Autoblog Europe http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Europe http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Porsche-Piech buy 10% stake in VW's holding company]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

F.K. Piech

In August, 2009, as the scuttled merger of Porsche and Volkswagen had gone bad and Porsche was backed up against the ropes, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (PAHSE) relinquished a ten-percent stake in itself to Qatar Holdings as well as options it held on 17 percent of VW shares. The sale meant that, for the first time since the founding of the company 61 years before, an entity outside the Porsche and Piech families had a say in the running of PAHSE.

Buying that ten-percent stake back returns full ownership to the two families, the holding company's sole possession being ownership of 50.7 percent of VW's common shares. The price paid wasn't disclosed, but at market rates the purchase would be worth close to $1.25 billion. Qatar intends to hold onto the 17-percent stake it has in Volkswagen.

Porsche-Piech buy 10% stake in VW's holding company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Ferdinand Piechporscheporsche automobil holding seporsche volkswagenQatar Holdings LLCvolkswagen Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624984/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/porsche-piech-buy-10-stake-in-vws-holding-company/20624984/article-detail.xml 20624984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fk-piech_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fk-piech.jpg <![CDATA[Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/liverpool-tourist-duck-boat-sinks-rescues-caught-on-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/liverpool-tourist-duck-boat-sinks-rescues-caught-on-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/liverpool-tourist-duck-boat-sinks-rescues-caught-on-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Duck boat sinking in Liverpool - video screencap

Visit just about any major city on the water, and you're sure to find duck boats taking tourists out for a different view of the city. The safety of these land and sea vehicles have been questioned following some high-profile accidents including a fatal collision with a barge in Philadelphia back in 2010. Over the weekend, a duck boat in Liverpool, England sank just after entering the water. Fortunately, all 31 passengers managed to escape without serious injury, though 17 passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

A man was able to capture the boat sinking on video, but he obviously failed to realize the severity of the situation as he laughs while passengers jump into the frigid water. Fortunately, a nearby boat quickly sprung to action and showed up on scene just as the amphibious vehicle was fully submerged. The Herald Scotland reports that the company that owned this particular duck boat also had another vessel sink back in March with no passengers aboard. After that incident, the company's fleet of duck boats was ordered to stay out of the water, but it isn't clear what (if anything) changed before this latest accident occurred. Scroll down for some videos of the incident including a news report, first-hand amateur video and another video that allegedly shows this very boat struggling to get out of the water in the past.

Continue reading Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video

Liverpool tourist duck boat sinks, rescues caught on video originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amphibious caramphibious vehicleduck boatduck boat accidentduckboatliverpool Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20624102/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/liverpool-tourist-duck-boat-sinks-rescues-caught-on-video/20624102/article-detail.xml 20624102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/duck-boat-accident_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/duck-boat-accident.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/16/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



For the last few years, Volvo has set up an art display in the Zurich, Switzerland central train station called the Volvo Art Session, allowing select artists - both established and up-and-coming - to create temporary exhibits with one of Volvo's products acting as the centerpiece. This year, six artists from across Europe converged in Zurich to turn a 2014 Volvo XC60 into a work of art.

Each started with a blank white canvas, creating a massive display in what Volvo says is one of the busiest covered public places in Europe, and after each was done, it was all erased for the next artists to come in and do his or her thing. While some made the XC60 a focal point in the art, others made the crossover seemingly disappear. We have a gallery of all six finished pieces, but if you want to see background of the artists or time-lapse videos of their works, head over to VolvoArtSessions.com. This site also shows the exhibits from the prior two years, and a press release can be found below.

Continue reading Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art

Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 volvo xc60art carvolvovolvo art sessionvolvo xc60zurich central train station Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20621261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20621261/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/16/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/20621261/article-detail.xml 20621261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/volvo-xc60-art-cars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/volvo-xc60-art-cars.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet in European sales funk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/chevrolet-in-european-sales-funk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/chevrolet-in-european-sales-funk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/chevrolet-in-european-sales-funk/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Chevy Spark

Conventional wisdom would dictate that Chevrolet sales in Europe should accelerate as more and more buyers battered by the continent's sour economy look to save money by choosing small, inexpensive cars over larger, more expensive options. After all, Chevrolet is positioned as General Motors' value brand, and it offers a number of affordable vehicles in popular inexpensive segments. Globally, Chevy sales are up four percent so far this year.

All of this is why Chevy's declining sales in Europe come as a something of a mystery. According to Automotive News, sales of the Spark and Matiz twins have fallen 37 percent to 12,245 units through April of 2013. The Aveo (now sold in North America under the Sonic nameplate) posted similar declines, falling 44 percent to 10,235 units. Other budget brands like Dacia and Kia have registered significant gains over the same period.

So, why the sales funk? Industry analysts cited by AN point a finger at Chevy's aging designs and their comparatively high fuel consumption - Chevy's average carbon emissions (which can determine taxation rates) put it in 18th place in Europe out of 20 total automakers. Further problems arise when you consider that some of Chevy's popular models can also be found in Opel and Vauxhall dealerships, albeit with revisions designed to give Opel "a distinctive brand positioning" to "aim at different customers," says GM.

Clearly, Chevy's offering and market position aren't working as well as GM would like, and analysts aren't predicting any significant improvement until 2016, when some of its aging models are slated to be replaced.

Chevrolet in European sales funk originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chevychevy aveochevy matizchevy sparkeuropegmopelvauxhall Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617565/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/chevrolet-in-european-sales-funk/20617565/article-detail.xml 20617565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/chevrolet-spark-2010-green-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/chevrolet-spark-2010-green-630.jpg <![CDATA[Production Peugeot RCZ R set to zoom into Goodwood]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/production-peugeot-rcz-r-set-to-zoom-into-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/production-peugeot-rcz-r-set-to-zoom-into-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/production-peugeot-rcz-r-set-to-zoom-into-goodwood/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Peugeot RCZ R

What you're looking at here is the most powerful production car Peugeot has ever created - the RCZ R, set to make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. The French automaker showed off a concept version of this hotter R model at the Paris Motor Show last year, and the actual road-going car will be available for purchase toward the end of 2013.

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine good for 260 horsepower, and Peugeot says the car "promises intense dynamic sensations from the legacy of its race-bred experiences." This evidently means the car will have a unique suspension setup, a specific wheel design and a new Torsen limited-slip differential to keep those front rollers in check.

In addition to a show car, Peugeot will drive a RCZ R during the Festival of Speed weekend, with Bradley Philpot - the man who raced the company's 208 GTi in the recent 24 Hours of Nürburgring event - at the helm.

Scroll down for the official details in Peugeot's press blast.

Continue reading Production Peugeot RCZ R set to zoom into Goodwood

Production Peugeot RCZ R set to zoom into Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedpeugeotpeugeot rczpeugeot rcz r Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617400/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617400/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/production-peugeot-rcz-r-set-to-zoom-into-goodwood/20617400/article-detail.xml 20617400 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-peugeot-rcz-r628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-peugeot-rcz-r628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Saab

US District Judge Gershwin Drain has dismissed a $3-billion lawsuit Spyker filed against General Motors. In the suit, Spyker accused GM of attempting to bankrupt Saab after the US automaker had already sold the company to Spyker. GM in effect blocked the sale of Saab to China's Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Company by prohibiting the transfer of some of its intellectual property. But the court found that GM had a "contractual right" to approve or disapprove any change of ownership. Furthermore, Reuters reports Judge Drain said the contract between GM and Spyker "is clear, unambiguous and absolute" on the matter.

GM, meanwhile, says it is pleased with the ruling. Spyker CEO Victor Muller has not said whether or not his company will appeal the ruling. The Dutch automaker is expected to make a final decision once the court issues its written order on the case.

You can read the official Spyker press release about the court ruling below for more information.

Continue reading Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out

Spyker's $3B lawsuit against GM for blocking Saab sale thrown out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmsaabspykerspyker lawsuitvictor mulleryoungman Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20616204/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20616204/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/11/spykers-3b-lawsuit-against-gm-for-blocking-saab-sale-thrown-ou/20616204/article-detail.xml 20616204 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/saab-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/saab-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dacia Duster to spawn inexpensive Nissan Terrano, will we get it?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/dacia-duster-to-spawn-inexpensive-nissan-terrano-will-we-get-it/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/dacia-duster-to-spawn-inexpensive-nissan-terrano-will-we-get-it/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/08/dacia-duster-to-spawn-inexpensive-nissan-terrano-will-we-get-it/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Dacia Duster - front three-quarter view

When going to overseas auto shows, one can't help but spend an inordinate amount of time eyeballing forbidden automotive fruit. It's often of the seriously rare, criminally powerful and six- or seven-digit variety. But more often than one might think, the genuinely affordable overseas hero makes us swoon, too. So it is with the Dacia/Renault Duster, the cheap-as-chips, hard-wearing utility vehicle. We've often thought that its basic, rugged charms would play well in the US if saddled with a low enough price tag, but we've never seen much of a window for that to actually come true.

But now, Autocar India is reporting that Nissan will flex its alliance with Renault to spin off a Duster of its own, one that exhumes the Terrano nameplate, a moniker once used for overseas versions of the first- and second-generation Pathfinder. The new model will feature unique sheetmetal to give it a familial look, but the interior will be the same, and we expect the same goes for the powertrain, meaning there will be a range of gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines with both manual and automatic gearboxes and front- or all-wheel drive.

So, does that mean we'll get a Nissan version of the Duster-based Terrano to call our own? Sadly, almost certainly not. Company spokesman Dan Bedore tells Autoblog flatly, "There are no plans to bring this model to the US." Bummer. Even if it isn't ultimately as capable as the larger, long-in-the-tooth Xterra (it's more on par with the now departed Canadian-market X-Trail), we think the Duster's archetypal SUV looks and low cost barrier would win it plenty of fans in our market. Our guess is that redesigning the model to meet US regulations (crash, emissions, lighting, etc.) would be prohibitively expensive, and the Dacia/Renault model is built in some pretty distant facilities - Brazil, India, Romania and Russia among them - making the business case harder still.


Having said all that, if CEO Carlos Ghosn and friends are still considering the project, please mark us down in the "Yes, please" column... we'll even trade in the Cube or Murano CrossCabriolet as a gesture of good faith.

Dacia Duster to spawn inexpensive Nissan Terrano, will we get it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dacia dusternissannissan terranorenault duster Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603753/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603753/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/08/dacia-duster-to-spawn-inexpensive-nissan-terrano-will-we-get-it/20603753/article-detail.xml 20603753 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/dacia-duster-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/dacia-duster-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota Corolla shows its new Euro-spec nose [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-its-new-euro-spec-nose-w-poll/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-its-new-euro-spec-nose-w-poll/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/07/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-its-new-euro-spec-nose-w-poll/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

European-spec 2014 Toyota Corolla

After tons of teasing, Toyota finally unveiled the all-new 2014 Corolla in the wee hours of the - at least to those of us here in the Midwest. The fresh new face of the US-spec car takes a number of cues from the Camry and Avalon sedans, and in S trim with the large alloy wheels and blacked-out front fascia, we'd even venture this is the most boldly styled North American Corolla to date (faint praise as that may be).

Of course, our friends in other markets will also be getting fully updated versions of the Corolla as well, and here, we're getting our first glimpse at the European-spec car, complete with a very different front fascia that, at least in this trim, seems to take a more conservative design approach. A quick poll of the Autoblog staff shows that we're torn as to whether or not we prefer this European look to our North American-specific car, but at least in the sporty-ish S trim, we think the Americans may have got the better end of the deal.

The Euro-spec Corolla actually shares a lot of its design with its larger platform-mate, the Auris, a car that we don't - and likely won't - get in the States. Inside, the European Corolla looks basically the same as the NA car, and while market-specific engines and specifications haven't been released yet, it's expected that the Corolla will share much of its dirty bits with the European Auris, as well.

Have a look through the Euro-spec gallery above, as well as the US-spec gallery below, and then let us know which Corolla you think looks better in our poll and in Comments.


View Poll

2014 Toyota Corolla shows its new Euro-spec nose [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollaeuropean toyota corollatoyotatoyota corollatoyota europe Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603432/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/07/2014-toyota-corolla-shows-its-new-euro-spec-nose-w-poll/20603432/article-detail.xml 20603432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-2014-toyota-corolla-europe628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-2014-toyota-corolla-europe628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Skoda Octavia vRS set to storm into Goodwood]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/skoda-octavia-vrs-set-to-storm-into-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/skoda-octavia-vrs-set-to-storm-into-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/skoda-octavia-vrs-set-to-storm-into-goodwood/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Skoda Octavia vRS - sedan - front three-quarter view

We've been led to expect good things out of the third-generation Škoda Octavia, Volkswagen's new Czech-badged C-segment entrant that rides atop the company's MQB architecture along with the new Audi A3 and VW Golf. We liked what we saw of the handsome - if conservative - standard model when it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and now the recipe looks to be getting a bit more interesting with this new vRS model.

Set to debut at the UK's Goodwood Festival Of Speed on July 10, this racier Škoda will be available in both sedan and wagon bodystyles, complete with a unique nose that includes a more aggressive fascia, honeycomb air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lamps. Out back, the vRS receives a blacked-out rear diffuser, chrome rectangular exhaust pipes, LED taillamps and a rear spoiler. Naturally, the whole package snugs 12- to 13-millimeters closer to the ground thanks to a firmer sport suspension that rides atop any number of flashy new wheel patterns.

Inside, changes are limited to the institution of new sport seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with matching gearchange lever and handbrake, ambient lighting, stainless-steel pedals and sill plates, along with the inevitable smattering of vRS emblems.

The Škoda Octavia vRS will race into European showrooms shortly after its Goodwood introduction, but you can learn more about it in the official press release below.

Continue reading Skoda Octavia vRS set to storm into Goodwood

Skoda Octavia vRS set to storm into Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 skoda octavia vrsgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedskodaskoda octaviaskoda octavia vrs Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602180/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/skoda-octavia-vrs-set-to-storm-into-goodwood/20602180/article-detail.xml 20602180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-skoda-octavia-vrs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-skoda-octavia-vrs-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne, Panamera production halted by flooding [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/porsche-cayenne-panamera-production-halted-by-flooding/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/porsche-cayenne-panamera-production-halted-by-flooding/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/porsche-cayenne-panamera-production-halted-by-flooding/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Porsche Cayenne diesel - front three-quarter view, silver

2013 Porsche Panamera GTS - front three-quarter view, redIf you recently ordered a Porsche Cayenne or a Panamera, delivery may take a little longer than originally expected. Automotive News reports that production of both models has been temporarily halted at the Porsche assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany as the result of supply shortages caused by flooding in the nearby Czech Republic. The reason for the stoppage is that the body of the Cayenne - currently Porsche's best-selling model - is produced at a Volkswagen plant in the Czech city of Bratislava and shipped by train to Leipzig.

The report does not indicate why Panamera production has been stopped - that the five-door's body is made at a separate location in Hanover, Germany. However pre-assembly will continue on these models. At full capacity, the Leipzig plant can produce about 450 vehicles per day, and it isn't clear how long this weather-related stoppage will last.

UPDATE: Bloomberg reports that production has been restarted at the plant, albeit slowly. Cayenne production has gingerly begun after the flood stoppage, and Panamera "pre-assembly" is moving forward as well.

Porsche Cayenne, Panamera production halted by flooding [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> czech republicfloodingleipzigporscheporsche cayenneporsche panameraporsche productionporsche production stoppage Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20601992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20601992/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/porsche-cayenne-panamera-production-halted-by-flooding/20601992/article-detail.xml 20601992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Micra gets fresh new look [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/nissan-micra-gets-big-refresh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/nissan-micra-gets-big-refresh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/nissan-micra-gets-big-refresh/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

New Nissan Micra - front three-quarter view

Nissan has given its popular Micra a substantial refresh. Completely revised fascias front and rear join small sheetmetal tweaks for an all-new look, and Nissan says buyers can expect to find a host of new technology indoors. That includes audio USB and AUX-in slots as well as a new audio and touchscreen navigation system with a larger display. Designers have also graced the model - known in some markets as the Nissan March - with a revised center console and new trim indoors. Be still our beating hearts.

Under the hood, a supercharged, direct-injection 1.2-liter gasoline three-cylinder engine continues to produce 97 horsepower, complete with a stop/start system that Nissan says helps make this powertrain one of the most efficient in the world. Buyers can also opt for diesel and non-supercharged engines if they so choose.

While periodically rumored, Nissan has no plans to bring the model to North America, but with sales in 56 nations and assembly in four different countries, the little Micra remains a big deal worldwide. You can check out an official video and press release below for more information.

Continue reading Nissan Micra gets fresh new look [w/video]

Nissan Micra gets fresh new look [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan march2013 nissan micranissannissan marchnissan micravideo Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600209/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600209/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/nissan-micra-gets-big-refresh/20600209/article-detail.xml 20600209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissan-micra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nissan-micra-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BMW R1200GS vs BMW HP4 on track - video screencap

The 2013 BMW HP4 is the track-ready version of the manufacturer's already mighty S1000RR, which puts the bike at the very tip top of the two-wheeled BMW food chain. The R1200GS, meanwhile, is intended to be a somewhat more utilitarian machine. Capable of conveying both rider and gear over vast distances and uncertain terrain, the big-boy GS is the Swiss army knife to the HP4's rapier. Or at least that's what we've always been led to believe. BMW recently rolled out some footage during a press launch that showed the R1200GS is actually no slouch when it comes time to sling around a road course.

The company threw both bikes on Spain's Circuito de Almeria for a little sparring match, and miraculously, the HP4 didn't just up and walk away from the R1200GS. From from it. Instead, the two stay tightly matched through most of the course before something surprising happens. We won't spoil the ending for you. Is it possible the rider on the HP4 still had some in reserve? Sure, but from the sound and look of things, neither bike was giving an inch. Check out all the video action below for yourself.

Continue reading 2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria

2013 BMW R1200GS and HP4 duel at Circuito de Almeria originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw hp4bmw motorcyclesbmw motorradbmw r1200gsbmw s1000rrr1200gsvideo Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20599179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20599179/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/2013-bmw-r1200gs-and-hp4-duel-at-circuito-de-almeria/20599179/article-detail.xml 20599179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/r1200gs-vs-hp4-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/r1200gs-vs-hp4-628.jpg <![CDATA['Ring Queen Sabine Schmitz battles Ron Simons in Porsche vs Ferrari scrap]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/ring-queen-sabine-schmitz-battles-ron-simons-in-porsche-vs-ferr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/ring-queen-sabine-schmitz-battles-ron-simons-in-porsche-vs-ferr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/ring-queen-sabine-schmitz-battles-ron-simons-in-porsche-vs-ferr/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Sabin Schmitz vs Ron Simons at the Nurburgring Video

We hope you have seven minutes to kill. RSR Nürburgring recently took the time to pit Sabine Schmitz and her slightly modified Porsche 911 GT3 RS against Ron Simons and his Ferrari 458 Italia in a sparring match around the infamous Green Hell. The clip begins with the two drivers engaging in a smidgeon of smack talk before the two get down to the business of beating each other's doors off around one of the most challenging courses in the world. Simons calls his car superior to Schmitz's 911, while Schmitz says she's up against nothing more than a Fiat driven by an old Dutch man.

Don't hold any punches, you two.

We won't spoil the finale for you, but we will say the tango is worth watching. At the end, the loser calls for a rematch. We can't wait to see that throwdown. Check out the clip below for yourself.

Continue reading 'Ring Queen Sabine Schmitz battles Ron Simons in Porsche vs Ferrari scrap

'Ring Queen Sabine Schmitz battles Ron Simons in Porsche vs Ferrari scrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 911 gt3 rsferrariferrari 458 italianurburgringporscheporsche 911 gt3 rsron simonssabine schmitz Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598664/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598664/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/ring-queen-sabine-schmitz-battles-ron-simons-in-porsche-vs-ferr/20598664/article-detail.xml 20598664 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nurburgring-throw-down-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/nurburgring-throw-down-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Seat Leon SC]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, otherwise known as Seat, started becoming a part of the Volkswagen universe of companies way back in June of 1983, and it has taken right up until its latest generation of models for all the benefits of the VW Group empire to come to bear. Prior to the past couple of years, Seats have continued being built and sold passably well with a healthy enough rapport with VW, but the full tech swap and nod of faith had never totally happened yet from Wolfsburg. Now it must.

This has changed at last, a smart move brought on by the global economic crisis, then the massive local Spanish economic collapse, and finally the ray of new hope presented by the Chinese market. Central to Seat's success is this model, the Leon, which shares many of its major parts with the new Mk7 Volkswagen Golf and third-gen Audi A3, as well as the new Skoda Octavia sedan. Their great unifying element is the spanking new MQB architecture, for Modularer Querbaukasten or "modular transverse matrix."

It's no secret that I really like the Seat brand and its fruit forbidden to Americans. I could move to Mexico and grab one, but I've never moved to a new place just to buy a car, so that's a non-starter. Within the Volkswagen C-segment model assortment, the plan is to keep the A3 at the premium compact top end, followed closely by the Golf, and then a price drop to either the Leon or Octavia. The Leon gets by on great youthful styling and a sporting image, while the Octavia is generally the smart choice for small families needing a little more space inside. After this drive, I was left asking, "Why buy the Golf or A3?" And VW Group doesn't like it when that particular question comes up. They have a delicate marketing challenge on their hands, let us say.

Driving Notes
  • This 1.8-liter TSI engine with 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque we tested in Spain is the currently the top-trim version of the Leon three- and five-door hatchback range. The trim treatment is called FR for Formula Racing. The dash to 60 miles per hour is estimated at 7.0 seconds flat, but it'll do it quicker than that.
  • In the US, this all-new 1.8-liter engine is due to become the base engine for the new Golf when it arrives middle of next year, replacing the age-old, hard-working 2.5-liter five-cylinder. What the exact power and torque calibrations for us will be is yet unknown.
  • Whereas in the European context, the popular thought is to skip the hotter gas-engined trims and go for the top turbo-diesel trims. I would disagree with that, and mainly on this Seat Leon only. The 1.8 is much sportier throughout a rev range that is capped at just over 6,500 rpm, and this Leon in FR trim is meant to be shoved around without pity.
  • I would have preferred to test the standard manual six-speed transmission, but nowadays the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG is better, quicker, nimbler and more fuel-efficient. The efficiency claim is some 25 percent better (with the onboard Seat Drive Profile in Eco mode) than anything the current North American 2.5-liter can produce in the Golf.
  • I did feel the tactile difference of material choices on the interior, plus one can tell by just looking at the cabin that the styling and image departments deliberately pulled back from what the A3 and Golf are allowed.
  • There was also a notable difference in cabin sounds all around me as I hammered the Leon SC (for Sport Coupé, by the way). The sense is that there is a wee bit less noise-vibration-and-harshness work put into either this Leon or the Octavia I recently tested.
  • My wheel-tire combo for the day in the dicey hills around Barcelona was the top, FR-optional 18-inch alloys with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT treads, 225/40ZR18 92Y all around, which was a great set of rubber on this dimension of car on these roads.
  • This generation Leon - as I learned testing the five-door late last year - has been deliberately shrunk in overall length in order to sit squarely in the middle of the C segment. I love this move in the face of current tendencies to make everything larger as we all apparently fatten up. Despite the shrinkage in dimension, space on the inside is increased.
  • The rear axles on all Leons are not multi-link but straight beam units, and this would also count as a cost-saver. Golfs and A3s in the top engine trims get multi-link setups, so the overall drive experience will always be marginally better.
  • The exterior of the Leon is really nice to behold and spot-on with the sporting image they need to push for the brand. The heavily studied edgy side mirrors reduce wind drag by huge amounts, and I heard no noise from them at any speeds below 85 mph.
  • Now we await the Seat Leon Cupra, the top-most trim of them all with a 260-hp tune of the 2.0-liter TSI engine. This is an excited expectation that is a sort of tradition here in Europe. People say there may not even be need for the ultimate Cupra R trim this time around, because the standard Cupra is so good. I don't buy that story; if there is no Cupra R it means that Volkswagen and Audi don't want a Cupra R barking up their tree and possibly robbing sales.

2013 Seat Leon SC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seat leon scfeaturedquick spinquickspinseatseat leonseat leon sc Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598959/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/2013-seat-leon-sc-quick-spin-review/20598959/article-detail.xml 20598959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-seat-leon-sc---01_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2013-seat-leon-sc---01.png <![CDATA[Pagani Zonda Revolucion unveiled packing 800 hp]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/pagani-zonda-revolucion-unveiled-packing-800-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/pagani-zonda-revolucion-unveiled-packing-800-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/pagani-zonda-revolucion-unveiled-packing-800-hp/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Pagani Zonda Revolucion

Pagani has released the next iteration of its Zonda: the Revolucion. This new machine boasts a carbon-titanium monocoque chassis, slimming the machine's curb weight to a feathery 2,358 pounds. Engineers managed to pull an astonishing 800 horsepower from the craft's 6.0-liter V12, and torque now resides at 538 pound-feet. Gear shifts come courtesy of a six-speed sequential transmission, and Pagani says the box is capable of swapping cogs in as little as 20 milliseconds. A 12-step traction control system helps keep the whole mix on the road, shiny side up.

Other clever tricks include a drag reduction system, which adjusts the rear wing between two downforce settings. The driver can choose which setting is appropriate for the conditions at any time, though an auto mode can do most of the thinking for you. Carbon ceramic brake discs pressed by Brembo calipers handle the stopping duties. If you want one, you can expect to shovel out 2.2 million euros for the title - that's around $2.9 million at current conversion rates. Hit the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Pagani Zonda Revolucion unveiled packing 800 hp

Pagani Zonda Revolucion unveiled packing 800 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> paganipagani zondapagani zonda revolucion Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598485/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/pagani-zonda-revolucion-unveiled-packing-800-hp/20598485/article-detail.xml 20598485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/zonda-revolucion-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/zonda-revolucion-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne assures Fiat jobs will stay in Italy, amid Chrysler merger talks]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/marchionne-assures-fiat-jobs-will-stay-in-italy-amid-chrysler-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/marchionne-assures-fiat-jobs-will-stay-in-italy-amid-chrysler-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/marchionne-assures-fiat-jobs-will-stay-in-italy-amid-chrysler-m/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Even though Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has repeatedly said he won't pick up, leave Italy and take his Fiat factories with him, his occasional pointed comments about the challenges of running operations in that country has worried Italian politicians dealing with government, economic and labor-force seizures the past few years. After Fiat Industrial announced it was moving its headquarters to London and it was rumored that the car division's HQ would move to Auburn Hills, MI after the merger with Chrysler, it was worried that more Italian jobs would disappear.

Industry Ministry Flavio Zanonato sought assurances from both Marchionne and Fiat chairman John Elkann that they would "commit to the country," and it appears those assurances have been given. Unemployment in Italy is at 20-year-highs and car sales are at 20-year-lows, but Marchionne said "We have confirmed our commitments for Italy" and the company will hold steady on employment. The nation and the corporation said they would work together to "relaunch Italy's car market," although it's not clear what either of them will be able to do beyond wait it out. At the very least, Fiat's stance means there's one less ball the country's politicians have to juggle.

Marchionne assures Fiat jobs will stay in Italy, amid Chrysler merger talks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How cool would it be if instead of calling it your "birthday" you called it your "anniversary" and spent an entire year celebrating it? Porsche has kept the lights on and the music going for its 50th anniversary this year, and the latest huzzah is called Project 50, which will see a 1965 Porsche 911 short wheelbase racecar run in The Masters Series of vintage racing.

Not just a parade lap around some vintage circuits, The Master Series is FIA-sanctioned and has five competitive classes. The 911 entered the picture at Round Two, held last weekend at Brands Hatch, and will make five more appearances this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Silverstone Classic, Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix, Spa 6-Hour at Spa Francorchamps and the Jerez Masters festival.

There's a video below announcing the event, and the promise of more to come.

Continue reading Porsche taking classic 911 on tour of Europe's best tracks [w/video]

Porsche taking classic 911 on tour of Europe's best tracks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1965 porsche 911porsche 911porsche gbthe masters seriesvideovintage racing Sat, 01 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582657/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582657/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/01/porsche-taking-classic-911-on-tour-of-europes-best-tracks-w-vi/20582657/article-detail.xml 20582657 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-project-50_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/porsche-project-50.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este dominated by Ralph Lauren's Bugatti [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/2013-concorso-deleganza-villa-deste-dominated-by-ralph-lauren/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/2013-concorso-deleganza-villa-deste-dominated-by-ralph-lauren/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/2013-concorso-deleganza-villa-deste-dominated-by-ralph-lauren/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


On this past long weekend while Americans were celebrating Memorial Day, the very American Ralph Lauren was cleaning up tidily at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in northern Italy on the western shore of Lake Como. It rained the first day on and off and this lowered a little the spirits of the event, but Sunday was a knockout Day Two and, at any rate, nothing put the kibosh on Lauren's 1938 Bugatti winning nearly everything there was to win.

Nothing put the kibosh on Lauren's 1938 Bugatti winning nearly everything there was to win.

Here's the hardware the clothing magnate's $40-million-value Bugatti 57SC Atlantic hauled in: Trofeo BMW Group (this is a BMW Group-sponsored event since 1999) for best in show according to the Jury; Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este for best in show according to the invited public and press; Trofeo BMW Group Italia for best in show according to the open public on Day Two; Trofeo BMW Group Ragazzi for best in show according to the younguns; best-in-class winner of Class B a.k.a. "Purosangue"; Trofeo Auto & Design special prize for most exciting design according to the Jury.

So, hats off to Mr. Lauren's sultry black French win-mobile. There are nine classes overall and besides the mondo Bugatti in Class B, the other eight were: a 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S torpedo roadster (Class A "Gentlefolk of the Road"); 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast berlinetta (Class C "Time of Change"); 1962 Aston Martin DB4 SS saloon (Class D "Aston Martin" for the company centenary); 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB berlinetta (Class E "Cavallino contro Tridente" for Ferrari vs. Maserati); 1956 Jaguar XKSS spider (Class F "California Dreaming"); 1964 Ferrari 250 LM berlinetta (Class G "Style and Speed"); 1965 Lamborghini 350 GTS spider (Class H "Lamborghini" for the company 50th anniversary); 1965 Ferrari Dino 166P/206P spider (Class I "Racing Improves the Breed").

Continue reading 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este dominated by Ralph Lauren's Bugatti [w/video]

2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este dominated by Ralph Lauren's Bugatti [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 May 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In advance of the Nürburgring 24-hour race last weekend, Mercedes-Benz put on a demonstration that had Michael Schumacher playing catch-up in a Formula One car against four examples of AMG metal. There were four cars sent off in staggered starts before Schumacher: an A45 AMG, E63 AMG 4Matic, SLS AMG Black Series, and an SLS AMG GT3 car. "Mr. Formula One," as the German television commentators call him, left three minutes after the SLS AMG GT3.

There are two videos of Schumacher's lap, the first is on-board footage - and even though there were several GoPros on the car the POV never cuts away from the front wing. You can hear the throttle and tell he's not pushing it, you can also tell how bumpy the track is. The second video is footage from the German Sport1 channel - with commentary in German - that shows all the cars taking off and takes the aerial view of proceedings. He looks to be going a lot faster in that one. You can compare and contrast yourself with the videos below.

Oh, and it's worth noting that, even with the likely restricted car, and the made-for-TV environment, Schumi turned in a quick lap. The nose camera shows the F1 car start to slow down on the back straight, near the start/finish line, right around the modern-length track record time of six minutes and eleven seconds.

Continue reading Watch Schumacher's hot lap of Nürburgring in Mercedes F1 car

Watch Schumacher's hot lap of Nürburgring in Mercedes F1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mercedes-amg petronasmercedes-benzmichael schumachernurburgringvideo Fri, 31 May 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20587648/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20587648/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/31/watch-schumachers-hot-lap-of-nurburgring-in-mercedes-f1-car/20587648/article-detail.xml 20587648 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/schumacher-ring-f1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/schumacher-ring-f1.jpg <![CDATA[See and hear the 24 Hours of Nürburgring as if you were there]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/see-and-hear-the-24-hours-of-nurburgring-as-if-you-were-there/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/see-and-hear-the-24-hours-of-nurburgring-as-if-you-were-there/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/see-and-hear-the-24-hours-of-nurburgring-as-if-you-were-there/#comments Filed under: , , ,

24 Hours of Nurburgring 2013 - video screencap

Endurance races attract a special kind of motorsports fan, and as far as we can tell, they're the same all over the world: to enjoy 12 or 24 hours of racing they'll camp out for four or five days, they have no problem parking expensive cars in the mud - or sleeping in it, they come prepared to endure anything, sometimes the party doesn't stop even after the course has closed on Sunday evening and you've never seen so much grilling in your life.

TouriClips, the same outfit that brought us video of the Edo Competition ZXX and Maserati MC12 Corsa at the Nürburgring, was at last weekend's Nürburgring 24-Hour race and put together a video overview of the weekend. It's long, but it covers everything from the dry racing in the day to wet racing at night, to the fans and parking areas, the pits, the grandstands, the ambulance trying to stay out of the way of racers and the Jeep Cherokee towing away a broken car. It's also got the following day of action and the podium that the winning cars get put on.

So settle in and enjoy the video below.

Continue reading See and hear the 24 Hours of Nürburgring as if you were there

See and hear the 24 Hours of Nürburgring as if you were there originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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