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[Confirmed: Nissan/Renault developing low-cost Nano-killer with Bajaj]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It was rumored that Nissan/Renault was serious about fielding a low-priced competitor to the $2,500 USD Tata Nano, and the automaker made it official today by announcing a plan to produce an equally inexpensive car called the ULC in conjunction with Indian automaker Bajaj Auto. The two companies are forming a joint-venture to produce the ULC, which will be built at an all-new facility in Chakan, India at an initial rate of 400,000 units per year. The Tata Nano has no need for concern just yet, as the ULC isn't scheduled to go on sale until early 2011 in India and then even later in export countries. We're doubtful that the U.S. is among those export considerations, but parts of Europe will likely see the ULC not long after the Nano arrives in their market.

[Source: Nissan/Renault]

Continue reading Confirmed: Nissan/Renault developing low-cost Nano-killer with Bajaj

 

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]]>2500 ulc2500Ulcbajajnissanrenaulttata nanotata nano europetata nano ulcTataNanoTataNanoEuropeTataNanoUlculculc nanoUlcNano2008-05-12T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Chevy Cobalt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When the Chevy Cobalt first hit the scene as a 2005 model, it was a much better car than the basic transportation it replaced, but it was still a bit too Cavalier-looking for some. All that is scheduled to change for the 2010 model year, as the bow-tie will unveil a new Cobalt based of the same global Delta platform that will also underpin the Volt and next Saturn Astra.

Brenda Priddy and her voyeur minions caught a well-disguised 2010 Cobalt roaming the streets, and while it looks like it was doused in silly-string, we can still see plenty of promise. Most noticeably, the 'Balt's profile looks much more refined than that of the current model, with a more graceful greenhouse and prominent nose. Thankfully, the handsome two-tier grill looks to be making its way over from the Malibu, which will help further separate the Cobalt from its economy car past. A sedan and coupe will be available, and we're assuming that we'll see a new, faster Cobalt SS, as well.

High gas prices already have the Cobalt selling in record numbers, and if GM can pull off a better Cobalt by next summer, the amount of them leaving dealer lots should grow considerably. Hit the read link below to see the spy shots. Thanks for the tip, noe!

[Source: Motor Trend]

 

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]]>2010 Cobalt2010CobaltBrenda PriddyBrendaPriddyGMSpy shotsSpyShots2008-05-08T09:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan/Renault considering Nano competitor for India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Countries like China and India are a hotbed for the auto industry, and every major automaker is looking to improve its standing in the emerging markets while they're still on the ground floor. Low-cost micro cars are all the rage in the East, and Nissan/Renault is looking into getting a piece of that action by producing a Nano fighter. Nissan Motor India Director Neeraj Garg told The Times of India that while higher priced sedans and SUVs are also scheduled for India's booming auto market, a low-priced hatch is also on the wishlist if the pricing is right.

Company officials say that the low-cost transportation could be among six new products scheduled for India by 2012, and with the country's low-cost labor, Nissan/Renault could also export any vehicles it makes there.

[Source: The Times of India]

 

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]]>Indiamicro carMicroCarNissanRenaultTata NanoTataNano2008-05-08T09:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro Concept


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

 

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]]>a1all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveaudiaudi a1AudiA1awdawd crosspoloAwdCrosspolocross poloCrossPoloquattroseatvolkswagenvolkswagen crosspoloVolkswagenCrosspolovw crosspolovw poloVwCrosspoloVwPolo2008-05-06T14:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[The Truth About Smart: fortwo rumors dispelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Though Men's Vogue has already attempted to disprove the theory that only women can get away with driving one, it seems that smart has seen the need to dispel some rumors about the fortwo, their little urban runabout. Specifically, many people apparently question how large of a person the smart can easily handle, how safe a car this small could be, how much room there is for stuff and what features the fortwo is equipped with. In all honesty, the smart would probably work for a large percentage of the population of both the U.S. and the U.K., but certainly not for every situation likely to come up in everyday life. As a second car or strictly for commuting, we imagine that the smart would meet the needs of quite a few drivers who would never even consider a vehicle this small.

Just for fun, why not check out the truth about smart here. Even if you hate the car, you may enjoy seeing it mildly-mangled by a wrecking ball.

[Source: the truth about smart]

 

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]]>smartsmart carsmart for twosmart fortwosmart-carsmart-fortwosmart-fortwo-mileageSmartCarSmartFortwotruth about smarttruth-about-smartTruthAboutSmart2008-05-02T17:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW's baby Isetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/rendered-speculation-bmws-baby-isetta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This latest rendering of the long-rumored return of the Isetta brand, an offshoot of BMW, looks much more modern than any previous rendering that we've seen of the rolling mini-retro-mobile. According to the accompanying report on Autocar, the rear-engined zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) has indeed been approved by BMW, though we've heard nothing truly official as of yet. If true, the U.S. would be the likely first market to see the Isetta, possibly as early as 2012.

At this point, BMW is reportedly still deciding whether or not to offer both electric and internally-combusted versions of the new city car. BMW has quite a few small engines currently powering their line of motorcycles, and one of these engines could make an appearance in the rear of the vehicle. Possible powertrains also include a hybrid, natural gas or even fuel cell variants. Because of the high investment required to get the proposed vehicle off the ground, BMW could partner with Daimler-Benz which already offers its own tiny car under the smart brand. Rumors also link long-time BMW partner Manga Steyr to the project. Interestingly, the Canadian based auto parts giant has recently confirmed that they are working on hybrid vehicle development.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>bmwbmw isettabmw-isettaBmwIsettaelectric isettaelectric-isettaElectricIsettaisetta2008-04-30T15:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-micra-160-sr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-micra-160-sr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-micra-160-sr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Micra 160 SR

If there's one thing this blogger hates, it's begging. But Nissan, please bring this car to America. (Was that good enough, Nissan?) If Dr. Evil drove this car, his would declare the same thing I did: "friggin fantastic." Along with the Cube I've already committed to buy, I promise I'll get one of these as well.

This 1.6-liter, five-speed, 110-HP gas-powered version is a volcanic blast to drive. So much so that I ditched the road guide book for the first snaking mountain road I saw, and after going up and down once I spun the little red robin around and did it again. It's more fun than a MINI -- and I really like the MINI. But the Micra 160 SR is hootin' hollerin' hands up hallelujah fun. No wonder it's the best selling Nissan in Europe.

Inside, it's all you need in a spicy little hatch, which is to say not much, but what's there is just right. It's roomy, there's plenty of cargo space -- including a bin under the front passenger seat and a cavernous glove box -- but the cupholders will only do tiny cups. Although it's not like you'll have time to drink, with all the hooning you'll be doing. And the car is so adorable it teaches buttons how to be cute. I'm a fan. Nissan, the phrase you're looking for is: US regulatory approval.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR


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

Travel and lodging for this media event were provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>micramicra 160 srMicra160Srnissannissan 360nissan micranissan micra 160 srNissan360NissanMicraNissanMicra160Sr2008-04-30T14:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Otti and the Moco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Nissan Otti and Moco

Kei cars. To know them is to love them, or to tower over them in Gulliver-like wonder. Both the iridescent colored Moco and Otti feature the 0.66-liter engines common to the Kei class, meaning each also boasts 54 thundering mares beneath their ridiculously tiny hoods. Once up to speed, they run nicely, and they're pretty quiet. But these are not cars to take when you're late for anything.

They have lots of room inside and enough controls to operate them on public roads. They are both fine cars. The Otti adds to that with a chic little IP featuring good looking materials and colors, a power rear sliding door on the passenger side that you can open from the driver's seat, a seriously neat set of cupholders, and the world's smallest tailpipe.

Regarding the Moco, a rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon, Nissan says "the current generation model features a stylish exterior and interior." The Otti is Nissan's version of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon. It's described as a minicar "for daily living," and "has experienced extremely strong sales in the Japanese market." Yes. What they said.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on 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 Otti


Gallery: Nissan 360: the Moco


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

 

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]]>keikei carsKeiCarsmoconissannissan 360nissan moconissan ottiNissan360NissanMocoNissanOttiotti2008-04-30T12:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Cube]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube.

Let's just get this out of the way right now: this blogger is going to buy one of these cars when they come to America. And I'm a die-hard 385-plus-horsepower sports car owner for years now. And I live in LA. But the Cube is just that great. So Nissan, don't pull a bait-and-switch, please...

The Cube is basic, and makes no attempt to dress it up. In fact, not only is the car not gussied up, but the entire interior of the car I drove was beige. And it was still hot. It's basic done completely right, with tons of cubbies and comfort in an enormous (relatively speaking) cabin and a unified design theme inside and outside that ties it all together.

The 1.5-liter, 107-HP engine has got the giddy-up-and-go, and the car is so much fun to drive that you'll cackle like an old hen every time you throw it around a corner. I admit I won't be buying one in sky blue, and it won't have the third row -- that row is more than a bit optimistic -- but I will have no problem showing everyone I know that "cool" is now spelled "cube."

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on 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 Cube



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

 

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]]>cubekei carKeiCarmicro carmicrocarnissannissan 360nissan cubeNissan360NissanCube2008-04-29T19:25:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: smart fortwo crash test leaks out of IIHS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The IIHS has put the 2008 smart fortwo through its frontal offset crash test, and the video is on YouTube even though the IIHS hasn't released its results yet. For everyone who points out the benefits of the smart's miniscule size, there are a number of others who say they wouldn't want to go up against a normal American car in a smart. Even the NHTSA had some concerns when it tested the fortwo's crashworthiness. Based on the video after the jump, however, it looks like the smart acquits itself quite well with no deformation of the A-pillar and not even a crack in the windshield. We'll have to wait for the IIHS to give its final, official word, however. Sure, we wouldn't want to be driving a smart fortwo in an accident... but that's only because we don't want to be in an accident. Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: smart fortwo crash test leaks out of IIHS

 

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]]>crash testCrashTestfortwoiihsinsuranceinstitutefo...safetysmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwo2008-04-29T10:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota considering Indian plant for small car production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota iQ

Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world's biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota's production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ


[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

 

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]]>IndiaiQMicrocarTata NanoTataNanoToyota2008-04-29T08:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta Sedan snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-shots-ford-fiesta-sedan-snapped/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for gallery of high-res Ford Fiesta spy shots

The question of whether or not Ford will offer the upcoming Fiesta in the U.S. as a three- or five-door hatchback is still unanswered, but we do know that a four-door sedan version is on the way. And here it is, recently snapped by spy photographers in Dearborn, MI. Though this prototype is wearing heavy cladding, its clear that the design will stick closely to what was previewed with the Verve sedan concept. Also note the sharp forward rake of the beltline, which gives the car a very high rear trunk lid and might lead to a sense of claustrophobia for rear seat passengers who can barely see out. Nevertheless, we're ready for Ford to reenter the small car market with a bang when the production Fiesta sedan arrives sometime later next year.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta Sedan - spy shots


Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: KGP Photography]

 

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]]>2010 ford fiesta2010FordFiestafiestaford fiestaford fiesta five-doorford fiesta from eur...Ford fiesta sedanford fiesta spy shotsFordFiestaFordFiestaFive-doorFordFiestaFromEur...FordFiestaSedanFordFiestaSpyShotsspy picsSpyPicsspyshots2008-04-24T16:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chevrolet announces 2008 Cobalt XFE improvement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/chevrolet-announces-2008-cobalt-xfe-improvement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/chevrolet-announces-2008-cobalt-xfe-improvement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/chevrolet-announces-2008-cobalt-xfe-improvement/#commentsFiled under: ,



Soaring gas prices and tightening credit are currently pushing consumers into smaller, cheaper, more fuel efficient vehicles. However, due to past demand for high-powered, high capacity people haulers, the current economy car market consists of fairly slim pickings. Many great developments are on the horizon, but the high cost of new technologies and the lengthy wait time do not do much to help buyers today. That is why, in order to snag a larger market share of drivers trading in their big toys for small appliances, Chevrolet has reprogrammed the Cobalt to offer the best fuel economy in its class. The new 36 mpg number (up from 31) is the result of a few tweaks in engine mapping, lower roller resistance tires and perhaps some gearing adjustments. All LS and 1LT five speed manual transmission models ordered on or before March 17th will receive the fuel sipping changes. The vehicles will also be equipped with a distinguishing XFE badge, standing for Xtra Fuel Economy (although it would be more edgy if the X stood for Xtreme).

[Source: Autosavant]

 

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]]>ChevroletChevrolet Cobalt XFEChevroletCobaltXfeCobaltExtended Fuel EconomyExtendedFuelEconomy2008-04-24T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Beijing 2008: Hyundai debuts facelifted Elantra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/beijing-2008-hyundai-debuts-facelifted-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/beijing-2008-hyundai-debuts-facelifted-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/beijing-2008-hyundai-debuts-facelifted-elantra/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra in China

As we learned last week, Hyundai used the occasion of Auto China in Beijing to debut its slightly refreshened Elantra. Its face now features a wider grille flanked by larger headlights, and a new lower air intake has also been reshaped. The overall effect is that the Elantra's friendly face has been been given a healthy dose of attitude. Likewise, the Elantra's rear also gets reshaped and loses its bulbous butt complex. We do expect these design updates to eventually reach the U.S.-market Elantra, as well as some new interior niceties like improved connectivity for digital music devices. As for when that will happen, your guess is as good as ours.

Gallery: 2008 Hyundai Elantra (Chinese)


Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Elantra


[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

 

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]]>2008 hyundai elantra2008HyundaiElantraauto chinaauto china 2008AutoChinaAutoChina2008beijingbeijing 2008beijing motor showbeijing2008beijingautoshowbeijingmotorshowchinese elantraChineseElantra2008-04-23T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler and Chery's lovechild not ready for export, yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/chrysler-and-cherys-lovechild-not-ready-for-export-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/chrysler-and-cherys-lovechild-not-ready-for-export-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/chrysler-and-cherys-lovechild-not-ready-for-export-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If you've been waiting on pins and needles for a small Chrysler that's due to be built in China by Chery, you're going to have to twiddle your thumbs a little longer. Though we've been hearing about a Chrysler/Chery Hornet or Demon for some time, execs from both companies don't believe the products are ready for North America, yet. Quality and safety are still a concern with the vehicles, but Chrysler's China boss Phil Murtaugh feels the challenges are far from insurmountable. Chery Chairman, Yin Tongyao, is also convinced that more work needs to be done to get the product up to US standards, saying the US and Europe are "very mature markets."

Chery is dying to get its affordable vehicles into the US market, but both Chrysler and Chery seem to understand that any sub-standard Chinese vehicles are destined to take their place next to Yugo in the history books. Chances are that the two companies will only have one shot to get things right, and if the final product is garbage, Chery will be finished in the US, and Chrysler's already dim rep will start to flicker. If the inexpensive vehicles are a big hit, however, the Pentastar will be pulling in Yuan hand over fist.

[Source: AP]

 

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]]>CheryChryslerDemonDodgeHornetpartnership2008-04-21T08:54:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mitsubishi developing RWD subcompact world car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mitsubishi's president, Osamu Masuko, addressed the assembled masses in Beijing to inform them of plans to create a new subcompact car destined for Europe, China and Southeast Asia. The new platform will fit the standard dimensions of a Kei car in Japan (no more than 11.2-feet long and five-feet wide) and will come equipped with either the Japanese-mandated 660cc engine or, in markets outside of Japan, a 1.0-liter engine. Power will be sent to the rear wheels and the architecture will be flexible enough to be sold in several other markets. Masuko didn't mention the possibility of exporting the model to North America, but our friends abroad will be able to purchase the new subcompact in 2010.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i Turbo - Live in NY


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>compactmitsubishimitsubishi compact world carMitsubishiCompactWorldCarworld carWorldCar2008-04-21T08:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volkswagen up! More details revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen's adorable little up! has the ambitious goal of becoming the next original Beetle, and new info on Auto Express seems to indicate that the Germans in Wolfsburg may be on to something. The up! will feature both gasoline and diesel-powered engines with a minuscule displacement of only .6 turbocharged liters, and a larger 1.2L three-cylinder engine may be planned, as well.

The up! will also be extremely fuel efficient, with U.S. fuel economy numbers near 80 mpg. Perhaps the most eye-catching bit of info is the base price of the handsome little micro: models will sell for as little as £4,500 in emerging markets and more richly equipped European models will start around £7,500. VW is also looking at making both a three- and five-door up! with the exact same wheelbase, as well a roomier MPV version and even a hybrid. VW also says that the 11 foot long up! will also feature the roomiest cabin in its class. Is it just us, or does the amazing little up! almost sound too good to be true? We'll find out for sure next year when the production up! is released to the public.

Gallery: VW up!


Gallery: VW space up! blue


[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>BeetlehybridLupoVolkswagenVW upVwUp2008-04-17T09:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan talks more about next-gen Titan and small car for Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/nissank-talks-more-about-next-gen-titan-and-small-car-for-chrysle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/nissank-talks-more-about-next-gen-titan-and-small-car-for-chrysle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/nissank-talks-more-about-next-gen-titan-and-small-car-for-chrysle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We just got off the phone with Frédérique Le Grèves, Nissan's VP of Corporate Communications, and had a chance to ask her some more questions about the Japanese automaker's recently announced partnership with Chrysler LLC. The partnership involves Chrysler building a full-size truck for Nissan at its Saltillo, Mexico plant and Nissan building a small car for Chrysler at its Oppama plant in Japan. While Le Grèves wasn't able to offer many specific details because the car won't arrive until 2010 and the truck a year later in 2011, she did shed some light on a few things.

For one, when asked about what engines the next-gen Titan (we're not sure if Nissan will rename the truck) would use, Le Grèves remarked that partnering with Chrysler would allow Nissan to offer more options to its customers. Thus, the Titan may be powered by not only the company's venerable VK56 V8, but also a selection of engines from Chrysler. She indicated that the partnership would at least give Nissan the opportunity to expand the features, options and configurations it currently offers in the Titan. We also asked how unique the next-gen Titan's design would be compared to the Ram, and were assured it would be 100% recognizable as a Nissan. Based on that, we're expecting more differentiation that we got with Volkswagen's version of Chrysler's minivans, the Routan.

As for the small car, since most of the decisions involving its development will be made by Chrysler, there wasn't too much news from Nissan on it. Since all official commentary on the small car has not specified whether it will be front-wheel-drive or not, we asked if there were at least the possibility that it could be rear-wheel-drive. Being that the Oppama plant currently builds a number of front-wheel-drive vehicles like the Cube, March, Tiida/Versa and Note, one would expect Chrysler's small car to fall in line and be front-wheel-drive as well, but no one's been able to confirm this small point yet.

It appears that we all have to wait for each automaker to get further along on their development of these vehicles before we get any more solid details than this.

Thanks to Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com for setting up the interview!

 

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]]>chrysler nissan dealchrysler small car nissanChryslerNissanDealChryslerSmallCarNissannissan titan chryslerNissanTitanChrysler2008-04-16T15:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-toyota-corolla-xrs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-toyota-corolla-xrs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-toyota-corolla-xrs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

The Toyota Corolla hasn't stirred passion since the AE86, so it's forgivable to greet an all-new version with a yawn. The Corolla recipe has been refined to the point of grand success for so long now that changes must be approached carefully. A new version must not upset the car's combination of refinement, value, and durability. To be sure, the 2009 Corolla is likely to continue the model's grade point average full of red circles from Consumer Reports. Objectively, it's tough to top - subjectively, not so much.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage - 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

 

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]]>2009 toyota corolla xrs2009ToyotaCorollaXrsfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragetoyota corollaToyotaCorolla2008-04-16T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Subaru to stop making Kei Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last week's announcement that Toyota wants to raise its stake in Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries looked to have no down side. Subaru gets $300 million with which to build a new factory, Toyota gets greater access to FHI's high tech batteries for hybrids, and both get to build the affordable RWD/AWD coupe that we're all waiting for.

But the bean counters in Toyota City have noticed that Subaru's kei car division spends a fortune on developing quirky micro cars such as the supercharged Vivio that Colin McRae campaigned in his first rally (above), the worlds smallest four-seat convertible (below) and the fabulous R2D2. The trouble is, profit margins on such marvels of engineering are wafer thin, and that is not the Toyota way. So, come the next decade, Subaru will only sell OEM kei cars made by another member of the Toyota family, Daihatsu.

Most analysts think this this is a good idea, but this one ain't so sure. Eighteen years ago I bought a rear-engined rear-wheel-drive Subaru Sambar. It was such a hoot to drive that I traded up to a Rex, then an RX-R, then a WRX and I now drive a Forester STI. In all likelyhood, my next car will be an Impreza STI.

Will rebadged Daihatsus garner such brand loyalty from young buyers in 2010?

 

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