Category Archives: Celebrity Auto News

George Clooney’s 2008 Tesla Roadster Will Go On the Auction Block at Pebble Beach

George Clooney is selling his barely driven Tesla Roadster for charity at the upcoming Pebble Beach auction, and it will likely go for at least $100,000. Tesla discontinued the Roadster line a little while back, making the limited number of vehicles on the road even more valuable to collectors, according to Green Car News.

The vehicle, which only has 1,700 miles on the odometer, is a 2008 "Signature 100" model, the eighth of its kind to roll out of the factory, the Los Angeles Times reports. Clooney plans to donate the money he makes on the Roadster to the Satellite Sentinel Project, a nonprofit organization that monitors border tensions between South Sudan and Sudan for signs of violence to prevent a civil war from breaking out. The auction will be handled by Gooding and Co auction house, which specializes in selling celebrity cars.

"This is an incredible opportunity to purchase a modern collector car with all the right elements – one owner, celebrity provenance, historical significance, limited-edition rarity and philanthropic ties," said David Gooding, president of the auction house.

According to Forbes, Gooding expects the car to sell for as much as $125,000. The initial base price of the vehicle was around $98,950, but Clooney's model likely had a few upgrades, including a premium two-tone leather interior. The auction featuring the Tesla will also have a $10 million 1936 Mercedes-Benz Von Krieger 540K Special Roadster, Jay Leno's Fiat and a Ferrari Scaglietti owned by Andy Warhol available to interested buyers.

Drivers in the market for a more modest ride may want to head over to New Jersey State Auto, which carries a wide variety of vehicles. Every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Volkswagen Builds Beetle Shark Cage For Discovery Channel’s Shark Week

For the past 25 years, Discovery Channel has hosted a week-long homage to sharks, and this year Volkswagen will be one of the presenting sponsors of Shark Week. For the occasion, Volkswagen has built its very own shark cage in the likeness of the 2012 Beetle. The automaker will present its creation – from designing and building the cage to putting it underwater – in three one-minute clips that will be aired throughout Shark Week.

"Shark Week has a loyal and enthusiastic following of fans, and we're thrilled to partner with Discovery Channel on this 25th anniversary special," said Justin Osborne, general manager of marketing communications for Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We wanted the integration to be authentic and fit naturally with the Volkswagen brand, imprinting our signature style on Shark Week. The Beetle shark cage plays on the silhouettes of two of the most iconic images – the shark fin and the Volkswagen Beetle."

The Beetle has not commonly been associated with the ferocity of the shark, as it's had more of a happy, bubbly appearance until the 2012 redesign came along. The new model has a more muscular design than its predecessors, and the dash-mounted flower vase is gone as well. Volkswagen even chose to reveal the new car during the 2012 Super Bowl to appeal to a more masculine consumer base. Scott Clark, one of the project's creative directors, told AutoBlog that "Shark Week is Discovery's Super Bowl," which may be why the German automaker has chosen to sponsor the television event, which runs August 12 to 16.

Drivers in the market for a Volkswagen of their own can head to NJ Auto Auction, which offers a variety of used makes and models at affordable pricing. Financing is not an issue either, as a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation means every driver will be approved for a loan.

Hyundai reveals Elantra Zombie Survival Machine at San Diego Comic-Con

The San Diego Comic-Con became the site of a new car debut last week, as a specially-designed Hyundai Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine was unveiled. Hyundai recently teamed up with the creator of The Walking Dead, a popular comic book detailing life during a zombie apocalypse, to design the ideal post-apocalyptic, zombie-crushing machine.

The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman added his personal touches to the Elantra, including a spiked zombie plow, armored windows, a rooftop escape hatch, a CB radio, a trunk filled with weapons and many other additions that make the car the best ride for surviving the zombie apocalypse. The car is obviously not street legal, but fans of the comic have the chance to win another Hyundai – an Elantra GT – that has been wrapped with a design based on the cover of the comic's 100th issue. This vehicle is also being displayed at the comic convention.

"Our custom Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans and anyone who wants to survive a zombie invasion," said Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America. "We are excited for fans to come and experience the Elantra Coupe and GT in a unique, post-apocalyptic way."

Drivers who are in the market for a vehicle and want something reliable in case the dead begin to walk the earth should head over to NJ Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, from SUVs perfect for driving through hordes of zombies to speedy sports cars that can facilitate a quick getaway when running is the best option.

Bieber Pulled Over During High-Speed Paparazzi Freeway Chase

Last Friday, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber was pulled over by California Highway Patrolmen on the 101 Freeway after getting involved in a high-speed chase with paparazzi on his tail. He was driving a chrome Fisker Karma at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, according to the Los Angeles Times. Bieber told authorities he was speeding because he was trying to get away from a group of paparazzi that had been following him.

Dennis Zine, a Los Angeles City Councilman, saw the chase taking place and contacted authorities right away. The news publication indicated Zine had hopes the pop star and the paparazzi would be arrested for reckless driving.

"Any time you do 90, the paparazzi are going to go 90," Zine told the LA Times. "He was going from the fast lane to the slow lane to the shoulder in traffic. It was a very dangerous driving situation. I figured someone was going to crash, so I called 911."

The "Baby" singer was given a speeding ticket and advised to contact police next time he is being followed. The New York Daily News reports Bieber placed a 911-call shortly after being pulled over to report he was still being followed by at least three photographers.

Bieber also filed a complaint against one of the most aggressive paparazzi. According to TMZ, the 18-year-old singer gave authorities the man's license plate number, and the perp is now being investigated for harassment.

Whether driving recklessly or obeying the rules of the road, any driver can get into an accident. This can leave the vehicle with damage that needs to be repaired, and car owners who live near Jersey City can bring their rides to NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The experts at this repair shop can get the vehicle back in working order, but it the automobile is not salvageable the driver can head to NJ Auto to pick out a new ride.

Ford Brings On Ryan Seacrest To Promote New Ford Fusion

In an effort to familiarize consumers with the completely redesigned Ford Fusion, the automaker is teaming up with TV and radio host and producer Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities for the new "Random Acts of Fusion" marketing program. The company plans to market the midsize sedan by creating and presenting a story that will be told across a variety of channels, including TV, radio and the internet.

"We are taking a completely unique approach to introduce the new Fusion with a transmedia program, launching this transformational vehicle that over-delivers with its distinctive blend of style, intelligence and technology," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of marketing, sales and service. "Combining social media, entertainment and unexpected consumer experiences will allow us to connect with audiences through every type of media, making Fusion's profile larger than ever."

The Fusion is not just a new car for Ford's lineup, but it is a shining example of the direction the American automaker is heading with its design. The car is sleek and elegant, with an expressive grill, slim headlights and small touches that lend the car a unique appeal never before seen in a Ford model. It will be available as gasoline-only, hybrid or plug-in hybrid, and is expected to reach dealerships this fall.

Drivers who cannot wait for the release to get a vehicle, but still love the Fusion, can consider used options. They will not have the same fresh look, but they might still fit the bill. Edmunds.com reports used models from 2006 through 2011 range in price from around $7,200 to $15,500. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of makes and models, and may carry a number of Fusions. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified as well, so drivers know they'll be getting a reliable ride.

Will.i.am’s Custom DeLorean Was Impounded in Los Angeles

Rapper Will.i.am is the proud owner of a custom DeLorean, but his overindulgence of style was his undoing on the streets of Los Angeles. The hiphop star was pulled over while cruising around downtown L.A. late last week because he did not have his license plates on display, according to TMZ.

When the officers reviewed his information, they found an error in his registration paperwork in addition to the lack of plates. They impounded Will.i.am's DeLorean and issued him a few citations, but the news source reports the musician was cooperative and polite.

The car itself is a far cry from the Back to the Future DeLorean that Marty McFly drove across time. However, the custom ride is the first to come out of Will.i.am's new custom car company, IAMAUTO. Will.i.am's car is completely white with a wine-colored leather interior, blue LED headlights and a hexagonal front fascia. AutoBlog reports the car was built using OEM Chrysler parts, as well as an old DeLorean and a Dodge Challenger. It also has a Beats by Dr. Dre sound system. No reports have been made about what the rapper is bumping under the hood, but it's unlikely he's got a flux capacitor in the engine bay.

While the car has not been very well received by the public, Will.i.am loves it and will be able to get it back once he deals with his bills. Drivers looking to customize their own ride who don't have the expertise or the tools to do the work themselves may want to talk to the professionals at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. They may be able to help install aftermarket parts or stereos to get drivers rolling in style.

Lindsay Lohan Avoids Injury Thanks to Porsche

Lindsay Lohan grabbed headlines once again this week thanks to her driving ability. The troubled actress is no stranger to problems behind the wheel, and she continued the trend over the weekend when she got in an accident with an 18-wheeler. Though the damage looked serious, credit should be given to her Porsche 911 for helping her avoid serious injury, USA Today reports.

The accident occurred while Lohan was on her way to the set of her latest project, a made-for-TV movie about the decades-long relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. TMZ reports the car was totaled and her assistant, who was riding with her, was slightly injured as well.

Although Lohan was taken to the hospital after the crash, she was released a short time later. Experts say her walking away relatively unscathed is testament to the impressive safety features of her luxury sports car. The latest version of the 911 features six airbags which help protect occupants in the event of both head-on and offset crashes. Additionally, the vehicle was made with new high-strength steel.

"Particular attention was paid in designing and engineering the junctions of the A-pillars [the struts on either side of the windshield that support the roof] and the roof frame, as well as the safety structure involved in head-on and offset collisions," the company told USA Today.

Whether driving a Porsche or a decades-old used car, nothing is more important than safety. One of the best ways to ensure you're driving the safest car possible is to get regular tune ups at New Jersey State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center, which will be able to meet all your automotive needs.

Click and Clack of NPR’s Car Talk Announce Retirement

Car Talk, the irreverent and informative automotive maintenance radio show, has been on the air for 35 years, 25 of which have been nationally broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR). As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi are hanging up their talk show host hats in the fall, according to NPR.

"We've managed to avoid getting thrown off NPR for 25 years, given tens of thousands of wrong answers and had a hell of a time every week talking to callers," said Ray.

While the Magliozzi brothers, known to Car Talk fans as Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, will no longer be poking fun at car problems on the air, they will still write a weekly column and continue to post on their Facebook page. NPR will make efforts to keep the show alive as well by recycling archival clips from 25 years of shows – more than 1,200 episodes.

"Tom and Ray have become icons to millions of fans, including me, over the last 25 years," said NPR president and CEO Gary Knell. "I'm thrilled that they will continue to entertain and engage today's fans and future fans for many years to come."

Drivers will not be able to call in to the weekly radio show and get advice about the weird sounds their cars are making come the fall. However, the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help motorists figure out what's going on under the hood of their vehicles with less joking around and bad puns.

Eric Clapton Gets Custom Ferrari

Eric Clapton is one of the most iconic guitarists in music history, and Ferrari recently honored the rock legend with an impressive one-off car that will be the envy of all other musicians. The custom made car is dubbed the SP12 EC and was created especially for the "Layla" singer, The Telegraph reports.

The vehicle was designed by Centro Stile Ferrari along with engineers in Maranello and drew heavy inspiration from the famous 512 BB model. The 512 BB is one of Clapton's favorite cars – he has owned three of them over the last several year. Yet, while the 512 BB was an influence, the custom car features a much more modern spin. And although the body is similar to that of the 512 BB, it includes the powerful 4499cc V8 engine of the 458 Italia, according to the newspaper.

Clapton officially showed off his new Ferrari in, where else, the Ferrari Magazine, where the beautiful car is featured in a number of photos.

Clapton played an integral role in the development of the new car, and although he has been in bands including Cream, Derrick and the Dominoes and the Yardbirds, creating the SP12 EC was unlike anything he's ever accomplished. He said the process was "an incredible experience, one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done."

While nobody else can get behind the wheel of the SP12 EC, that does not mean your car doesn't deserve the same attention and care as Clapton's. Taking a trip to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will ensure your ride stays in working condition, whether you need a repair or a simple tune up.

Diane Kruger Gushes About Latest Mercedes

One of Germany's best-known automakers just received some praise from one of the country's most famous actresses to help tout eco-friendly vehicles. "Inglourious Basterds" star Diane Kruger recently purchased the  B-Class F-Cell – first electric fuel cell vehicle from Mercedes-Benz available in the United States.

Kruger is one of the first people in the country to get behind the wheel of the innovative vehicle, which has a range of up to 240 miles on one charge. That amounts to an equivalent of about 55 miles per gallon, all while emitting only water vapor. Kruger had nothing but good things to say about the eco-friendly luxury vehicle.

"I'm excited to be driving the F-Cell. It's environmentally conscious, fun to drive and gets lots of attention on the streets," she said.  "I can travel more than 200 miles on a full tank and it's easy to refuel."

Although the F-Cell may be the most eco-friendly model offered by Mercedes, it is not the only one. The luxury automaker also provides consumers with eight different alternative powertrain options. Among them is the S400 Hybrid, which turns off its gasoline engine when stopped at a traffic light. When the driver releases his or her foot from the break, the engine starts back up, reducing idling time that can put a dent in a car's gas mileage.

According to Mercedes, there are many more famous faces who have opted to get behind the wheel of eco-friendly models including Bryan Cranston, Nick Swisher and "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara.

While the availability of the F-Cell may still be limited, there are plenty of environmentally-friendly used cars in New Jersey to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you don't have to be a celebrity to drive off in style.