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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

30/01/2012 | By: Colum Wood

As though the reveal of the NSX Concept at the Detroit Auto Show didn’t garner enough buzz, Acura is looking to reach an even wider audience by showcasing the new hybrid sports car during this weekend’s Super Bowl. And to help out they’ve employed the help of two of the word’s best known comedians, both of whom just also happen to be well-known car buffs: Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.

The spot pits the two against each other to be the very first to own the new NSX, which isn’t set to go on sale for another three years.

How does it pan out? Watch the video below and see for yourself:

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08/07/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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Very few celebrities have a passion for cars like Jay Leno. The star of late night doesn’t keep his love for all things on four wheels a secret, owning over 200 vehicles. Of the 200, Leno houses 40 various Mercedes-Benz models in his collection, from classics to current sports cars to Mercedes motorcycles. Surprisingly, the only AMG model that Leno has is an E55 AMG, and it looks like AMG wanted to add to that collection by letting Leno tour the AMG facility, test out the SLS AMG Roadster and E-CELL and help hand-assemble one of the SLS AMG’s V8 engines.

After being greeted by the Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG GmBH management board, Ola Källenius, at Stuttgart airport, Leno was allowed to take an SLS AMG Roadster on the motorway and the country roads but the Daimler AG test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim was the highlight of his trip.

“The SLS AMG Roadster delivers top performance. Whether the engine, transmission, handling or brakes – you feel that the engineers at AMG are serious! When I was 18 or 19 years old I worked for Mercedes-Benz in America. I knew about the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim from films in which Mercedes sedans like the 220 SE or the 300 SEL 6.3 were driven through the banked curve. I have always wanted to see this for real. It took me over 40 years to do it, but now I’m here! It’s fantastic to drive the latest AMG models here on the test track today,” Leno said.

After a tour through the AMG Studio, Leno paid a visit to the AMG engine shop and assisted in the assembly of an AMG 6.2-liter V8 powerplant for the SLS AMG. And true to AMG tradition, each motor is hand-assembled by a single individual, except for Leno’s case. With the assistance of two experienced AMG technicians, Leno was able to install the crankshaft, cylinder heads, wiring and even carried out the subsequent quality tests. The special engine features an AMG engine plate with his signature on it and then he was able to watch his motor go through rigorous testing.

Highlights from his trip will be posted on his website, www.jaylenosgarage.com, and it would appear that AMG has given Leno enough influence to add one or two more AMG vehicles to his fleet.

GALLERY: Jay Leno Tours AMG Facility

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11/05/2011 | By: Derek Kreindler

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It was only a matter of time before the rich and famous began hopping on the Chevrolet Volt bandwagon, since the Toyota Prius is in imminent danger of becoming passé.

The Volt has found owners among luminaries like Jeff Gordon, Jay Leno, Stephen King and Alyssa Milano. ”I think it’s a great car,” said Leno in an interview with the LA Daily News. “I just like its environmental technology and it is American technology. I like the fact that it’s electric when you want it and gasoline (assisted) when you need it.”

GM previously enlisted other celebrities like Bill Nye, host of a popular children’s science program, to critique the car before it entered production. President Barack Obama also took the car for a famously short drive down the assembly line, but has yet to make the switch from his Cadillac limousine.

[Source: Inside Line]

21/12/2010 | By: Colum Wood


Jay Leno might be best known as a late night talk show host, but to automotive enthusiasts he’s regarded as a genuine car guy – and one that just happens to have millions of dollars to spend on his hobby.

But instead of packing his garage full of rare Ferraris or the latest Bugatti (even if he has those too), Leno has a preference for the obscure, the wild and wacky and… the Chevrolet Volt.

That’s right, yesterday Leno was one of the first customers in the world to pick up his Volt from Rydell Chevrolet in Nothridge, CA. He even made time to talk to the cameras about the Volt and insisted it would be his daily driver.

Leno is a proponent of the technology behind the Volt, saying that pure electric cars will only, “take you half way to where you want to go,” and that, “electricity is like sex, everybody lies about it.”

See more of what Jay has to say in the video after the jump:

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12/08/2010 | By: Huw Evans

To millions of people, Jay Leno is perhaps best known as a comedian and host of NBC’s the Tonight Show, but in automotive circles he’s also recognized as a serious car enthusiast and collector, with a warehouse full of 200 interesting vehicles, including 100 cars that are regularly serviced and driven.

The collection includes a tremendous variety of vehicles, ranging from 1906 and 1922 Stanley Steamers to a custom built 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, a one of a kind ‘Tank Car’ and the 1955 Buick he’s owned since 1972. Leno is also an avid supporter of the collector car hobby and in recognition of his dedication, will be presented with the Lee Iacocca Award on stage  after his performance at next year’s running of the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance on Feburary 26, 2011. Guests attending the gala will have an opportunity  to meet and have their photo taken with Leno, along with the Legends of Indy Award winners, which will also be a highlight of the event.

[Source: Autoweek]

26/05/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

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Jay Leno’s epic car collection has a new addition to the “Ford section” (yes folks, he has a Ford section) of his garage, a brand-new 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0. The car in question, a Black coupe with a tan interior, has Michigan manufacturer plates, leading Left Lane News to suspect that something may be amiss with the situation, but more likely, this was a press car and Jay decided to order one, to keep his Ford GT, Shelby Cobra and Shelby Mustang GT350 company.

Driving impressions from what Leno are what you’d expect. The 5.0 is a big ball of fun and great value, according to Jay. Autoguide’s own Colum Wood is attending a Mustang event today, where he’ll be driving the V6, 5.0 and Shelby GT500 versions, so expect our driving impressions shortly. Hit the jump to check out nine minutes of big American V8 bliss, and Jay Leno’s sentimental musings on the fate of the muscle car.

[Source: Left Lane News]

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29/04/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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With his already amazing collection of classic, exotic and rare automobiles, Jay Leno has just added one more specimen – the Koenigsegg Trevita. Number three of three, the Trevita is based on the 1,018-hp CCXR and gets a special Simmering Diamond carbon fiber body, with a diamond coating layered over the special lightweight weave.

Thanks to the folks at JP Logistics we have a selection of photos of the car – and a bit of a look inside one of Leno’s garages. There are even a few snaps of Leno and Christian von Koenigsegg.

Browse our gallery below or hit up the photog’s Photobucket page here.

GALLERY: Jay Leno’s Koenigsegg Trevita

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[Source: Luxury4Play]

28/04/2010 | By: Dave Pratte

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The 2010 Ault Park Concours d’Elegance has teamed up with Jay Leno for a one of a kind raffle, with the winner walking away with a VIP tour for four of the Tonight Show host’s famous Big Dog garage.

Just in case a private tour of Leno’s massive collection of historic and modern cars and motorbikes isn’t enough to satisfy your motoring appetite, the contest winner will also receive tickets to the Tonight Show, exclusive access to The Nethercutt Museum and Collection, a tour with the director of The Petersen Automotive Museum and access to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum.

Each raffle ticket costs $100, with all proceeds going towards the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance. Talk about our kind of fund raiser! You’d better act fast if you want in on this unique car-guy opportunity though, because just 210 tickets remain. To buy yours, click here.

[Source: cincyconcours.com]

04/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Along with a host of wild and wacky Camaros at the General Motors booth at SEMA, the General also built five in-house muscle cars that are noticeably more subtle. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t as impressive. In fact, one of the most original Camaros of the dozens on display at SEMA is included in this bunch. Called the “Jay Leno Camaro” this car was designed by the famous late night prime time comedian himself. At first it doesn’t look all that special, but in true Leno style, the real surprise is under the hood. There you’ll find a V6 in place of the big 6.2-liter V8. That might sound underwhelming, were it not for the two Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers that help boost the V6 engine to about 425-hp (the same as the Camaro SS). Under normal driving conditions, the engine gets V6 fuel-economy, but when required it delivers performance like the V8.

Next up is the Camaro Synergy, which, believe it or not, is a color that Chevy will offer for the Camaro in 2010. Much of the rest of the car’s add-on parts can also be bought though your local Chevy dealer, including the 21-inch wheels, ground effects kit, Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes and a cold air intake. Chevy also plans to offer the rear spoiler in the near future. Along with these modifications, the Camaro Synergy also gets a Pedders coilover kit, Brembo brakes and a custom Jet Black and Synergy Green interior.

Another favorite of ours is the Camaro Chroma, in Summit White with a nice silver stripe package. All the parts on this car are either currently offered through GM or will be offered in the near future. Those parts include a set of 21-inch wheels, a “Blade” rear spoiler, a ground effects package, rear fender graphics and a new front grille. There’s also a cold air intake, shorty headers and a performance exhaust, as well as a Victory Red engine cover and Hurst short throw shifter.

The Camaro Dusk concept is designed to be sporty and sophisticated, with much of the car’s highlights being inside the cabin. The interior gets a stunning Jet Back and Sedona leather treatment that really helps class-up the car. It also features plenty of convenience options for younger buyers with a Boston Acoustics sound system, an iPhone cradle and WiFi connectivity. Outside there’s a custom ground effects package that Chevy says may enter production. Other highlights include a set of 21-inch BBS wheels, a lowering kit and an SS spoiler. To help give the car’s exterior a more premium look, many of the exterior details have also been painted to match the color of the wheels.

Finally, there’s the Camaro Graphics car, which will showcase one of four potential new grahics packages on each of the four days of the SEMA Show. Chevy launched a graphics campaign in October to let customers and enthusiasts choose the next graphics package and this car is being used to showcase the four finalists. Chevy also launched a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chevycamaro) dedicated to the campaign where you can vote for your favorite.

GALLERY: The Jay Leno Camaro

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GALLERY: Camaro Synergy

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GALLERY: Camaro Chroma

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GALLERY: Camaro Dusk

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Official release after the jump:

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10/07/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Jay Leno has confirmed that he will make an appearance on the most famous (and infamous) car show in the world, Top Gear. Leno has been traveling through the U.K. all week, including introducing the world to the new Jaguar XJ yesterday.

Leno will appear in “The Star in the Reasonably Priced Car” segment, where the legendary comedian will get to try his skills around a race track in an econo-box. Leno was even coached by The Stig.

The spot is scheduled to run in a few weeks and will also include an interview with Leno by Jeremy Clarkson.

[Source: JayLenosGarage]