Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Subaru Exiga heading to production, teaser leaks out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Exiga.

We received word from a little birdie last week that Subaru was gearing up to release its brand-new Exiga into journalist's hands in Japan. Coincidentally (or not), a teaser shot of Subaru's new pseudo-CUV popped up on the NASIOC forum over the weekend and it's clear from the darkened profile that many of the elements from the show car have migrated over to the production model.

The Exiga, which appeared at last year's Tokyo Motor Show as a lightly veiled concept, will likely form the basis for the new Outback, slotting in between the Legacy and the Tribeca CUV. However, it's doubtful that when the Exiga (or Outback) makes the trek across the Pacific it will be sporting seven full seats. Its closest competitor here in the States is the forthcoming Toyota Venza, which aims to define a new segment between wagon and crossover, but in reality, both vehicles own their inspiration to the AMC Eagle, the original wagon on stilts.

Gallery: Subaru Exiga Concept


[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

 

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]]>breakingcrossovercuvexigasubarusubaru exigaSubaruExigasuvtoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenza2008-05-12T13:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Kia Soul definitely headed for the U.S and China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/report-kia-soul-definitely-headed-for-the-u-s-and-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/report-kia-soul-definitely-headed-for-the-u-s-and-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/report-kia-soul-definitely-headed-for-the-u-s-and-china/#commentsFiled under: ,



While it could be argued that Volkswagen was really the company that started the box-that-it-came-in styling trend with its old vans, vehicles like the Honda Element and Scion xB made it popular again. Besides being a rolling fashion statement, this shape of vehicle also happens to be extremely practical and allows for much more interior space than more streamlined bodywork, so we're happy to hear that Kia is planning on offering its upcoming Soul small car in the U.S. in addition to the Chinese market. We have seen what appears to be production-ready pictures of the vehicle already, and the production Soul should retain most of what we've seen in the concepts, minus the crazy paint jobs. The Soul is certainly a bold step for Kia, which has so far erred on the safe side when it comes to vehicle styling. Automotive News reports that the front-wheel-drive Soul will be equipped with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and should arrive in both China and the States next March. Hopefully a production version of the KOUP Concept will be right on its tail.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

 

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]]>kiakia soulkia soul uskia-soulkia-soul-usKiaSoulKiaSoulUs2008-05-12T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When the current GMT900 SUVs hit the market in 2006, gas prices were already near $3.00 per gallon, but the super-sized transports sold in prodigious numbers anyway. The reasoning from the General and its customers was that there were still people with big boats or trailers to tow, and unibody CUVs just aren't up to the task. In the two years that followed, gas prices have gone from pesky to pandemic, and buyers are leaving their body-on-frame SUVs by the thousands.

The General isn't blind to the trend, and a report from Bloomberg says that GM may be ready to take the drastic step of separating the platforms of its trucks and full-size SUVs by 2012. The move is extreme because SUVs and trucks have saved development time and money by sharing a platform for many decades, but with such a dramatic shift away from the handy but fuel-thirsty rigs, GM has little choice but to think of alternatives. A unibody Tahoe or Escalade wouldn't be able to tow quite like its predecessor, but they would be lighter and have better fuel economy.

Our first thought was that GM already has eight-passenger unibody CUVs like the Enclave, Acadia, Outlook and upcoming Traverse, but without more utilitarian SUVs like the Tahoe, there should be room for a more purpose-built CUV in the lineup. While this news isn't exactly earth-shattering, we're thinking it very accurately illustrates just how fast these times they are-a-changing, and how far automakers will go to stay viable. Thanks for the tip, Fro!

[Source: Bloomberg]

 

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]]>fuel economyFuelEconomyGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSUVTrucks2008-05-09T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Baby Cayenne spy shots

Porsche almost slid a fast one by spy photographers recently when it began testing a new baby Cayenne SUV prototype at the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany. The thing looks for all the world like an actual Cayenne SUV, but photographers first noticed its diminutive proportions, then its sharply raked D-pillar, and then the different cut lines around its door. Soon it became apparent that this was no Cayenne, but rather a prototype for a new, smaller Porsche SUV that's likely based on the upcoming Audi Q5. Like most people, we've always thought the idea of a Porsche SUV is kind of silly, but make it smaller and lighter and we get commensurately more interested. Click after the jump for more analysis from the spy photographers themselves.

Gallery: Porsche Baby Cayenne - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!

 

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]]>baby cayenneBabyCayennebreakingporsche baby cayennePorscheBabyCayennespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-05-08T11:53:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota halts 2008 Highlander sales as part of recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Slightly more than 90,000 Toyota Highlanders are being recalled for a seatbelt problem in the third row. The recalled crossovers are all 2008 models built between May of 2007 and March of this year. The stock belts could prevent secure mounting of a rear-facing child seat in the third row, and dealers will install a redesigned part on affected Highlanders. The problem with the third row belts hasn't spawned any complaints or injuries, and owners will be notified starting in June. Still, Toyota has put the brakes on Highlander sales until current stock is retrofitted and assembly lines are resupplied with the new part.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport


[Source: AP via WCVB]

 

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]]>highlander recallhighlander seatbeltHighlanderRecallHighlanderSeatbeltseatbelt recallSeatbeltRecalltoyota highlandertoyota highlander hy...toyota highlander recalltoyota highlanderstoyota recalltoyota seatbelttoyota seatbelt recallToyotaHighlanderToyotaHighlanderHy...ToyotaHighlanderRecallToyotaHighlandersToyotaRecallToyotaSeatbeltToyotaSeatbeltRecall2008-05-03T10:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Design students envision a modern Model-T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/design-students-envision-a-modern-model-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/design-students-envision-a-modern-model-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/design-students-envision-a-modern-model-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Photo: KEVIN A. WILSON, Autoweek

Recently, Ford Motor Company sponsored a contest with the goal of modernizing the iconic Model T, a car which revolutionized motorized transportation the world over. The winner of the competition, a 24-year-old junior at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit named Dong Trang, came up with an electric crossover of sorts. That's fitting, according to Peter Horbury, head of design for Ford in the Americas, because Henry Ford's original Model T sat high off the ground and had a modular design, capable of hauling people and their stuff at the same time.

What the modern-day designs don't share with their forebear is retro looks. Each of the modern T adaptations features fairly sleek styling and alternative power that goes along with our modern-day energy and emissions problems.

Trang's design is rather unique, featuring solar panels on the vehicle along with an energy-capturing suspension design that would help recharge the on-board batteries. Those batteries are also removable to provide power outside the vehicle. The seating arrangement is modular, allowing for up to four occupants or offering increased storage capacity. The rear hatch is also capable of folding away to offer a small pickup bed. Click past the break for some videos of Trang talking about his design.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Autoweek]

Continue reading Design students envision a modern Model-T

 

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]]>dong trangdong-trangDongTrangelectric model telectric-model-tElectricModelTfordford model tford-model-tFordModelTmodel tmodel-tModelTmodern model tmodern-model-tModernModelT2008-05-02T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Infiniti wants a 1-series competitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Infiniti is gearing up for its entrance into Europe, but something's missing from its lineup: a small car. With BMW's 1-series being a popular choice for badge-obsessed consumers abroad, Infiniti needs something similar to solidify its place in the luxury hierarchy, but what form it will take is unclear.

According to Autocar, Infiniti insiders are planning to unleash something that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, but unnamed sources at Infiniti are quick to point out that the shape will be something entirely different than what's currently being offered by its competitors. The two options, according to Autocar, include a smaller crossover that would slot in below the EX35 or a hardtop convertible. Whatever it looks like, expect the new B-class Infiniti to be revealed sometime in 2010.

[Source: Autocar via JustAuto - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>1-seriesa3audibmweuropeinfiniti2008-05-01T14:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2 concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the X-by-Wire EA2 Concept

Nissan showed off a drive-by-wire concept that wasn't about touting the technology itself, but the space and features you could get back because of it. By fitting a steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and shift-by-wire systems, 11 centimeters of extra space was added to the cabin which allowed for a third row of seats in the rear of this Murano-based concept. The room came from pushing the wheels out to the far corners, which could be safely done without sacrificing vehicle dynamics due to the lack of mechanical linkages.

The small, race-style steering wheel needs less turning input, and the column can be tilted up completely out of the way. The center tunnel has become a beautifully finished control panel that gently arcs up to greet the driver. When you don't need it, it can also be folded back over itself creating even more space in the front area. When I did, the swath of empty space between the front seats was so inviting I almost wanted to take a nap.

The Nissan R&D engineer with the vehicle said that there were no plans to put the technology into any products right now. But it is being studied, especially one of the main issues -- as with all drive-by-wire systems -- the implementation of redundant systems.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the EA2 concept and all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>brake by wireBrakeByWiredrive by wireDriveByWireea2 conceptEa2Conceptnissannissan 360nissan ea2 conceptnissan muranoNissan360NissanEa2ConceptNissanMuranoshift by wireShiftByWiresteer by wireSteerByWire2008-04-30T10:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Qashqai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-qashqai/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-qashqai/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-qashqai/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Qashqai is a European-designed, Japan- and Euro-market crossover. We didn't drive the gasoline version, but the diesel is doable, if a little slow off the line, and the steering is pretty crisp for a CUV. The Qashqai +2 adds a third row... but there really isn't a lot of room back there, only suitable for new additions to the family. In a theme among all of the Nissan vehicles we drove today, the interior is quite pleasant. As ever, the Euros get mid-range vehicles with some really nice fit and finish. The leather in the diesel was especially nice, if a little puffy. The center console pleases the eye at a glance, but when you look closely at it you realize there are enough buttons and glyphs for a Sikorsky helicopter. It really takes scrutiny to decipher, and you don't want to do it while you're driving. But the panorama roof? Magnificent.

You can head over to the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the vehicles. But first, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Qashqai



Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.


 

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]]>nissannissan 360nissan qashqainissan qashqai 2Nissan360NissanQashqaiNissanQashqai2qashqaiqashqai 2Qashqai22008-04-29T18:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/bmw-x6-ad-campaign-pitches-to-wall-street-with-hologram-tours/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X6.

BMW is marketing the X6 as an entirely new class of vehicle. As such, it's trying to catch people's attention in a revolutionary way. Utilizing hologram technology developed by the Dutch advertising firm, viZoo, a ten-foot long light-controlled area, the system will display a three-dimensional, interactive image of the X6 at four different locations in New York between April 21st and May 16th. The system is manipulated through a touch-screen mounted outside the display and allows participants to view the X6 from a variety of angles, check out the interior and get a run-down on the vehicle's stats. Unfortunately, BMW hasn't released any images or video of the X6 hologram in action, but you can read up on all the details in the press release posted below the fold.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW X6


Gallery: BMW X6



[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours

 

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]]>bmwbmw x6 hologramBmwX6Hologramhologramx62008-04-28T17:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the new Nissan Qashqai ad.

After Nissan scored creative points with its last Qashqai spot showing the 'lil CUV taking to the half pipe and performing skateboard stunts that would make Rodney Mullen's head spin, its now released a new campaign that involves - God help us - a driving dog, a Thai musical stunt team and a flaming hoop. The ad is part of Nissan's newest viral campaign that will highlight four amateur performance groups - the first from Thailand, followed by teams of Flemish, Polish and African descent - on the blog.spannerleague.com website. Look for new videos to pop up each month, but without further ado, hit the jump to watch man's best friend risk life and four limbs along with his band of (obviously fake) Thai musicians.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand

 

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]]>dogflaming hoopFlamingHoopnissannissan qashqaiNissanQashqaiqashqaiviral adViralAd2008-04-28T15:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti FX

It's confession-time: I've got a fetish for multi-purpose vehicles. No, I've never been a fan of SUVs. And no, the recent spate of crossovers has left me scratching my head (give me a wagon or give me death!). But what I am interested in are vehicles that can exhilarate on-road while holding their own off-road. It's that same allure that had me pressed against the window of a Subaru dealership at midnight to fantasize about the 2.5RS ten years ago; the reason that I can't wait to drive the BMW X6; and the reason I find myself in San Diego, once again, to spend some quality time with the 2009 Infiniti FX.

Gallery: First Drive: Infiniti FX


All photos (C) 2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX

 

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]]>2009 infiniti fx2009 infiniti fx road test2009 infiniti fx test drive2009 infiniti fx35 test drive2009 infiniti fx50 road test2009InfinitiFx2009InfinitiFx35TestDrive2009InfinitiFx50RoadTest2009InfinitiFxRoadTest2009InfinitiFxTestDrivefeaturedfxinfiniti2008-04-23T00:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/road-race-motorsports-releasing-turbo-kit-for-suzuki-sx4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery fo the Suzuki SX4t.

When Suzuki launched the SX4, we couldn't help thinking that the oddly shaped hatch had some aftermarket potential. Suzuki seemed to think the same thing and tapped Road Race Motorsports, the renowned SoCal tuning firm, to create a one-off concept for the Chicago Auto Show. Road Race decided that it could do better than just some wheels, brakes, a body kit and a few engine mods, so its created the SX4t, a turbocharged version of the all-wheel-drive hatch that could mark the beginning of Suzuki's ascendancy into the aftermarket.

Road Race fitted a Mitsubishi 16G GT3 turbocharger onto the 2.0-liter four-pot, which delivers seven pounds of boost and increases output to 221 hp and 208 lb.-ft. of torque, a substantial bump over the stock mill's 143 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Suzuki, that should drop 0-60 times to under seven seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual.

More impressive, however, is that Suzuki is giving Road Race its blessing and that could mean that the turbo upgrade, along with plenty of other go-fast bits, could be available from your local Suzuki dealership. The cost of the turbo kit, with all the necessary plumbing, will come in at relatively steep $5,400 when it goes on sale this June. Suzuki estimates that the installation would run between $1,100 and $1,200 at the dealership, but wouldn't say if fitting the kit would affect the seven-year/100,000 factory warranty on the powertrain. While dropping close to $10-grand on an SX4 for wheels, brakes and engine mods might be a tough pill to swallow, it will have to suffice for Suzuki enthusiasts hoping that the automaker would release a rally-inspired SX4.

Hit the jump for the full press release from Suzuki.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4t

Continue reading Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports

 

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]]>road race engineeringroad race motorsportsroad race motorsports sx4tRoadRaceEngineeringRoadRaceMotorsportsRoadRaceMotorsportsSx4tsuzukisuzuki sx4tSuzukiSx4tsx4sx4t2008-04-22T18:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[10,000 names submitted for Pontiac G8 Sport Truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/10-000-names-submitted-for-pontiac-g8-sport-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/10-000-names-submitted-for-pontiac-g8-sport-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/10-000-names-submitted-for-pontiac-g8-sport-truck/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to view the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck in high resolution

10,000. That's not a sticker price and it's not a production number. It's the number of submissions General Motors received for naming the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. The contest opened up just a month ago, following Pontiac's unveiling of the concept car-ute at the New York Auto Show.

Granted, many of the names will be duplicates. And many of the names will be completely unusable, whether they're owned by other companies or just plain inappropriate. It'll take Pontiac a good long while to sift through them all, and while the carmaker won't reveal what names were submitted or which of them are being considered, a spokesman for the GM division did confirm El Camino was one of them, although it remains to be seen if GM can or will use a defunct Chevy name on a Pontiac vehicle. Meanwhile, although the public voice will be taken into consideration, Pontiac is safeguarding itself against an Alfa MiTo-type backtracking by noting that, in the end, the company's marketing gurus will have the last say.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck - Live Reveal

[Source: KickingTires]

 

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]]>name contest pontiacNameContestPontiacnaming contestNamingContestpontiac el caminopontiac g8pontiac g8 sport truckPontiacElCaminoPontiacG8PontiacG8SportTrucksport truckSportTruck2008-04-22T09:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[2009 BMW X6 gets some preliminary EPA numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/2009-bmw-x6-gets-some-preliminary-epa-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/2009-bmw-x6-gets-some-preliminary-epa-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/2009-bmw-x6-gets-some-preliminary-epa-numbers/#commentsFiled under: ,



When we had our First Drive in BMW's new X6 Sport Activity Coupe, we didn't get the opportunity to really measure fuel consumption, since the vehicles were gassed-up when we got behind the wheel and were then refuelled during our lunch break. A glance at the on-board computer of the '35i we drove on the long route through the mountains indicated about 13.5 mpg which is nothing to write home about. The other day, BMW sent us the preliminary EPA numbers for the X6 which came in at 15/20/17mpg city/highway/combined for the turbo six cylinder model. The 404hp turbo V-8 completed the test cycles with ratings of 13/18/15mpg. When the two-mode hybrid version of the version of the X6 debuts in 2009, it will be combined only with the V-8 engine. With an expected 25 percent improvement overall, the X6 hybrid should hit about 18-19mpg combined.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW X6


[Source: BMW]

 

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]]>bmwbmw x6bmw-x6BmwX6fuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel-efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencymileage2008-04-21T09:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[HongQi announces new photochopped Lincoln MKT crossover!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/hongqi-announces-new-photochopped-lincoln-mkt-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/hongqi-announces-new-photochopped-lincoln-mkt-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/hongqi-announces-new-photochopped-lincoln-mkt-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,



How brazen can you get? At least most of the Chinese auto-cloners automakers create their own renderings of the cars they are copying. HongQi, a "premium" brand produced by First Auto Works in China simply grabbed a couple of press shots of the Lincoln MKT concept from the Ford Media site and starting 'chopping. Regardless of what you might think of Lincoln's new styling direction (generally, we like it), the Chinese version is not easy on the eyes. You would think with three months to work on it since the Lincoln pics appeared they could find someone to do a more professional-looking job. The question is, will FAW get their version on the road before the production version of the MKT lands at Lincoln dealers in 2009?

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT Concept - Live Reveal


Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept


[Source: China Car Times]

 

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]]>chinachina mobileChinaMobilechinesechinese carchinese clonesChineseCarChineseClonesfawfirst auto worksfirst-automobile-worksFirstAutoWorkshongqilincoln-mktlincoln-mkt-clone2008-04-19T17:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Beijing 2008: Officially Official - It's the 2009 Audi Q5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/beijing-motor-show-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/beijing-motor-show-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/beijing-motor-show-officially-official/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

For months now we've seen spy photos and heard speculation about Audi's new Q5 CUV. Now, we finally have the official news on the latest entry from Ingolstadt. Unlike its big brother the Q7, the Q5 doesn't share an architecture with a VW model. The Q5 utilizes the same underpinnings as the A5 coupe and A4 sedan/wagon. That means the Q5 has a longitudinally mounted engine rather than the transverse powerplant found in the smaller VW Tiguan.

While we were in Germany to drive the new A4, Audi invited us into their design center in Ingolstadt to check out their new virtual reality design system and have a look at the Q5 in the metal, prior to its official coming out party in Beijing. Compared to the Q7, the Q5 looks substantially more compact than its hefty sibling and is much tidier design overall, keeping with Audi's current pretensions of being a premium sporting brand. In fact the Q5 falls right in the heart of the premium mid-size CUV segment. Learn more about the Q5 design after the jump

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Beijing 2008: Officially Official - It's the 2009 Audi Q5

 

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]]>2009 Audi Q52009AudiQ5audiaudi q5audi-q5AudiQ5auto chinaauto china 2008AutoChinaAutoChina2008beijingbeijing 2008beijing motor showbeijing2008beijingmotorshowbreakingq5q5 3.2 quattroQ53.2Quattroq5debut2008-04-19T07:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi Q5 to be built in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/audi-q5-to-be-built-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro.

We're less than 12 hours away from seeing the Audi Q5 officially revealed at the Auto China Show in Beijing, and according to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Audi's new cute 'ute will be assembled in Changchun, in northern China. The German rag cited unspecified China-based sources for the information, but Audi isn't answering any questions ahead of the reveal tomorrow. The Q5 is due to hit dealers in Europe later this summer and sales are expected to begin in the States towards the beginning of next year. It's likely we'll hear about Audi's production plans for the Q5 during tomorrow's press conference and you can watch the reveal live on Audi's online media site.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe quattro


Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>audiaudi q5audi q5 auto chinaAudiQ5AudiQ5AutoChinaauto chinaAutoChinabeijingq52008-04-18T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Beijing '08 Preview: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to debut in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/beijing-08-preview-2010-mercedes-benz-glk-350-to-debut-in-chin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/beijing-08-preview-2010-mercedes-benz-glk-350-to-debut-in-chin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/beijing-08-preview-2010-mercedes-benz-glk-350-to-debut-in-chin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2010 GLK 350

Mercedes-Benz debuted the GLK last January at the Detroit Auto Show in the form of two lightly veiled concepts: the Townside and the Freeside. Until now, the only place we've glimpsed the production version is on the set of Sex and the City. This weekend Mercedes will be unveiling the production GLK sans Kim Cattrall at the Beijing Motor Show, a.k.a. the Auto China in Bejing. We've also learned that the GLK will have only one engine available when it goes sale in the U.S. next January as a 2010 model. The sole motor will be a 268-horsepower 3.5L V6, which can be paired with a two-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform, the latter being able to hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds while also returning 23 mpg on the highway. The design of the GLK, meanwhile, apes other CUVs that want to look tough despite their decidedly non-SUV underpinnings, hence all the angularity and sharp edges. Its standard ten-spoke wheels will be unusually large at 19 inches, and 20-inchers will be optional. The GLK 350 will be a true Mercedes with all the trappings of digital technology inside and a plethora of safety features, and MB is planning five option packages and nine standalone options. It'll be built at the automaker's plant in Bremen, Germany and join the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class as the fifth "SUV" in the Mercedes lineup. No word yet on pricing, though. Check out the first official pics of this new soft-roader in our gallery below and get the official word from Mercedes after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Beijing '08 Preview: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to debut in China

 

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]]>auto chinaauto china 2008AutoChinaAutoChina2008beijingbeijing 2008beijing motor showBeijing2008beijingautoshowBeijingMotorShowglkGLK 350Glk350mercedes-benz GLK 350Mercedes-benzGlk3502008-04-18T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[UAW strike halts GM's CUV production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/uaw-strike-halts-gms-cuv-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/uaw-strike-halts-gms-cuv-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/uaw-strike-halts-gms-cuv-production/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This morning, UAW workers at General Motor's Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan have began a work stoppage, halting production of the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. Both GM and the UAW are remaining mum on why the strike began, but it's likely due to an unsigned contract that covers work rules. However, according to the Lansing State Journal, 2,300 workers are employed at the plant, and while hourly workers are walking the picket line, salaried employees reported for duty.

[Source: Autoweek]

 

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]]>general motorsGeneralMotorsgmlansinglansing delta townshipLansingDeltaTownshipstrikeuaw2008-04-17T12:31:00+00:00