Autoblog SUV http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog SUV 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 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - front three-quarter view

Jeep's bold-faced new direction spearheaded by the 2014 Cherokee is facing some teething issues. According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, production start-up of the controversial new utility vehicle at its Toledo North facility is running about a month behind schedule "due to a wide range of issues." That's according to Mark Chernoby, senior vice president of engineering at Chrysler.

Chernoby maintains that the issues being encountered aren't unusual for the launch of a new vehicle - particularly one with a new powertrain - and he downplayed the delay, telling Jeep dealers that they "will have ample inventory of the midsize SUV by fall." Among the kinks being worked out? Calibrating the Cherokee's cutting-edge ZF nine-speed automatic transmission and refining assembly line tasks to make the process more efficient.

Chrysler expects to start building retail-ready versions of the Cherokee around mid-June, with official sales slated to start in September.

2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep cherokeejeepjeep cherokeemark chernoby Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573920/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/20573920/article-detail.xml 20573920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a report on the Chrysler Communications Facebook page and one fairly grainy image of the production line, at around 11:00AM Eastern this morning, the one-millionth Jeep Wrangler JK will roll out of the company's Toledo assembly plant.

The third-generation or "JK" Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 2007 model year, and has obviously been more popular than ever. With a greater than ever number of trim levels, two-door and four-door Unlimited models and hardy off-roading Rubicon packages, the JK offers more to choose from than ever for those looking for something in a traditional Jeep. In fact, with the modern 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powering it, the 2012 model year saw more than 140k Wrangers sold here in the US; the best-ever figure for the model.

With a model refresh due out for the Wrangler in 2015 (along with the likely addition of a diesel engine option), we expect that sales will continue to roll right along, too.

Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep wranglerjeepjeep wranglerjk wranglerone millionth jeep wrangler jk Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/20573752/article-detail.xml 20573752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

GM's next-generation SUVs caught testing in prototype form with cladding

We recently drove the brand-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and found it to be vastly improved compared to the outgoing model. And now that The General's pickup trucks have been squared away, it's time to focus our attention onto their passenger-friendly companions, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon (above).

Our spy photographers have passed along a huge smattering of photos (and a video), showing the new SUVs out testing. Both the short- and long-wheelbase models were spied, and while the overall shape of the vehicles hasn't changed all that much, we expect the updates to be substantial. In addition to new powertrain options, like GM's new small-block V8, we expect the interiors of both SUVs to get massive makeovers, providing better materials throughout their cabins and quieter, more refined environments. We even hear that some trick new suspension developments may be in store for upper-end models.

Visually, these spy shots allow us to see a couple of new details on the SUVs' front and rear fascias, including LED running lamps on the Yukon and some interesting LED taillamp treatments. Of course, the obvious third party missing from this set of photos is the Cadillac Escalade, but as we reported earlier, GM is working to further differentiate the 'Slade from the rest of the fullsize SUV lineup, and is working to make the new model "much less ostentatious."

Have a look at dozens of spy shots in our galleries above and below, and scroll down to see a video of one of the prototypes out on the road.

Continue reading Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video]

Next-gen GM SUVs caught wearing new boxy bodies [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevrolet tahoe2014 gmc yukonchevroletchevrolet tahoegmgmcgmc yukonspy photosspy picsspy shotsvideo Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570138/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570138/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/next-gen-gm-suvs-caught-wearing-new-boxy-bodies-w-video/20570138/article-detail.xml 20570138 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-gmc-yukon-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-gmc-yukon-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

650-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from Hennessey ready to go drag racing - video screencap

Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT fitted with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a Roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch this pre-2014 facelift silver model prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds

Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 jeep grand cherokee srt8hennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtjeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseysrtvideo Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/20565375/article-detail.xml 20565375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Chrysler has issued a recall covering a combined 469,000 units of the 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2006-2010 Jeep Commander (inset). Of that number, 295,000 are in the US, roughly 33,000 in Canada and Mexico and the remainder in other markets. It seems an electrical fault in the transfer case can allow the affected SUVs to shift into neutral on their own, while an Associated Press report says that Chrysler had "found cracks in a circuit board that turns the four-wheel-drive system on and off." The issue was discovered when an owner started his car remotely and it rolled away.

Chrysler is expected to begin notifying owners in June 2013, who can then take their cars to dealers. The dealer will reflash the final drive controller free of charge. There's a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below with more information.

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk

Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep commanderjeep commander recalljeep commander recallsjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee recallsjeep recalljeep recallsjeepcommanderrecalljeepcommanderrecallsjeepgrandcherokeerecallsjeeprecalljeeprecallsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecall Mon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565869/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/20565869/article-detail.xml 20565869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini reportedly confirms Urus for production in 2017]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The editorial director of EVO, Harry Metcalfe, was at the Lamborghini anniversary gala that saw the launch of the Egoista concept car, and tweeted this bit of news on the Urus: "Lamborghini confirms Urus SUV for 2017 production at tonight's #Lambo50 gala dinner." The Urus, you'll remember, was the concept SUV revealed at the Beijing Motor Show last year and branded "the first Lamborghini for everyday use" by company CEO Stephan Winkelmann. But that would only be if it were produced, and as of December last year it still hadn't been given the green light - even though development had continued.

This year, though, a couple of things have happened to convince some that it's probably on its way. There were patents filed in China in February, and in March Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told Autocar "Lamborghini has to do it. Because of the need to dovetail into production cycles, we should see the Urus in 2017." And since Audi is the official owner of Lamborghini, one would think the CEO knows what he's talking about when he says Lamborghini "has" to do something.

It's predicted that the showroom version will appear in 2016 as a 2017 model, accounting for the time it will take to develop and Stadler's 'production cycle' comment, referring to a slot in the refresh timetable for the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg with which the Urus will share its MQB platform. A report in Car and Driver says the Sant' Agata company will also be looking for the Urus to bolster its sales in China and its coffers in Italy, and cost between $150,000 and $200,000.

Lamborghini reportedly confirms Urus for production in 2017 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> harry metcalfeLamborghinilamborghini suvlamborghini urus Sun, 12 May 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565938/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/20565938/article-detail.xml 20565938 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/urus-production-2017_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/urus-production-2017.jpg <![CDATA[Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Stop Start Ad

Babies and cars go together like screaming blobs of insomnia and sleep machines. New parents quickly find that nothing soothes an irritable newborn quite like a quick drive around the block, and Volkswagen employed that truth in the company's newest ad for its stop/start technology. The spot follows one new dad as he tries to lull his child to sleep with the burble and purr of his Tiguan TDI. Unfortunately, his efforts are thwarted by the machine's start/stop system at each stop light.

While the clip does a great job of explaining how the start/stop system works and what it does for the buyer, Volkswagen took a bit of a gamble by having the system wake a sleeping babe. Automakers spend plenty of time trying to convince the world that their stop/start gear is as smooth as possible, and while this wee Volkswagen enthusiast falls asleep the moment the diesel engine wakes up, the implication is that the system isn't exactly imperceptible. Check out the
for yourself.

Continue reading Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech

Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adcommercialstop startvideovwvw tiguanvw tiguan tdi Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/20564907/article-detail.xml 20564907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-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['Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5

Automotive News Europe reports the new Audi manufacturing facility in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico will increase the automaker's production capacity for the Q5 SUV by 150,000 units per year. While the plant will supply every market with the exception of China, most of the production is slated to head to the US.

While speaking with ANE, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler said, "Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020." So far this year, 40 percent of Audi vehicles sold in the US have been light trucks, with the company's sales in that segment jumping by 53 percent. By comparison, Audi passenger car sales have increased by just one percent.

The first Q5 vehicles from the San Hose Chiapa plant will show up on dealer lots in 2016. Audi of America recently received a larger 9,000-unit allocation of Q5 models after seeing sales increase 36 percent through April compared to the same period in 2012.

'Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi crossoveraudi q5audi suvmexicosuv Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/20558422/article-detail.xml 20558422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan lowers price of seven models for better search results]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/nissan-lowers-price-of-seven-models-for-better-search-results/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/nissan-lowers-price-of-seven-models-for-better-search-results/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/nissan-lowers-price-of-seven-models-for-better-search-results/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Intent on not eliminating itself from consideration, and adapting to the way consumers research new car purchases, Nissan has announced price discounts now in effect, indefinitely, on seven models: the Altima, Armada, Juke, Maxima, Murano, Rogue and Sentra. It was found that Nissan's price points fell outside the competitive pool when prospective buyers searched for cars based on maximum price.

The price cuts vary and depend on the equipment spec, but they range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars; the MSRP of the Altima drops by $580, the Sentra by $730, the Armada by $4,400. Discounts on the Murano alone range from $1,460 to $2,410. Under orders from CEO Carlos Ghosn the brand is working to raise its US market share to ten percent by 2016, from 7.9 percent currently - which includes Infiniti - and appears to be optimizing its placement every step of the way to do so.

Nissan lowers price of seven models for better search results originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> msrpnissannissan altimanissan armadanissan jukenissan maximanissan muranonissan roguenissan sentra Sun, 05 May 2013 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557706/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557706/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/nissan-lowers-price-of-seven-models-for-better-search-results/20557706/article-detail.xml 20557706 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-price-cuts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-price-cuts.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/#comments Filed under: , ,



Now, hold on. This recall isn't quite as serious as it sounds. Yes, Toyota is recalling 11,489 FJ Cruiser models from the 2007 to 2013 model years, and yes, it's because the vehicles, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, "fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, 'Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.'" But read the fine print and you'll see the catch: This recall is only for vehicles fitted with the automaker's auxiliary lighting kit that can be mounted to the front bumper.

Basically, the auxiliary lamp assemblies use 55-watt bulbs, and when these are turned on in conjunction with the upper beam headlamps, it's a pretty blinding sight. NHTSA states that excessively bright lights can blind other drivers, increasing the risk for a crash.

To remedy the situation, Toyota will replace the 55-watt bulbs with cooler 35-watt units. The recall is expected to begin later this month. Scroll down for the full details in the NHTSA report.

Continue reading Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights

Toyota recalling FJ Cruiser due to excessively bright headlights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> headlightsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecalltoyotatoyota fj cruiser Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557364/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/toyota-recalling-fj-cruiser-due-to-excessively-bright-headlights/20557364/article-detail.xml 20557364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/004-toyota-fj-cruiser.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Land Rover held a 65th birthday party for itself at Packington Estate, on the grounds where its contributions to the world of off-roading were tested from the very first model in 1948 all the way through the 1970s. If you weren't there, you missed getting a piece of the birthday cake delivered by a Lynx military helicopter, but you can still get a piece of the anniversary action in the Land Rover LXV Defender SE - LXV being the ancient Roman way of writing "65."

Starting with a Defender specced with the 2.2-liter diesel and six-speed manual, the birthday-boy special edition adds a Santorini Black or Fuji White exterior hue, a Corris Grey roof and interior accents, 16-inch Sawtooth wheels, leather seats and unique badging. Pricing hasn't been announced, probably because it's rude to talk about the cost of a gift on someone's birthday.

For now you can read the press release below and see the celebrant in the high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere

Land Rover Defender LXV special edition celebrates 65 years of going anywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> anniversaryland roverland rover anniversaryland rover defenderland rover lvx defender se Fri, 03 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557131/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/land-rover-defender-lxv-special-edition-celebrates-65-years-of-g/20557131/article-detail.xml 20557131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-lxv-defender-se_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-lxv-defender-se.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Alfa Romeo Kamal

"There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years," said Damien Dally, head of the Alfa Romeo brand in the UK, speaking to The Telegraph. We've known for quite some time that Alfa Romeo had plans for a sport utility vehicle - the automaker has gone so far as to produce a concept of what such a machine may look like, as seen by the Kamal above.

We've even heard a few dates from Alfa Romeo about when to expect its production SUV, and so far, each of them has come and gone with nary a 'ute to be seen. Still, where there's smoke there's fire, and we really do think the Italian automaker is cooking up an SUV or two, possibly based on underpinnings borrowed from either the Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or both - remember, both Jeep and Alfa fall under the massive Fiat umbrella held up by Sergio Marchionne.

Of course, we've been waiting for Alfa Romeo's return to the United States for what feels like an eternity, so we're not holding our breath for a flock of US-market machines anytime soon. That said, we'll keep our ears to the ground for more on any potential new Alfa SUVs or crossovers, and as soon as we know anything solid, so will you.

Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeoalfa romeo crossoveralfa romeo kamalalfa romeo suv Fri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556287/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556287/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/20556287/article-detail.xml 20556287 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1.jpg <![CDATA[Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged.

The Jeep Wagoneer was introduced 50 years ago, and it's that vehicle we have to thank for the herds of excellent crossovers and SUVs that make up our current automotive landscape. On a personal level, I have always loved the full-size Jeeps and their crisp Brooks Stevens styling, which aged well over their long tenure on the market. The SJs, as they're known among enthusiasts, were the Wagoneer and its two-door counterpart, the original Cherokee. The Wagoneers had become true luxury vehicles by the end of their run, which stretched form late 1962 as a '63 model all the way to 1991, when they were offered exclusively under the Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

At the end of the line in 1991, The New York Times called the Grand Wagoneer "one of the last true gas guzzlers" as it eulogized the vehicle. It deserves more respect than that; the Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged. People who could afford such luxuries seemed to understand its purpose. At the end of production, the average Grand Wagoneer buyer pulled in over $100,000 a year, and the Jeep often served as a second or third car. There is no denying that the Wagoneer invented the luxury SUV, years before the Range Rover was ever offered for sale.

Continue reading Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer

Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep cherokeejeep grand wagoneerjeep wagoneersj Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/20554916/article-detail.xml 20554916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible planned, SUV rumors kicked to the curb]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 rolls-royce wraith convertible - front three-quarter view on show display stand

Seeing as it adheres to the exotic car template we've known for years, it should surprise no one that the next model from Rolls-Royce will reportedly be a convertible version of the Wraith. When the coupe is on its way to dealers at the end of this year, company CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has told Autocar that the British luxury marque start applying itself to the convertible.

At no time will they apply themselves to an SUV, though. Still sticking to its brand-value guns, Müller-Ötvös says that an SUV wouldn't have that trademark Rolls-Royce feeling and that such a vehicle hasn't even been discussed. Having heard this before from other brands, we can't help but suspect that one day in the future we'll hear the phrase, "Oh, but this is the Rolls-Royce of SUVs."

The investment in an SUV would also mean a huge investment in the factory at Goodwood, however, since Wraith production is expected to need three shifts and raise levels to near capacity. And forget about building anything from The Spirit of Ecstasy somewhere else, Müller-Ötvös saying, "Rolls-Royces are built in Goodwood."

Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible planned, SUV rumors kicked to the curb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> goodwoodrolls-roycerolls-royce suvrolls-royce wraithrolls-royce wraith convertibletorsten müller-Ötvös Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552003/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/rolls-royce-wraith-convertible-planned-suv-rumors-kicked-to-the/20552003/article-detail.xml 20552003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wraith-convertible-coming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wraith-convertible-coming.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota has just pulled the sheet off its updated 2014 4Runner at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival near Palm Springs, California. Toyota is the title sponsor at the festival, and claims that this is the first-ever global reveal of a new automobile at a major music festival. We're also guessing this is the first time that the 4Runner has seen duty inside what looks like a vintage circus act's cage.

We can see from the photos that the body-on-frame SUV has received a freshened look with new smoked light fixtures front and rear, along with a boldly reworked front fascia and grille. The profile view seems largely unchanged, though there are new wheel patterns on offer.

The 4Runner will continue to be offered in three trims, including SR5, more luxurious Limited, and off-road-ready Trail specification. Both 4x2 and both part- and full-time 4x4 models will continue to be available, all will be powered by the same 4.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic as last year.

Other changes for the 2014 model year include a retouched interior featuring new Optitron gauges, a multi-information display, and changes in trim. On the entertainment front, there are new head units with Toyota's Entune infotainment technology and an in-glass antenna replacing the previous mast unit. The optional navigation unit features a seven-inch screen.

Check out our gallery above and the official press release below for the full scoop.

UPDATE: A video has been added below to go with the press release. Enjoy!

Continue reading 2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video]

2014 Toyota 4Runner revealed at Stagecoach Music Festival [UPDATE: w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota 4runnerbreakingstagecoachstagecoach music festivaltoyotatoyota 4runnervideo Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550760/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/2014-toyota-4runner-revealed-at-stagecoach-music-festival/20550760/article-detail.xml 20550760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-2014-toyota-4runner628opt.png <![CDATA[China's Great Wall aiming to sell vehicles in US around 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Great Wall Motor Co. display at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show with pickup and camper

Stop us if you've heard this one before: "The Chinese are coming." According to Automotive News, Great Wall Motor Co. plans to sell its vehicles in the US by around 2015. The Chinese automaker has been researching its planned expansion for the last two years, looking at everything from regulatory hurdles to establishing a dealer network, as well as customer needs and wants.

Although it isn't immediately clear what models the company plans to market here in the US, it is apparently looking at establishing a factory stateside. The company currently sells its wares in 76 countries and regions around the globe, but has yet to attempt to crack the US or Canada. Great Wall may be China's largest purveyor of SUVs, but it has a full lineup of models to choose from - it brought 26 vehicles to last weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show, including a stand-alone section for its Haval brand of SUVs.

Of course, the Asian nation's automakers have been promising to bring their vehicles to the US market for years now, but to date, not one has made a full-fledged effort. Not Chery, not Changfeng, not anybody. At the moment, the only Chinese-built cars sold in North America are Honda Fit models, and they are only available in Canada (however, General Motors recently opened the door to importing their own Chinese-built models).

Having said all that, Great Wall is one of China's most respected and most financially established automakers, and it has a lot of experience building factories in other markets (admittedly mostly knock-down plants), as well as exporting vehicles. It seems all but inevitable that Chinese automakers will eventually offer vehicles to US consumers in real volume, but for the moment, there's still a lot of debate about how quickly that reality will set in. To wit, a recent study by Bernstein Research suggested that Chinese automakers still have a decade or more of development before they will be able to field globally competitive products.

China's Great Wall aiming to sell vehicles in US around 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinese automakerschinese carsgreat wallgreat wall motorhavalshanghai motor show Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548323/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/20548323/article-detail.xml 20548323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/great-wall-pickup-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/great-wall-pickup-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes G550 Night Edition is just for Japan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Mercedes-Benz G550 Night Edition is the latest to join the queue of limited-edition vehicles lined up for some yen. Following closely on the wheels of the Japan-only C63 AMG Special Edition, the all-Nippon version of the G-Class is limited to 100 units and will only be shown at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi - the swanked-up, nightlife district of Tokyo.

Buyers will get a G550 in Obsidian Black with fenders from the G63 AMG hovering over dark-finish, twin-five-spoke alloys. The interior can be optioned in either Classic Red or Porcelain White Designo. It will require 13,900,000 yen to be among the 100 (roughly $142,000 US), and if you're curious, it will roll into Roppongi on April 22.

Mercedes G550 Night Edition is just for Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanlimited editionmercedesmercedes g550mercedes g550 night edition Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545557/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/20545557/article-detail.xml 20545557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mercedes-benz-g550-night-edition_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mercedes-benz-g550-night-edition.jpg <![CDATA[Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/#comments Filed under: , , ,



During a discussion of the next-generation Holden Commodore and the General Motors Zeta platform, the question of an Australian-built SUV came up. Dave Leone, GM's executive chief engineer for luxury and rear-wheel-drive cars, wouldn't go any further than to say "that could be very possible," but recent events at Holden only reinforce the notion that we won't have any idea what is and isn't possible at the Aussie branch until it's actually done.

If there were such an SUV in the Holden pipeline, speculation is that it could be built on the platform for the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, and that it could send the Captiva - imported to Australia from Thailand - into retirement. That's a lot of coulds, but it's all Aussie-market watchers have as they try to figure out what Holden's going to do for the next nine years it has pledged to build cars in Oz. Alongside that Cruze, a next-generation VJ Commodore is also promised and a locally-built SUV might make sense as a third model.

Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiachevychevy captivachevy cruzed2xxholdenholden commodorezeta Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545328/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/21/holden-could-get-crossover-based-on-chevy-cruze/20545328/article-detail.xml 20545328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevrolet-captiva-holden_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chevrolet-captiva-holden.jpg <![CDATA[Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Acura Concept SUV-X

We're not saying Acura should off their Concept SUV-X for sale as-is, we're just saying we'd like to see Acuras that are interesting to look at on the outside, rather than just being packed full of technology on the inside. Revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Concept SUV-X joins other compact high-rollers like the MG CS concept as an entrant for China's compact SUV segment.

But this won't be a concept forever. Acura says that the SUV-X is the precursor to a production offering from the brand in China that will come "in about three years." A presser below sheds a little more light on this and the Chinese version of the RLX that will go on sale in a few months, and there's a short video detailing some of the concept's finer points, as well.

Continue reading Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video]

Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showacuraacura concept suv-xacura rlxconcept suv-xshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546242/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546242/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/20546242/article-detail.xml 20546242 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-acura-suv-x-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-acura-suv-x-concept628opt.jpg -1 2