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[Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/project-track-slut-part-one-pick-a-weapon-on-the-cheap/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/project-track-slut-part-one-pick-a-weapon-on-the-cheap/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/project-track-slut-part-one-pick-a-weapon-on-the-cheap/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res shot of our newest project.

As regular listeners to the podcast know, Project MR-S met its untimely demise when a truck driver clipped the rear end of our 2ZZ-powered daily-driver, spinning it into the center divider with my fiancée behind the wheel. Fortunately, Melissa made it out okay. Unfortunately, said truck driver sped off and has yet to be found. Karma's a bitch, so we sleep soundly with the knowledge that what goes around comes around.

But life goes on. So with summer fast approaching, we set out to find a suitable replacement that would serve double-duty as daily driver and part-time track tool. The criteria was simple: something rear-wheel-drive, with a manual transmission, a small displacement engine and a blogger-friendly price tag. After a few weeks of research, we narrowed the list down to an NA Mazda Miata (MX-5) or something of the BMW variety. Having to install a roll bar (required for some track events) in the Miata quickly knocked it out of the running, so an E30 or E36 Bimmer became the focus of our late night, highly-caffeinated searches through Craigslist. And then, as if guided by the all-knowing entity upstairs, our friends at Modacar found a 1992 BMW 318is at an auction. It met all the criteria and had a price we couldn't pass up. Two days later, we drove it home and Project Track Slut was born.

Gallery: Project BMW 318is

Continue reading Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>19921992 bmw 318is1992Bmw318is318isautoblog project garageAutoblogProjectGaragebmwbmw 318isBmw318isfeaturedproject track slutProjectTrackSlut2008-05-03T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

As a tyke I staged an all-out assault on my parents' better judgment for a G.I. Joe hovercraft. Not three months had passed following their surrender when I ransomed my mischievousness for the next toy my happiness hinged upon. Oh, that hovercraft? Forgotten. The auto industry works the same way. We often convince automakers that we'll buy every cool car they'd make if they would just grow a pair and build 'em. They do their part and then... we don't. The trust is broken and we're back to buying what automakers know will sell.

After much whining from performance enthusiasts, the rear-wheel-drive 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is finally here and at first glance is packing almost everything we wanted. Will GM be made to look like the pushover parent and left paying the bill for this Aussie import while customers shift their attention on to the next big thing, or will the G8 turn out to be the toy we never tire of? Read on to find out.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


All photos (C) 2008 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 pontiac g8 gt2008PontiacG8Gtfeaturedg8 gtG8Gtin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragepontiacpontiac g8 gtPontiacG8Gt2008-04-24T11:59:00+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

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>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[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

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2009 toyota corolla xrs2009ToyotaCorollaXrsfeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragetoyota corollaToyotaCorolla2008-04-16T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 F-350 King Ranch [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-f-350-king-ranch-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-f-350-king-ranch-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-f-350-king-ranch-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Autoblog drives the 2008 F-350 King Ranch Dually

It isn't very often we get the opportunity to drive a vehicle with four wheels at the rear axle, so we were more than happy to parade around town with a completely loaded 2008 F-350 King Ranch for a week. With $4.20 per gallon diesel and an average of 11 mpg for this monster truck, it would run us about $140 just to fill the tank, so we probably wouldn't be as interested in a long-term engagement. For those of you who use your truck to pay the bills, however, this big baby has all the power, comfort and technology you'll ever need.

Power from the twin-turbo 6.4L Powerstroke diesel is incredible, with 350 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque, but at 231 inches from stem to stern, you need the grunt just to get going. The abundant torque helps you tow 18,000 pounds (!), and the integrated trailer brake controller helps you pull a load without an aftermarket setup.

The F-350 is a real work truck, and when you add the King Ranch package, you get amazing comfort and luxury that you would expect from a Lincoln Navigator. The leather covering the seats and touch areas feels like it comes from a high-end bomber jacket, and amenities like Audiophile sound, navigation, and moonroof give owners a little coddling during the work day. Hey, if your truck makes you money and the cash is coming in, why not drop $59,000 on something that can pay you back a little. Click on the video above to view our two-and-a-half-minute review, then click below for our high resolution gallery.

UPDATE: Correct video added.

Gallery: 2008 F-350 King Ranch


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk/ Weblogs, Inc.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 Ford F-350 King Ranch2008FordF-350KingRanch4x4Autoblog GarageAutoblogGarageDieselDuallyFord2008-04-15T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/first-drive-seat-leon-cupra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/first-drive-seat-leon-cupra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/first-drive-seat-leon-cupra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the SEAT Leon Cupra

Draw up a list of the top hot-hatches in the world. The SEAT Leon Cupra may not be on it - although it might be - but the Volkswagen GTI will most definitely. At least it should, because the GTI is a performance icon, forged over decades of performance tempered with versatility and accessibility. And the current-generation GTI certainly lives up to the legend, burning rubber with the best Germany has to offer. But if this article is about the SEAT Leon Cupra, then why are we talking about the Volkswagen GTI? What do they have in common? Well, almost everything. Almost.

Gallery: First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra

Continue reading First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>autoblog drives seat cupraAutoblogDrivesSeatCuprafeaturedfirst drivefirst drive seat leon cupraFirstDriveFirstDriveSeatLeonCupraseatseat leonseat leon cupraSeatLeonSeatLeonCupra2008-04-10T12:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-volkswagen-jetta-2-5-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-volkswagen-jetta-2-5-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-volkswagen-jetta-2-5-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE

"I think we're gonna have to buy a Volkswagen," I told me wife just hours after signing for the keys to a 2008 Jetta 2.5 SE. I had only done about four miles in the car and, already, the near-luxury interior and throaty exhaust had won me over.

But my wife was skeptical of a sedan's ability to handle the needs of our pack-rat family even if it did have 170 horses. So I drove the handsome little VW a couple of days more before turning it over to her for toddler-toting duty. I felt sure she'd see the positives of German engineering by week's end.

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Special Editon


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>jettajetta 2.5jetta reviewJetta2.5JettaReviewvolkswagenvolkswagen jettavolkswagen jetta reviewvolkswagen reviewVolkswagenJettaVolkswagenJettaReviewVolkswagenReviewvwvw jettavw jetta reviewvw reviewVwJettaVwJettaReviewVwReview2008-04-09T12:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saturn Astra XR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-saturn-astra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-saturn-astra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-saturn-astra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Enthusiasts here in the States have long wondered why they couldn't buy Ford and GM small cars from Europe, and at least part of the answer has been that Americans don't want to pay big bucks for premium small cars. Spiking gasoline prices have quelled that argument, and fuel economy is now towards the top of shoppers' lists when looking for a new car or truck.

While Ford is still more than a year away from bringing over the Euro Focus and Fiesta, GM has made the cross-Atlantic jump by importing the Opel Astra to our shores. The Astra is a hot-selling hatch in Europe with high-end amenities and very good fuel economy, and the model is shipping to the U.S. differentiated from its Euro twin by some Saturn logos and little else. We were itching to get our hands on an Astra to see if it were as good as advertised, and our tester came equipped with everything Saturn could throw at the vehicle. Hit the jump to see how the 2009 Saturn Astra fared in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra XR - Autoblog Garage


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 Saturn Astra2008SaturnAstraAstra XRAstraXrAutoblog GarageAutoblogGaragefeaturedGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMOpel AstraOpelAstra2008-04-08T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-mustang-bullitt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-mustang-bullitt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-mustang-bullitt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Mustang Bullitt

My earliest memory of falling in love with a car was a Mustang. As a kid, a friend of our family had a blue 1969 Mach 1 with the Shaker hood scoop, louvers on the rear window and the little wing at the end of the rear deck lid. From that time forward I've always had a thing for Mustangs. One of the most famous car-related movies (OK, it wasn't really car related, but it had Steve McQueen, cars and a chase scene) has to be Bullitt. Having grown up in the '70s and '80s, I somehow never actually got around to watching Bullitt until about three years ago when it arrived in the mailbox courtesy of NetFlix. I can't say I loved the movie, but Det. Frank Bullitt had the hottest ride in San Francisco, bar none.

Ever since the current S197 Mustang debuted in late 2004, Ford has been putting out a steady stream of limited volume special editions in order to keep sales boiling. The latest is the 2008 Mustang Bullitt, and it is to my eyes the best Mustang yet. It carries the classic proportions and cues of the late sixties 'Stangs without any of the tacked on froufrou found on some other specials or even the current standard Mustangs. Read on after the jump for more on why this Bullitt is special.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bullittfeaturedford mustangford mustang bullittford-mustangford-mustang-bullittFordMustangFordMustangBullittin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarage2008-04-07T12:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/first-drive-2009-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/first-drive-2009-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/first-drive-2009-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UPDATE: Due to its awesomeness, we are re-running the GT-R drive.

Click above to view our massive gallery of the 2009 Nissan GT-R.

With only 20 miles separating us from North Lake Tahoe, it's obvious that I hadn't secured the hood of our Super Silver Nissan GT-R after poking and prodding inside the engine bay. The left side of the bonnet is raised about a quarter-inch and flapping slightly at speed, so we pull off into a newborn subdivision to slam it shut. I step back inside and catch a glimpse of a silver Corvette in the side view mirror. The telltale air intake on the front bumper confirms that the man behind the wheel is an aficionado; it's a C6 Z06 and there's no doubt the driver knows what the GT-R is.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R


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

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>featuredgt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r reviewnissan gt-r test drivenissan gtr reviewnissan gtr test drivenissan skyline reviewnissan skyline test driveNissanGt-rNissanGt-rReviewNissanGt-rTestDriveNissanGtrReviewNissanGtrTestDriveNissanSkylineReviewNissanSkylineTestDriver35 test driveR35TestDrivereview2008-04-04T20:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Charge! GM gives update on Volt development, describes interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/charge-gm-gives-update-on-volt-development-describes-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/charge-gm-gives-update-on-volt-development-describes-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/charge-gm-gives-update-on-volt-development-describes-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If the Chevy Volt were a 150 mpg dairy cow, the General's marketing department would have a hand on every udder. The Volt is still more than two years from production, and the series hybrid is all over the Internet, TV, and magazines. When a vehicle promises as much as the Volt does, though, any update is big news. This time, engineers have come up with a computer algorithm to accelerate battery durability testing. The test decreases battery testing from ten years to two by duplicating real-life vehicle speed and cargo-carrying conditions in a controlled environment while constantly recharging the batteries. The next step for the Volt is test mules that can put GM's e-Flex system through more unpredictable conditions like snow storms and Michigan potholes.

Since the Volt's 375-pound battery pack resides down the center of the car and beneath its rear seats, GM had some unique packaging issues to optimize interior space. Volt design director Tim Greig described the Volt's four seats as far apart from one another, which gives the vehicle's occupants more personal space. Designers had to be keenly aware of aerodynamics when designing the Volt, which means a lower roof-line, yet a 6' 2" adult can fit in any of the four seats. For more on the Generals Chevy Volt update, go to Autoblog Green, or hit the jump to check out GM's press release.

Continue reading Charge! GM gives update on Volt development, describes interior

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>battery testsBatteryTestsChevy voltChevyVoltdurabilitye-flexGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMinterior packagingInteriorPackaginglithium-ion2008-04-04T07:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-accord-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-accord-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-accord-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe

Honda's Accord has grown at every redo since the model's inception, and this latest version is no different. We've already tried out the sedan, so we borrowed the two-door version to sample the Coupé lifestyle, wherein you actually pronounce those acute accents. Our first impression is that the Accord Coupe is the best Monte Carlo never made, while retaining a fundamental core of Hondaness. Accords have always been half cool, half dorky, with the scale tipping one way or another depending on the generation. This latest one continues that trend, and we wanted to find out if the 2008 Accord Coupe is crushingly cool or heavily noisome.

Gallery: In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6


All photos (C) 2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 honda accord2008 honda accord coupe2008HondaAccord2008HondaAccordCoupeaccord coupeAccordCoupeaccordcoupe2008autoblog garageautoblog reviewAutoblogGarageAutoblogReviewfeaturedhonda accordHondaAccordhondaaccordcoupein the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarage2008-03-31T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the ABG Garage: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/in-the-abg-garage-2008-chevy-tahoe-two-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/in-the-abg-garage-2008-chevy-tahoe-two-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/in-the-abg-garage-2008-chevy-tahoe-two-mode-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



One of the best parts about being a member of the Autoblog team, besides all the chicks and autograph requests, is driving some of the best vehicles in the world and writing about it here. When it comes to hybrids, though, we tend to leave the heavy lifting to our brethren over at AutoblogGreen, and our eco-conscious friends never let us down. Gang green got their hands on a 2008 Chevy Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid, and they knocked the review right out of the park. Hit the link below to see how a Tahoe with two electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack fared, i.e. what kind of mileage it achieved.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid


[Source: Autoblog Green]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 chevy tahoe two-mode hybrid2008ChevyTahoeTwo-modeHybridAutoblog GreenAutoblogGreenChevroletchevy tahoe hybridChevyTahoeHybridHybridNickel Metal HydrideNickelMetalHydrideSUVTahoe Two-Mode HybridTahoeTwo-modeHybrid2008-03-27T15:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-civic-si-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-civic-si-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-honda-civic-si-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda Civic Si sedan.

We've avoided glossy-eyed retrospectives of 2007, but if you were in the market for a practical, affordable and entertaining ride in the last year, there were a handful of vehicles to be had for under $25 large. The Mazdaspeed3, R56 MINI Cooper S and VW GTI have set the fun-to-drive quotient relatively high, but one vehicle that's been left out of the Autoblog Garage is the Honda Civic Si. While the coupe has garnered its fair share of praise, we understand that your average Joe and Jane have people and stuff to schlep; thankfully, so does Honda. So with little fanfare last year, it released the Civic Si Sedan to the masses and in the process created yet another entertaining steer for those of us unable or unwilling to break the $30,000 ceiling.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si



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

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si sedan

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>20082008 honda civic si2008 honda civic si review2008 honda civic si sedan2008 honda civic si sedan test drive2008HondaCivicSi2008HondaCivicSiReview2008HondaCivicSiSedan2008HondaCivicSiSedanTestDrivecivicfeaturedhondahonda civic sihonda civic si reviewhonda civic si road testhonda civic si sedanhonda civic si sedan reviewhonda civic si sedan road testhonda civic si sedan roadtesthonda civic si sedan testHondaCivicSiHondaCivicSiReviewHondaCivicSiRoadTestHondaCivicSiSedanHondaCivicSiSedanReviewHondaCivicSiSedanRoadTestHondaCivicSiSedanTestsedansi2008-03-26T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

I remember the last red Subaru I drove. I was in high school, and the car was my dad's - a new '88 GL wagon with an automatic and push-button 4WD on the shifter. I dug that Scooby. It wasn't powerful but it was fun -- especially when it snowed. Somehow I managed to avoid bouncing it off a lamppost while sliding it around corners. This had much more to do with luck than skill, as I was in high school and clearly an idiot. But I digress -- after all, this isn't about my dad's old GL. It is, however, about a red Subaru - the new Impreza WRX STI, to be specific. If this thing was around back during my neighborhood rally-pretender salad days, I'd probably just be getting my license back right about now.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 sti2008 subaru Impreza WRX STI2008Sti2008SubaruImprezaWrxStifeaturedimprezaimpreza stiimpreza wrxImprezaStiImprezaWrxin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragenew stiNewStiSTIsubaruwrx stiWrxSti2008-03-25T12:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-grand-vitara-xsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-grand-vitara-xsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-suzuki-grand-vitara-xsport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport

When driving a vehicle for review, we always keep a list of pros and cons. At just a glance we can see which list is longer and instantly know if it's a vehicle that we'd personally drive. At the end of the evaluation we throw in a few verbs, several random adjectives and some technical jargon to make us all sound knowledgeable and it's a review! Just kidding. A little, at least.

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport that just left the Autoblog Garage didn't fit the mold. Our cons list outnumbered the pros, but we just can't give this one an automatic thumbs down.

The ride was unsettled by even slightly uneven pavement, which then caused the dash panel to creak and rattle. And the squeaky horn sounded more appropriate for one of Suzuki's econoboxes than a 4,600-pound SUV. And there's that funky side-opening rear cargo door. But from the pro list, we got a powerful V6, a fairly roomy interior and an impressive drivetrain warranty.

Our 2WD tester arrived wearing Quicksilver Metallic paint and cloth seats. The 2.7-liter V6 is standard, as are side curtain airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, fog lamps and 16-inch wheels. The Xsport trim level includes a few "comfort and convenience" options like a power sunroof, keyless entry and start, power windows and doors, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, a 6-disc AM/FM with six speakers and a subwoofer, and power mirrors. Total sticker price before shipping and handling was $22,349.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Grand Vitara XSport


All photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>featuredGrand VitaraGrand Vitara reviewGrandVitaraGrandVitaraReviewmidsize SUV reviewMidsizeSuvReviewSUV reviewSuvReviewSuzuki Grand VitaraSuzuki Grand Vitara reviewSuzukiGrandVitaraSuzukiGrandVitaraReview2008-03-24T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-c30-v2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-c30-v2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-c30-v2-0/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of our time with the 2008 Volvo C30

We've been told for so long that hatches don't sell here in the U.S., so it's surprising to see a new crop of two-box premium cars going on sale. MINI started it with its R53 Coopers; retro flash met modern dash and it sold successfully enough to warrant an upgrade to the R56. Volvo's got the same lust for entry-level customers to its premium wares, so on the scene rolls the C30. Based off the S40, the C30 reaches back over three generations of boxy-but-good styling to a time when Swedish cars wearing the alchemist's symbol for iron had curves and a shooting brake profile. Hatch/wagon/brake/estate - call it what you will, Volvo's hoping it can call the C30 a success.

Gallery: Volvo C30 T5 Version 2.0


All photos (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo C30 V2.0

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>autoblog reviewAutoblogReviewc30 hatchbackc30 t5C30HatchbackC30T5featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragemini cooperMiniCooperVolvo C30volvo hatchbackvolvo miniVolvoC30VolvoHatchbackVolvoMini2008-03-17T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo XC70 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-xc70-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-xc70-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-volvo-xc70-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Volvo XC70

While station wagons are a very big part of the European automotive landscape, here in the States the two-box design sells much better when it's a crossover. We Americans don't have many choices on the true wagon front, mostly because high volume demand simply doesn't exist. One wagon that has been around for a while is the Volvo XC70, which combines much of the rugged AWD utility of an SUV with traditional wagon packaging.

The XC70 is all-new for 2008, including its Ford Mondeo-derived platform, 3.2L engine and more refined sheet metal. On paper, the XC70 delivers a good-looking, safe and evolved station wagon to go head-to-head with upscale utility vehicles, but how will it hold up in the Autoblog Garage? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo XC70


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo XC70 [w/VIDEO]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 Volvo XC702008VolvoXc70Autoblog GarageAutoblogGarageAWDfeaturedStation WagonStationWagonVolvo XC70VolvoXc702008-03-13T12:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When we first locked eyes on the 2008 Dodge Dakota at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, we were breathless. The reason for our inability to process oxygen had everything to do with the ungainly sheet metal that covered the latest iteration of Dodge's midsize truck offering. The new Dakota is boxy with an awkward, Pug-like front end, and the interior is Dodge-tastic.

Not all is wrong with the Dakota, however. It's the largest of the midsize pickups, has the only optional V8 in its class, and thus can out-tow and carry larger loads than its competition. We wanted to see for ourselves if the Ram Lite could overcome its visual shortcomings with affordability and clever packaging, so we took a blacked-out KITT look-a-like version for a week in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump to see how the Dakota fared.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2008 dodge dakota2008DodgeDakota4.7LAutoblog GarageAutoblogGarageChryslerDodge DakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedMagnum V8MagnumV8Pickup TruckPickupTruckTowing2008-03-10T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-sequoia-limited/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-sequoia-limited/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-sequoia-limited/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of our time with the 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Gigantor. The 2008 Toyota Sequoia arrives humongously revised from the already beefy first-generation. The Timberland Mica (Metallic Green) example that Toyota lent us for a week definitely deserves whatever size-related superlatives you can dream up. It's big, it's powerful, it doesn't sip fuel. There is a need and a market for this type of vehicle, however. If Sequoia buyers don't actually utilize its considerable capabilities, that's not Toyota's fault. This year marks the migration of Toyota's full size Sport Utility to the same mechanicals that underpin the new Tundra, ladling on capability to an already fairly competent and refined vehicle.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4


All photos (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedgaragelimitedreviewsequoiasuburbansuvtahoetoyotatrucktundra2008-03-07T13:57:00+00:00