s stable. With the exception of the seven slot grille, not much else is reminiscent of anything currently available by the American manufacturer.

Only four images were released by Chrysler, and none give us a good look at the rear end, interior, or engine. Rumor has it though that Chrysler’s new 3.2-liter V-6 engine is slated to serve under the hood instead of the usual 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine. Like those before it, it’s also expected that the Cherokee will receive Jeep’s Trail Rated seal of approval, but judging by the pictures, it doesn’t look like there’s much ground clearance. It’s unknown if Chrysler Group’s air suspension system, the same one seen on the 2013 Ram 1 500, will be included on the latest new Jeep model. However, being that it’s a Jeep, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the system, or something like it, on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Automotive.com’s take: The 2014 Jeep Cherokee name has been missed from the off-road specialist’s line-up, and we’re glad to see it return. That front-end, though, is something nightmares are made of, and not in a Grand Cherokee SRT8 slap-you-around-kind-of-way. We expect the all-new Cherokee to be slotted below the full-size Grand Cherokee and start somewhere below $ 28,000.

What say you? Do you like it? Glad to see the Cherokee name again? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

2012 Nissan Frontier 4X4 PRO4X Long Term Update 2

2012 Nissan Frontier 4X4 PRO4X Long Term Update 2

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Pet Peeve: Dealing With Door Locks

2014 Jeep Cherokee Officially Revealed, Let the Face Naming Begin…

2014 Jeep Cherokee Officially Revealed, Let the Face Naming Begin…

After someone sneaked out a few pictures of the new 2014 Cherokee from Jeep's factory and unloaded them earlier today on Jalopnik, Jeep thought that it might be a good idea to release a shinier set of professionally edited and produced images to show us its new mid-size SUV at its best.

If anything else, the new 2014 Cherokee that replaces the Liberty in North America and its namesake in other parts of the world, needs to look its best with that - how shall we put it delicately, awkward looking face, which we don't know if it reminds us more of a modern-day Pontiac Aztec or a catfish with some serious indigestion problems...

In addition to these photos, Jeep tells us that the 2014 Cherokee will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show at the end of March, and that it sets "a new standard with even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model."

We've heard that the new Cherokee is built on the same CUSW platform as the Dodge Dart, which has its roots in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, while Allpar reported that engine options are likely to include a 3.2-liter V6, and a choice of four-cylinder units.

We'll get to know more details in the com ing weeks, but until then, feast your eyes on the Cherokee gallery and share your thoughts in the comments area.

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Epic Drives Episode 14: Arctic Circle or Bust

Epic Drives Episode 14: Arctic Circle or Bust

On this episode of Epic Drives, Johnny Lieberman and Justin Bell travel to Sweden to test drive a Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG through Sweden to the AMG Driving Academy, with their final goal to get to the Arctic Circle. During their journey, they land in Stockholm and attend a fashion show, and later drift an SLK on a frozen lake.

The video opens with Johnny Lieberman and Justin Bell drifting that Mercedes-Benz SLK convertibleâ€"top upâ€"in -15 degrees Fahrenheit weather. After, they introduce the Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG and start their journey. In Copenhagen, Denmark, the two take in the city, eat a quick meal and head on the road.

While on the road to Stockholm, Sweden, Justin Bell discusses how they were able to do the trip in the first place. President of AMG had invited Bell to drive on the frozen track, but he wants to take it one step further and asks if he could drive not only on the track, but drive the G65 to it.

Only one press car of the Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG exists, and it’s the one they’re currently driving. The G65s have become more powerful and luxurious over time, and the AMG versions have hand built 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing 612 horsepower. They arrive in Stockholm around 4 p.m. to witness the sunset, and are just in time to attend the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. By the end of the event, the two car guys look bored to tears and on the verge of sleep.

On the road, there are stops for photo ops and there are more hilarious antics and banter between the two. With that, they’re off to the north, heading to the frozen lake track at the AMG Driving Academy in northern Sweden.

Again, the men make a pit stop, and this time it’s thanks to a sign signaling that “China” is just ahead. The cultural center sporting Chinese artifacts and architecture seems strange, especially with an out of place Bob Marley t-shirt thrown in the mix.

After the confusing detour into “China” Lieberman and Bell head to Gavla to see the world’s biggest Yule Goat. Bell says that arsonists attempt to burn it down every year and he goes on to list all the ways people have tried to destroy the landmark over the years. By the time they get there, it has already been destroyed.

It seems like their trip is full of detours and sight-seeing as they stumble upon a ferry that takes cars to a small island. After they reach land again, they announce that they’ve landed on the ‘real Sweden’ with roads covered in snow and below zero temperatures. “We’re going 70 miles an hour in the snow and the G wagon is just a tank. I mean it just absolutely can handle these conditions and these kinds of roads,” Bell said.

Lieberman discusses the military background of the G65 during their long drive to the track. Currently, the G wagons are sold to the military in 35 different countries, and Mercedes-Benz was going to stop selling them in America until marines in 2006 bought over 100 vehicles.

They arrive at AMG’s frozen lake track and start drifting the SLK. They’re now in 25 degrees below zero weather. Both Lieberman and Bell are amazed by the car’s maneuverability, even in snow. They back into the G65 to test its off-road snow capabilities, one of the main reasons for the trip.

The off-road track consists of snow, ice, and mud, and the G65 handles all elements thrown its way without incident. With so much torque, the car virtually dives itself down a hill, and both men are impressed with the turn radius of the vehicle. They reach the end of their journey to find out that they’re fifty miles away from the Arctic Circle, and drive the rest of the way to reach their final goal. They push the vehicle to reach the border, and not once does the G65 let them down.

Source: Motor Trend via YouTube

A Carscoop…s Update on the Domain Change - Tell Us If You're Having Any Problems

A Carscoop…s Update on the Domain Change - Tell Us If You're Having Any Problems

Last night, we implemented a domain change switching from a "blogspot.com" address (or 'blogspot.com.au' if you're viewing the site from Australia, '.blogpspot.fr' from France etc.) to a top-level domain (with an 's', but more on that later…) that we promised a couple of weeks ago as the first part of a series of changes that we have planned for the near future.

On paper, or shall we say, on webpages and support forums, the move is supposedly straightforward, but in practice, there are always unforeseen problems that you have to deal with on a case-to-case basis.

The main glitch that we have been experi encing has to do with the pictures, which for some unexplained (until now) reason, appear and then disappear. We're working to fix this problem along with some other smaller issues such as the comments, as we speak.

We would appreciate it if you could tell us in the comments section below if the site is working without a hitch after the domain change, or if you've been having any kind of problems, in which case, please describe them, adding your location (i.e. USA, Japan, Russia etc.) and if possible, a screen shot.

By John Halas

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Behind the Wheel: 2013 Ford Focus Electric

Behind the Wheel: 2013 Ford Focus Electric

For an electric car, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric delivers an ample amount of acceleration while maintaining the quietness in the cabin one expects from electric vehicles, prompting us to say, “For better or worse, it’s one of the best electric vehicles you can buy today.”

With an interior just like any other Ford Focus, the Focus EV delivers the same navigation with SYNC and MyFord Touch, but the cargo room is cut by almost a third, due to the battery placement directly behind the second row seats.

Coming with a base price of $ 30,692, if you live in California, you can take $ 2,500 off that price, thanks to government incentives, making this car more desirable. However, even though the price may be a bit steep for what is ultimately a second car, “The Focus Electric marks the most advanced electric car we have today for the price.”

Read more of what Jason had to say on the 2013 Ford Focus Electric at his Road Test.

2013 Honda Accord EX Coupe First Test

2013 Honda Accord EX Coupe First Test

I have the EX-L V6 Coupe, in the same color. While times are impressive for the four cylinder, it doesn't have the same feel of that V6 when cruising along the highway. The Four cylinder is more than adequate for most people. But the V6 just has an effortless feel to it when driving. Some friends who have driven it have compared it to like a Mercedes, with the way the engine felt.

Steering, yes, limp, but it doesn't misguide you. You aim where you want, the car goes in that direction. The two screens can be confusing at times, but not difficult when you begin to live with the car.

Oh, and one thing the four cylinder doesn't have, is the exhaust note of the V6. ;)

National Insurance Crime Bureau Update: Sandy Damaged Vehicles Surpass 250,000 Mark

National Insurance Crime Bureau Update: Sandy Damaged Vehicles Surpass 250,000 Mark

Today, the National Insurance Crime Bureau announced its updated estimates for the number of damaged vehicles as a result of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the East Coast near the end of 2012. Based off of insurance claims, the updated estimate has been set to 250,500. New York, the state hit the hardest, had a 20,000 increase from 130,000 to 150,000 vehicles damaged.

When asked about Hurricane Sandy in comparison to other natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Irene, The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs Frank Scafidi said, “In terms of insured losses, Hurricane Katrina was the No. 1 costliest catastrophe in the U.S. to date. Sandy will be more costly than Irene, but we do not have a final figure as yet.”

Below is a list of the states that have generated Sandy-related vehicle damage claims:

• New York: 150,000
• New Jersey: 60,000
• Connecticut: 8,000
• Maryland: 5,500
• Massachusetts: 5,000
• Virginia: 4,500
• Ohio: 4,000
• Pennsylvania: 4,000
• Delaware: 2,000
• New Hampshire: 2,000
• North Carolina: 1,500
• District of Columbia: 1,000
• Rhode Island: 1,000
• West Virginia: 1,000
• Maine: 500
• Vermont: 500

These are only preliminary figures, though, and subject to change as claims are processed. There are many vehicles out there that have been damaged by the hurricane, but they are not insured and therefore do not show in the above numbers. Also, the extent of the damage is unknown. A vehicle could have only minor paint scratches or have been flooded, making it unsalvageable.

“The goal is making sure that the titles of those vehicles that have been identified a salvage are properly ‘branded’ as such and that consumers have as much information as possible on damaged vehicles,” said Scafidi when asked about steps being taken to remove irreparable vehicles from circulation.

As some time has passed since the disaster, many Sandy damaged vehicles are being reconditioned and sold throughout the country. While it isn’t illegal to buy or sell flood vehicles, that only applies if the buyer knows it’s a flood car; otherwise, it’s illegal. Consumers need to be aware that although vehicles may be advertised for sale, it is possible they were affected by Sandy.

Scafidi offered this piece of advice when talking about buying a vehicle post-disaster, “Before you hand over money for a used vehicleâ€"especially if the price is extremely attractiveâ€"get as much information about that vehicle as you can. We offer a free VIN check service, and there are private vehicle history services where consumers can buy a comprehensive history report.”

Salvage vehicle scams and post-disaster repair schemes are very common in the months after a disaster, and it’s important to pay close attention. Make sure to only work with licensed and insured contractors, and get more than one estimate. Get everything in writing including the cost, work, and schedule. Ask for references and check them out. Don’t sign a blank contract. Don’t pay or sign a completion contract until the work is actually completed. And, last of all, don’t file a fraudulent claim. By misrepresenting damages, your insurance may be voided.

Source: NICB

Lamborghini Gallardo Replica Based on Dodge Stratus Looks Amazing from "15 Feet Away"

Lamborghini Gallardo Replica Based on Dodge Stratus Looks Amazing from "15 Feet Away"

The only thing that's going to make your smirk more than this caricature of a Lamborghini Gallardo is the eBay seller's blatant admission that "at 15 feet away, the car…looks amazing". Get closer than that, and…well, see for yourself in the picture gallery.

In all fairness, though, the seller, who is not the creator of the car, acknowledges a number of things, including that he wouldn't want to drive the Sagging Bull clone on a highway at 60mph (close to 100km/h) and that "it's not safe enough to drive on the streets" either.

In the ad, he states that the replica is built on a 1996 Dodge Stratus platform, something we also confirmed from the VIN, and that it was fashioned in a movie studio (has anyone of you seen it before?).

Last time we checked, the highest bid on eBay was $ 7,000, which did not meet the seller's reserve.

If you're curious to see what it looks like on the move, there's also a video of the car running on the road.

Thanks to Max L. for this gorgeous find!

eBay Seller's Description:

This is an estate sale and not my personal car. I am representing it for our clients and have only limited knowledge of it.

This is built on a 1996 dodge stratus chassis. That’s what the title says and the motor and the steering wheel support that. The car starts up and runs as you can see in the video. Would I want to go down I-95 at 60 miles an hour in this car???.....absolutely not!! This car was designed, built and used as a movie car in south beach for commercial shoots, background and promotional use.

The exterior of this car is finished in matte black and the interior has yellow accents. At 15 feet away the car …looks amazing, with the removable simulated convertible top. I have no idea how well built this car is and I do not know what it would take to complete it for good drivability.

I don’t believe, in fact I know, this is not a manufactured kit car. This was built and designed in a movie studio. All lights work; tachometer works; speedometer does not work. Door poppers do work.

T his vehicle will have to be trailered or shipped to the new owner’s location. I don’t believe this car is safe enough to drive on the streets.

I'm sure many of you are going to have questions. Please call me with any questions or offers. I remind you, this 17 year old technology will require maintenance and tweeking. Don't expect to have a maintenance free "new car" experience ...and working on these old classics is half the fun. Thanks for looking!

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