Autoblog Hatchback http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Hatchback http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> francetoyotatoyota yaris Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/20574228/article-detail.xml 20574228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt.png <![CDATA[Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Ford Fiesta ST - front three-quarter view, red

We at Autoblog love the new little Ford Fiesta ST, and apparently, folks in Europe are pretty impressed with it, as well. According to Ford, the automaker's European arm has already logged 3,000 orders for the new hot hatch since it hit dealerships this March. The US-spec car, which will only be available as a five-door, will go on sale in the United States this summer.

What's perhaps most interesting about the Fiesta ST ordering is that the majority of customers appear to be ordering high-spec cars. According to Ford data, 60 percent of customers have opted for the leather interior with Recaro buckets, and 90 percent have selected the upgraded 17-inch wheels (seen on our test car, above). Spirit Blue has been the most popular color, commanding 27 percent of all orders. As for the technology upgrades, 19 percent of customers have ponied up for the Sony stereo with navigation.

To recap, the Fiesta ST is offered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, putting out 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. We had an absolute blast flinging the hot Fiesta through the French Alps, and we can't wait for this sharp little hatch to make its way over to the States.

Ford has already announced US pricing for the Fiesta ST, which starts at $22,195 (including $795 for destination). Load one up with Recaros, navigation, a sunroof and more, and you'll just crest the $26,500 mark.

Scroll down for Ford's full release about European orders.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 ford fiesta2014 ford fiesta stfordford fiestaford fiesta st Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573717/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/20573717/article-detail.xml 20573717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt.png <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Now With More EcoBoost



There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

For the second time in my life, I'm staring at an engine in the back of a truck with no concept of how to get it safely into the garage by my lonesome. The first time this happened, I dragged home a $300 International 345 V8 in the back of my Scout Terra only to discover that the bounds of my manliness terminated well before my ability to muscle that 800-pound cast iron block out of the pickup bed.

Now you know the story of how and why I bought my first engine puller.

Some six years later I'm playing out the same dance, though a Ford F-250 has stolen the Scout's starring role, and there's a towering pallet of thick cardboard boxes in place of the old International mill. It's not that the boxes are particularly heavy. They're just stacked too high to get in the garage. Each one is emblazoned with a massive Ford Racing Performance Parts logo and wrapped in enough plastic to keep both prying fingers and the persistent rain at bay. Good thing, too. There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

Project Ugly Horse is an ongoing series. Need to catch up? You can find the previous articles here.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1989 ford mustangecoboostecoboost fox body mustangecoboost mustangfeaturedfocusfocus stfordford focus stford mustangproject ugly horseugly horse Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/20570764/article-detail.xml 20570764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It



Look at the 2013 Nissan Leaf - even one parked next to a 2012 model - and you'll be hard-pressed to spot the differences. Changes and updates have been made, but you have to know the details to tell. It's sort of like listening to a hipster tell you why Interpol and The National have completely different sounds.

Nissan says it didn't reinvent the Leaf because what the company has created is working. Over 25,000 Leafs have been sold in the US - 62,000 around the world - since the car went on sale in late 2010. That may not sound like a lot, but it's heads and shoulders above any other all-electric car available anywhere. The car has its detractors - boy, does it ever - but Nissan knows it's hard to argue with real-world success.

We recently spent a few hours driving the new Leaf - an SL-trim version, optioned out to $36,910 - around the hills of central Tennessee after a visit to Nissan's new 475,000 square-foot battery plant. What we learned there provided a lot of hints about the company's electric future. Nissan may be leading today, but company head Carlos Ghosn has made huge, multi-billion-dollar bets on zero-emission technology and the rest of the world has been very slow to prove him right.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video]

2013 Nissan Leaf [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 leaf2013 nissan leaffeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivenissannissan leaf Thu, 16 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572213/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2013-nissan-leaf-review-first-drive-video/20572213/article-detail.xml 20572213 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-nissan-leaf-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-nissan-leaf-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



For some reason, having unlikely rappers - like minivan-driving suburbanites or British mothers - spit about their rides is still a catchy advertising hook, even in other cultures. Far more so, we're guessing, than having P. Diddy sing about his dog and his pickup truck or a Brazilian street gang doing a Celtic dirge, for example.

And that's how you get three grandmothers ridin' dirty clean in a Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. The ad for the Belgian car sharing company Cambio - promoting the i in its fleet - gets the three "omaatjes" rolling through town in veteran hip-hop fashion, right down to the police once-over. Check out how they do it in the video below, but beware, there is some explicit language.

Continue reading Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV

Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbelgiumcambiocambio car sharingrapvideoyoutube Mon, 13 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565887/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/20565887/article-detail.xml 20565887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad.jpg <![CDATA[New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Peugeot 308 - maroon - front three-quarter studio shot

As much as we applaud automakers for flexing their design muscles every now and then, we occasionally find ourselves raising our eyebrows at the "new family design language" that companies smatter across their products. For example: Have a look at pretty much everything Peugeot has put out in recent years. Funky stuff, to be sure, but not always the sort of vehicles that garner adjectives like "pretty" or "sleek." And the old 308 hatchback was perhaps one of the company's worst offenders.

But that changes, right now. Peugeot has taken the wraps off of the new 308 hatch, and from what we can see in these high-res images, it's decidedly better looking. The design follows in the footsteps of the recently launched 2008 crossover, boasting cleaner lines without that huge, gaping maw up front. Instead, there are slimmer, LED-capped headlamps and pronounced foglamps, topped off with a rakish hood. Strong body lines flow from front to back, where there's a clean rump and a thick, windowless C-pillar. Large, split-five-spoke wheels round out all four corners.

Peugeot has not released any technical data about this 308 just yet, only saying that the new generation is a full (and appropriate) 308 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the company's new modular EMP2 platform. Inside, the reworked interior features premium materials and a rather interesting design, with a 9.7-inch touchscreen interface in the center stack and an instrument panel that's set high on top of the dashboard. Pretty cool.

The 308 makes its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. For now, have a good glance at the much, much better-looking hatch in our gallery above, and be sure to glance below for all of the details in Pug's press blast.

Continue reading New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement

New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 peugeot 308frankfurtfrankfurt 2013frankfurt motor showpeugeotpeugeot 308 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567121/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/20567121/article-detail.xml 20567121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-peugeot-308628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-peugeot-308628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Audi S3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Coming Soon To Our Shores With Two More Doors And A Trunk



The Audi S3 is not exactly a sales juggernaut, despite it being a bit of a legend for passionate fans of the small German premium genre. In most markets outside of Europe, people may consider such setups as the S3 three-door tested here, look at the price, and then think maybe they should just get a nice A4 sedan with greater practicality for similar cash. That certainly has been one reason Audi has never officially brought the S3 hatchback to the United States. And the 335-horsepower RS3 Sportback? Forget about it nearly everywhere but in Germanic regions, Switzerland and the UK.

All of which automatically turns the new S3 hatchback into an unattainable object of desire for many fans of the four-ringed brand. The good news, of course, for many markets not on the three-door S3's dance card is that most of us will get a shot at buying the new S3 sedan that will be powered by the same drivetrain tested here. We reported heavily on the sedan version from the recent New York Auto Show and are convinced that there is much for North American shoppers to like.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3

2013 Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi s3audiaudi s3audi s3 reviewfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/20566100/article-detail.xml 20566100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt.png <![CDATA[Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/#comments Filed under: , ,



After two years in the US running just one class of car, the Supercars, Global Rallycross (GRC) is adding a SuperCar Lites class that will run spec cars. Intended to be a development formula for the "next generation of star drivers," the Lites will race at all five US races this year on the same course as the Supercars, and with a format similar to the top class: a 60-minute free practice, 30-minute qualifying, heats, with Last Chance Qualifier and Finals run just before the main Supercar events. Standings will be divided into overall and a Lites Rookie Cup for first-time racers who haven't yet completed a full season.

They'll be driving a Ford Fiesta ST prepped by Olsbergs MSE, a Swedish builder that supplies four of the 20 GRC teams including two-time champion Tanner Foust. They have 310 horsepower compared to 600 hp in the Supercars, all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission. Ordered directly from Olsbergs, they'll run you $165,000 if you're one of the first ten teams to purchase one, after that they'll be $185,000.

The overall Lites-class winner gets a Supercar drive with Olsbergs MSE in the year-ending Rallycross Battle of the Champs, the top three finishers get Supercar tests like the Young Driver Test in Formula One held at the end of the season. There's a press release below with more info as well as a two videos of Geoff Sykes and Tanner Whitten testing the Lites car earlier this year.

Continue reading Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]

Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> global rallycrossglobal rallycross litesmotorsportssupercar litesvideoyoutube Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562382/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/20562382/article-detail.xml 20562382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru investing $400 million for Impreza production in Indiana]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As a part of a goal to increase its US sales tally up to 500,000 annual units by the end of the decade, Subaru is investing $400 million in its Lafayette, IN assembly plant in order to start building the Impreza in 2016. According to Automotive News, about half of that investment will be for a new paint plant while another big chunk will be used to extend the assembly line to allow for the increased capacity.

Currently, Subaru's Lafayette plant is responsible for building about 200,000 Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models each year (not including around 100,000 Toyota Camry sedans), but Subaru-specific output will be increased to 300,000 units, requiring an additional 900 new hires as well. Although a previous report suggested the Forester and Impreza would be moving Stateside, this AN article only mentions the hatchback and sedan versions of the Impreza being added to Lafayette - and no mention of the closely related XV Crosstrek.

Subaru investing $400 million for Impreza production in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indianalafayettesubarusubaru impreza Thu, 09 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561999/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/20561999/article-detail.xml 20561999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-subaru-impreza-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-subaru-impreza-review.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In the 'Just Because It's Awesome' category we have the Seat Leon Cup Racer, a kerb-stomping trinket the Spanish brand took to the GTI Wörthersee gathering. A transformation worthy of Marvel turns the recognizable five-door hatch underneath into a test-bed for a 325-horsepower sprint or endurance racer, depending on which version a customer prefers, and Seat "can envision" a 1.6-liter motor so it can contest World Touring Car championships.

The machine's track has been stretched by 40 centimeters, 18-inch wheels hung on the axle hubs underneath popped-out arches. The single-seat inside is wrapped in a moisture-regulating leather. Torque maxes out at 258 pound-feet, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed double-clutch gearbox and electronically controlled diff in the sprint version, a six-speed sequential transmission and mechanical diff going on the endurance variant.

It is expected to be available for customer teams in time for the 2014 season. The sprint race spec will cost 70,000 euro ($92,100 US) plus tax, the endurance spec runs 95,000 euro ($125,992 US), and the press release below has more info.

Continue reading Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine

Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorsportsseatseat leonseat leon cup racerworthersee Thu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/20562463/article-detail.xml 20562463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special.jpg <![CDATA[2015 Mazda3 interior spied for the first time]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2015 Mazda3 spy shot

In terms of exterior appearance, not much has changed from the last time we spotted the next-generation Mazda3 out testing. Oh, sure - we can see plenty of details that clearly show the new Kodo design influence (that front end reminds us a whole lot of the sleek new Mazda6), but these latest round of spy shots don't really show us anything we haven't seen before. Oh, wait, yes they do - the interior.

2015 Mazda3 interiorFeast your eyes on the Mazda3's insides, showing a vastly reworked interior that also takes cues from the automaker's most recently refreshed products. We can see that there's a simple, clean center stack with a slim row of heating and cooling functions, and up top there's a large, presumably touchscreen display, with redundant controls found just aft of the shifter.

We expect that the 2015 Mazda3 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, packing both petrol and diesel engines. A sedan variant is also in the works, and should debut shortly after the hatchback.

2015 Mazda3 interior spied for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 mazda3mazdamazda3spy photosspy picsspy shots Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561949/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/2015-mazda3-interior-spied-for-the-first-time/20561949/article-detail.xml 20561949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-mazda3-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As is the case every year, Volkswagen engineers have built and brought a new toy to their fans at the annual Wörthersee festival in Reifnitz, Austria. Called the Design Vision GTI, this track toy is a Golf that's been widened, lowered and given an injection of twin-turbo V6 steroids.

The powerplant providing motivation is a 3.0-liter V6 paired with two turbochargers to produce 503 horsepower and up to 413 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive and Volkswagen's famous DSG gearbox (the gear count is unknown), the Design Vision GTI can erase what's between you and 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, as well as a reach a terminal velocity of 186 mph. Carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels and a specially tuned chassis round out the hardware upgrades, while engineers compressed the car's dimensions to be shorter, wider and lower than a stock GTI.

The exterior of the Design Vision GTI is meant to evoke the future of GTI styling, which is fine by us as we especially like how the car's iconic C-pillar is pulled away from the body and flows into the significantly flared rear fenders. It looks like the reflection of a GTI in a circus mirror with menace-making bends. The interior, meanwhile, is an exercise in editing, with switches, knobs and all manner of unnecessary controls removed, and the center console more severely oriented towards the driver. The rear seats have been replaced by an X-shaped crossbar, and red straps appear where door handles used to be (à la Porsche). There's even a camera embedded in the A-pillar that can shoot either the track ahead or the driver at work.

While not as stout in the power or performance departments as the 2007 GTI W12 Concept, the Design Vision GTI looks even more the business than that King of Golfs. For now we only have renderings, but we'll update this post with live images of the Design Vision GTI as soon as they're available.

Continue reading VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]

VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gtivwvw design vision gtivw gtiwortherseeworthersee 2013 Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/20561381/article-detail.xml 20561381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-may-keep-next-1-series-out-of-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-may-keep-next-1-series-out-of-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-may-keep-next-1-series-out-of-us/#comments Filed under: , , ,



As BMW prepares to introduce the all-new 2 Series coupe and convertible, the 1 Series name definitely won't be going away. We know new sedan and hatchback models are in the works; including the GT shown above. According to Car and Driver, though, the future of the 1 Series nameplate in the US could be dependent on rival premium small cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3.

In an interview with C/D, BMW's North American head of product planning and strategy, Paul Ferraiolo, said that pricing might be the biggest deterrent to offering the third-gen 1 Series in the US. As he points out, BMW currently prices the 1 not too far from the 3 Series, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi will have their new small cars priced well below the $30,000 mark. BMW's Mini brand will also factor into the consideration since the 1 GT will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Cooper lineup.

BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi a3bmwbmw 1 seriesbmw small carmercedes-benz cla-classpremium small cars Tue, 07 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558997/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/bmw-may-keep-next-1-series-out-of-us/20558997/article-detail.xml 20558997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bmw-1-series-gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bmw-1-series-gt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time we wrote about the Fiat USA commercial Immigrants, it was to question whether the ad provided our first glimpse of the 500T. That was a year ago, but Fiat isn't finished utilizing that commercial theme. The song in the one-minute commercial was Sexy People (All Around the World) by Italian songstress Arianna, and the Immigrant commercial has been lengthened and turned into a music video for the song as Arianna prepares that track and more for her first studio album.

The tune features Pit Bull and the clip is like a hip-hop video meets The Little Mermaid. Well, until Charlie Sheen shows up. That's when it starts Winning, and you can enjoy it all in the video below, along with the original ad from Fiat.

Continue reading Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video

Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariannacharlie sheencommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500cfiat 500tfiat admusic videopit bullsexy peoplevideo Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/20559559/article-detail.xml 20559559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants.jpg <![CDATA[VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/#comments Filed under: , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

According to Edmunds, Volkswagen is currently developing a carbon fiber roof option for performance versions of its Golf hatchback. This feature would not only save weight, but could slightly improve fuel economy as well.

Adding the carbon fiber roof could shed anywhere from 18 to 20 pounds off the porky little hatch's curb weight, Edmunds reports. At this point in development, Volkswagen is currently working out how to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car's body sides and windshield.

Pricing or specific launch timing for the carbon fiber roof has not been released, nor have any details about what specific models will receive the option. Of course, it stands to reason that the hottest Golf of the bunch, the R, will have this weight-saving feature, but the perennial favorite GTI, pictured, would also be a good match for something like this.

VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon fiber roofvwvw golfvw golf rvw gti Tue, 07 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560512/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/20560512/article-detail.xml 20560512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Juke Nismo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Scratching All The Right Itches

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo

Say what you will about the unconventional aesthetics that Nissan employed on the company's Juke. I love the thing. The universe has no shortage of ambiguously styled CUVs, and while I can't exactly say I would have turned to the amphibian world for design inspiration had it been me with the charcoal in my hand, I can certainly appreciate the fact that the Juke isn't just another box-on-box design.

And then there's that engine. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder under the hood is one of the best powerplants in the company's toy box, offering plenty of low-range torque and comical levels of thrust. Hell, it even makes the optional continuously variable transmission tolerable. Praise be to the deities of forced induction. But something has always been missing from the mix. From the first moment I got my hands on the Juke, I couldn't help but think how much better the machine would be if Nissan ditched an inch or two of ground clearance and sharpened up its suspension. Think more "hot hatch" and less "Kermit goes to Kroger."

I wasn't the only one with that notion. The minds at Nismo were keen to turn their attentions to the Juke, and while the resulting 2013 Juke Nismo isn't the hardcore machine I'd seen in my dreams, it may very well be the best trim available for the runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo

2013 Nissan Juke Nismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan juke2013 nissan juke nismofeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivenismonissannissan jukenissan juke nismo Tue, 07 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559695/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-first-drive-review/20559695/article-detail.xml 20559695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-nissan-juke-nismo-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW i3 to be priced around $40,000]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-i3-to-be-priced-around-40-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-i3-to-be-priced-around-40-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-i3-to-be-priced-around-40-000/#comments Filed under: , ,

BMW i3 spy shot

According to Automotive News, the BMW i3 electric hatchback will likely be priced around $40,000, or similar to that of a well-equipped 3 Series sedan, when it goes on sale later this year. This information was revealed during an interview where AN spoke to Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW North America. The i3 will likely qualify for a $7,500 tax credit from the US federal government, though AN reports that a BMW spokesperson could not confirm this just yet.

In addition to the all-electric i3, BMW will offer a range-extended version that uses a 0.65-liter two-cylinder motorcycle engine and auxiliary generator to charge the car's battery on the go. Automotive News says pricing for this model is still unclear, as is whether or not the range-extended i3 will be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit. Of course, buyers needing a vehicle for longer trips will be able to borrow one from the automaker.

Automotive News also reports that the majority of BMW's 338 dealers in the United States will be able to sell the i3, as well as the upcoming i8 hybrid sports car. Dealerships have until June of this year to opt out of this program, however.

Official pricing for the i3 will be revealed closer to the car's launch later this year.

BMW i3 to be priced around $40,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw i3bmw i3 pricing Mon, 06 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559155/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559155/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/bmw-i3-to-be-priced-around-40-000/20559155/article-detail.xml 20559155 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-bmw-i3-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-bmw-i3-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Chevy Spark

According to Green Car Reports, a few minor changes are on deck for the littlest Chevrolet. Christi Landy, Chevy's small car marketing director, confirmed to GCR that the 2014 model year Spark will lose its four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a continuously variable unit.

The new CVT will be offered alongside the Spark's five-speed manual transmission, and no other changes are planned regarding the car's 84-horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy numbers have not been released as of this writing, but a slight gain is expected for the new CVT model.

This isn't a huge deal to the naked eye, but we fully expect that the new CVT-equipped Spark will offer a more refined driving experience. The 2014 Spark hits Chevy dealers later this year.

2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy sparkchevychevy sparkcontinuously variable transmissioncvt Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557346/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557346/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/2014-chevy-spark-ditching-four-speed-automatic-for-cvt/20557346/article-detail.xml 20557346 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2013-chevrolet-spark-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The Other Brother



The handler strapped into the carbon fiber race bucket next to me is the only other person outside of yours truly who looks like he thinks this is a bad idea. I've just finished situating myself in the cabin of the very first Nissan Juke-R ever constructed. There are literally thousands of man hours in this single prototype and only four examples of the car total in the entire world. Each one carries a price tag of around $656,400 at current conversion rates, making this both the rarest and most expensive piece of machinery anyone has ever let me get close enough to sniff, let alone drive.

And that's exactly what I mean to do.

I'm not puttering around some parking lot, either. Nissan has seen fit to let me hammer this thing around a road course set up on the infield of the now defunct Nashville Superspeedway for as long as my passenger will let me, and I'm keen to oblige. I send out the familiar and threadbare "Please don't let me crash this car" one last time, and with the engine already running, I click the shifter into gear and let the Juke-R grumble its way to the pit exit.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R [w/video]

Nissan Juke-R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featuredfirst driveFirstDrivenissannissan juke-r Fri, 03 May 2013 14:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557371/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/20557371/article-detail.xml 20557371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-juke-r-1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-juke-r-1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

Following the announcement that Audi will be using the Wörthersee Tour to unveil a lightweight version of the TT called the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, we're now hearing that Volkswagen also has plans to show off a special concept vehicle at the annual brand-centric performance festival. According to Car magazine, VW will bring a hotter version of the GTI to the show, although not quite as hot as the 2007 VW GTI W12 concept.

After speaking with VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, the article says that the concept could be a preview of a future version of the new GTI, and with the 2015 model year signifying the 40th anniversary of the hot hatch that started it all, we expect to see this new model sooner rather than later. The 2013 Wörthersee Tour runs from May 17 to 19, so we don't have much longer to wait before we see this new concept.

VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw gtivw gti conceptwortherseeworthersee 2013 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/20556012/article-detail.xml 20556012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg -1 2