Autoblog

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Audi A8 teaser - click above to watch the video after the jump

We still have a bit over a week until Audi officially pulls the wraps off its next-generation A8 flagship sedan in Miami. As a holdover, however, they have released a teaser video, and we've got it for you. The operative word here is tease. As usual, very little of the car is actually shown, although a variety of phrases are overlaid on the imagery which feature terms like "creativity," "aesthetics," and "art factory." From a couple of the images (including the one captured above), it appears that the new A8 will probably be more sculpted than previous models, and it will likely feature elements like the so-called "tornado line" used on the side of the A4 and A5.

As a brand headliner, the A8 will surely feature an "intensive abundance of research and ideas" such as the rumored touch pad interface with handwriting or gesture recognition for the controls. No doubt more details will be trickling out over the coming week, and we'll be on hand in Miami to give you the full details as the car is revealed. In the meantime, you can check out the video now by clicking past the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper - only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. - especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1 Series hybrid or diesel down the line.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi A8 to debut November 30th at Design Miami

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Audi

Audi pavilion at Design Miami - Click above for high res image gallery

Audi's centennial celebration is winding down, but the German brand isn't quite ready to switch off the lights. There's at least one more big model debut planned for its 100th anniversary, and in just over a week Audi will pull the sheets off the all-new 2011 Audi A8. Although the uber-sedan will take the stage at the LA Auto Show in two weeks, the world will get its first official look on the opposite coast at Design Miami.

Audi has erected a special temporary art museum for the design show, providing a backdrop for the unveiling of the brand's new flagship. According to Audi, the sedan will be surrounded by an exhibit from the Rubell Family collection called "Beg Borrow and Steal." There will also be an installation called the "Light Light" made of LEDs and aluminum -- a fitting tribute to the new A8's aluminum structure and LED lighting. So far, all we have is images of the Audi pavilion and a few teasers of the sedan, so stay tuned for more next week.

Gallery: Audi at Design Miami

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 to debut November 30th at Design Miami

2011 Audi A8 to debut November 30th at Design Miami originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Electric

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adding fuel to the rumormill fire, Autocar reports that a pure electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom could hit the streets within 12 months. Rolls' parent company, BMW, has been getting heavily involved in EVs and the Phantom would be an obvious choice to launch its new drivetrain considering the price premium already tacked onto the brand's offerings.

Since Phantom owners tend to be driven rather than drive and rarely use their luxo-barges for long road trips (that's what the jet is for), the decision to offer an EV Phantom makes sense on many levels. Given the size and mass of the Phantom, the bulk of the batteries wouldn't affect performance or comfort, and cost... well, that's not an issue when you're dealing with $300,000+ vehicles. In spite of that, Rolls-Royce may end up only leasing the initial batch of electric Phantoms in small numbers just as BMW has done with the MINI E.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series - due to launch in 2010 - will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, BMW

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

For your hard-earned $89,725, you can have your pick of V8-powered BMW X6s. That substantial pile of dosh will secure you the keys to the Bavarian automaker's monster 555-horsepower X6 M or its new X6 ActiveHybrid. Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz which has opted to make its ML450 hybrid available exclusive by lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 outright to all comers, whoever they may be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although we suspect the folks at BMW Individual will be only too happy to customize one to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the gas-electric version of Bimmer's so-called "Sport Activity Coupe," we only saw 16 mpg in a test loop that consisted primarily of Miami traffic, a bit shy of official 17/19 mpg EPA estimates. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, and with its still-considerable appetite for fuel, we have hard time seeing the value in ponying up nearly $90k for this vehicle - especially when you can get the giggle-inducing lunacy that is the X6 M for equal coin.

Of course, a flawed value equation hasn't stopped many other vehicles we know from selling - especially ones sporting a green halo - but we'll find out if BMW has played their cards right when the X6 ActiveHybrid goes on sale beginning December 5. High-res gallery below, official press release with option pricing after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

[Source: BMW]
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the introduction of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW has filled a previously unimagined niche and elicited plenty of controversy in the process. Regardless, the first GT to go on sale in the US is the V8-powered 550i and the cost of entry has been set at $64,725. However, in traditional German fashion, the tariff can grow rapidly with the judicious use of the option sheet. Here are couple of examples: opting for the duo of rear "sport seats" and sacrificing one of the rear seating positions will add $3,950 to the bottom line, while the sport package adds another $4,200. If you tick every box available, you're in for over $96,000.

The 550i GT goes on sale in the States on December 5 with the 400 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo six-cylinder 535i GT joins the party later but BMW has not yet committed to selling the diesel powered 535d Gran Turismo in the US. Make the jump for the full press release and options list.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725

BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R - click above for high-res image gallery

Over its nearly half-century of its existence, the Porsche 911 seems to have spawned nearly as many racing variants as production models. The newest one announced is the 911 GT3 R, which, as the name implies, is targeted at GT3 class racing worldwide. The GT3 R is the followup to the GT3 Cup S model and just as with its road cars, Porsche has aimed to make the new racer both faster and easier to drive.

The GT3 R is derived from the most recent Cup car that was launched in September. It uses a larger normally aspirated 4.0-liter version of the classic flat-six that cranks out 480 horsepower. Like other road racing 911s, this one is rear-wheel drive only and uses a six-speed gearbox. The GT3 will be shown publicly in January at the Birmingham Motor Show in the UK before deliveries to teams start next spring. Since we can't afford one, we're hoping to see a few of these in the ALMS' new GT Challenge class next season. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R

Another day, another racing 911: Introducing the Porsche GT3 R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Jim Kenzie of the Toronto Star tries out the U3-X - click above for high res-image gallery

When we visited Honda's headquarters last month after the Tokyo Motor Show, we asked company officials what they would be showing at upcoming auto shows. As you might have guessed, they were reticent to provide specific answers. What we were told, however, is that they would be following last year's pattern of showing an advanced concept in Los Angeles and then a new production model in Detroit. The Detroit is broadly expected to be the final production version of the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe.

Today, Honda did provide a hint of what the LA concept will be, although they provided no images. The Personal-Neo Urban Transport or P-NUT is some kind of very small coupe. Based on the very brief description Honda has provided, it sounds like Honda's take on what General Motors tried to do with the Segway-based Puma concept shown in New York earlier this year. The idea is to provide increased personal mobility in crowded urban environments without resorting to actual cars.

Presumably, the P-NUT will be somewhat larger than the U3-X unicycle we saw in Tokyo, although we wouldn't be surprised to see Honda incorporate the novel Omni-traction drive wheel that can go in any direction.

Gallery: Honda mobility devices

Continue reading LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept

LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Videos, Toyota, Off-Road

2010 Euro-market Toyota Land Cruiser - click above for high-res image gallery

Back before SUVs became all the rage, for decades, Toyota built a bruiser of a truck called Land Cruiser. Like its counterparts from America and the UK, the Jeep CJ/Wrangler and the Land Rover Range Rover, the Land Cruiser has always delivered the biscuits for the world's hardcore off-roaders. Unwilling to give up its stranglehold as one of the world's best partners in inhospitable climates, Toyota has just launched the latest iteration of its standard Land Cruiser in Europe, and it is an altogether different (and somewhat smaller) creature than the V8 model we get here in North America.

While the Land Cruiser has gotten significantly more luxurious and upwardly mobile in recent generations, Toyota has retained its off-road capability, and that appears to remain the case here. Power for the Euro Cruiser comes from a 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that cranks out 171 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. The body-on-frame Land Cruiser has 32- and 24-degree approach and departure angles, 8.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to wade through 27.6 inches of water. Active roll management and active traction control allow the driver to get over and around the boulders while front and side view cameras allow the driver to see where they are. Unfortunately for the dedicated rock crawlers among us, we will likely never see this Land Cruiser on our continent - at least with a Toyota badge on it. If you're still interested, however, you can check out a video of the spanking new 'Yota getting dirty after the jump along with a full press release.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO]

Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda

2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has finally made it official this morning: it will be bringing its B-segment Mazda2 to the North American market late next year. As you are likely aware, the current generation Mazda2 has been sale in Europe and elsewhere for two years, but we'll be seeing it here for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a couple of weeks. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta which will also make its U.S. production-spec debut at the West Coast show.

Mazda hasn't revealed any other details yet about powertrains or where the car will be sourced from. We expect a 1.6-liter four-cylinder to will be the primary engine. Judging by the teaser shot they released above, we can certainly expect to see the car at least in five-door hatchback form, but given that this is sedan-loving America, we would also expect a four-door with a trunk to show up in Mazda stores, although perhaps not at the LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen

Volkswagn Amarok pickup - click above to enlarge

Two months from now, Volkswagen will be expanding its involvement in the annual Dakar Rally in South America. Just as they did last January, factory-backed teams will be competing in the 5.600 mile race through Argentina and Chile. However, this time, those outfits will be fielding four race Touaregs rather than two.

Perhaps more interesting is official word that VW's new Amarok pickup truck will be the official support truck of the for the entire rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has struck a deal with the race organizers, and as a result, the specially outfitted Amaroks will travel the same route as the competitors carrying media, checking out route conditions, and carrying VW crews and race organizers. The Amarok will be built by VW in Argentina starting in 2010, but the automaker has repeatedly said the truck won't be offered in the U.S. market. Learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Our completed LS9 V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you think of brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and AMG, the idea of their engines being built by the hands of skilled craftsmen is no great surprise. However, most people would be very surprised to learn that General Motors has its own special facility dedicated to building its highest performaning engine by hand.

The GM Performance Build Center is located in a nondescript industrial park in in Wixom, MI, not far from the company's Milford Proving Ground. The PBC is a 100,000-square foot factory that opened in 2005 and has since produced both the supercharged Northstar V8 that was used in the Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, as well as the dry-sump small-block V8 used in the Corvette Z06 and ZR1. The most recent addition to the lineup is the dry-sump LS3 used in the new manual transmission Grand Sport. We were invited by GM to tour the facility and even build one a monster LS9 that would eventually wind up in someone's ZR1.

Gallery: Building an LS9 V8 at the GM Performance Build Center

Continue reading Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hyundai

testing Hyundai's Theta II DGI engine - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the swoopy new 2011 Sonata goes into production at Hyundai's plant in Alabama early next year, it won't offer a V6 engine anymore, but it will get the company's first ever direct-injected engine. This week in South Korea, Hyundai took the wraps off its 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four-cylinder. Like similar engines from other automakers, Hyundai's engineers have taken advantage of the charge cooling effect of direct injection by boosting the compression ratio to 11.3:1. As a result the engine produces 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm in Korean spec.

The direct injection system is setup to use a two-pulse strategy similar to modern common rail diesels. The initial smaller pulse is ignited by the spark plug and then followed by a second larger pulse as the piston begins its downward stroke. GM uses a similar strategy for its 2.4-liter DI Ecotec because it helps warm the engine faster, heating the catalytic converter and reducing emissions. The GDI Theta II produces from 7-12 percent more torque across its rev range than the port-injected version of the same engine. Efficiency should also improve by about 10 percent although the final certification figures aren't complete yet. The Theta II also gets continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts to round out its high tech upgrades. In addition to the regular Sonata sedan, this engine will likely also be used for the new Sonata hybrid when it debuts late in 2010.

Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L direct injected Theta II

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata

Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style, Electric, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As of this morning, Chevrolet is moving into the final stage of its Volt color naming contest. The company has picked three finalists from among the names submitted by 13,000 people over the last two weeks. Starting this morning, you can cast your vote for which of the finalists will win the contest. The silver paint with a pale green tint will be one of the launch colors for the Volt when it goes on sale next November.

The three finalists are "EV-ergreen" submitted by Devin McQuarrie, San Jose, CA; "Viridian Joule" submitted by Dave Thomas, of Sanford, FL; and "environMINT" entered by Matthew Valbuena, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Visitors on the http://www.chevroletvoltage.com site can vote for their choice and all three finalists will be brought to Los Angeles on December 1 where the winner will be announced. Immediately following the announcement, the winner will get to take a test drive in one of the pre-production Volts, the first outsider to do so. General Motors is limiting votes to one per person per IP address over the next two weeks, so make yours count. Not sure which to vote for? Ponder the issue while checking out GM's official video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]

Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz buys 75% stake in Brawn GP, rebrands

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz

Brawn Grand Prix officially announced this morning that Daimler AG and Aabar Investments PJSC has bought a 75-percent stake in the team that won the world championship in its first year of existence. The team run by ex-Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn was born just under a year ago out of the ashes of the former Honda F1 team after that automaker pulled out of the sport. With Brawn taking over the reigns, the team secured a supply of engines from Mercedes and went on to win numerous races in 2009 along with both the constructors and drivers world championship for driver Jenson Button.

Rumors of Mercedes expanding its involvement with the Brawn team have been ongoing throughout most of the season. The Stuttgart automaker has been gradually pulling away from the McLaren team following the scandals of recent years and end of the SLR road car program. The McLaren Group will buy back the 40-percent stake in itself that Daimler currently holds by the end of 2011. The deal leaves the door open for Mercedes to continue supplying engines to McLaren through 2015. However, there has been speculation about McLaren attempting to buy the former BMW F1 engine shop to build its own powerplants.

The Brawn team will now be known as Mercedes Grand Prix and Ross Brawn will continue as the team principal. Thanks to Peter and Oliver for the tips!

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, Brawn GP]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz buys 75% stake in Brawn GP, rebrands

Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz buys 75% stake in Brawn GP, rebrands originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic not for sale, lease only

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

This week brings the official launch of the first European-branded vehicle equipped with the two-mode hybrid system that was co-developed between General Motors, Daimler, BMW and Chrysler. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 edges out the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid in getting to showrooms but it actually shares much with the BMW. Mercedes is building the re-packaged two-mode transmission that is being installed in both vehicles. And while the vehicles bear German nameplates, both are actually built in the southeastern United States.

Unlike the BMW, Mercedes has tuned the ML for improved fuel efficiency compared to its conventionally-powered siblings. While the BMW uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 to achieve 17/19 mpg ratings. The ML450 instead uses an Atkinson cycle version of Mercedes 3.5-liter V6 to achieve up to 335 hp and 381 pound-feet of torque in combination with the electric motors. The result is a boost in mileage compared to the V8 ML550 to 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That compares with the ML350 Bluetec diesel which is rated at 18/25 mpg.

Interestingly, Mercedes has actually opted not to sell the ML450, instead offering it only for lease for either 36 or 60 months at $659 or $549 per month, respectively. According to Mercedes USA spokesman Rob Moran, "We are offering this vehicle as lease only due to a limited supply of batteries available. We felt a lease only program offered the best option for customers."

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic not for sale, lease only

Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid 4Matic not for sale, lease only originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Auctions, Hatchback

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have been waiting patiently nearly three years now for the first extended-range electric vehicle to debut. One Columbus, Ohio area Chevrolet dealer is looking to take advantage of this eagerness by posting an auction on eBay Motors for its allocation of Volts. Jack Maxton Chevrolet is now taking deposits on the Volt a full year before the first production models are scheduled to roll off an assembly line in Detroit.

There are clearly problems with this. The current bid is at $1,525 but it's not clear from the listing just what the winning bidder will get. It could be the first position in line, if and when Maxton gets some Volts, but we can't say for sure.

Notice we said if Maxton gets the Volt. We checked with Volt spokesman David Darovitz at General Motors who told us that it's not certain that every Chevy dealer will get the Volt: "They must first go through a rigorous certification process" to ensure that they are ready to sell and service the electrically-driven compact and its battery. Darovitz also tells us, "Dealers have not been selected" at this time, and that includes Maxton Chevrolet. You might want to keep that in mind before placing your bid. Remember, patience is a virtue. Thanks to Nat for the tip!

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: eBay Motors]

Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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