Autoblog

(Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Government/Legal, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Volkswagen

With products like its now-defunct Corrado sports coupe, Volkswagen has proven that they understand the benefits of active aerodynamics - but a new recall in conjunction with the National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration centers on the potential for some completely unintentional and undesired active aero with the company's products.

According to NHTSA, VW will recall 14,416 2007-2009 Touareg SUVs because the vehicle's roof spoiler can jettison itself from the vehicle, potentially striking pedestrians or other vehicles. Apparently, the problem stems from the fastening struts on the spoiler which can crack, leading to the loosening or outright detachment of the aerodynamic element.

Owners of Touaregs covered under the recall can bring their vehicles to their local dealer, which will install reinforcement wedges to the assembly for free. Official recall information posted after the jump. Top tip, Jeff!

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading (Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight

(Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GMC adds hybrid model to Yukon Denali SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, GMC

2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has finally added the 2-Mode Hybrid powertrain to its top-level GMC Yukon Denali. There aren't any mechanical changes to the gas-electric drivetrain that's been available since 2008 in the standard-grade Yukon and its platform mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. All of which means we'll see a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque and up to a 6,200-pound towing capacity.

According to GM, the hybrid hardware is mostly contained in the 2-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission, which features twin electric motors powered by a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. Expect EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 22 highway for two-wheel drive models and 20/20 when equipped with four-wheel drive.

As far as mechanical changes go, the Denali Hybrid will bring the first application of GM's MagnaRide suspension system to the Yukon. As you'd expect in a top-level SUV, the Denali Hybrid will come fully loaded straight from the factory - the only three options will be a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind spot alert mirrors. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid and Denali Hybrid

Continue reading Officially Official: GMC adds hybrid model to Yukon Denali SUV

Officially Official: GMC adds hybrid model to Yukon Denali SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado spy shots -- Click above for image gallery

A tipster in the Middle East has sent pics of what looks to be the area's next Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as the Lexus GX stateside). If it is the next version of the SUV, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force change. A reshaped front fascia contains swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille similar to that of the Australian model), and a raised lower bumper detail. The changes are minimal out back, with more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome taillamp garnish.

As the vehicle seen here is thought to be based on the same platform as the current model, it isn't clear if this is the same chassis that is expected to underpin America's next Toyota 4Runner/GX expected this Fall. In the Gulf region, Al Motor News figures that the predecessor's Toyota engines will carry over: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6. The Gulf-market Lexus is also expected to get a 4.6-liter V8 engine option with 310 horsepower.

These shots were apparently taken at a dealer inventory lot, so it is assumed the Prado will be shown officially in the not-too-distant future. You can get a sneak preview for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Ebraheem!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Toyota Prado/Landcruiser

[Source: Al Motor News]

Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Green, Porsche

Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a powerful, fast Porsche Cayenne, Stuttgart has no shortage of choices on offer, topping out with the mental 550 horsepower Turbo S. Of course, there are plenty of aftermarket tuners willing to take the unreasonable up to downright silly proportions, but if you were looking for power and speed without sacrificing too much fuel, for the most part you were advised to look elsewhere. After all, a big SUV isn't exactly the ideal platform for either. But then along comes Porsche tuner extraordinaire Techart to show you the way with its own custom Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Boosting output from 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to a hefty 290 hp and 465 lb-ft, the Techart Cayenne Diesel drops the stock 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds down to a handy 7.7 seconds, all without harming the vehicle's fuel economy or emissions numbers. Nice work, but the most impressive part is the modified torque curve that gives the big oil-burner accessible grunt from as low as 1,000 rpm.

Techart has also crafted a unique Aerokit 1 for the diesel sport-ute, giving it a more aggressive stance while improving airflow, capped with giant 21-inch alloys or optional 22s. The British tuning house offers a turnkey model at £55,500 (around $89k USD) with the body kit and engine mods, or can fit an existing diesel Cayenne with the Aerokit for £15,000 ($24k) and the engine kit for £2,500 ($4k). Details in the press release after the jump and high-res images are on offer in the gallery below.

Gallery: Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel

[Source: Techart]

Continue reading Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel

Twist and Shout: Techart among first to tweak Porsche Cayenne diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI

Michael Harley — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Toyota, UAW/Unions

The world's biggest automaker has confirmed that it is investing 44.9 billion yen (or about $467.2 million at current exchange rates) to upgrade its Indiana plant. Toyota Motor Corp. will reportedly spend the next three months retooling in order to build its Sequoia and Highlander SUVs on the same line (last year, the automaker canceled plans to manufacture the Highlander in a new plant slated for Mississippi).

Toyota also has no comment about the recent rumors that it had entered talks with General Motors about buying out General Motors's share in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) venture after the U.S. automaker announced last week that it was abandoning its 50 percent stake in the partnership. Toyota is currently negotiating with the United Auto Workers to adjust labor rates at the Fremont, California, operation. According to reports, the plant could shut down if those talks go sour.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, China, HUMMER

Chinese National Radio recently reported that Tengzhong wouldn't be allowed to purchase Hummer due to environmental concerns. The company released a statement after that news broke saying that while there was no "definitive agreement," the CNR report wasn't based on facts from the government regulatory body in question, and Tengzhong is still working on the deal.

Last week, in a report titled "Tengzhong may get green light from the regulators for its acquisition of Hummer," CNR's take on where things appears to back up Tengzhong's view that the game is not yet played. The company's discussions with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce -- it needs approval from both parties -- have begun, and three options for concluding a deal were proposed.

If Tengzhong can convince the authorities of its expertise and business blan, and gets approval from both parties, it wants to set Hummer up in Sichuan province. If there is resistance to setting Hummer up directly, Tengzhong could try to base the company in one of China's ten bonded areas -- harbor points where the vehicles aren't officially "in" the country until taxes and fees are paid -- but this could impact the company's ability to sell Hummers in China. Or, the company could simply become a foreign investor in Hummer.

It isn't clear whether those options are Tengzhong's take on the purchase, or if that was just more speculation from CNR. Hummer had no comment on the matter.

[Source: Hummer]

HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz

Customized Mercedes-Benz G/E Class - Click above for gallery

What is it lately that people don't seem to understand about hardcore off-roaders? They're not supposed to be aerodynamic, and they're not supposed to be pretty. And yet here we are yet again - after the modified Hummer recently spotted on eBay - looking at one of the world's most serious rock-climbing workhorses that's been smoothed out in controversial fashion, and in metallic Barney purple, no less.

What we have on one hand is the Mercedes Geländewagen, the same essential truck that Magna Steyr has been building for the Three-Pointed Star for some thirty years now. It's got the aerodynamic profile of a barn. Attached to a parachute. On the other, we have the E-Class, one of the most aerodynamically slippery cars on the market. Part of the same company's line-up, but just about as different as can be. And yet, thanks to what looks to be a not inconsequential amount of elbow grease, the two have come together to breed this remarkable concoction, which, we gather, was recently put up for sale on eBay. While we can't locate the auction itself, one has to figure that the owner is going to have a hard time selling a vehicle that's been so extensively "personalized."

Gallery: Custom Mercedes-Benz G/E Class

[Source: Autogespot]

Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO]

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

2011 BMW X1 - Click above for a massive high-res image gallery

As expected after this morning's initial leakage, BMW has released a staggering amount of images of the 2011 BMW X1 showing the brand's new soft-roader in every conceivable environment before it's officially revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Along with the pics, BMW put out a brief statement (below the fold) confirming the X1's arrival in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and its plans to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (xDrive) versions, along with "a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices." BMW won't officially confirm what mils will make the trip across the Atlantic, but the automaker says the X1 will use its EfficientDynamics system and that one gasoline engine and three diesels will be available when the X1 launches in Europe this fall. Check out all 183 high-res images in the gallery below and expect official U.S. market information to be released closer to the X1's launch in the States.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO]

Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI - and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Hummer H1 gets beaten with aerodynamic ugly stick

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUVs, Auction Action, HUMMER

Custom Hummer H1 on eBay Motors - Click above for image gallery

It takes a special talent to infantilize the brute strength of a Hummer H1, but someone's gone and done it with an oddly swoopy redesign. One of only two made (yes, there is another), this unique Hummer features a custom hood and front bumper, as well as a multi-section removable roof should the driver and occupants actually wish to be seen tooling around the neighborhood in this beast.

Inside, it's been all tricked out with a trifecta of television screens, ostrich leather interior, iPod-compatible entertainment system, sat-nav, back-up cameras...the works. Even the turbodiesel V8 has been tweaked and mounted with a polished aluminum snorkel, complimented by a chrome Mack truck bulldog hood ornament. Oh, and it has a $2,000 train horn, just in case someone can't see this behemoth coming from a mile away. All this can be yours for the low price of $89,900 or best offer.

Gallery: Hummer H1 custom on eBay

[Source: eBay Motors via Carscoop]

eBay Find of the Day: Hummer H1 gets beaten with aerodynamic ugly stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, HUMMER, Jeep

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited vs. Hummer H3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, we compared the dirtside manners of the Hummer H2 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both trucks did everything we asked of them, but at the end of the excursion we were left with another question begging to be answered: could the Hummer H3T stand up to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? These cruiserweights live on a fatter part of the buying curve, and any time a Jeep is summoned to the ring, the other vehicle is inevitably the challenger. Even though the H3T is still relatively new to the world, it came time to find out if it was ready to stand up and fight for its place. Follow the jump to see how it held up.

Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hummer buyer to start talks with Chinese gov't to win sale?

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, China, Government/Legal, HUMMER, Earnings/Financials

China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, the company that recently surfaced as the top bidder for Hummer, is about to start talks with Chinese regulators to secure the deal. While General Motors has a tentative agreement with Tengzhong, the two companies have yet to receive the state's blessing, which is necessary for the sale to go through.

Tengzhong, GM and Hummer have been working on a proposal to present to the National Development and Reform Commission, despite speculation that the deal will be blocked by those Chinese officials. Tengzhong reportedly remains optimistic, saying they haven't heard anything from the authorities and don't expect to until their proposal is actually submitted.

Speculation that the deal was in jeopardy began when a China National Radio station reported that government regulators would block the deal based on environmental concerns about Hummer vehicles and the fact that Tengzhong doesn't have much experience as an automaker. Tengzhong is better known as a manufacturer of special-use vehicles, structural components for highways and bridges, construction machinery and energy equipment, so some have suggested this is little more than a publicity stunt for the company, but it certainly sounds like they are serious about the deal now.

[Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal]

Hummer buyer to start talks with Chinese gov't to win sale? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: China to block HUMMER sale to Tengzhong

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, China, Government/Legal, HUMMER, Earnings/Financials

2008 Hummer H2 - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors' pending deal to offload its unwanted HUMMER brand may have hit a major snag. Although no official word has come from the Ministry of Commerce or the National Development and Reform Commission, state-run radio organizations are reporting that the Chinese government will indeed block the sale of HUMMER from GM to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. It's impossible to know exactly how this whole mess will play out, but these reports clearly jive with the general sentiments we've been hearing since the deal was first announced.

According to Chinese radio reports (via the BBC), there are two main objections to the HUMMER deal. First, the brand's environmental credentials don't match up with the direction the Chinese government wants its automakers to head. Second, there are questions as to whether Tengzhong has the expertise to properly manage a large automaker as it's business dealings so far have all been in the construction equipment segment.

Not so fast, says Tengzhong. In a newly-released statement regarding these latest reports, the company had this to say:

Some people may have views and speculation, but the Chinese government has a process that we respect... The view expressed on China National Radio's website did not quote or source anyone at NDRC. We do not yet have a definitive agreement, but are developing our proposals with GM and Hummer and we will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities in an appropriate manner.

At this point, it seems equally as possible that a decision could either come down in short order or come only after a long series of protracted negotiations. Stay tuned. Thanks for the tip, Dave S!

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2

[Source: BBC]

REPORT: China to block HUMMER sale to Tengzhong originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Critics from China berate proposed HUMMER sale, rekindled automaker could be based in Nashville

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, China, Government/Legal, HUMMER

2008 Hummer H2 SUT - Click above for high-res gallery

As Chinese media outlets continue to voice derision over GM's agreement to sell its unwanted HUMMER division to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., there are real questions as to whether or not the Chinese government will even approve of the purchase.

State-run media outlet Xinhua News Agency has suggested that Tengzhong's interest in HUMMER may be little more than a publicity stunt, saying, "It couldn't achieve this result (of raising its profile) even if it spent $100 million on advertising." Commenting on Tengzhong's deal to purchase HUMMER, China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said:

We hope Chinese companies learn more about international market rules and development trends in their industries and make prudent investments.

While none of that sounds particularly promising, it doesn't necessarily mean the deal won't be approved, and HUMMER CEO Jim Taylor is reportedly moving forward with the automaker's future plans as it looks for a new location outside GM's corporate headquarters in the Renaissance Center to call home. According to the Nashville Business Journal, HUMMER could stay in the Detroit area or possibly join Nissan by taking root in Tennessee.

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2

[Sources: Autocar, Nashville Business Journal]

Critics from China berate proposed HUMMER sale, rekindled automaker could be based in Nashville originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Compact hybrid Range Rover LRX gets green light

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Land Rover

Land Rover LRX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers that hope to continue doing business over the next few years need to be increasingly aware of their fuel consumption, emissions and environmental credibility. In deference to this fact, Auto Express in the U.K. is reporting that Land Rover is moving forward with plans to launch the new LRX compact hybrid 'ute, possibly with a bit of help from the U.K. government.

According to the report, Land Rover will borrow liberally from corporate partner Jaguar's hardware stable, which is rumored to soon include both hybrid and extended-range EV options. Land Rover's innovative electric drive rear axle is supposedly on the LRX menu, which would work along with the automaker's well-known and highly-effective Terrain Response System to put power to the ground wherever possible.

If there's any truth to these rumors, we shouldn't expect Land Rover to have the hybrid LRX in production until at least two years have passed. In the meantime, the British-built, Indian-owned automaker is set to debut stop/start and regenerative braking on all of its models to improve their environmental performance.

Gallery: 2008 Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Compact hybrid Range Rover LRX gets green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Cross HUMMER H3 wildfire photo reproduced on postage stamp

Alex Nunez — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Etc., HUMMER

HUMMER's relationship with the American Red Cross extends back to 2005 when the SUV manufacturer first began supplying the agency with donated trucks for use in the disaster-stricken areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This relationship has been ongoing ever since, and in 2007, Brad Mellon, a volunteer with the San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter, snapped a stunning photograph of one the ARC's HUMMER H3s against the harrowing backdrop of a California wildfire.

While HUMMER waits to write a new future for itself under Chinese stewardship, its ties with the Red Cross have now been immortalized as part of a postage stamp issued by the Republic of Guinea. The stamp, commemorating Red Cross founder Henri Dunant, features artwork by Frenchman P. Pavilland, who saw fit to make the image of the H3 against the raging fire the background of the postage he was commissioned to design. So HUMMER goes out in a blaze of glory, so to speak... in Guinea, at least.

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha

[Sources: HUMMER, eBay]

Red Cross HUMMER H3 wildfire photo reproduced on postage stamp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo Kamal concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio - one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: Global Insight]

Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Porsche

Throughout its life, Porsche's Cayenne hasn't exactly come in for critical praise for its aesthetics, so thankfully it has always been just about peerless dynamically. Perhaps as a result of that observed deficiency, countless aftermarket companies have taken up the their pens and styling knives to try to improve upon Stuttgart's controversial jack-of-all-trades. Suffice it to say that most of these sorts of efforts haven't worked out terribly favorably.

The latest company to attempt rhinoplasty on the Cayenne is Russian outfit Status Design, whose grilled and gilled design is a radical departure from the standard SUV. Looking a bit like a Cayenne that's swallowed a handful of Ferrari Enzo front clips, this Status Design effort has all manner of vents and inlets which hopefully enable better breathing - check out the NACA duct on the nose. There's also an assortment of other changes, including a pair of odd flying buttress-like extensions below the rear-most pillar and some retro-minded color scallops on the side. It's certainly a unique and eye-catching look - whether that's a good thing is up to you.

In any case, while the Moscow Cayenne is just a rendering at this state, a production version is expected this Fall, complete with carbon-fiber and plastic construction, along with some LED garnishes that look rather familiar.

With our Russian language skills not exactly being up to snuff, we were forced to rely on Google Translate's prowess to help us glean more details from the company's website. In typical fashion, it delivered some curious wording that doesn't quite come across as English. Despite being lost in translation, some of the Googlized statements read as oddly appropriate: "Modeling false weight to the Porsche Cayenne" and "Individual body-whale and tuning elements under the exclusive personalization of vehicles" being our favorites.

Either way, we're quite sure that if we had this thing storming up in our rearview mirror, we'd move over with a quickness, and that's got to count for something.

Gallery: Status Design Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Status Design]

Russian Attack: Status Design reimagines the Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Sichuan Tengzhong to finalize Hummer deal in third quarter, keep U.S. production?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, China, HUMMER

2008 Hummer HX Concept - click above for high-res gallery

According to Automotive News, the deal between General Motors and Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery to offload Hummer should be complete by October. A statement made by STHIM's general manager, Yang Yi, further suggests that the Chinese company has no plans to export Hummer's equipment and/or technology to its home market, meaning that the truck brand's offerings should remain North American produced for the foreseeable future.

The details for Sichuan Tengzhong's winning bid for Hummer have not been disclosed, but according to AN, investment bankers are suggesting that the deal was likely brokered for around $100 million in cash, and Yi confirmed that the Chinese heavy machinery company would not be assuming any of GM's debt in the process.

Assuming STHIM and General Motors can sew up the bid for Hummer (in the third quarter or otherwise), the Chinese government will still need to grant approval before the deal can move forward.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept

[Source: Automotive News]

REPORT: Sichuan Tengzhong to finalize Hummer deal in third quarter, keep U.S. production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover takes the Defender to new heights with Fire & Ice editions

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Euro, Land Rover, UK, Special/Limited Editions

Land Rover Defender Fire & Ice editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

It doesn't get more back-to-basics than the Land Rover Defender. While most of the world's most hard-core off-roaders - Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes G-Wagen, Hummer H2 - have all gone luxed-out, the Defender soldiers on as the bare-bones option. Essentially the same body-on-frame design from 1948, the Defender is still hand-assembled. But what's Land Rover to do when the market demands luxury? Lux out the Defender, of course.

The limited-production Fire & Ice editions come packed with all the features they could fit in the Defender: Recaro buckets, leather and Alcantara trim, diamond-turned alloys, color-coded head- and tail- lights, glass sunroof panel, running boards and more. The Fire edition comes in a special Vesuvius Orange metallic paint, the Ice edition in Alaska white, both offset by Santorini black accents. All that kit drives the price of the special Land Rover up to €68,400, the equivalent of about $95,000. Just 850 examples will be on offer in various markets across Europe, China and in South Africa. Check out the high-res images in the gallery below for all the angles.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender Fire & Ice editions

[Source: Land Rover]

Land Rover takes the Defender to new heights with Fire & Ice editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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