Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Nissan Frontier continues to blaze the small truck trail]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/review-2009-nissan-frontier-continues-to-blaze-the-small-truck/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/review-2009-nissan-frontier-continues-to-blaze-the-small-truck/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/review-2009-nissan-frontier-continues-to-blaze-the-small-truck/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2009 Nissan Frontier - Click above for high-res image gallery

Small pickups occupy an odd and oft forgotten spot in the over-hyped, Biggie-Sized truck segment, but making a case for their existence remains easy. Not everyone needs a larger vehicle or has the space for a full-size truck, and small pickups offer the utility weekend warriors require without necessitating an organ exchange at the pump. Although not as diminutive as their forebears, today's more compact dimensions are easier to cope with behind the wheel, and in this economy, moving down a rung in the pickup hierarchy is sure to save you a few dollars in monthly payments and insurance premiums. But is it just about a small footprint and an easy to swallow sticker? Or is just best to bite the bullet and option up for what some consider to be a "real" pickup? We test the 2009 Nissan Frontier to see if this squat truck has more than just measurements on its size to woo punch-drunk pickup buyers away from the latest and greatest in the full-size segment.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Frontier


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan Frontier continues to blaze the small truck trail

Review: 2009 Nissan Frontier continues to blaze the small truck trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 nissan frontier2009NissanFrontierfeaturedfrontiernissannissan frontierNissanFrontierreviewreviews Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost - Click above for high-res image gallery

For more years than we care to remember, Lincoln has soldiered on without a competitive large car. Ford's luxury marque finally gave its high-end roster some love for the 2009 model year with the large-and-in-charge MKS. At 204 inches long, the MKS is a Reese's Cup shy of a Navigator, and at 4,305 pounds, our all-wheel drive tester is only 166-pounds lighter than the super-sized Ford Flex.

When we tested the MKS last year, the relatively modest 3.7-liter V6 left us eagerly anticipating the long-promised twin-turbo EcoBoost variant. The first press samples of the MKS EcoBoost came in the spring, and our brief time with the 355 horsepower sedan at Milan Raceway gave us a newfound appreciation for the big Lincoln. But only a few hours behind the wheel wasn't nearly enough time to fully take in the EcoBoost experience, so we spent a week with Lincoln's Big Easy to see if 355 force-fed ponies catapults the MKS into the realm of the luxury elite. Hit the jump to find out how this latter-day Hot Rod Lincoln fared.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20010 Lincoln MKS20010LincolnMks2010 Ecoboost MKS2010EcoboostMksEcoboost MKSEcoboost MKS reviewEcoboostMksEcoboostMksReviewfeaturedFordlincolnlincoln mkslincoln mks ecoboostLincolnMksLincolnMksEcoboostmksmks ecoboostmks reviewMksEcoboostMksReviewreviewreviewsturbo chargingTurboCharging Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/review-2009-ford-edge-sport-offers-big-wheels-key-improvements/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/review-2009-ford-edge-sport-offers-big-wheels-key-improvements/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/review-2009-ford-edge-sport-offers-big-wheels-key-improvements/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2009 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Twenty-two inch wheels. A chocolate bar shy of two feet, the 2009 Ford Edge Sport has alloys the size of manhole covers. Despite being made of aluminum, these wheels pull the eyes of onlookers magnetically. The big rollers are not everyone's cup of tea, but they're the defining feature of the Edge Sport - even the standard Sport model kicks it with 20s. Ford adds even more visual slickness to the Edge Sport with smoked lenses for the head- and tail-lamps that go along with an uncommonly tasteful bodykit. We spent a week to-ing and fro-ing with an Edge Sport just to see if those rollers crushed our kidneys into renal failure, or if this crossover's aggressive looks are matched to a chassis that you can get along with every day. Click on the jump to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements

Review: 2009 Ford Edge Sport offers big wheels, key improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 ford edge sport2009FordEdgeSportedgeedge sportEdgeSportfeaturedfordford edgeford edge sportFordEdgeFordEdgeSportreviewreviews Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/review-2010-cadillac-srx/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/review-2010-cadillac-srx/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/review-2010-cadillac-srx/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first generation Cadillac SRX brought General Motors' premium brand into the crossover segment, providing better fuel economy compared to similarly sized SUVs while also delivering significantly improved driving dynamics. We bought into that first-generation, rear-wheel-drive SRX when we reviewed it way back in 2007, but the luxury car-buying public apparently wasn't all that interested. Sales of the sharp handling SRX never took off, largely keeping Cadillac off of the luxury crossover gravy train long dominated by the Lexus RX 350.

Cadillac hopes to change its crossover fortunes with the introduction of the all-new 2010 SRX. This time out, the SRX is very different from the one it replaces, with a fundamental shift from a rear-wheel drive platform (with available all-wheel drive) to a front-drive setup (also with available AWD). Along with that shift in powered wheels, the 2010 model goes with smaller, more efficient powertrains. Cadillac doesn't try to hide the fact that the new SRX is gunning for the RX, but GM's designers and engineers didn't want to simply copy the strong-selling Lexus. Cadillac wanted its crossover to be more expressive inside and out, with state-of-the-art tech and superior driving dynamics. Does the new SRX have what it takes?

Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 cadillac srx2010CadillacSrxcadillaccadillac srxCadillacSrxfeaturedreviewreviewssrx Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Smart ForTwo isn't for shy people. Even though Smart USA has sold about 30,000 of these tiny two-seaters in the U.S., the little rollerskate attracts a lot of attention. On the road or in America's parking lots, the ForTwo is a conversation piece, and people don't hesitate to come up and talk to you. Some will tell you about the Smart they saw in Europe. Others will ask if it has the guts to make it onto the highway. Most will assume it gets great gas mileage (it doesn't). But one thing's for certain, during our week with the ForTwo, there was a 100-percent conversation rate wherever we went. Anthropophobes, be warned.

Follow the jump to see what it's like to spend wheel time with a Smart ForTwo Cabriolet.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission

Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 smart fortwo2009SmartFortwofeaturedfortworeviewreviewssmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwo Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.

Get our real-world impressions after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent

Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> reviews2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeatureshondahonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridinsightreviewreviewedreviews Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/review-2009-audi-a6-3-0t/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2009 Audi A6 3.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 1982, Audi introduced its redesigned 5000 to the world and unwittingly influenced the shape of sedans to come. The 5000's smooth flanks, disk wheels and flush-mounted side glass were replicated by a generation of cars over the next two-and-a-half decades, and when its successor debuted in 1994, the A6 grew some curves while retaining Audi's patented blend of staid Germanic modernity.

The 2009 Audi A6 isn't nearly as revolutionary. It sits atop the same C6 platform we've known since 2005, and last year, the automaker gave its upper mid-sizer a mild makeover consisting of new front and rear fascias, light clusters and a few interior tweaks. Maybe that's why Audi thought it need to commission actor Jason Statham to star in a multi-million dollar Super Bowl advert to boost the A6's image. Well, that and to highlight the automaker's all-new supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 - the same engine due to be fitted to several new Audis, including the 2010 Audi S4. How does the restyled A6 fair during a week of testing? And more importantly, is this new blown V6 a suitable replacement for Audi's 4.2-liter V8? Find out after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"?

Review: 2009 Audi A6 3.0T suits high-speed cruising to a "T" - or is that an "S"? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 audi a6 3.0t2009AudiA63.0ta6a6 3.0tA63.0taudiaudi a6audi a6 3.0tAudiA6AudiA63.0tfeaturedreviewreviews Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/autoblog-comparo-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-vs-hummer-h3t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/autoblog-comparo-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-vs-hummer-h3t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/autoblog-comparo-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-vs-hummer-h3t/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited vs. Hummer H3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, we compared the dirtside manners of the Hummer H2 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both trucks did everything we asked of them, but at the end of the excursion we were left with another question begging to be answered: could the Hummer H3T stand up to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? These cruiserweights live on a fatter part of the buying curve, and any time a Jeep is summoned to the ring, the other vehicle is inevitably the challenger. Even though the H3T is still relatively new to the world, it came time to find out if it was ready to stand up and fight for its place. Follow the jump to see how it held up.


Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featuredh3thummerhummer h3tHummerH3tjeepjeep hummerjeep hummer comparojeep wranglerjeep wrangler rubicon unlimitedjeep wrangler unlimitedJeepHummerJeepHummerComparoJeepWranglerJeepWranglerRubiconUnlimitedJeepWranglerUnlimitedreviewreviewswranglerwrangler unlimitedWranglerUnlimited Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrival]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/review-2010-ford-fiesta-euro-spec-almost-ready-for-u-s-arrival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/review-2010-ford-fiesta-euro-spec-almost-ready-for-u-s-arrival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/review-2010-ford-fiesta-euro-spec-almost-ready-for-u-s-arrival/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec) - Click above for high-res gallery

For longer than we can remember, words like 'cheap', 'unattractive' and 'lousy' were used to describe America's domestic offerings in the compact car segment. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have never figured out how to make money with small cars, so the domestic trio seeming has rarely put forth the effort to create competitive compact products. And although FoMoCo had a solid player in 2000 with the introduction of the Focus, when Ford of Europe received the thoroughly revised model in 2005, customers in the States got the short end of the stick. Until now.

While the 2011 Ford Fiesta isn't the Euro-Spec Focus that we've long-admired from abroad, this compact five-door offers a compelling list of kit in a tidy package. Ford is billing it as a great looking, high-quality vehicle that just happens to inhabit a small footprint. So the Blue Oval has imbued the Fiesta with the same technology and amenities found in other larger, more expensive offerings and added a healthy dose of nippy handling and top-notch fuel economy to boot. But those attributes come at a cost that - historically - Americans haven't been willing to pay for. So is the Fiesta worth your time and hard-earned coin? It's time to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrival

Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta Euro-Spec almost ready for U.S. arrival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 ford fiesta2010FordFiestafeaturedfiestafiesta euro-specFiestaEuro-specfordford fiestaFordFiestareviewreviews Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe goes quick, just don't look back]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/review-pontiac-solstice-gxp-coupe-goes-quick-just-dont-look-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/review-pontiac-solstice-gxp-coupe-goes-quick-just-dont-look-b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/review-pontiac-solstice-gxp-coupe-goes-quick-just-dont-look-b/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Climb into the Pontiac Solstice Coupe and there's an unsettling feeling of familiarity. We've been here before. And after driving off, it all begins to gel, although it has nothing to do with our previous stints in the drop-top variant. The Coupe feels like the unruly offspring of a night of passion between a C4 Corvette coupe and a Dodge Viper. And while the Solstice is nowhere near as large or as powerful as those two American icons, the DNA of both is undoubtedly present in this little machine - for good reason.

It's no coincidence that the history of the Solstice spans the Bob Lutz era at General Motors. After Lutz joined GM in 2001 to guide its product development, one of the first tasks he assigned the design staff was to create a new concept for the Detroit Auto Show. The Solstice was born, a stylistic hit was made and the convertible was rushed to production. Now, as Lutz is winding down his time at GM, the Solstice and the entire Pontiac brand are also fading off into the sunset. In many respects, this Solstice is symbolic of what was right and wrong with GM and Pontiac. And our time with the Solstice Coupe is a telling tale about the final new model from a vanishing brand.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe goes quick, just don't look back

Review: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe goes quick, just don't look back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 pontiac solstice coupe gxp2009PontiacSolsticeCoupeGxpfeaturefeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragepontiacpontiac solsticepontiac solstice coupepontiac solstice gxppontiac solstice gxp coupepontiac solstice targaPontiacSolsticePontiacSolsticeCoupePontiacSolsticeGxpPontiacSolsticeGxpCoupePontiacSolsticeTargareviewreviews Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/review-yamaha-fz6r-arrives-as-a-rational-sportbike/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/review-yamaha-fz6r-arrives-as-a-rational-sportbike/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/review-yamaha-fz6r-arrives-as-a-rational-sportbike/#comments Filed under: , ,


Yamaha FZ6R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before even throwing a leg over the new 2009 Yamaha FZ6R, we couldn't help but think that this bike fits neatly into the burgeoning entry-level sportbike category and is just the kind of motorcycle that most Americans would be better off purchasing than a bike from the more popular supersport category. Generally speaking, though today's crop of 600cc race-replica motorcycles are tons of fun to ride in a proper setting, there are few if any circumstances where it's necessary to have a machine capable of topping 160 mph or accelerating to 60 in around three seconds on public roads. With this in mind, we had very high hopes for Yamaha's latest middleweight sportbike. Did it meet our lofty expectations? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: Yamaha FZ6R


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike

Review: Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featuredfz6rreviewreviewsyamahayamaha fz6rYamahaFz6r Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/review-2010-lincoln-mkz-makes-a-name-for-itself-in-middle/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lincoln MKZ began life as the Zephyr. It was bland-looking and far too underpowered to compete in the increasingly competitive entry-level luxury class. Ford updated the mid-size sedan back in 2007 with a more powerful engine, some cosmetic updates, and a new alphanumeric moniker. Despite the alterations, the least expensive Lincoln still didn't stack up with the competition in many areas, let alone in terms of image or "wow" factor.

Understandably, Lincoln is looking to reverse the fortunes of its MKZ for the 2010 model year, with a thorough makeover on the inside and some major cosmetic tweaks on the outside. Has Lincoln improved its volume sedan entry enough to make the MKZ a consideration for car shoppers? Hit the jump to find out how the 2010 Lincoln MKZ fared in our Autoblog review.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ makes a name for itself in the middle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMkzfeaturedlincolnlincoln mkzLincolnMkzmkzreviewreviews Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/review-2010-roush-427r-raises-bar-for-mustang-tuners/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/review-2010-roush-427r-raises-bar-for-mustang-tuners/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/review-2010-roush-427r-raises-bar-for-mustang-tuners/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Roush 427R - Click above for high-res image gallery

During both our first drive and in our full review, we concluded that the 2010 Ford Mustang has raised the bar for modern day pony cars. The sculpted body, finely tuned suspension, higher quality interior and additional horsepower make it one of the best Stangs to ever come from the Blue Oval's stable. With a flood of aftermarket variants sure to come, we couldn't help but wonder if the new Mustang would provide an even better platform to work with, or if tuners might struggle to improve on an already excellent product. We now have the answer.

Roush, who were given inside access to the 2010 Mustang by Ford for their own product development, were first to market with their 427R Mustang that was unveiled back in March. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to get behind the wheel, and recently spent a full week with the 427R. Was Roush able to use their five years of experience with the S197 platform to capitalize on the upgrades and refinements made available in the 2010 Mustang? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Roush 427R


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners

Review: 2010 Roush 427R raises bar for Mustang tuners originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Roush 427R2010Roush427r427RfeaturedreviewreviewsRoushRoush 427RRoush427r Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/review-2010-kia-soul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/review-2010-kia-soul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/review-2010-kia-soul/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Greeting the Kia Soul with low expectations didn't make sense. Perhaps the details of the funkwagon's story seemed overly familiar at first blush - Kia wants, nay, needs to be more than just the bargain-basement Hyundai store. Differentiating product lines with the help of bold design has been tried before, and the results have been disastrous more often than they've been wildly successful. Finding out that the Soul's styling inspiration was a wild boar sent the cynical mind of this autowriter reeling, preparing to suffer with a bore of a swine-inspired car. But Kia's been on a roll lately with aggressively priced product that's well equipped and imbued with performance that's often more inspired than the sum of its parts. If any brand stands a chance of melding its design studio's hit parade with tuning that lives up to the looks, it's Kia... right?


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Soul


Photos Copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand

Review: 2010 Kia Soul deserves to be breakout hit for brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 kia2010 kia soul2010Kia2010KiaSoulautoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragekiakia soulkia soul autoblog garagekia soul reviewKiaSoulKiaSoulAutoblogGarageKiaSoulReviewReviewReviewssoul Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/review-2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/review-2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/review-2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 2001, BMW revived the Mini brand by unveiling a new Cooper model that updated the classic English design of the original while growing the car's trademark size just enough to fit the engineering, safety equipment and conveniences that modern drivers demand. It was a perfect play, and if Mini sales haven't exactly set the world on fire here in the U.S., that's only because the brand has been alone in teaching American car shoppers what Europeans already know: Premium small cars are worth every penny. In other words, Americans generally associate the value of a vehicle with its size - the more you pay, the larger a vehicle you should get. The Mini Cooper exists in stark contrast to this notion.

Fast forward to 2009 and we're already a couple of years into the second generation of the modern Mini Cooper, also known as the R56. The redesigned hatchback was joined last year by the long-wheelbase Clubman and the R56 lineup is now complete with the arrival of the convertible model. Our tester, a 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible, will challenge the notion that value equals size. Why? Aside from opting for the high-performance John Cooper Works trim, the convertible is the most expensive model in the Mini lineup, and the S model makes it even more so. The total tally for our tester, including $650 in destination charges, is $32,700. Read on to find out if the Mini Cooper S Convertible is packed with enough value to prevent its sticker shock from sending you into cardiac arrest.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price

Review: 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible adds open-air fun for a price originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Lexus IS F - Click above for high-res gallery

The Lexus IS F is the sole Japanese contender in a crowd of compact high-performance sport sedans. Boasting a full complement of performance upgrades, including a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the 416-horsepower sedan blasts to 60 mph in well under five seconds. But the stats only tell part of the tale. Do the sum of the IS F's parts make it a contender against the best from Germany and America? Let's find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lexus IS F


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality

Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adequate dynamics, very capable, super handy. That about sums up the last ten years of the Subaru Forester. And yet - once the sportier turbocharged version put rally-bred heat under the skinny pedal, the Forester was no longer just the squishy, squeezy Official Car of Vermont. It was suddenly possible to haul the family Newfoundland to the groomer and scorch the doors off more prestigious iron by flattening that Birkenstock. Eat our dust, punctuated by a "Be Green" sticker. More luxurious appointments were also put on offer, there was once even a Nardi edition. For all that, the Foresters were still little funk machines. For 2009, Subaru's Forester retains and expands what has historically been great about this Fuji Heavy crossover, but the rough edges have been hammered flat. Click past the jump to see if that's impacted the Subie's appeal.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness

Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it was the first really practical hybrid to come to market and has sold more than any other examples. Yes, of course, the original Honda Insight beat the Prius to market in the U.S. by about six months, but the tiny two-seater sold in equally tiny numbers and had limited appeal beyond hard core hyper milers.

In the coming weeks, Toyota dealers will start getting their first allotments of the all-new third-generation Prius, and while we got to spend a few hours with one on the west coast in March, we just spent a whole week with the new version of this iconic Toyota. While the efficiency of the Prius has never been in dispute, like many other cars from Brand T, its appeal as a driver's car has been, to say the least, limited. For its generation three model, Toyota has not given up on minimizing fuel consumption, but it has sought to make the Prius a bit more appealing on other levels. Read on to find out if the company has succeeded.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves

Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 toyota prius2010ToyotaPriusfeaturedpriusreviewreviewstoyotatoyota priusToyotaPrius Wed, 27 May 2009 11:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2007 Land Rover LR2 HSE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rovers have always gone their own way - often literally. While off-roading demands a low center of gravity and muddy trails would seem to warrant hose-out interiors and body-on-frame-construction, the British automaker has long contented itself building tippy-looking unibody boxes with tall greenhouses and opulent cabins - the anti-Humvee, as it were. Further, in recent iterations, they've packed their products with immense electronic systems, air suspensions, dial-a-topography Terrain Response controller, and so on... the very sort of complexity that ought to be enough to send English sports car enthusiasts running back to their therapists' offices.

And yet, the formula has always worked - vehicles like the Range Rover and Discovery (now LR3) have somehow managed to earn both Kalahari-traversing credentials and valet stand privileges. Other companies have attempted the leather-lined off-roader thing before (Lamborghini, Lexus, Hummer, Porsche, and LaForza come to mind), but while some have added the trappings of luxury to their SUVs, exactly no one has been as successful in marrying their vehicles to the notion of aristocracy - the sort of "Lord and Master of All That I Survey" quality that has remained Solihull's historic preserve. In short, Land Rovers have always been a gloriously and uniquely British contradiction on wheels - a fact that goes some way toward explaining why your author remains more than a little conflicted when it comes to this LR2.

Click through to the jump to find how it all shakes out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature

Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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