Autoblog Hybrid http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Hybrid 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[2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



BMW itself says it is making "Precise modifications to the design" of the facelifted, sixth-generation 5 Series, and this is the result. The 2014 5 Series will come in four flavors - sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo and ActiveHybrid 5 - the biggest news probably the addition of a diesel engine for the US market.

When they go on sale in August, the 528i sedan will start at $50,425, a $1,700 increase over the 2013 model, and if you want xDrive that adds $2,300 to the price across the model range. The 535d employs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel with 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and starts at $56,025. BMW portends "substantial fuel efficiency gains over its gasoline-fueled counterpart," but the exact numbers won't come until closer to the on-sale date. The $64,825, top-dog 550i holds pat with 4.4-liter, twin turbo V8, with output upped to 445 hp and 480 lb-ft - an increase of 45 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque. The outputs haven't changed on the twin-turbo four-cylinder in the 528 nor the 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine in the 535, and *all prices include the $925 destination charge. The engines are also fitted with a coasting mode that uncouples the powertrain when rolling downhill.

Outside there are new "contour lines" for the grille and air intakes, slimmer taillights and elements that accentuate the car's width - as if that were necessary. Xenon adaptive headlights will be standard along with side indicator lights on the rearview mirrors, the options list adds LED headlights, the Luxury Line and Modern Line packages. The former package adds chrome trim to certain exterior elements, the latter adds matte chrome trim.

Inside will be more storage and more cup holders, additional luggage capacity in the 5 Series GT, an optional rear seat entertainment system that puts tablets on the front seatbacks, and a touchpad iDrive controller.

There's a lot more besides which you can read about in the press release and video below, and you can pair words with images in the four high-res galleries above and below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]

2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last October, Chris Harris got a shotgun ride in the Porsche 918 Spyder. Seven months on, the automaker is quite a bit further on the development on the hybrid supercar, and Porsche invited him to the Leipzig circuit for a test drive.

Harris starts off going through some of the technical bits on the car, including the galvanized carbon fiber instrument panel and forged carbon fiber attachment points, and before he gets in, he's a little unsure of the car. The hybrid aspect is of particular concern, Harris almost wishing that instead of a 3,608-pound coupe with a combined 887 horsepower, that Porsche would ditch the heavy batteries and make a 2,420-pound coupe with the combustion engine's 608 horsepower.

Then he drives it, and all of a sudden, "It doesn't feel like I'm driving a hybrid sports car." You can watch him come around in the video below.

Continue reading Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder

Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chris harrisporsche 918 spydervideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571600/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/20571600/article-detail.xml 20571600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

We've seen it (in concept form, in officially rendered form, in flat black, and in Martini Racing livery), we've heard all about its 4.6-liter V8 with 608 horsepower, buoyed as it is by twin electric motors, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and carbon fiber monocoque chassis. We've even taken a ride in one. What we haven't had, up until now at least, is had all of these details about the Porsche 918 Spyder in one convenient press blast. And we also now know that it will be a introduced as a 2015 model.

Along with the official specifications, Porsche has seen fit to release a new batch of images showing its production body from all angles. We get a good look at the car's interior bits and pieces, including a few shots showing how people fit underneath the removable hardtop panel.

Porsche sums up its baby with the following words: Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption. We like the sound of that, and we think it's cool that the 918 can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone, with performance statistics that aren't far off what we had from sports cars from a few short decades ago.

We think you'll find plenty of interesting information in the press release below, but first, you'll want to browse through the high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique visuals. Enjoy!

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body

Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 porsche 918 spyderporsche 918 spyderporshe Thu, 16 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572560/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/20572560/article-detail.xml 20572560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus LS 600h L]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Lexus LS 600h L - front three-quarter view

I have spent the last seven days driving the Starfire Pearl (read: white) 2013 Lexus LS 600h L you see here. And after roughly 500 miles of errand-running, highway-cruising, commuting and people-schlepping, I can safely say this: I don't get it.

The LS hybrid is a nice car. It's comfortable, has every amenity you'd ever want in a luxury boat, and with its freshened appearance for 2013, it looks modern, integrating the company's new spindle grille into an overall package that's elegant. None of this is bad news. But let me explain why I still cannot wrap my head around the overall LS 600h L package:

Driving Notes
  • For starters, the LS hybrid mates a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 to a 165-kilowatt electric motor. The gasoline engine on its own is good for 389 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, and with the electric motor factored in, Lexus states that the total system output is a robust 438 hp. (All of that, by the way, resides in what editor Zach Bowman refers to as the "world's saddest engine bay.")
  • That makes for one quick sedan, even here with all-wheel drive and a hefty 5,159-pound curb weight. Hitting 60 miles per hour takes 5.5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 130 mph.
  • Hybrid or no, as you'd expect with a package like this, fuel economy isn't exactly stellar. The EPA rates the LS 600h L at 19/23/20 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). My average over the week was 19.2 mpg.
  • For comparison, let me introduce you to the non-hybrid LS 460 L AWD, powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the 600h, the 460 is slower to 60 mph by 0.4 seconds and its fuel economy numbers are 16/23/18 mpg. That's right: The highway economy number is the same as the hybrid, and the combined rating is only reduced by two mpg.
  • Lexus does call the LS 600h L a performance hybrid, so rather than it being a more efficient version of the flagship sedan - sort of the way a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is really just a more frugal S550 - this electrified LS is supposed to be the zenith of the line, offering the most power, quickest acceleration, and top-level refinement.
  • Thing is, it's not all that good to drive. Even with the Drive Mode Select button toggled to Sport S+, the LS 600h L delivers driving dynamics that are far closer to that of a Hyundai Equus than an Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series. It's a giant rolling couch, with vague steering, plenty of body roll, and a suspension that, even in its firmest setting, doesn't offer a whole lot of sport. Comfy and plush, yes, but hardly engaging.
  • The interior is really where the LS excels, yet lags. It has every comfort and convenience feature you can imagine, the materials are top notch, and it's, well, Lexus quiet. But from a user standpoint, there are issues. I know that Audi's MMI, BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's COMAND aren't always peachy systems to use, but they at least offer more user-friendly controllers than the horrible mouse-like Remote Touch controller in the LS. Several passengers commented on this during my week with the car, each one of them failing to understand the point. Perhaps Lexus could bring that 12.3-inch screen out a little more and just make it a proper touchscreen interface.
  • But here's where it totally falls apart: as-tested, the LS 600h L I drove stickered for $135,029, including $895 for destination and handling. Remember that LS 460 L AWD I mentioned earlier? The one that's not much slower and, in most cases, just as efficient as the hybrid? Option it up to the exact same levels of equipment as this 600h and it's still $34,749 cheaper. That's right, nearly thirty-five thousand dollars less.
  • Or hey, check out the BMW 750Li xDrive sedan. It has 445 horsepower, gets 24 mpg highway, and completely loaded, is $20,000 less than the LS 600h L. And if efficiency really is your thing, allow me to introduce you to the Audi A8L 3.0 TDI that claims up to 36 mpg highway. It starts at $82,500.
  • What we have here is car that is, in a vacuum, fine. Everything that it does, it does well enough. But not for this price. And certainly not when there are so many more attractive options for buyers in the segment. Regardless of your preference for power, efficiency or just straight-up luxury, there are better ways to spend your cash than on this LS 600h L.

2013 Lexus LS 600h L originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last week, Autoblog sat down with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the upcoming Acura NSX flagship, at the corporate headquarters of American Honda in Southern California. The roundtable discussion with a few other members of the media was very casual. However, since the hybrid supercar isn't due in showrooms for another couple years and most of the engineering program is still shrouded in secrecy, the bulk of our detailed questions about powertrain and performance were mildly deflected. Nevertheless, it was nice to probe the mind of the man holding the weight of the project on his shoulders - the NSX is immensely important to Honda, and it's Klaus' role to steer the program to fruition.

As revealed earlier today, the all-new second-generation NSX will be built at a new Performance Manufacturing Center located in the midst of Honda's existing R&D and production engineering operations near Marysville, Ohio. Acura expects the U.S. to be the largest market for the NSX, and the company takes great pride in its North American operation, so it was both logical and complementary that the Japanese automaker chose Ohio to be the sole world supplier for the upcoming second-generation Acura/Honda NSX. When asked about the program dates, Klaus maintained that the program was moving forward on schedule, and that its estimated arrival was set for 2015 - the original goal. Like many halo models, the made-in-USA NSX will pioneer innovative building technology for Acura and Honda alike. Klaus wouldn't discuss specific building materials, but the monocoque chassis will be assembled with several "world firsts" when it comes to construction techniques and materials. Remember, it was the first-generation NSX, introduced at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, which debuted with lightweight aluminum body panels, titanium connecting rods and forged wheels.

Continue reading A conversation with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the new Acura NSX

A conversation with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the new Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 acura nsxacura nsxhonda nsxnsxnsx conceptted klausted klaus interview Tue, 14 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567683/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-chief-engineer-ted-klaus-interview/20567683/article-detail.xml 20567683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ted-klaus-nsx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ted-klaus-nsx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Acura NSX Concept - live at Detroit Auto Show

Honda today confirmed that the forthcoming Acura NSX hybrid supercar will be built at a brand-new facility in Ohio. This will be the company's third plant in Ohio, and will come as the result of a $70 million investment. Honda first hinted that NSX production would be coming to Ohio when the original concept car was revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Honda's new facility, called the Performance Manufacturing Center, will encompass a 184,000-square foot space inside of the automaker's former North American Logistics building and will employ 100 associates. As you might expect, the Performance Manufacturing Center is located just a few miles from Honda's American-based R&D facility, as well as the Marysville auto plant, where production of the 2014 Accord Hybrid will kick off this fall.

"The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio," said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America, in a press release.

Production of the Acura NSX will begin sometime in 2015. We have already seen the hybrid hero several times in conceptual form, with the latest reveal at this year's Detroit Auto Show giving us a glimpse at the car's interior.

Scroll down for the full details in Honda's press release.

Continue reading Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015

Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 acura nsx2016 acura nsxacuraacura nsxhondahonda performance manufacturing centerohio Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567995/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/20567995/article-detail.xml 20567995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Infiniti Emerg-E Concept

Infiniti makes plenty of good cars, crossovers and SUVs. The premium Japanese brand also has a well-defined presence in racing on the world's largest stage in the form of a partnership with Red Bull in Formula 1. What Infiniti doesn't have, though, is a range-topping halo car.

A report from Autocar in the UK suggests that Infiniti's gaping top-shelf hole may soon be plugged by 2016 with a new hybrid sports car along the lines of the well-received Emerg-E and Essence concepts. This report is contrary to news we heard from Autocar late last year, when company officials reportedly told the publication that a swoopy and fuel-efficient machine like the Emerg-E wouldn't be produced.

Interestingly, Infiniti is said to sense strong demand from so-called "little emperors ... who are used to getting what they want," many of whom live in Asian countries, who are also environmentally conscious. Infiniti exec Andy Palmer told Autocar to expect something "like the Tesla sports car option, but with more flexibility in terms of range."

Reading between the lines, we picture a luxurious coupe with some combination of electric motors and gasoline engines providing power levels between 400 and 500 horsepower. We may not qualify as "little emperors" ourselves, but we certainly welcome the notion of high-performance machines that also happen to be fuel efficient.

Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerg-eessencehalo carhybrid sports carinfinitiinfiniti emerg-einfiniti hybrid Tue, 14 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567319/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/20567319/article-detail.xml 20567319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/infiniti-emerg-e_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/infiniti-emerg-e.jpg <![CDATA[More next-gen Audi TT details revealed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



We still only have rumors about the third-generation Audi TT said to be scheduled for launch in late 2014, but based on a report in Car and Driver, we know a tiny bit more about it. The base engine will be the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with direct injection, but horsepower is said to be 220 horsepower - that would make for a nine-hp jump over the current output. The TTS would get an even larger power boost, going from 265 currently to 300 hp. The TT RS would stick with it's 2.5-liter five cylinder, with output increased from 360 to 380 hp. If Audi includes a nice dose of the go-light engineering involved in the TT Ultra Quattro, these horsepower numbers might be even more impressive.

As with the TT concept and first-generation production car, though, it sounds like the brand is concentrating on aesthetics. It's been widely reported that Audi wants to reclaim the juju conjured by the original TT, and while we still don't know what that means outside, CD reports that the interior gets simplified, "futuristic-feeling" styling thanks to instruments served up on a TFT screen. Remember, the first Audi TT had a cockpit that Car magazine dubbed simply, "The Cabin."

About a year after the coupe comes, the Audi TT Roadster will show up and should be joined by the next A5. The news for the next version of the subtly beautiful coupe is the arrival of a plug-in hybrid with torque vectoring via an electric motor for the rear axle. Beyond that is wilder speculation of an A9, which might be called Q9, and which was the four-door-coupe flavor of the month two years ago when it was possibly going to share a platform with the Lamborghini Estoque. According to the CD story, the thinking now is around "a combination of fastback and crossover proportions," a two-fer we've yet to see any carmaker pull off without making us go, "Oh. I see."

More next-gen Audi TT details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 audi ttaudiaudi tt Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/20563667/article-detail.xml 20563667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt.jpg <![CDATA[Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Terrafugia TF-X rendering

It's hard to forget a company like Terrafugia - mostly because it won't let us. Every six months or so, the Massachusetts-based self-proclaimed aerospace company makes headlines with a flying car concept. It's first attempt, called the Transition, was a folding low-wing propeller-driven pusher aircraft with a water-cooled combustion engine. Despite its ungainliness, it has flown, but only in prototype form, and despite its long gestation period and a reported 100 reservations on the books, certification and production is moving at a snail's pace.

Yet push those negative thoughts aside and make room in your fantasy warehouse for Terrafugia's followup act, a vertical-takeoff (VTOL) plug-in hybrid-electric flying car. Promised to be much more advanced than its predecessor, the all-new TF-X would be fitted with modern state-of-the-art intelligent systems and fly-by-wire controls, says the company. Its design, with vertical take-off transitioning into horizontal flight, would provide safe, simple and convenient autonomous flight that would help alleviate today's congestion and other transportation challenges.

Rather than dwell on the implications of electric range-anxiety while cruising at 20,000 feet with your family on board, or how you will prevent your inattentive friends from walking into its low-slung whirling rotors, open your mind and watch the company's computer-generated video down below showing how a typical flight would theoretically unfold.

Continue reading Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video]

Terrafugia envisions plans for vertical-takeoff flying car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> flying carhybrid flying carterrafugiaterrafugia tf-xtf-xvtol flying car Wed, 08 May 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560074/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/terrafugia-envisions-plans-for-vertical-takeoff-flying-car-w-vi/20560074/article-detail.xml 20560074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tf-x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tf-x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Range Rover Hybrid heading to Frankfurt]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Land Rover Range Rover

Two years after the Range_E concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, thus previewing the coming Range Rover hybrid drivetrain and beginning the succeeding speculation, a company executive has confirmed the arrival of a hybrid Range Rover and Range Rover Sport later this year. The first time we'll see them is at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Stuart Frith, chief program engineer for Range Rover Sport told Australian site Car Sales that the vehicles will be in showrooms before the year is over, as well.

As we wrote in our deep dive previewing the 2013 Range Rover, the diesel hybrid system uses a 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a ZF eight-speed transmission with an integrated electric motor. The 1.7-kWh battery pack sits in the chassis floor, protected by a boron steel cradle, so cabin space is not compromised. The numbers we were given at the time were 333 horsepower, a sub-seven second run to 60 miles per hour in the big Range Rover and 45 imperial miles per gallon. The 2014 Range Rover Sport is expected to post the same horsepower number and battery placement. Neither of these models will be coming to the US.

The Range Rover Sport will also get a traditional diesel, the SDV8 being slotted into the engine bay, bringing 516 pound-feet of torque with it when it goes on sale later this year. Eventually, Frith said it will also get Land Rover's version of the 2.0-liter, 240-hp EcoBoost engine that propels the Evoque and the LR2 - the weight savings of the new model has made the four-cylinder a viable option.

Range Rover Hybrid heading to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 frankfurt motor showfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showland roverland rover range roverland rover range rover hybridland rover range rover sport Tue, 07 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559061/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/range-rover-hybrid-heading-to-frankfurt/20559061/article-detail.xml 20559061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/08-2013-land-rover-range-rover-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/08-2013-land-rover-range-rover-review.jpg <![CDATA[38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Chevy Malibu Eco

General Motors has issued a recall covering 38,197 2012 and 2013 model-year Chevy Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans equipped with eAssist, and sold in the United States. The automaker will check the generator control module for proper operation. Only vehicles built before December 2012 are being recalled.

According to the automaker, a malfunctioning generator control module could slowly drain the battery, causing an indicator to light up in the dash. If that indicator is ignored, the driver may experience a stalling engine, and in some cases, "a burning or melting odor, smoke, and, in rare instances, a fire in the trunk."

GM says the issue is not with the eAssist battery pack; the smoke and fire comes from overheating of the control board. One trunk fire has been reported, but no injuries are known. Scroll down below for the official press release from GM.

Continue reading 38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk

38k GM eAssist hybrids recalled for circuit board, fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buickbuick lacrossebuick regalchevychevy malibu ecoeassistgmrecall Mon, 06 May 2013 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559352/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/38k-gm-eassist-hybrids-recalled-for-circuit-board-fire-risk/20559352/article-detail.xml 20559352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013malibueco026-1303317332_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013malibueco026-1303317332.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

No Prius Killer

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

As much as we enthusiasts like to rail on the lowly Toyota Prius as the harbinger of death for all we hold dear, there's no denying the machine's absolute and interminable grip on the hybrid market in the United States. Toyota has so thoroughly sunk its teeth into the segment that you can clearly hear the automaker's incisors clacking against one another with the conclusion of each financial quarter. And there's little wonder why. Buyers can plop down less than $25,000 and have a runabout that can return up to an estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city, leaving every other entry on the market with precious little gristle to gnaw on.

Enter the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. With its claimed 47 mpg combined, the funky little hatch from Europe already falls behind the 48 mpg city offered by the Prius, but that marginal sacrifice in fuel economy could be a small price to pay for buyers who want a credible alternative to the stalwart Toyota. Unfortunately, like the Fusion Hybrid, the C-Max Hybrid had trouble even approaching its Environmental Protection Agency estimates during our time with the car.

Continue reading 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 ford c-max hybridfeaturedfordford c-maxford c-max hybridreviewreviews Thu, 02 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555314/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/20555314/article-detail.xml 20555314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

McLaren P1 undergoing winter testing - video screencap

Even though McLaren will only be building 375 examples of its new P1 hybrid supercar, it has to make sure the high-performance coupes are ready for just about any weather conditions. For its cold-weather testing, McLaren headed to the Arctic Circle to put the P1 through its paces, which also provided a perfect opportunity for some good photos and video. We've seen the P1 in person now in full production trim, but this artfully camouflaged prototype proves that the 903-horsepower supercar looks good in just about any color.

Incidentally, McLaren has also announced that as a part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the new P1 will be a featured car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, along with some of the firm's vintage Can-Am racers. The video and press release are both posted below.

Continue reading Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing

Watch the McLaren P1 hang its tail out in extreme weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mclaren p1goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmclarenmclaren p1video Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553034/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/watch-the-mclaren-p1-hang-its-tail-out-in-extreme-weather-testin/20553034/article-detail.xml 20553034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-p1-winter-testing-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25% fuel economy bump [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-fuel-economy-bump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-fuel-economy-bump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-fuel-economy-bump/#comments Filed under: , ,



Volvo has been experimenting with flywheel propulsion systems since the eighties, but only recently has technology caught up with the possibility of real-world applications. In 2011, the Swedish carmaker was granted 6.57 million Swedish kronor (about $1M US) by the Swedish Energy Agency to work on a kinetic energy recovery system with Swedish bearing company SKF. Before it began trials, Volvo expected the fuel savings to be as high as 20 percent. After trials conducted last year on public roads the results were even better, Volvo finding that a KERS-equipped four-cylinder turbo performs like a six-cylinder turbo but gets up to 25-percent better fuel economy. It calls KERS "a light, cheap and very eco-efficient solution."

The test vehicle was an S60, its ICE driving the front wheels while the KERS - weighing six kilograms, measuring about 20 centimeters across and using a carbon fiber flywheel - was attached to the rear axle. Under braking, the four-cylinder engine is shut off and the KERS gathers rotational energy, spinning at up to 60,000 revolutions per minute. The stored energy is then used to get the car going again or to assist at cruising speeds. It's the same kind of vacuum-sealed flywheel design used by Audi in its R18 etron quattro, but with the opposite arrangement - in the Audi the diesel V6 drives the rear wheels, the KERS drives the front wheels.

Like the units in Formula One, it provides an additional 80 horsepower. When working with the four-cylinder ICE, the S60 with KERS can do the 0-62 mph dash in 5.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds faster than the S60 with the 3.0-liter T6 engine and all-wheel drive.

As we expect with hybrids, the greatest fuel savings came in urban environments with a lot of braking, Volvo suggesting that the combustion engine could be shut down "about half the time" on the New European Driving Cycle. A press release below has more details, along with a video Volvo released in 2011 to show how its system works.

Continue reading Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25% fuel economy bump [w/video]

Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25% fuel economy bump [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel economyhybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemstudyvolvo s60 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549444/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549444/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-fuel-economy-bump/20549444/article-detail.xml 20549444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel.jpg <![CDATA[Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Race teams are always looking for ways to shave hundredths of seconds of their lap times. Case in point: Audi is making some slight changes to its prototype racecar to make it ever so much more slippery as it cuts through the air.

Debuting at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa on May 4, Audi will be testing a long-tail version of its R18 E-tron Quattro racecar. As its name suggests, the long-tail car gets a lengthened rear section with the goal of improving aerodynamics. The long-tail will be run alongside the standard version of the racecar as a testbed for possible changes that might be in store, heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Audi did not say how many inches were added to the racecar, but as you can see in the image above, "long-tail" definitely doesn't take on the same meaning of classic long-tail cars of the past such as the Porsche 917. More information about the car, Audi's team and even some info about the track itself can be found below.

Continue reading Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans

Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecworld endurance championship Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/20548922/article-detail.xml 20548922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305.jpg <![CDATA[Washington poised to nearly double its hybrid fleet]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/washington-poised-to-nearly-double-its-hybrid-fleet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/washington-poised-to-nearly-double-its-hybrid-fleet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/washington-poised-to-nearly-double-its-hybrid-fleet/#comments Filed under: ,

Toyota Hybrid Emblem

The Detroit News reports The General Services Administration is set to increase the number of hybrid vehicles in the government's fleet by 10,000. Doing so is estimated to save one million gallons of fuel per year through the lives of the machines. Currently, the GSA fleet boasts around 10,672 hybrids, and last fiscal year saw the agency purchase 919 of the vehicles. The GSA helps support other agencies, and in this case, it will cover the extra cost of opting for hybrid models over a standard internal combustion vehicle for any other agency that wishes to take part in the program.

The Interior Department will be the first to swap nearly a third of its fleet for the new hybrids, with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell saying the move is a good business decision "that will benefit not only our bottom line, but reduce our carbon emissions as well." The move will swap some 300 gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles for hybrids. In 2011, President Barack Obama issued an order for federal agencies to stop using full-size sedans and SUVs unless absolutely necessary. Under that order, E85-capable machines were exempt even if they weren't using the ethanol-heavy fuel.

Washington poised to nearly double its hybrid fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fleetgeneral services administrationgovernment fleetgsahybridinterior departmentsally jewell Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549589/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/washington-poised-to-nearly-double-its-hybrid-fleet/20549589/article-detail.xml 20549589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hybrid-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hybrid-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Amazing LaFerrari tribute watch more intricate than the real thing [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/amazing-laferrari-tribute-watch-more-intricate-than-the-real-thi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/amazing-laferrari-tribute-watch-more-intricate-than-the-real-thi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/amazing-laferrari-tribute-watch-more-intricate-than-the-real-thi/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The Enzo had no companion watch, but its successor, the Ferrari LaFerrari, does. Created by Hublot "entirely in parallel with the car" and "alongside the Ferrari teams," the MP-05 LaFerrari tribute watch is a similar test of how much gobsmacking gadgetry can be packed into a chassis. The manually-wound watch has 11 barrels set in a spine down the center that work together to provide a 50-day power reserve. So yes, it does need to be wound, but only once every seven weeks.

Hublot says the movement, engineered in-house, has 637 components. It has more pieces than any other movement Hublot has ever designed, and it gets a tourbillon to further showcase the "demonstration of watchmaking virtuosity." The face is sapphire crystal, the case is black PVD titanium and features an open case-back, the strap is rubber with a PVD titanium buckle. Time is told via the barrels to the right of the the spine on the right - it's 10:05 on the watch above. To the left are the barrels displaying the amount of power remaining.

Hublot hasn't disclosed the price, so you know what that means. There will be 50 tribute watches made, each sent in a presentation case wrapped in Schedoni leather and carbon fibre and including the miniature power tool you need to wind the timepiece. You can read all about it in the press release below, and for true watch geeks there's also an in-depth wrists-on video of the MP-05, performed by ABlogtoWatch.com.

Continue reading Amazing LaFerrari tribute watch more intricate than the real thing [w/video]

Amazing LaFerrari tribute watch more intricate than the real thing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari laferrarihublothublot mp-05watch Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549443/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/amazing-laferrari-tribute-watch-more-intricate-than-the-real-thi/20549443/article-detail.xml 20549443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hublot-mp-05-laferrari-watch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hublot-mp-05-laferrari-watch.jpg <![CDATA[Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Audi V12 TDI engine bay

According to a report by Autocar, all we thought we knew of the in-development Audi supercar we might not actually know. A piece in Car and Driver, not even a month old, said the diesel-hybrid halo car was in the design stages, would get the engine from the R18 E-Tron Quattro and its carbon fiber tub. Now we get word that that while the coupe is indeed being designed, it hasn't yet been signed off and there's no business case for it yet. Said business case, whenever it is built, is also dubious of the diesel aspect of the car at the moment - diesels aren't known for creating Pavlovian purchase responses in buyers in the two key markets of the US and China.

The report suggests that instead of a diesel, the 2014 Le Mans regulations changes "could swing the favour back towards petrol models," which would give the so-called Scorpion a better tie to racing technology. Of course, that also assumes that Audi would contest next year's Le Mans with a gas-powered car. If so, that would be an about-face on the original reasons for the halo sportscar in the first place.

In other news, seems Audi also believes it can slot another sportscar below the R8, it just needs to get the financials sorted. The R4 - a Porsche Boxster-sized roadster - that has been chattered about for years is still in on the table but appears a long way off. Company R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer said it would need to be mid-engined and bring plenty of tech to separate itself from the TT, but mass-market price point is the catch as is the focus on other segments in the portfolio.

The least sexy side of the Audi pool, but apparently the most important, is boiling with plans for new utility vehicles and possibly an MPV. What Car? quotes Durheimer at the Shanghai Motor Show saying "SUV products are a first priority," which would fit into what we've been hearing about the brand's design overhaul, the products in question a Q above the Q7 and another below the Q3. A people mover is also said to be under consideration assuming Audi can create something that hauls six or seven while maintaining brand values.

Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi q2audi q3audi q7audi r18audi r20audi scorpionaudi supercarr20supercarwolfgang durheimer Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548291/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/20548291/article-detail.xml 20548291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion.jpg <![CDATA[Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Honda Concept M minivan for 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito believes that China's nascent car-buying demographic isn't all that interested in hybrid cars - at least not yet. The emissions story doesn't resonate with them, and certainly not for the higher purchase premium such models usually carry. What they really want, Ito believes, is reliable, affordable cars that fit their needs. When it comes to Honda sales, the numbers would appear to jibe with his thoughts: Honda sold 598,577 vehicles in China last year through its two joint ventures, yet just 542 of them were hybrids - not even a tenth of a percent. However, Toyota sold 840,500 cars in China last year, and two percent of that total, 17,300 units, were hybrids, which is closer to the still-piddling three-percent ratio of sales that Toyota posted in the US last year.

Honda offers the Insight, Fit Hybrid and CR-Z in China and plans to make components for its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system there from next year, the hope being it will reduce the cost of hybrid cars for local buyers. That was one part of the plan Honda laid out last year to popularize its IMA system in China. Other initiatives include the introduction of a new hybrid system for mid-sized and large vehicles and a plug-in hybrid. Among the four new vehicles Honda showed during this weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show (including the Concept M minivan pictured above) there was not a single hybrid among them.

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachina hybridshondahonda hybridhybridtakanobu ito Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547653/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/20547653/article-detail.xml 20547653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ford Fusion order guide reveals new base Hybrid model, equipment changes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/2014-ford-fusion-order-guide-reveals-new-base-hybrid-model-equi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/2014-ford-fusion-order-guide-reveals-new-base-hybrid-model-equi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/2014-ford-fusion-order-guide-reveals-new-base-hybrid-model-equi/#comments Filed under: , ,



We've gotten our grubby little digits on the dealer order guide for the as-yet-unreleased 2014 Ford Fusion thanks to an anonymous tipster, and while there isn't much that's unexpected, there are some meaningful equipment changes to report after the rakish sedan's first year on the market.

Mechanically, the big news is, of course, the recently confirmed availability of the 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic. The powertrain replaces the 1.6-liter automatic setup of 2013, though if you want a manual transmission, you'll still get the extra .1-liter of displacement.

On the equipment front, there are newly available rear inflatable seatbelts - as seen previously on the Explorer - along with a new heated steering wheel and cooled seat option on Titanium and Titanium Hybrid models (the latter two options will be late availability).

On the 2014 Fusion's color and trim palette, new paint hues include DarkSide and Sunset (replacing Bordeaux Reserve and Ginger Ale), and later in the model year, a light gray ("Soft Ceramic") interior will become available on Titanium models. Brick Red leather seating is optional for Titanium Hybrid models.

Speaking of the gas-electric variant, there will also be a new entry-level Hybrid S model joining the SE (2013 model shown) and Titanium variants - presumably it will come with a lower price tag, but we don't have MSRP information as of yet. However, we do know it will go without equipment including a power driver's seat, rear seat HVAC ducts, keyless-entry pad, satellite radio and heated side mirrors - integrated turn signals and all.

2014 Ford Fusion order guide reveals new base Hybrid model, equipment changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 ford fusion2014 ford fusion hybridfordford fusionford fusion hybridorder guide Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547609/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/2014-ford-fusion-order-guide-reveals-new-base-hybrid-model-equi/20547609/article-detail.xml 20547609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-2013-ford-fusion-hybrid-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-2013-ford-fusion-hybrid-fd.jpg -1 2