Autoblog

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 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Hatchbacks, SMART

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 fortwo2009SmartFortwofeaturedfortworeviewsmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwoFri, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Honda

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]]>2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeatureshondahonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridinsightreviewreviewedreviewsThu, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Audi

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 3.0tAudiA6AudiA63.0tfeaturedreviewWed, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, HUMMER, Jeep

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 unlimitedJeepHummerJeepHummerComparoJeepWranglerJeepWranglerRubiconUnlimitedJeepWranglerUnlimitedwranglerwrangler unlimitedWranglerUnlimitedTue, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford

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 fiestaFordFiestareviewFri, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, Pontiac

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 targaPontiacSolsticePontiacSolsticeCoupePontiacSolsticeGxpPontiacSolsticeGxpCoupePontiacSolsticeTargareviewWed, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Motorcycles

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]]>featuredfz6rreviewyamahayamaha fz6rYamahaFz6rThu, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln

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 mkzLincolnMkzmkzreviewreviewsWed, 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/#commentsFiled under: Aftermarket, In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford

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 427RRoush427rFri, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Kia

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 reviewKiaSoulKiaSoulAutoblogGarageKiaSoulReviewReviewReviewssoulWed, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertibles, MINI

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible2009MiniCooperSConvertibleCooperCooper SCooper S ConvertibleCooperSCooperSConvertiblefeaturedMiniMini Cooper S ConvertibleMiniCooperSConvertibleReviewMon, 08 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Lexus IS F pursues perfection, might need more personality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/review-2009-lexus-is-f-pursues-perfection-might-need-more-personality/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Lexus

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lexus IS F2009LexusIsFfeaturedIn the Autoblog GarageInTheAutoblogGarageIS FIS-FIsFLexusLexus ISLexus IS FLexus IS-FLexusIsLexusIs-fLexusIsFReviewreviewsTestTest DriveTestDriveFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Cadillac

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragecadillaccadillac cts-vCadillacCts-vctscts-vfeaturefeaturedfeaturesin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewreviewedreviewsWed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium retains edge, adds smoothness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/review-2009-subaru-forester-2-5x-premium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/review-2009-subaru-forester-2-5x-premium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/review-2009-subaru-forester-2-5x-premium/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossovers/CUVs, Subaru

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Subaru Forester2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium2009SubaruForester2009SubaruForester2.5xPremiumfeaturedForesterReviewSubaruSubaru ForesterSubaruForesterTue, 02 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Toyota

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 prius2010ToyotaPriusfeaturedpriusreviewtoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusWed, 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/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Land Rover

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AshevillecrossoverCUVfeaturedfeatured storiesFeaturedStoriesLand RoverLandieLandRoverLRLR2LR3off-roadReviewTerrain ResponseTerrainResponseVolvoTue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota

2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The small crossover segment, where the neo-sorta-trucks live, is one of the hottest battlegrounds for consumer dollars. Small skirmishes go on in the border regions; confused vehicles don't know whether to be mud-slingers with brash attitudes or optioned-up urban sophisticates. Toyota's RAV4 certainly brings sophistication, and though it can venture off road a bit, it's not a jumbled, mixed-up mess. The RAV's classification-straddling lets it serve the whims of a broad array of potential buyers.

Wanting to cover all the bases, the RAV4 can be had in a variety of configurations, from a basic front-driver with four-cylinder power up to a leather-lined, four-wheel-drive Limited with a silly-powerful V6. A Sport version seeds right in between the base and Limited, carrying a satisfying level of equipment. There's an allure to the big horsepower delivered by the six - especially when it costs as little on EPA ratings as the RAV's 3.5-liter - but these days, "adequate" is riding a wave of newfound popularity as Americans struggle to pinch more pennies. In keeping with that spirit, when it came time to test a RAV4, we decided to try life with a four-cylinder 4WD Sport.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport

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

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance

Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragerav4rav4 in the autoblog garagerav4 in the garagerav4 reviewRav4InTheAutoblogGarageRav4InTheGarageRav4Reviewreviewtoyota rav 4toyota rav-4toyota rav4ToyotaRav-4ToyotaRav4Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/review-2009-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-goes-to-hell-and-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/review-2009-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-goes-to-hell-and-back/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/review-2009-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-goes-to-hell-and-back/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Supercars, Chevrolet

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Torque is good. More torque is better. And when you have more than 600 lb-ft of the stuff at your disposal with just a tip of your right toe, life is fantastic. Now, if it would just stop raining, things would be perfect. Such is life with the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

As the old saying goes, "Timing is everything", and as General Motors approached its 100th birthday last September, it introduced the two most powerful production cars it had ever created, the Cadillac CTS-V and the ZR1. Unfortunately, just as GM reached the pinnacle of high performance cars, the world economy imploded. The global financial bubble got pierced from multiple sides and sales of cars at every price and performance level vaporized. Fortunately for us, GM is still hanging in there and Chevrolet let us have a few days of quality time with a ZR1 while the opportunity still exists. We went to Hell and back in the ZR1 and lived to tell the tale after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

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

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back

Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chevrolet corvette zr12009 chevy corvette zr12009ChevroletCorvetteZr12009ChevyCorvetteZr1chevrolet corvette zr1ChevroletCorvetteZr1chevychevy corvette zr1ChevyCorvetteZr1chevyroletcorvettecorvette zr1CorvetteZr1featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewzr1Mon, 11 May 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/review-2009-audi-a4-3-2-quattro-too-good-for-its-own-good/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/review-2009-audi-a4-3-2-quattro-too-good-for-its-own-good/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/review-2009-audi-a4-3-2-quattro-too-good-for-its-own-good/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Audi

2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like nearly every other automotive outlet on the planet, we've become increasingly enamored with Audi's recent product portfolio. From the A3 to the S8, the Q7 to the R8, with all the accolades Audi's received you'd think the crew from Ingolstadt simultaneously cured cancer, rid the world of nuclear weapons and deflected a meteor destined to bring about the next ice-age.

But as the praise flowed, Audi's volume model - the A4 - grew tusks that would rival a walrus. The original A4 (B5) debuted when Boys II Men was near the top of the charts and its duo of follow-ups (the Audi B6 and B7, not the trio from Philly) were more technical reworks than thorough overhauls. But a funny thing happened in the process. As the sheet-metal evolved and the interior became a benchmark, underneath, the A4 turned into a credible sports sedan. With the engine migrating closer to the firewall, the all-wheel drive system nearing perfection and the available drivetrains offering a combination of tractability and fuel efficiency, the A4 could be all things to all people - enthusiasts included. So when developing the "all-new" A4, Audi knew it had to hit every note in pitch-perfect harmony. Our First Drive proved that many of the A4's foibles had been left in the past, but until we lived with one for a week, the jury was still sequestered in a hotel, living off an $11 per diem. Now, deliberations are over and we're prepared to deem the 2009 Audi A4 one of the best sports sedans on the market. In fact, the A4 is so good, it's almost boring. Almost...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro

Photos copyright (C)2009 Brad Wood / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good

Review: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, too good for its own good originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro2009AudiA43.2Quattro3.2a4audifeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragequattroreviewFri, 08 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track - but what if you don't have a track?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/review-2009-hyundai-genesis-coupe-3-8-track-but-what-if-you-do/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/review-2009-hyundai-genesis-coupe-3-8-track-but-what-if-you-do/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/review-2009-hyundai-genesis-coupe-3-8-track-but-what-if-you-do/#commentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the 23 years since Hyundai first entered the U.S. market, the Korean automaker has come a long away. What began as a budget-oriented brand for those who couldn't afford the higher-priced products from Japan has evolved into a credible contender in virtually every segment that it competes. In the early days, the primary emphasis was on affordable motoring, sometimes at the expense of long-term durability. Today, it's a different story. From the Accent to the Genesis sedan, Hyundai still offers some of the most affordable products, but the decades-old connotations of "cheap" have been largely laid to rest.

With the introduction of the Tiburon, Hyundai finally dipped its toe into the sports-car segment, but as nice as it was, it simply didn't have the chops to play with the big boys of the performance set. Enter the Genesis Coupe. Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive two-door is the second salvo in the automaker's bid to flesh-out its premium Genesis sub-brand, while at the same time taking direct aim at a field of established competitors ranging from the Ford Mustang to the Infiniti G37. Does the Genesis have what it takes to play the game? We spent a week with a 3.8-liter Track model to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track

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

Continue reading Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track - but what if you don't have a track?

Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track - but what if you don't have a track? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgenesis coupegenesis coupe track reviewGenesisCoupeGenesisCoupeTrackReviewhyundaihyundai genesis coupehyundai genesis coupe trackHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiGenesisCoupeTrackin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewreview genesis coupereviewedReviewGenesisCoupereviewsThu, 07 May 2009 11:58:00 EST