Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Over in Europe, midsize cars like the Opel Vectra, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo have long been offered in multiple body configurations including four-door sedans, station wagons and, of course, five-door hatchbacks. Unlike Americans, who for some reason are averse to a fifth body opening unless the vehicle rides 4 to 6 inches higher than it should, Europeans have always appreciated the extra utility. The Opel Vectra is being replaced this summer by the redesigned and renamed Insignia, but so far we've only seen photos (either spy pics or official GM shots) of the four-door sedan that will likely land here later next year as the next Saturn Aura. A sharp-eyed photographer, however, has captured what may be the first shots of the new hatchback Insignia. The five-door version doesn't look radically different from the sedan, the main variance being the shorter rear deck that's attached to the rear glass. Will the hatchback arrive as an Aura at Saturn dealers? Highly improbable, but then so was the Astra, so anything is possible. We more likely might just get a wagon version that we haven't yet seen.

[Source: Winding Road]

 

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]]>opel insigniaopel-insigniaopel-insignia hatchbackOpel-insigniaHatchbackOpelInsigniasaturn astrasaturn aurasaturn-astrasaturn-auraSaturnAstraSaturnAura2008-05-11T10:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Saab halts next 9-3 development, may radically downsize next-gen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/saab-halts-next-9-3-development-may-radically-downsize-next-gen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/saab-halts-next-9-3-development-may-radically-downsize-next-gen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/10/saab-halts-next-9-3-development-may-radically-downsize-next-gen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saab 9-3

Tougher emissions and fuel economy regulations in Europe and the United States have forced Saab to put the brakes on development of the next-generation 9-3. The current Saab 9-3 is built on GM's Epsilon platform (shared with the Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu, and Pontiac G6). The next-gen model was set to be based on the longer and wider GM Epsilon II platform (used for the 2009 Saab 9-5). However, Saab and parent company General Motors are considering radically downsizing the model to fit GM's upcoming 'Global premium compact' platform - a size rivaling the Audi A3.

GM design sources told Autocar that a smaller chassis would dictate new technologies to maximize interior room. These would include a slim modular roof assembly and slimmer doors with advanced side-impact technology. General Motors has also hinted that the new 9-3 could be manufactured in the United States. Many European automakers are feeling the impact a weak dollar is having on profits and, like BMW, are moving or increasing production in the States.

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>9-3Epsilon II platformEpsilon platformEpsilonIiPlatformEpsilonPlatformsaabsaab 9-3Saab 9-5Saab9-3Saab9-52008-05-10T09:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy shots: Fisker Karma makes an appearance in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/spy-shots-fisker-karma-makes-an-appearance-in-california/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Up until now, the Fisker Karma hasn't really been much more than a pretty face to go along with a promise. That changes today, thanks to a spy photographer who was lucky enough to catch the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan out testing in California. Lawsuits often seem to have a dampening effect on enthusiasm, so it's good to see the Karma out and about. We can clearly see that the body is the same shape as what we all saw at its introduction earlier this year in Detroit. What we don't know yet is what's powering those shapely curves down the road. The first inclination from Autocar is that a Volkswagen 1.4-liter four-banger will provide power to the lithium ion batteries via a generator, but we really can't be sure what's being tested. Still, given the amount of electric know-how that Quantum Technologies, the electric powertrain supplier to Fisker, already has, we wouldn't be too surprised if something close to final-spec components were being run through their paces.

UPDATE: For what it's worth, these photos were not captured by a photographer hiding in the bushes. They were apparently actually put out by Fisker's Beverly Hills PR agency Rogers & Cowan. We still don't know anything about the mechanicals of the car in question, only that Fisker is trying to generate some buzz.

[Source: Autocar via AutoblogGreen, Autoweek]

 

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]]>fiskerfisker hybridfisker karmafisker karma spiedfisker-karmaFiskerHybridFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaSpiedkarmakarma hybridkarma phevkarma-hybridkarma-phevKarmaHybridKarmaPhevspy shotsspy-shotsSpyShots2008-05-09T18:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59.32]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/green-hellraiser-caddy-cts-v-storms-nordschleife-in-7-59-32/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the CTS-V on the 'Ring

The badassery going in inside the supercharged LSA V8 stuffed under the domed hood of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V appears to translate well on the Nordschleife's graffiti-marked tarmac. GM announced today that John Heinricy exercised his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a record time by wheeling a CTS-V with production-spec performance mods around the Nürburgring's north loop in 7:59.32, which is believed to be the "fastest documented lap time" for a production sedan. Even if that turns out not to be the case, it's pretty freakin' fast. GM shot video of the whole thing, which should be released in the coming days. Somewhere, Nissan engineers with furrowed brows are shoving the GT-R's 3.8L V6 into a G35 sedan...

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59.32

 

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]]>2009 cadillac cts-v2009CadillacCts-vcts-vcts-v nurburgringcts-v2009Cts-vNurburgringjohn heinricyJohnHeinricynordschleifenurburgring2008-05-09T14:45:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota expecting profit drop in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The current economic environment in the United States is hurting all auto makers these days, even mighty Toyota, which was once considered immune to so-called market realities. Though its overall performance last year would be considered a stellar achievement for any other automaker, Toyota's 28% profit plunge in the fourth quarter of 2007 points to an expected 27% drop in annual profits in 2008. If Toyota's revised forecast proves accurate, 2008 would break a nine-year stretch of profit growth. In addition to the slowing U.S. market, Toyota also cites high material prices, the worldwide credit crunch and a strong yen as contributing factors in its mild downturn.

Toyota's expected profit drop is certainly newsworthy, but we just have to wonder how the money-losing American car companies will cope in the U.S. market with the same issues. While sales of cars are gaining strength, the SUV and truck markets are sinking with what could be Titanic-like implications for the truck-heavy lines from Ford, Chrysler and GM.

[Source: Toyota]

 

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]]>toyotatoyota 2007toyota 2008toyota profittoyota salestoyota-2007toyota-2008toyota-profittoyota-salesToyota2007Toyota2008ToyotaProfitToyotaSales2008-05-08T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/mazda-survey-reveals-pricing-and-packages-for-mazda6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/mazda-survey-reveals-pricing-and-packages-for-mazda6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/mazda-survey-reveals-pricing-and-packages-for-mazda6/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6

Mazda recently sent out a survey request to potential customers, the purpose of which was to allow these survey takers to build a 2009 Mazda6 with whatever options, packages and colors they wanted so that the automaker could gauge which will be most popular when the car goes on sale. Unfortunately, Mazda was smart and the survey can only be taken once, but one person recorded all the information he saw and posted it on the Mazda6club.com forum. His notes after the jump give us an idea of what trim levels, options and pricing will be available when the car does go on sale, though none of it is written in stone.

It appears that the 2009 Mazda6 will be available in two basic versions: the Mazda6 i that comes with a 170-hp 2.5L four-cylinder with VVT and the more powerful Mazda6 s that's motivated by a 272-hp 3.7L V6. The Mazda6 i will be offered in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, while the Mazda6 s will be available as Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. As far as pricing goes, the Mazda6 i SV kicks things off with a base price of $19,850 while the Mazda6 s Grand Touring tops the range with a base price of $29,150. That's quite a large range that should satisfy the wants and needs of most buyers, and features like Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, a Blind Spot Monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers and wheels up to 18-inches in diameter should position the new Zoom-Zoom sedan well against its mid-size family sedan competition.

Check out all the packages, standard features and pricing info after the jump, but remember they may not be the same when the car officially goes on sale. Thanks for the tip, Joel!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6


[Source: Mazda6club.com]

Continue reading Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6

 

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]]>2009 mazda62009Mazda6mazda6mazda6 featuresmazda6 optionsmazda6 pricingMazda6FeaturesMazda6OptionsMazda6Pricing2008-05-08T15:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Is it SHOtime for the next Ford Taurus?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/rendered-speculation-is-it-shotime-for-fords-new-taurus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2

We heard yesterday from a group of Ford Taurus SHO fans who were questioned in a focus group by Ford employees working on the next Taurus program, so we know that the Blue Oval is at least considering a high performance version of the next Taurus. Combine that with a grainy cell phone pic we posted of what could be a design study for the next Taurus and you've got fertile elements for our friends over at BringBacktheSHO.com who specialize in letting their imaginations run wild. Ryan Pasch who runs the website actually attended the focus group in question earlier this week, so these renderings based off of that grainy camera phone pic may be more accurate than we realize. Pasch calls the car in his renders the BringBacktheSHO Concept V2, and judging from the pics in our gallery below, we're as ready for the SHO's triumphant return as he his.

Gallery: BringBacktheSHO Concept V2


[Source: BringBacktheSHO]

 

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]]>bringbacktheshobringbackthesho concept v2BringbacktheshoConceptV2ford taurus shoFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusSho2008-05-08T10:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Chevy Cobalt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-2010-chevy-cobalt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When the Chevy Cobalt first hit the scene as a 2005 model, it was a much better car than the basic transportation it replaced, but it was still a bit too Cavalier-looking for some. All that is scheduled to change for the 2010 model year, as the bow-tie will unveil a new Cobalt based of the same global Delta platform that will also underpin the Volt and next Saturn Astra.

Brenda Priddy and her voyeur minions caught a well-disguised 2010 Cobalt roaming the streets, and while it looks like it was doused in silly-string, we can still see plenty of promise. Most noticeably, the 'Balt's profile looks much more refined than that of the current model, with a more graceful greenhouse and prominent nose. Thankfully, the handsome two-tier grill looks to be making its way over from the Malibu, which will help further separate the Cobalt from its economy car past. A sedan and coupe will be available, and we're assuming that we'll see a new, faster Cobalt SS, as well.

High gas prices already have the Cobalt selling in record numbers, and if GM can pull off a better Cobalt by next summer, the amount of them leaving dealer lots should grow considerably. Hit the read link below to see the spy shots. Thanks for the tip, noe!

[Source: Motor Trend]

 

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]]>2010 Cobalt2010CobaltBrenda PriddyBrendaPriddyGMSpy shotsSpyShots2008-05-08T09:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[Last Mitsubishi 380 auctioned for $100,000 in Australia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/last-mitsubishi-380-auctioned-for-100-000-in-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/last-mitsubishi-380-auctioned-for-100-000-in-australia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/last-mitsubishi-380-auctioned-for-100-000-in-australia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's an old saying, you only want what you can't have. It holds particularly true in the context of Australia's Mitsubishi 380. The vehicle's Adelaide manufacturing facility was recently shuttered, partially due to lack of interest in the six-cylinder sedan. However, the vehicle's cancellation announcement ended up increasing demand for the final batch of 380s to roll off the assembly line. For that reason, Mitsubishi decided to auction off the final car to its suddenly sentimental Aussie dealers. The last domestically produced 380 ended up fetching $100,000 Australian dollars ($93,364) after all was said and done, which is more than three times its MSRP. John Hughes Mitsubishi, a Perth, Australia dealership, coughed up the cash for the winning bid. Mitsubishi also gave it the honor of choosing a charity to benefit from the proceeds of the sale. Knowing that the 380 in Australia is basically a Down Under-ified version of the Galant on sale in North America, is there any circumstance under which you could imagine paying that much for a Galant?

[Source: Ward's Auto]

 

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]]>380AdelaideAustraliaMitsubishiMitsubishi 380Mitsubishi3802008-05-07T19:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[2011 twin-turbo'd BMW M5 to produce 550 hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/2011-twin-turbod-bmw-m5-to-produce-550-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/2011-twin-turbod-bmw-m5-to-produce-550-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/2011-twin-turbod-bmw-m5-to-produce-550-hp/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no surprise that BMW plans to attempt to bring its uber-saloon up to AMG-levels of power when the new M5 debuts in 2011. That means that output needs to surpass the current model's paltry 501 hp, so BMW will bore out the current V10 to 5.5-liters, slap on a couple of turbos and use direct-injection to bringing power levels up to 550 hp, or more. Grunt will be shoveled to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or the new seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch 'box.

But it's not all about pavement-pummeling power. The use of the twin-turbochargers and DI is as much an attempt to reduce emissions as it is to boost output, and BMW is intent on making the next 5-series, due out in 2010, one of its most fuel-efficient vehicles. That means that start-stop technology will be used on the engine, along with its Efficient Dynamics system that uses regenerative braking to reduce load on the alternator, improving both fuel economy and engine output.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>2010 bmw 5-series2010Bmw5-series20112011 bmw m52011BmwM5bmwm52008-05-07T13:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford holds Taurus SHO focus group in Chicago... what does it mean???]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/ford-holdss-taurus-sho-focus-group-in-chicago-what-does-it-mea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of more modern Taurus SHO renderings

Being an avid Super High Output fan, any news of a Taurus SHO return gets my imagination going. Should it be FWD, AWD, or RWD? V8-powered or have a twin-turbo V6 underhood? Should it be light and handle well or compensate for its mass with awesome amounts of power? I ask these questions to myself, but last Monday a group of 11 Chicago area SHO fanatics were asked those same questions by members of the Taurus program from Ford.

As told by Don Mallinson on V8Sho.com, the story goes that this band of brothers participated in a focus group and had their brains picked for an evening about what makes a SHO a SHO, and if the much missed name were to be resurrected, what should the car be like today? Mallinson is clear that he and the focus group participants did not see a prototype, sketches of a prototype, or anything else that would confirm development is well on its way. The experience was pretty much a one-way street of questions, but these 11 people may have influenced Ford's decision to bring back the SHO and, if so, in what way. Such an awesome responsibility, I probably couldn't handle it.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Taurus SHO Concept


[Source: V8SHO.com via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>fordford taurus shoFordTaurusShoshotaurustaurus shoTaurusSho2008-05-07T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Obama picks worst car ever to come out of Motown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/obama-picks-worst-car-ever-to-come-out-of-motown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/obama-picks-worst-car-ever-to-come-out-of-motown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/obama-picks-worst-car-ever-to-come-out-of-motown/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There can be absolutely no doubt that Detroit automakers created some horrendous products over the years. The '70s was a particularly low point, as the Big 3 struggled to cope with new safety, emissions and fuel economy standards. This past weekend, U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama was pontificating as politicians are wont to do, and he declared to an Indianappolis radio station that the car in which he learned to drive, a Ford Granada, was the worst car ever to emerge from Motown. The 1975-82 Ford Granada was an absolutely awful car from its baroque styling to its awful build quality. As I entered college in the mid-'80s, I was looking for a used car and a friend's dad had a '79 Granada for sale. I took it for a test drive and after the high beam switch went through the rust hole in the floor, I determined that even $750 was way too much for this hunk. As bad as the Granada was, in an era of Pacers, Cordobas, Vegas and Ford's own Mustang II, can we truly call the Granada the worst of all? You tell us in the comments.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>barack obamaBarackObamaford granadaFordGranada2008-05-07T11:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Vauxhall VXR8 gets LS3 V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Vauxhall VXR8.

Our friends across the pond finally get to enjoy the new LS3 that's currently powering the Pontiac G8 GXP and Holden Commodore HSV, with the revised Vauxhall VXR8. The upgraded V8 has grown from 5,967 cc to 6,162 cc and is producing 425 hp at 6,000 rpm. Coupled with the revised automatic gearbox, 0-60 times drop to 4.9 seconds (from five), and the run from 80 to 100 mph is reduced from 4.3 seconds to four seconds flat. Fuel economy remains the same as the outgoing LS2 and automatic-equipped models now get a transmission cooler standard. The new VXR8 is currently on sale in the UK for £35,695, an extra £485 over the outgoing model.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8


[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall VXR8 gets LS3 V8

 

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]]>ls3vauxhallvauxhall vxr8VauxhallVxr8vxr82008-05-06T12:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport

The Ford Mondeo has been a well received car in Europe, and Ford says that there's so much demand for high-end models that it's decided to introduce a new top-of-the-line version called the Titanium X Sport. Dubbed "the most desirable Mondeo yet" by Ford, the Titanium X Sport will be available either as a saloon (sedan) or estate (wagon) and be powered by Ford's 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine or its 2.2L TDCi diesel mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. New 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts and chrome dual exhaust tips add a premium punch to the visuals, while the interior benefits from red stitching on its leather seats, as well as a cow hide-covered steering wheel and shifter. You'll find no wood veneer on this car's instrument panel, as aluminum inserts and piano black inlays give the Mondeo's domicile a more stark and modern feel. There is a "sports suspension", but it appears that the Titanium X Sport is more show than actual go. Buyers will, however, get a nice long list of standard features to keep them company while accelerating to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds in the diesel-powered version.

Gallery: Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport


[Source: Ford Europe]

Continue reading Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport

 

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]]>fordford mondeoford mondeo titanium x sportFordMondeoFordMondeoTitaniumXSportmondeotitanium x sportTitaniumXSport2008-05-06T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[You know you've pushed your car too hard when...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/you-know-youve-pushed-your-car-too-hard-when/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/you-know-youve-pushed-your-car-too-hard-when/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/you-know-youve-pushed-your-car-too-hard-when/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a few more pics of this EVO's severed limb

...your accelerator pedal breaks clean off. Actually, the owner of this 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X GSR swears he wasn't caning the car excessively hard when his go pedal snapped in two. Posted on the evolutionm.net forums by 'DRAG', these pictures show the severed pedal in question. DRAG claims he was at a stoplight at the time (in front of some STI owners, no less) when he started to leave the light with a little "enthusiasm". As he pushed the GSR's accelerator to the floorboards, the thing's plastic arm broke off clean. Clearly frustrated with his $40,000+ automobile, DRAG called the dealer and waited for some roadside assistance that never came. To make a long story short, Mitsubishi refused to replace the pedal under warranty, but the dealership decided to pick up the tab anyway. Hopefully Mitsubishi doesn't view this case as an isolated incident caused by someone pushing their EVO too hard, because A) you should be able to push an EVO really hard and B) EVOs have been pushed to their limits while being tested by members of the automotive press and we've never heard of anything like this happening. Take a peek at some more pics of the completely cracked pedal in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, thedriver!

UPDATE: It was actually the accelerator pedal, not the clutch pedal as originally stated. Post above has been corrected.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X GSR broken clutch pedal


[Source: evolutionm.net]

 

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]]>2008 mitshbishi evo x gsr2008MitshbishiEvoXGsrbroken clutch pedalBrokenClutchPedalevo clutch pedalevo x broke clutch pedalEvoClutchPedalEvoXBrokeClutchPedal2008-05-06T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM RWD Update: FWD Impala remains, Zeta to merge with Sigma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

After our sampling of General Motors' rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform in the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, we must admit that we're smitten with the platform. Its future in GM's North America car lineup, however, remains in question thanks to stricter CAFE standards that start going into effect by 2011. While the G8, G8 Sport Truck (actual name still pending) and Camaro are all guaranteed a spot on the Zeta platform, other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy and Buick are likely dead in the water, according to Motor Trend. Hopes for a RWD Impala are all but gone thanks to strong sales of the current front-wheel-drive model, which continue despite the success of the now similarly sized Malibu.

Motor Trend also notes that GM plans to merge its current Sigma RWD platform with the Zeta around 2011. At that time, the Zeta/Sigma platform will be built in three sizes - coupe, midsize with 114.8-inch wheelbase and large with 118.5-inch wheelbase - and offer a premium version of each with forged aluminum suspension components. See the list below for a breakdown of how MT thinks things will look by 2011.

Zeta/Sigma variants:
  • Coupe - Camaro, maybe Holden Monaro and Pontiac G8 Coupe
  • Coupe Premium - Cadillac CTS Coupe
  • Midsize - Pontiac G8 and Holden Monaro, maybe Chevy sedan (not Impala)
  • Midsize Premium - Cadillac CTS Sedan
  • Large - Holden Statesmen/Buick Park Avenue (China), Holden Ute/Pontiac GT ST, maybe Buick Lucerne replacement
  • Large Premium - Cadillac STS/DTS replacement
Finally, MT also speculates that GM is working on a small rear-drive platform for Cadillac in Europe. The resulting 3-Series fighter would give Caddy more cachet in the old country, though MT does not specify is this would be an all-new platform or a larger variant of the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Motor Trend]

 

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]]>gm zetaGmZetazetazeta sigmaZetaSigma2008-05-05T16:07:00+00:00<![CDATA[UAW strikes GM Malibu plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/uaw-strikes-gm-malibu-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/uaw-strikes-gm-malibu-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/uaw-strikes-gm-malibu-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Local UAW contract negotiations aren't going well for General Motors, and today they took a turn for the worst as union members at the automaker's Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas walked off the job at 10AM EST. The bulk of GM's hot-selling Chevy Malibu are produced at the Fairfax plant, with a lesser number of the four-door sedan being built at the automaker's Orion plant in suburban Detroit. Last month GM sold 17,050 Malibus, a 39.5% increase in volume over April 2007. The local union in Fairfax had given GM a number of ultimatums, extending them since the first was established for April 22nd. We're not exactly sure what issue is at the heart of these contract negotiations, but The Detroit News reports that at least one bone of contention is the plant requesting seniority to snag transfer jobs, while the other issues remain undisclosed.

General Motors has been able to weather a 10-week strike by union members against American Axle, one of its main suppliers, as only production of large trucks and SUVs have been affected. Another strike at its Lansing Delta Township plant where the large Lambda CUVs are built has also only served to reduce inventories of vehicles that are seeing a slow down in sales. While the General can withstand a reduction of inventory for vehicles that currently aren't selling as well as they were before because of high gas prices and a slump in the housing market, the Malibu is gaining popularity with consumers month over month. The Fairfax and Orion plants were already producing at capacity to keep up with demand, so today's strike will assuredly hurt the automaker where it matters most: the bottom line. We'd expect GM to act quickly to end the strike, as money is being lost by the hour while Malibus aren't being built.

[Source: The Detroit News]

 

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]]>fairfax assembly plantfairfax strikeFairfaxAssemblyPlantFairfaxStrikegm strikeGmStrikemalibu plant strikemalibu strikeMalibuPlantStrikeMalibuStrikestrikeUAW fairfax strikeUAW malibu strikeUAW stirkeUAW strikeUawFairfaxStrikeUawMalibuStrikeUawStirkeUawStrike2008-05-05T11:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The rendering specialists at AutoBild have come up with images of the next Passat. It gets a bit more character in the twin swage lines running down the side of the body, a feature that is looking like the next big design thing. The front end continues the tripartite bumper design VW has recently taken up, but swaps the giant headlamps for some sleek, stylized numbers reminiscent of Audi.

We aren't sure about the sedan design. It looks like it could be a contender with character... or it could be a sedan just trying to be fancy. The wagon, however, looks pretty sexy. We'll know when we see it in the flesh, but the Passat CC is probably a good indicator in the mean time, so if you like that, then you'll probably like this.

[Source: AutoBild via German Car Blog]

 

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]]>2011new modelsNewModelsnext generationnext-genNextGenerationpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvw2008-05-05T07:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Loder1899 builds off Jaguar XF's strong points]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/loder1899-builds-off-jaguar-xfs-strong-points/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/loder1899-builds-off-jaguar-xfs-strong-points/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/loder1899-builds-off-jaguar-xfs-strong-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Loder1899 Jaguar XF.

Unlikely the atrocity that Galpin performed on the new Jaguar XF, the German tuners at Loder1899 recognized the cat's strong points and built a set of tasteful mods around it. The package from Loder comes equipped with a new front bumper, rear diffuser and trunk lid wing, a suspension setup that lowers the XF by 35mm and a choice of either 20- or 21-inch rollers. Across the pond, buyers can opt for the 2.7-liter V6 diesel, so Loder has employed a few tweaks on the oilburner to increase output to 249 hp (from 207) and torque to 385 lb.-ft. All that kit will cost you a cool 8,000 euro in Germany, not including assembly and painting. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Loder1899 Jaguar XF


[Source: Loder1899 via WCF]

Continue reading Loder1899 builds off Jaguar XF's strong points

 

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]]>jaguarjaguar xfJaguarXfloder1899xf2008-05-01T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi RS6 sedan to debut A4/5-style rear end?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/spy-shots-audi-rs6-sedan-to-debut-a4-5-style-rear-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Few companies do wagons like Audi does. Take, for example, the RS6 Avant - the supercar-crushing super-estate with the 580+hp twin-turbo V10. The combination of "wagon" and "exotic" in the same sentence make for a real attention-grabber, as far as family-haulers go, but push comes to shove, we're not sure we share our European counterparts' love for estate wagons. That's why Audi has been preparing a sedan version of the RS6. The undisguised spy shots of the sedan we caught back in February suggested the car was just about ready, but another set of spy shots now surfacing - a month and a half later - show that Audi may have gone back to the drawing board.

The new candids show a beefed-up A6 - complete with aggressive front end, bulging fenders, side skirts and jumbo wheels, suggesting the RS6 despite the lack of badging - but with a little surprise around back: a rear end styled like that of the newer, smaller A4 sedan and A5 coupe. The shots suggest that Audi is preparing a little butt-lift for the entire A6 range to fall in line with its new posterior styling direction, but is using the RS6 to showcase it first. Like we said with the last round of spy shots, this makes perfect sense when you consider that most drivers won't be seeing much else of the RS6 as it thunders down the left-hand lane.

[Source: World Car Fans]

 

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]]>audi rs6 sedanAudi V10 TFSIAudiRs6SedanAudiV10Tfsispy audi rs6spy shotsSpyAudiRs6SpyShots2008-04-30T17:58:00+00:00