Autoblog Sedan http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Sedan 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[Is Chevrolet readying a CNG-powered Impala?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/is-chevrolet-readying-a-cng-powered-impala/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/is-chevrolet-readying-a-cng-powered-impala/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/is-chevrolet-readying-a-cng-powered-impala/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Chevrolet Impala prototype testing with CNG powertrain - rear view

When it comes to fleet vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala definitely plays an important role for General Motors, and it looks like GM is hard at work developing the next-gen Impala for bulk-buying businesses. The Motoring Journal recently spotted a handful of Impalas testing in Colorado with minor camouflage, but upon closer inspection, these appear to be test mules for a new compressed natural gas (CNG) model - a powertrain combination far more likely to find favor with fleet buyers than everyday consumers.

Aside from the obvious "CNG" stickers affixed to the decklid, these cars also have different exhaust outlets than what we saw on the V6-equipped Impalas during our first drive of the sedan back in March. Images also show under the hood with a different engine cover and plenty of exposed wiring as the CNG system continues testing. There was also an electrical connector poking out of the front fascia, and at least one of the sedans had a receiver-style trailer hitch.

During the launch of the 2014 Impala, Chevrolet said that it is looking to flip the current fleet-to-retail from 70:30 to a more profitable and resale-friendly 30:70 ratio, and this new CNG Impala could be a good way to retain some of that 30-percent fleet business. We reached out to GM for word on when a CNG Impala might arrive, and received this response:

We do offer a CNG van and a bi-fuel pickup truck, but still studying the demand for CNG powered passenger cars. Infrastructure is a consideration for anyone buying these types of vehicles. Unfortunately, there's nothing to announce today on this front.

Our best guess is that it could debut for the 2015 model year, since the ninth-generation model is carrying over for fleet-only sales as the 2014 Impala Limited.

Is Chevrolet readying a CNG-powered Impala? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy impalachevychevy impalacngcompressed natural gasnatural gasspy photosspy shots Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576282/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/is-chevrolet-readying-a-cng-powered-impala/20576282/article-detail.xml 20576282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-impala-cng_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-impala-cng.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/#comments Filed under: , , ,

​2014 BMW M5 and M6 Competition Package models - sitting on race track

The leaked facelift images and the Competition Package rumors were accurate: These are the 2014 BMW M5 and M6 models, with exactly three nips and four tucks distinguishing them from their outgoing counterparts, as well as an expected track-day overhaul package. The standard M5 boasts 560 horsepower from its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, and the new Competition Package ups that to a preliminary 575 hp, with shifting options remaining the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or the six-speed manual. Unsurprisingly, the M6 family - including the two-door coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe - get this optional treatment as well.

The go-fast packs make a lot more changes around the cars, though. It lowers them by ten millimeters, recalibrates the steering, differential, front bushings, coil springs, dampers and M chassis control system while adding stiffer anti-sway bars and black chrome exhaust tips. All models sit on 20-inch M light alloy wheels and can be specced with carbon ceramic brakes. For the dragsters among you, the result is a 0-62 mph time that drops by 0.1 second in all models but the M6 convertible.

Inside, on all 2014 M5 and M6 models, there's a new look to the steering wheel, a touchpad for the iDrive controller, more storage and more chrome trim. Two more paint colors and two more leather hues have been announced, with more Frozen paint finishes on the way as well. We're told prices will be announced closer to the models' August on-sale date. For now you read what BMW has to say about them in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise

2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw m52014 bmw m62014 bmw m6 convertible2014 bmw m6 gran coupebmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series gran coupebmw m5competition package Mon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575045/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/20575045/article-detail.xml 20575045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-competition-pack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-competition-pack.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Japan has designed cosmetic and performance bits that give the 2014 Lexus IS a front-to-back workover. Different from the F-Sport parts we expect from Lexus here, the full body kit runs 437,700 yen ($4,285 US) and starts with air deflectors at the lower edges of the front bumper, through to side skirts, a decklid spoiler and a rear bumper with a diffuser and quad exhaust tips.

For 288,750 yen ($2,830) you can sharpen responses with new shocks, springs, dampers, sway bar and bracing. The priciest individual component is the set of 19-inch wheels, four of them going for 527,625 yen (5,170 US). There's no word on US importation or pricing yet, but done up all in black like the IS above, we wouldn't mind seeing it here.

2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 lexus isaftermarketlexuslexus istoyota racing developmenttrd Mon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575040/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/20575040/article-detail.xml 20575040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-lexus-is-trd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-lexus-is-trd.jpg <![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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw 5 series5 seriesbmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 5 series gran turismobmw 5 series gtbmw 535d Sun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575046/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/20575046/article-detail.xml 20575046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-5-series-sedan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-5-series-sedan.jpg <![CDATA[Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz isn't a brand afraid to put on a show for any old reason at all - like, just because it's Tuesday - but the premiere of the 2014 S-Class, even by the standards we're used to, was Broadway-theater intense. Held at a purpose-built venue inside a hanger at the Airbus factory in Hamburg, the hours-long extravaganza was hosted by two German newscasters and guest-starred Alicia Keyes, an A380, fireworks, every model in the lineup in a choreographed driving routine while The Stig did donuts in an SLS AMG in the rain, and at the very end, burlesque. That's how much the S-Class means to this brand.

What's it going to mean to the razor's edge of the mass-market large luxury sedan market? The exterior, that's ripe for debate. But the interior - well, it just hung a sign on the segment that read, "Achtung! This, meine Damen und Herren, is how it's done."

Continue reading Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]

Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes s-classmercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassevideo Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571644/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571644/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/20571644/article-detail.xml 20571644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-s-class-reveal-live-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-s-class-reveal-live-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Karma prices tanking on used market]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma listings on eBay Motors

Buying into a new, fledgling automaker is always a big risk - the early-adopter upside has the potential to be great, but the downside can look like the mother of all hangovers. Unsurprisingly, that's the unpleasant financial reality facing Fisker Karma owners as they look to unload their extended-range electric sedans while the company's future bleakens.

We've been keeping tabs on used Karma prices on eBay Motors and other websites for some time now, and there's been a steady stream of the voluptuous sedans on offer since not long after they first became available. Early on, we initially chalked that up to speculators, but moved on to imagining disgruntled owners as more and more mechanical and electrical problems were brought to light. Now, however, there's a bumper crop of Fisker models on the used market, with NBC News and Business Insider reporting that pre-owned examples are trading for under half their six-digit MSRPs just one year ago. Around 2,500 Karmas were made, and eBay Motors is playing host to 26 of them alone as this piece is being written. Scan over to AOL Autos' listings, and there are 126 entries.

For its part, the embattled startup has yet to declare bankruptcy, but it has laid off most of its employees and hired experts in the field suggesting they will soon. What's more, officials are looking to to recover as much of the $192 million in federal loans the company received, and despite some potential suitors sniffing around, no buyer for the company has emerged. No surprise, then, that Karma owners are looking to unload their models, likely fearing not only for their vehicles' resale values, but also the continued availability of parts and service.

Question: If Karma prices continue to crater apace, how soon until shadetree mechanics follow the lead of Bob Lutz's VL Automotive Destino, which bins the Fisker's complex plug-in hybrid powertrain in favor of the supercharged LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1?

Fisker Karma prices tanking on used market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 fisker karmaebay motorsfiskerfisker karma Fri, 17 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572609/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/fisker-karma-prices-tanking-on-used-market/20572609/article-detail.xml 20572609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker-karmas-on-ebay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fisker-karmas-on-ebay.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



After almost a year on the market it, it is becoming more clear to Dodge how customers like to option out their Darts, so the automaker has combined popular features into three special edition packages and sweetened the prices. Start with a standard 2013 Dart and add either the SXT or Limited "Special Editions" or Rallye Appearance Group, and you'll save yourself a lot of box checking.

The $595 Dart SXT Special Edition takes the trim just above the base model and adds a new grille, dark-tinted headlights and projector fog lights, LED racetrack taillights, cruise control and audio controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited Special Edition starts with the top-end model and adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather seats among other features, for $1,810.

The Rallye Appearance Group (pictured) is a package for the SXT, and it blacks out the front fascia, throws on 17-inch wheels and some badging for $395. The new special editions are reaching dealers now and could help the Dart's sales to further improve after a slow start. You can find out more about them in the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models

2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dodge dartdodgedodge dartdodge dart limiteddodge dart rallyedodge dart sxt Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571455/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/20571455/article-detail.xml 20571455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-rallye_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-rallye.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 3.65-mile track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 62 miles an hour, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the video below.

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvettelvideo Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/20569418/article-detail.xml 20569418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi.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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lexus ls600h2013 lexus ls600hllexuslexus hybridlexus lslexus ls hybridlexus ls600hlquick spinquickspin Wed, 15 May 2013 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566501/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin-review/20566501/article-detail.xml 20566501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-lexus-ls-600h-l-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in silver - front three-quarter view

There are superlatives and acronyms, there is hyperbole, there are neologisms like "navitainment," there is the longest press release we've ever seen - it includes a glossary - and there is the quest to build "the best automobile in the world." What else could it be but the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

With the Asian market and its chauffeured drivers in mind, the long-wheelbase S-Class is the focus this time. It has the same length and wheelbase as the outgoing model, it's 0.7 inches higher and about an inch wider, but made of aluminum throughout so weight gain is negligible (Mercedes-Benz hasn't released a US-spec weight yet). In front is a larger radiator grille and a facial treatment that, from quite a few angles, makes it look like a slightly larger E-Class to our eyes. Behind that are the design themes we've seen unleashed on other Mercedes such as its "Dropping Line" along the side and the sloping rear end. The coefficient of drag is just 0.24 - that's only 0.02 more than the comparatively tiny CLA.

Let's run down some of the noteworthy standard and optional items on the V222 (the long-wheelbase version of the W222, which is the only one we'll get):
  • The cabin gets two 12.3-inch TFT screens for the instrument cluster and the navitainment, a touch-sensitive telephone keypad, rear climate control with two more zones, access to infotainment media from any seat in the car - rear seat passengers can even see the Google Maps display to make sure the driver is going the right way
  • Roughly 300 LEDs in the cabin offer seven hues, five dimming levels and four dimming zones will be standard and the LED brake lights dim at night or while waiting at lights so as to be kinder on the eyes of drivers behind
  • Five different options in rear seating, the uppermost of which offers a backrest that reclines nearly 45 degrees, does so independently of the bolster, and has calf support and a heel rest. Get the First Class Rear package and avail yourself of a console that allows control of the center console from the rear, and thermally-controlled cupholders
  • Magic Body Control that uses stereo cameras to scan the road surface and adjust the suspension in advance of road imperfections
  • Massaging seats based on the "hot stone principle" for front and rear using 14 cushions in the backrest and six massage programs
  • An Air Balance Package that ionizes and filters the air and emits five choices in fragrance
  • Grouped under "Intelligent Drive," the next generation of features like Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition
  • A Warmth and Comfort package with heated steering wheel and armrests, seats with active ventilation, and power heated rear seats with memory
The new S-Class will launch with two models in the US, the S550 in September and the S550 4Matic following in November, which will probably joined by the inevitable S63 AMG 4Matic. Next year will welcome more powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid. As noted in the brochure that recently leaked online, the twin-turbo V8 in the S550 goes up to 4.7 liters in capacity from 4.6 and gets 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. And of course, there's the promise of an eventual high-zoot Pullman model to supplant Daimler's now-dead Maybach range, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

There's so much more, but we'll leave it at that for now - there's plenty of reading in the release below to keep you occupied while we go visit the car and return with a report on the live European reveal.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars

2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes s-class2014 mercedes s-klassemercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassemercedes s550v222 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569493/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/20569493/article-detail.xml 20569493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-mercedes-s-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-mercedes-s-class.jpg <![CDATA[BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



In September of 2011, Chinese drifter Wang Qi broke the Guinness record for the world's longest sustained drift, doing 13 laps inside the Olympic Center Stadium in Tianlin, China for 5,802.3 meters. That was broken in February of this year by Abdo Feghali in Abu Dhabi drifting a new Chevrolet Camaro around a skidpad for 11,180 meters - almost seven miles. In March, BMW decided it wanted the record "back in the US," and set up a course at its BMW Performance Driving School near Greenville, South Carolina to get the job done. On May, 11 it was Mission Accomplished when Performance Center driver Johan Schwartz drifted an M5 around a skidpad continuously for 51.3 miles.

Despite that accomplishment, we're pretty sure that professional drifter Vaughn Gittin, Jr. isn't impressed. The way Guinness defines "drifting" can also describe a donut, which is effectively the kind of drifting that's been done for these last three records. BMW went even further by watering down the surface of the track, reducing the skill required and the need to change tires during the effort. On the other hand, you can't drift a car for long in a straight line, but perhaps there should be some clarification or classifications added to the milestones.

There's a pair of videos below taken during the record-breaking run, and a press release from the company that did it.

Continue reading BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos]

BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bmw m5bmwbmw m5bmw performance driving schooldriftingdrifting recordguinnessguinness book of world recordsjohan schwartzvideoworld record Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569434/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/20569434/article-detail.xml 20569434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m5-guinness-drift-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m5-guinness-drift-record.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled over potential steering loss]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-subaru-legacy-outback-recalled-steering-loss/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-subaru-legacy-outback-recalled-steering-loss/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2013-subaru-legacy-outback-recalled-steering-loss/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Subaru Legacy sedan - front three-quarter view

Subaru today announced a recall that affects 5,379 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon models in the United States. All of the affected 2013 model-year vehicles were built between February 15 and June 15 of 2012.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. If that happens, the driver can lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which could obviously lead to all sorts of harmful things.

Subaru will notify owners of the problem, and affected models will have their steering columns replaced at dealerships, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHSTA report.

Continue reading 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled over potential steering loss

2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled over potential steering loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 subaru legacy2013 subaru outbackrecallsubarusubaru legacysubaru outbacksubaru recall Wed, 15 May 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569881/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569881/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2013-subaru-legacy-outback-recalled-steering-loss/20569881/article-detail.xml 20569881 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/017-2013-subaru-legacy628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/017-2013-subaru-legacy628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Cadillac XTS gets 410-hp twin-turbo V6]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-cadillac-xts-gets-410-hp-twin-turbo-v6/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-cadillac-xts-gets-410-hp-twin-turbo-v6/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-cadillac-xts-gets-410-hp-twin-turbo-v6/#comments Filed under: , ,



General Motors told us so back in March, but it is now official: The twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 announced for the 2014 Cadillac CTS will also join the options list for the 2014 Cadillac XTS. The LF3 engine puts out 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the XTS, however, which is 10 hp and 61 lb-ft down from its application in the CTS. It will be identifiable from the outside by a specific grille treatment and a badge on the decklid. The 3.6-liter V6 with 304 hp and 264 lb-ft holds steady as the standard engine, and both will be yoked to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Also new for the front-wheel drive model for 2014 are updates that include electric power steering and optional Automatic Parking Assist that can maneuver the sedan into parallel parking spots. The three trims above standard - Luxury, Premium and Platinum - get Intellibeam headlights that automatically switch between high- and low-beam,

The four current trim levels remain but the list of optional extras for the higher specs grows with a rear-seat entertainment system equipped with DVD screens in the front seatbacks, memory settings for the front passenger seat and an armrest in the back seat fitted with radio and sunshade controls. The press release below has more info on all of the changes.

Continue reading 2014 Cadillac XTS gets 410-hp twin-turbo V6

2014 Cadillac XTS gets 410-hp twin-turbo V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 cadillac xtscadillaccadillac twin-turbocadillac xtsgeneral motorsgmlf3twin-turbo v6 Tue, 14 May 2013 22:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569240/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/2014-cadillac-xts-gets-410-hp-twin-turbo-v6/20569240/article-detail.xml 20569240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-cadillac-xts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-cadillac-xts.jpg <![CDATA[HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Holden HSV Gen-F GTS

Here it is, folks. Right on schedule, Holden has revealed full details on its reborn range of HSV Gen-F models. The bulk of the new HSV machinery will go on sale next month, though the baddest of them all, the supercharged HSV GTS, will reportedly be delayed until September.

The GTS may well be worth the wait, however, as its 430kW supercharged V8 engine (known as the LSA, the engine makes 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque in the US-market Chevy Camaro ZL1) will make this the fastest Holden ever produced. Lower-level ClubSport models will come equipped with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 317kW of power. A ClubSport R8 sedan with a 325kW version of the engine and a ClubSport SV with a 340kW engine will also be available.

Bodystyle choices range from a sedan to a wagon and, of course, an El Camino a Ute called the Maloo, since this is Australia after all. Long-wheelbase Grange model and an upscale Senator model will be offered with slightly more toned-down exterior looks for those who'd rather blend in to the crowd. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you're welcome to scroll down below to watch a video before checking out all the details from Holden here.

Continue reading HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]

HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiagen-fholdenhsvhsv gen-fhsv gts Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568942/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/hsv-unholsters-holden-gen-f-lineup-w-video/20568942/article-detail.xml 20568942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holden-hsv-gts-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 BMW M5 leaked image - front three-quarter, blue

Is it that time already? Like its predecessors, the current BMW M5 has been endangering US licenses since it first went on sale here in 2012, but its design became a known quantity back at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Apparently that also means that the F10 generation has already grown tired enough to the "Must Have Latest Set" who can afford these sorts of super saloons that a facelift is in order.

If these leaked images sourced from Autocar are anything to go by, BMW stylists have used a predictably light hand to rework their hottest 5 Series, with a revised grille that echoes the M6 along with modestly resculpted headlamps. The rear end appears wholly unaltered. Interior changes gleaned from a look at the cabin photos include an updated touchpad-equipped iDrive controller and a new steering wheel cribbed from the M6.

No new word on changes to the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 powertrain, but in late April, we heard that BMW was readying new competition packages for the M5 and M6. The packages are said to include 15 more horsepower, revised suspension and steering, along with new wheels and blackened exhaust tips. Given that BMW is known for habitually underrating its cars' horsepower outputs (particularly its M models) we can't help but wonder if its engineers will need to do anything other than wave a magic wand to corral those extra ponies underhood...

2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw 5 series2014 bmw m5bmwbmw 5 seriesbmw m5 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568468/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/20568468/article-detail.xml 20568468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi subcompact sedan coming to US in 2015?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mitsubishi G4 Sedan

Speaking to some of its dealers recently, Mitsubishi unveiled its plans for a new subcompact sedan offering in the US. Automotive News reports the automaker showed off a rendering of a new subcompact sedan and said the machine will debut sometime in 2015.

The little four-door could be based on the three-cylinder G4 Concept that bowed at the Shanghai Motor Show this year, effectively making it a four-door version of the current five-door Mirage. Mitsubishi dealers are currently starving for new products to entice buyers into showrooms. A redesigned Outlander will show up this summer, long before the teased subcompact sedan. The automaker is also planning to bring out a revised version of the five-door Mirage compact later this year.

Dealers are taking the announcement as a sign that Mitsubishi has finally begun to turn things around. Automotive News spoke with Scott Grove, who owns two Mitsubishi dealerships near Chicago. Grove said he thought the dealer meeting was more positive than it's been in years, and that he believes Mitsubishi is finally on the offensive.

Mitsubishi subcompact sedan coming to US in 2015? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mitsubishimitsubishi g4 conceptmitsubishi miragemitsubishi mirage sedan Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568327/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/20568327/article-detail.xml 20568327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-g4-sedan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-g4-sedan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

BAIC Nicholas Cage

BAIC has officially pulled the covers off of its new Senova D Series sedan for China. The four-door is based on the old Saab 9-5 and boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Local buyers can get their hands on the machine for around $22,745 at current conversion rates. Other engine options include a turbocharged 1.8-liter four cylinder as well as turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and a wide range of safety equipment comes standard on every trim except the very base model. Those goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints, blind spot detection, driver fatigue detection and parking sensors.

The Senova nameplate serves every model based on former Saab architectures, including the Epsilon, GM2900 and GM2400 platforms as well as engine and transmission tech. In order to promote its new products, BAIC has hired Hollywood staple Nicolas Cage to serve as the company's brand ambassador. Cage stars in the Senova-heavy Town of Car Legends action-packed video short (directed by Olivier Megaton of Transporter 3 and Taken 2 fame) which you can view by scrolling below.

Continue reading Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video]

Nicolas Cage flogs Saab-based Senova from Beijing Auto [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baicchinanic cagenicolas cageolivier megatonsaabsaab 9-5senovasenova d-seriesshenbaovideo Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/nicolas-cage-seen-stunting-saab-based-senova-from-beijing-auto/20566463/article-detail.xml 20566463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/baic-nicholas-cage-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Acura ILX gets upgrades after just one year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2014-acura-ilx-gets-upgrades-after-just-one-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2014-acura-ilx-gets-upgrades-after-just-one-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2014-acura-ilx-gets-upgrades-after-just-one-year/#comments Filed under: ,

​2014 Acura ILX sedan - front three-quarter view

Like many others, we were openly disappointed with Honda after driving its lackluster 2012 Civic, a model so ill-conceived that the Japanese automaker was forced to put together a far-reaching facelift after just one year on the market. We found the resulting 2013 Civic to be much improved, putting the sedan back into the thick of the economy-car hunt.

The 2013 model year not only brought with it an upgraded Civic, it also marked the first model year of the Civic's upscale twin, the Acura ILX. Despite having the same model year and the same general underpinnings as the Honda, the ILX went on sale ahead of the freshened Civic and didn't receive all of the upgrades to its suspension, structure or NVH tuning (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) that graced its more plebeian cousin. While the ILX was a somewhat quieter and more refined car to begin with, the Civic's 2013 changes meant that it crept uncomfortably close to its Acura-badged brother in terms of refinement and standard equipment. For 2014, however, Acura is taking steps to remedy the inequity.

2014 Acura ILXThe 2014 ILX features a reworked interior with new leather seating surfaces and retrimmed door cards, along with heated front seats (the driver's side now featuring eight-way power), along with an enhanced audio system featuring a new subwoofer and active noise cancellation technology (found elsewhere on Honda's Odyssey minivan). A new multi-angle rearview camera and 17-inch alloys round out the 2014 model changes.

Unfortunately, no mention has been made of any changes to the car's unseen bits. While we don't mind that there hasn't been much in the way of an aesthetic rework, the Civic received reworked suspension tuning, additional sound deadening, and even structural enhancements for improved safety. We're inquiring to see if any such changes have been effected to the 2014 ILX, but for now it looks like the model year changes include mostly interior furnishings. As before, the ILX will be available with either a 2.0-liter, 150-horsepower four-cylinder or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder offering 201 horsepower (the latter recently lost an Autoblog comparison test to the Buick Verano Turbo). Details on the 2014 ILX Hybrid model have not yet been released.

For all of its upgrades, the 2013 Civic only suffered a $160 increase to its base price. The Indiana-assembled 2014 ILX, by contrast, is $1,000 dearer, starting at $26,900 (plus $895 in destination fees) for the five-speed auto model. All-in, the 2013 ILX has sold just 7,503 units through April so far this year.

Continue reading 2014 Acura ILX gets upgrades after just one year

2014 Acura ILX gets upgrades after just one year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 acura ilxacuraacura ilxacura ilx hybrid Mon, 13 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566944/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566944/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2014-acura-ilx-gets-upgrades-after-just-one-year/20566944/article-detail.xml 20566944 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2014-acura-ilx628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2014-acura-ilx628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Scanned Mercedes S-Class brochure leaks online]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/scanned-mercedes-s-class-brochure-leaks-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/scanned-mercedes-s-class-brochure-leaks-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/scanned-mercedes-s-class-brochure-leaks-online/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



That single image of the 2014 Mercedes S-Class that we posted two weeks ago appears to have come from this, the German-language brochure for the coming sedan. The new generation of the luxury limo that rules them all will be unveiled next week (yes, we'll be there), but it seems every week brings a new leak of what we can expect - like the die-cast toy of a few days ago. This time it was user Meilensammler who uploaded these scans to German Car Forum.

The W222 - which will not contain a single light bulb we're told, only LEDs - will come in two lengths that have the same wheelbases as the current W221 (we only get the long wheelbase in the US) but are longer, lower and wider than the current car. Inside, along with those two 12.3-inch TFT screens, are a pair of back seats in the First Class Seating package that look outstanding.

It looks like three models will come at launch. The twin-turbo V8 in the S550 goes up to 4.7 liters in capacity from 4.6 and gets 449 horsepower, a 20-hp bump over the present car, and 516 pound-feet of torque. The S350 Bluetec sticks with the 3.0-liter V6 but will get 258 horsepower, an 18-hp increase, and 457 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor combo in the S400 Hybrid will get 302 hp, a jump of 27. The listed 0-60 time of the S550 is 4.8 seconds, but like it's brethren it is limited to a 155 mile-per-hour top speed.

Check out the high-res scans above, and stay tuned on May 15 when the car is revealed.

Scanned Mercedes S-Class brochure leaks online originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes-benz s-classmercedesmercedes s-class Sun, 12 May 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565889/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565889/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/scanned-mercedes-s-class-brochure-leaks-online/20565889/article-detail.xml 20565889 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-s-class-brochure_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-s-class-brochure.jpg <![CDATA[Business booming for Hyundai in 'Bama, new production record set]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/#comments Filed under: , ,



Although it may be a distinction of mild importance on a global scale, Hyundai announced that last month it set an all-time sales record for the month of April. Digging a little deeper, Hyundai-Blog - an enthusiast site not affiliated with the South Korean automaker - is reporting that another record was set: to go along with 63,315 total sales in April, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembled a record 37,372 Elantra and Sonata sedans.

This doesn't mean that half of Hyundai's April sales came from the Montgomery, AL plant, but it's still a telling sign of just how important this new factory is. The Elantra and Sonata are by far Hyundai's most popular models, accounting for almost 63 percent of all Hyundai sales so far in 2013. Congrats on the achievement, Hyundai.

Business booming for Hyundai in 'Bama, new production record set originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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