Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Official: Toyota to export Highlander from U.S. to Australia, Russia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-to-export-highlander-from-u-s-to-australia-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-to-export-highlander-from-u-s-to-australia-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/toyota-to-export-highlander-from-u-s-to-australia-russia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

toyota highlander export

Toyota is struggling with the rising yen, so much so that the automaker has been shifting vehicle production outside of Japan. That's bad news for laborers in Japan, but it works out in favor of the American workforce in Princeton, Indiana.

That's because Toyota has announced that it will hire 400 more workers and spend $400 million to ramp up production of the popular Highlander. Toyota plans to ship off the extra production to buyers in countries like Russia and Australia. The plant expansion and additional jobs will enable the Princeton plant to crank out 50,000 additional Highlander models each year.

Toyota plans to complete the upgrades to the Princeton facility by late 2013. Hit the jump to read over the Toyota press release.

Continue reading Toyota to export Highlander from U.S. to Australia, Russia

Toyota to export Highlander from U.S. to Australia, Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverexporthighlanderindianaprincetontoyotaSun, 12 Feb 2012 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

m5 versus gtr

Okay, this is an easy one. If we told you to pick a performance winner between the Nissan GT-R and the BMW M5, we're guessing the vast majority of you would pick Godzilla to come out on top. Both vehicles feature over 500 horsepower, but the BMW weighs over 400 pounds more, and the GT-R counters with one of the world's most impressive all-wheel-drive systems.

That didn't stop the Autocar team from pitting the M5 against the GT-R in a test of acceleration, cornering, braking, G-force and general feel. Given the GT-R's 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds and its reputation for otherworldly handling, you know how this one is going to play out. But will the Nissan super coupe take all five tests? To be honest, a few of the tests were a bit closer than we would have thought. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R

This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocarbmwgt-4gt-rm5nissanvideoThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/gm-marketing-chief-ewanick-thinks-there-are-only-two-truck-compa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Super Bowl ad for the Chevrolet Silverado shows that the rivalry between Chevrolet and Ford still rages strong. But is there room for another brand or two to mix it up in the battle for pickup supremacy? Not according to General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick.

Fox News reports that Ewanick said during a web chat on Jalopnik that "the two big players are Ford and Chevy." Ewanick added that it's like a presidential debate, saying "We want to have it with the other strong candidate - and we want to engage them and want them to engage us."
A quick look at the numbers shows that Ewanick has a point. The Ford F-Series was the top dog in 2011, with 584,917 trucks sold. The Silverado came in second with 415,130 sales, but if you add the nearly identical GMC Sierra, General Motors makes the battle much closer with 564,300 unit sales. That's more sales than the Toyota Tundra, Ram full-size and Nissan Titan combined (even without the Sierra.)

The Ram, also an excellent pickup, finished a distant third with a reported 244,763 sales. Still, Ram brand spokesperson Dave Elshoff insists that Ram trucks remain part of the equation, adding "across much of the west - where trucks are worked hard - it's Ram that's either number one or two in market share."

We're not so sure that the truck battle is Chevy versus Ford and then everybody else, but it sure is nice to see GM and Ford getting a little chippy. It's a good bet that the chatter grows louder as the next generation Silverado and F-150 hit the auto show circuit in about a year.

GM marketing chief thinks there are only two truck companies: Chevy and Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletf-150fordgeneral motorsgmramsilveradotruck salesWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Next Toyota Avalon to best Fiat 500's fuel economy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Fiat 500 is 139 inches of A-segment fury, with a heaping dose of cute and a dash of fuel efficiency. In fact, the manual transmission-equipped cinquecento averages 33 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is better than most things on the road.

Impressed? Toyota isn't. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Japanese automaker told dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in Las Vegas, NV recently that the next generation Avalon will get better fuel economy than the wee Fiat.

Since the current generation Avalon is five feet longer and considerably wider than the 500, that's an impressive claim. Heck, the Avalon is bigger than the Camry, and buyers currently have to step into a Camry Hybrid model to surpass the fuel economy numbers of the pint-sized Fiat.

The sky-high fuel economy of the Avalon wasn't the only good news Toyota delivered to dealers. The automaker reportedly informed the car-selling audience that 19 new models were coming in 2012.

Next Toyota Avalon to best Fiat 500's fuel economy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz500avaloncamryfiatfuel economytoyotaWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Fisker lays off employees, renegotiates with DOE [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/fisker-lays-off-employees-halts-production-while-renegotiating/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/fisker-lays-off-employees-halts-production-while-renegotiating/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/fisker-lays-off-employees-halts-production-while-renegotiating/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

fisker karma

This isn't good. The Associated Press is reporting that Fisker Automotive has stopped production of the Fisker Karma (UPDATE: Not true, says Fisker PR: "We are currently producing 20-25 Karmas a day and will continue to do so.") and laid off 26 Delaware employees and 40 contractors in California. The carmaker is reportedly looking to conserve cash while attempting to renegotiate loans granted by the Department of Energy. (UPDATE: We have gotten a statement from Fisker about the situation, which you can read after the jump. The Karma is not mentioned, just work on the Delaware plant, which is supposed to build the Nina one day.

Fisker originally signed on for a $529 million loan, of which only $193 million has been received. Fisker reportedly cannot get at the remaining funds, which are earmarked for the delayed Nina project, because the automaker failed to meet Karma sales targets that were a condition of the loan. A few days ago, Fisker lowered its sales expectations for the $100,000 Karma to a still very lofty 10,000 units in 2012.

Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher told the AP that the automaker is hoping for a speedy resolution to its cash crunch. We hope so too, or Fisker could be in a heap of trouble.

Continue reading Fisker lays off employees, renegotiates with DOE [UPDATE]

Fisker lays off employees, renegotiates with DOE [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of energydoefiskerkarmaloanninaTue, 07 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

nissan 350z spec racer

Nissan is partnering with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) to create an all new Spec Z Series that promises low costs and performance parity. The single classification series will feature 350Z models from 2003 to 2008, and prizes that part-time track warriors can really get behind.

At the regional level, podium finishers can earn up to $850 in prize money. Further, Nissan will pony up $6,500 in cash support for top Spec Z finishers at the 2012 NASA Championships. Further support will come from BFGoodrich, which will be the control tire for the series and will back a contingency price program for Spec Z.

Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release, which includes a link that will provide still more information on the Spec Z series.

Continue reading Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series

Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>350znasaNational Auto Sport Associationnissanracingspec zMon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Passat front-three quarter view

The good people of Tennessee are no doubt thrilled to have a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. The facility already features well over 2,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, and now the German automaker is bolstering employment by another 200 full-time VW staffers, boosting the employment total to 2,500 full-time and temp workers.

VW says it is making the move to enable the plant to increase production from 31 vehicles per hour to 35. The boosted line rate also means that VW dealers will soon have more Passat sedans to sell, though the automaker failed to mention the sedan in the post-jump press release. Given VW's torrid sales pace in January, we're guessing the jump in factory output will be good news for the automaker's retail outlets.

VW isn't just looking for line workers - the automaker is also looking for supervisors and engineers. Hit the jump to read over the VW press release, which includes information on how to apply for a position.

Continue reading Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga

Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen passatchattanoogahiringpassattennesseevolkswagenvolkswagen hiringvwFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/foreign-auto-companies-irked-by-obama-snub-at-dc-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

President Barack Obama checks out the new Dodge Dart

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama visited the Washington Auto Show, and he even had time to get a closer look at a few vehicles. We're guessing that the carmakers were more than happy to set aside some time to talk to the Commander In Chief, but not every automaker got the chance.

Bloomberg says that the Association of Global Automakers is upset because the president only spent time with the Detroit Three, even though other automakers reportedly flew in executives from around the world for the occasion. The executives were reportedly on hand and waiting in a "bullpen" in the event President Obama had any questions about specific vehicles, but The Pres stuck to American cars like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Silverado.

AGA CEO Michael Stanton voiced his disappointment about the perceived slight, adding that many members "bent over backwards to meet the request from the White House." Stanton also points out that AGA members have invested $43 billion in the U.S. and employ over 80,000 workers here.

Foreign auto companies irked by Obama snub at DC Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>association of global automakersbarack obamachryslerdc auto showfordgmmichael stantonobamapresidentwashington auto showFri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch a burning Midget flip at 1,000 frames-per-second]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/watch-a-burning-midget-flip-at-1-000-frames-per-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/watch-a-burning-midget-flip-at-1-000-frames-per-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/watch-a-burning-midget-flip-at-1-000-frames-per-second/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

burning mg

Why is it that everything looks cooler in slow motion? And the slower the better, especially when you're dealing with one of those new-fangled high frame rate super cameras. Case in point? When you add a MG Midget, a serious amount of explosives and a 1,000 frame per second camera and you have some very compelling YouTube footage.

Hit the jump to look on as Speed TV's Stuntbusters lay waste to what looks like a rather tired (and likely non-running) MG. There is nothing but really slow demolition and some Mary Lou Retton-style tumbling, but it's totally worth your 1:09.

Continue reading Watch a burning Midget flip at 1,000 frames-per-second

Watch a burning Midget flip at 1,000 frames-per-second originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000 fps cameracar explosionexplosionmgmg midgetmidgetslow motionspeedspeed tvstuntbustersvideoWed, 01 Feb 2012 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/2012-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/2012-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/2012-mazda-cx-9-grand-touring-awd-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aging Three-Row Still Light On Its Feet



All of the auto industry's big-time players are making large three-row crossovers these days, so the segment has become extremely competitive. With stalwarts like the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer at the top of the sales charts, how does a smaller automaker like Mazda compete? Two oft-repeated words: Zoom-Zoom.

The Mazda CX-9 checks the same boxes as its competition: a beefy V6 engine, seating for up to seven, available all-wheel drive and a bevy of technology optio­­ns. Those features are all part of the price of admission, but to make headway in this crowded field, that's not enough to cut it. On the market since 2007, we wanted to find out the 4,546-pound CX-9 still has the engineering mojo to dance to the head of the pack, so we grabbed the keys to a loaded Grand Touring AWD and headed for the floor.

Continue reading 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD [w/video]

2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda cx-9autoblog garagecrossovercx-9cx-9 reviewfeaturedmazdareviewreviewszoom-zoomMon, 30 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The Porsche 911 evolves]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/the-porsche-911-evolves/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/the-porsche-911-evolves/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/the-porsche-911-evolves/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 911

If we could summarize the Porsche 911 with just one word, it would be "evolution." For decades, Porsche has methodically improved its rear-engined sports car. The design changes are subtle, and power has risen steadily.

To illustrate this, Porsche made a video that plays off the 911's rich history. If you lie awake at night thinking about how great it would be to own a 911, hit the jump for some more inspiration.

Continue reading The Porsche 911 evolves

The Porsche 911 evolves originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911991evolutionporschevideoSat, 28 Jan 2012 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: This year's Cars.com Super Bowl commercial weirds us out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/this-years-cars-com-super-bowl-commercial-weirds-us-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/this-years-cars-com-super-bowl-commercial-weirds-us-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/this-years-cars-com-super-bowl-commercial-weirds-us-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cars.com Super Bowl ad - 2012

Remember when the dot-com ads started to flood the airwaves during the Super Bowl? The ads were almost always wacky, and half the time, we didn't even know what was being sold. Well, it's been a long time since the 1990s, and very few Internet-based companies are still hocking services during The Big Game.

Cars.com is one of the WiFi warriors that is still swinging for the fences, and some of their past work has been reasonably funny. Their 2012 ad is all about using Cars.com to gain confidence at the dealership, but we're not sure what to think about it. There is something about a man with a freaky second head that doesn't sit well with us, and we like it even less when noggin part deux is intentionally obnoxious. Seriously, we could do without the gyrating, it's creeping us out. Hit the jump to preview the 30-second ad for yourself.

Continue reading This year's Cars.com Super Bowl commercial weirds us out

This year's Cars.com Super Bowl commercial weirds us out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big gamecars.comcommercialnflsuper bowlsuper bowl adsuper bowl commercialtwo headsFri, 27 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/how-to-use-bentleys-continental-gt-like-a-lead-sled-dog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

joring bentley

The Swiss know a thing or two about skiing. Our neutral friends go downhill, cross-country and even joring. Yeah, we've never heard of "joring" before either, but it apparently involves slapping on a pair of skis and getting towed around by a horse or dog.

That doesn't sound like all that much fun to us, but if you replace the four-legged hauler with a Bentley Continental GT, we're inclined to change our tune. The good folks at Auto Express headed out to a joring track in Rougemont, Switzerland to try their skill with a 570 horsepower, four-wheel drive Continental GT, and they have video to prove it.

Hit the jump to watch exotic joring at 40 miles per hour.

Continue reading How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog

How to use Bentley's Continental GT like a lead sled dog originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bentley continental gtauto skiingbentleycar skiingcontinental gtjoringskiskiingvideoFri, 27 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Chrysler to hire 400-500 workers to build Dodge Dart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/chrysler-to-hire-400-500-workers-to-build-dodge-dart/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/chrysler-to-hire-400-500-workers-to-build-dodge-dart/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/chrysler-to-hire-400-500-workers-to-build-dodge-dart/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 dodge dart

The 2013 Dodge Dart looks like it could be a hit with car buyers, and job seekers near the automaker's Belvidere, Illinois plant can likely appreciate the new sedan as well. The Detroit Free Press reports that Chrysler is looking to staff up with 400 to 500 jobs to help move as many Dart variants as possible.

Team Pentastar is looking for part-time hourly and full-time temporary workers to fill those roles. We're guessing the United Auto Workers union isn't all that pleased with the choice of temp workers, but we're betting that most job-seekers will be happy to fill out an app anyway. Chrysler was considering moving the Belvidere facility to three shifts, but the automaker reportedly decided to stick with two very busy shifts, at least for now.

Chrysler to hire 400-500 workers to build Dodge Dart originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartbelviderebelvidere chryslerchryslerchrysler workersdartdodgehiringillinoisuawunionThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2 z models crash

Back on Thanksgiving Day of 2011, we saw what happens when a C5 Chevrolet Corvette goes head-to-head on public roads against a C6 Vette - the older Vette spears into the passenger-side door of the newer Vette. The video was our most popular post of 2011, so we know that well over a million viewers saw the ill-advised drag race. We think that video illustrated that racing on public roads was a bad idea, but sometimes, accidents happen even without a race.

Hit the jump to see what happens when a pair of tuned-out Nissan 350Z models do their best impression of the Thanksgiving Day Melee. The YouTube page claims that the two cars were actually traveling at the speed limit (read: not racing) as part of a caravan of Z models, when the black, supercharged Z coupe tapped its throttle and lost control, veering into the passing lane and right into the path of a Z roadster.

Still, the collision looks like déjà vu all over again, except the quick video is better this time and we actually hear the impact and see the parts flying all over the freeway. The accident reportedly didn't result in any serious injuries.

Continue reading First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage

First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>350z350z roadster370zaccident videocorvettenissannissan zvettevideoz roadsterWed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Memo says Bush administration almost pushed GM and Chrysler into earlier bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/memo-says-bush-administration-almost-pushed-gm-and-chrysler-into/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

George Bush with Bob Nardelli of Chrysler

2008 was one crazy, almost surreal year. It was the year when the economy took a nosedive, and the U.S. auto industry nearly ceased to exist. One of the last major decisions former President Bush made before he left office was to give Chrysler and General Motors a combined $17.4 billion to keep their doors open.

That money held over the two automakers for a few months, but The Detroit News reports that the Bush administration almost took a different tack. The New Yorker published a 57-page economic memo that was written by economist Larry Summers to President Elect Obama. The memo claims that President Bush was noodling an earlier bankruptcy for the automakers, backed by up to $100 billion in government financing.

By instead forwarding GM and Chrysler a bridge loan, Bush (pictured here with former Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli) effectively prolonged the inevitable and pushed the tough decision on to the next administration. But that could have been the best possible action to take - Summers was reportedly of the opinion that pushing the automakers through bankruptcy too early could have severely damaged the entire U.S. auto industry - not just at Chrysler and GM.

In the end, Chrysler entered bankruptcy in April, followed by GM in June. Chrysler no longer owes the federal government any money, though Uncle Sam still owns 26.5 percent of The General. As a result of the Bush administration's choices, the Obama administration is the one that gets the blame and credit (depending on your political viewpoint) for shepherding the two automakers through bankruptcy.

Memo says Bush administration almost pushed GM and Chrysler into earlier bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto bailoutbailoutbankruptcybushchryslerchrysler bankruptcygeneral motorsgeorge bushgmgm bankruptcylarry summersobamaTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-activee-enrollment-process-now-open-in-test-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

bmw activee

It isn't every day that BMW offers an electric vehicle, but the ActiveE is just that. The German luxury car maker is now accepting applications for 700 ActiveE "Electronauts" in the test markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

The hand-raisers will need to complete a charging station consultation with BMW Partner AeroVironment to make sure the house of the perspective lessee can handle a charger. The meeting will also serve as a teaching session to make sure the user understands the charging and maintenance of an electric vehicle.

Once the perspective lessee meets those criteria, they will be given the opportunity to lease the
4,000-pound, electrified 1 Series Coupe for 24 months at $499 per month, plus $2,250 down. Hit the jump to look over the BMW press release, and head over to BMWActivateTheFuture.com if you're interested in learning more about the ActiveE.

Continue reading BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets

BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series ev1-seriesactive eactiveebmwbmw activeebmw evbmw ielectricEVMon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Nissan raises GT-R base price to $96,820 for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nissan-raises-gt-r-base-price-again-this-time-to-96-820/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nissan-raises-gt-r-base-price-again-this-time-to-96-820/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nissan-raises-gt-r-base-price-again-this-time-to-96-820/#commentsFiled under: , ,

nissan gt-r

Enthusiasts looking to purchase a Nissan GT-R will need to dig deeper. Nissan has announced pricing for the 2013 model, which starts at $96,820, nearly $7,000 more than the 2012 car.

You may remember that the 2008 GT-R started under $70,000, so the sticker shock of a 38.6 percent price increase in six model years is not insignificant. That said, Nissan can counter that no supercar within $100,000 can touch the GT-R when it comes to performance bang for the buck.

Like we told you back in November, the 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 cranks out 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque for 2013, an increase of 15 hp and 15 lb-ft. The zero to 60 sprint takes a jaw-dropping 2.7 seconds, according to the automaker.

The GT-R Black Edition also returns with a starting MSRP of $106,320. It's mainly unchanged for 2013 save for a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler. Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release.

Continue reading Nissan raises GT-R base price to $96,820 for 2013

Nissan raises GT-R base price to $96,820 for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013545 horsepowerblack editiongt-rnissanpremiumpricingtwin-turboSat, 21 Jan 2012 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Super Bowl commercials are big business, with multimillion-dollar 30-second spots and productions that seem to get more costly and elaborate every year. General Motors bucked that trend by giving independent film makers the opportunity to make their own 60-second spot, with the winner having their ad played in front of an estimated 110 million viewers during The Big Game.

Long Island, New York resident Zach Borst is that winner, and his first place entry is available after the jump. Borst decided to show what would happen if a new graduate was given a brand-new Camaro convertible as a graduation present - except the grad is really getting a mini fridge. Sounds like a bit of a letdown to us, but Chevrolet marketing boss Joel Ewanick says the ad "clearly shows the passion that Chevrolet elicits."

Hit the jump to read the GM press release and stay to watch the minute-long video.

Continue reading GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad

GM chooses "Chevy Happy Grad" for Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet camarocamarocamaro convertiblechevroletcommercialewanickgmsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialssuperbowlvideozach borstFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2012 BMW 3 Series configurator powers up [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2012-bmw-3-series-configurator-powers-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2012-bmw-3-series-configurator-powers-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2012-bmw-3-series-configurator-powers-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW 3 Series configurator screencap

The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series is scheduled to hit U.S. BMW dealerships in February, which makes now a good time to option up our dream Bimmer. The 3 Series configurator reveals 15 different 3 Series models from which to choose, including coupe, convertible, sedan and Wagon variants, plus a choice of a four- and six-cylinder gas engines, along with a diesel model and available all-wheel drive. However, only the 328i and 335i rear-wheel-drive sedans are new 2012 models, while the coupes, diesel-powered 335d, any all-wheel-drive model and the M3 are all still based on the prior generation 3 Series and listed as 2011 models.

The all-new for 2012 328i Sedan starts out at $34,900 (plus $895 destination), but just a few options sends the MSRP skyward. Buyers can choose from the Luxury Line model ($2,100), Modern Line ($2,100) or Sport Line ($2,500), plus six option packages that offer everything from enhanced safety technology to an upgraded sound system.

Step up to the 335i Sedan and expect to pay $42,400 (plus $895 destination). The 335i also comes with the choice of Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury line, but the price tag for those trim levels falls to $1,700, $1,400 and $1,400, respectively. The diesel-powered 335d starts out at $44,150, and the 328i and 335i coupes (still based on the outgoing model generation) start at $38,700 and $45,100, respectively. Head over to the BMW website to price out a new 3 Series for yourself.

UPDATE: Clarification added about which 3 Series models are all new for the 2012 model year.

2012 BMW 3 Series configurator powers up [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw 3 series3 series3-series328i335d335i335isbmwm3Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST