Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The launch of the next Mercedes-Benz E-class is right around the corner and Car's spies were able to catch a mildly camo'd mule undergoing testing. The prototype is unmistakably M-B, with a new front fascia that appears to split the difference between the swoop CLS's headlamps and the more conservative eyes of the C- and S-class. Underneath the cloaked sheet metal is Mercedes' new W212 mid-size sedan platform, which ditches the electronic braking system of the last generation (Benz dealers rejoice!) in favor of conventional hydraulic stoppers, and utilizes a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement coupled with M-B's Active Body Control (ABC) system. Naturally, there will be gizmos galore, including a new electronic road sign reading system, night-vision pulled from the S-class and a host of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines that will top out with the 6.2-liter V8 from AMG.

According to Car, the new E will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with sales beginning later that summer.

[Source: Car]

 

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]]>2010 mercedes benz e-class2010MercedesBenzE-classbenze classe-classe63 amgE63AmgEClassmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenz2008-05-12T16:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Subaru Exiga heading to production, teaser leaks out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Exiga.

We received word from a little birdie last week that Subaru was gearing up to release its brand-new Exiga into journalist's hands in Japan. Coincidentally (or not), a teaser shot of Subaru's new pseudo-CUV popped up on the NASIOC forum over the weekend and it's clear from the darkened profile that many of the elements from the show car have migrated over to the production model.

The Exiga, which appeared at last year's Tokyo Motor Show as a lightly veiled concept, will likely form the basis for the new Outback, slotting in between the Legacy and the Tribeca CUV. However, it's doubtful that when the Exiga (or Outback) makes the trek across the Pacific it will be sporting seven full seats. Its closest competitor here in the States is the forthcoming Toyota Venza, which aims to define a new segment between wagon and crossover, but in reality, both vehicles own their inspiration to the AMC Eagle, the original wagon on stilts.

Gallery: Subaru Exiga Concept


[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

 

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]]>breakingcrossovercuvexigasubarusubaru exigaSubaruExigasuvtoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenza2008-05-12T13:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[HSV Tourer super-wagon set to haul stuff, ass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/hsv-tourer-super-wagon-set-to-haul-stuff-ass/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click image to enlarge

Like the sedan and ute before it, the Holden Commodore Sportwagon will also soon have a corresponding HSV performance variant. The HSV Tourer is essentially an HSV Clubsport R8 Wagon, as it features the muscle sedan's front clip and 425-horsepower (317kW) LS3 V8 powertrain. Look for it to arrive arrive in Australia this October and in the U.S. as a Pontiac, well, never. (Pontiac has no plans to bring over the Commodore Sportwagon, remember.)

HSV admits that the Tourer could take some sales away from the Clubsport R8 upon which it's based, but that the presence of the wagon in the now-complete HSV lineup should still help HSV's sales numbers overall. Drive.com.au notes that the Commodore Sportwagon was supposed to launch back in March, but has been delayed while Holden continues to work out kinks with the wagon bodystyle. We expect to get plenty more info on the HSV Tourer closer to its launch, but today, we're more bummed than ever that Pontiac isn't importing the Commodore Sportwagon. Imagine what the possibilities could have been... Pontiac G8 Safari GXP? Not bad. And unfortunately, not gonna happen.

[Sources: HSV, Drive.com.au]

 

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]]>Clubsport R8ClubsportR8Commodore SportwagonCommodoreSportwagonHolden CommodoreHoldenCommodoreHSV station wagonHSV TourerHSV wagonHsvStationWagonHsvTourerHsvWagonHV sportwagonHvSportwagon2008-05-12T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more high-res pics of the Volvo V70 R-Design

Once upon a time, there was a subtle wagon called the V70R who's meek outward appearance belied the snortiest turbo 5-cylinder Volvo has ever put in a production car. All-wheel-drive helped the power get to the ground instead of immolating the front tires, and the R sat atop the V70 trim-level range. Alas, the R is no more. While it was awesome and amusing, it was also outgunned by the competition, even with 300 hard-breathing horsepower. Still, there are those who desire the look and demeanor of the R, while finding no fault with the lesser powertrains that Volvo offers.

Those buyers can find what they're looking for with the new V70 R-Design package on the third generation wagon. Since the demise of the R, the V70 has moved up to become the wagon version of the S80, and the R-Line package adds a little visual oomph and chassis verve to the big estate. Ride height has been reduced and thicker swaybars are added, along with higher durometer bushings in the suspension. Like we saw on the C30 R-Design, matte finish metal accents are added to exterior pieces like the mirror housings and grille surround. Sporty-looking exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels round out the exterior changes. The interior gets blue-faced gauges, unique metal trim pieces, and Volvo's already excellent seats get R-Design logos and sportier bolstering. The R-Design package adds £2,000 or so to the price of a UK V70, a decent price for a handling upgrade and a hunkered look. Volvo hasn't decided whether to bring it to the United States yet. If it does come to the North American market, the V70 R-Design will be a 2009 model, and we'll know by early summer if we have to look longingly across the pond for a clean-looking, sporty-driving wagon.

Gallery: V70 RDesign


[Source: Volvo]

 

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]]>volvo rvolvo r-designvolvo r-linevolvo v70volvo wagonvolvo wagonsVolvoRVolvoR-designVolvoR-lineVolvoV70VolvoWagonVolvoWagons2008-05-08T12:42:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

[Source: AutoBild via German Car Blog]

 

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]]>2011new modelsNewModelsnext generationnext-genNextGenerationpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvw2008-05-05T07:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Jetta Sportwagen for a high-res gallery

While we were in Virginia attending the inaugural race of the Jetta TDI cup series, Volkswagen provided us hacks with a some new Jetta Sportwagens with which to make the 45 minute morning and evening commute between the Berry Hill Inn and the race track. Like the last generation Jetta Wagon, the new Sportwagen is branded as a Jetta in North America because Jetta is Volkswagen's top-selling model here. The rest of the world, however, knows this estate-bodied Volkswagen as the Golf Variant. No matter, because the Golf/Rabbit and Jetta share all their important hardware and are, for all intents and purposes, the same car.

In typical fashion, the new Sportwagen has grown since the previous model was retired and is now nearly as big as the last-gen Passat wagon. My first impression upon climbing into the Sportwagen was how it felt nearly as roomy as the 2000 Passat wagon that resides in half of my garage at home. VW provided an assortment of cars with both 5-speed three-pedal and 6-speed two-pedal transmission arrangements. Unfortunately, all were paired with the base 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine. Check out my impressions of the new Jetta Sportwagen after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 jetta2009Jettafeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivejettasportwagenvw jettavw jetta sportwagenvw jetta tdivw-jettavw-jetta-sportwagen-...VwJettaVwJettaSportwagenVwJettaTdi2008-05-04T13:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[More images of Carrozzeria Touring's coachbuilt Maseratis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click on the images to view the Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS and Bellagio Fastback in high resolution

The reborn Carrozzeria Touring made a big splash at Villa d'Este. As the featured marque of the Concorso d'Eleganza this year, the fathers of the classic Superleggera construction method took the wraps off two stunning coachbuilt Maseratis. While we wait for Touring to release more information on the swoopy A8 GCS sportscar and Bellagio Fastback, the Carrozzeria has graced us with a few new images of the two cars.

The photos of the A8 GCS show the custom coupe in a much better light than the initial batch, and there's another shot of the Quattroporte-based Bellagio, as well. As you can see in the latter, the side windows on the wagon are blanked out, but while the extension might not do any favors for blind-spot visibility, we hardly think that's the point as the design and craftsmanship appear second to none. Check out the images in the two galleries below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS


Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Bellagio


[Source: Carrozzeria Touring]

 

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]]>carrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring maseraticarrozzeria touring superleggera maseratiCarrozzeriaTouringCarrozzeriaTouringMaseratiCarrozzeriaTouringSuperleggeraMaseraticoachbuilt maseratiCoachbuiltMaseraticoncorso deleganzaconcorso deleganza villa desteconcorso deleganza villa deste carrozzeria touringConcorsoDeleganzaConcorsoDeleganzaVillaDesteConcorsoDeleganzaVillaDesteCarrozzeriaTouringcustom maseratiCustomMaseratimaserati a8 gcsmaserati quattroporte bellagio fastbackMaseratiA8GcsMaseratiQuattroporteBellagioFastbacktouring bellagioTouringBellagiovilla desteVillaDeste2008-05-01T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Passat R36

Volkswagen's most powerful Passat ever, the R36, which we've been hearing about for over a year, is finally on sale in the U.K. in both sedan and wagon versions. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system to put the 300 horses and 258 lb. ft. of torque to the ground, VeeDub claims that the sedan can get to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. The wagon is a few hundredths slower in the sprint to sixty, but both boast a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Besides the powertrain updates, the R36 gets a unique body kit, Bi-Xenon headlights and a new grille. Chassis enhancements include 18-inch rims, new brake calipers and most importantly, a 20mm lowering of the ride height. A blindingly bright turned-aluminum dash applique matches the new allow pedals and sill plates, while new seats promise a snug fit. The £30,990 base-price is encroaching on Audi territory, though not one featuring 300 horsepower. Now that Volvo's V70R is no longer available, the £32,150 estate model (that's wagon to us yanks) offers lots of performance and utility in a much more refined manner than your typical SUV. No word on a Stateside offering as of yet, but we won't give up the hope.

Gallery: Volkswagen Passat R36


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK

 

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]]>passatpassat r36passat-r36PassatR362008-04-29T15:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[U.S. Postal Service to celebrate the tailfin starting in October]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/u-s-postal-service-to-celebrate-the-tailfin-starting-in-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/u-s-postal-service-to-celebrate-the-tailfin-starting-in-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/u-s-postal-service-to-celebrate-the-tailfin-starting-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click on the 300C to see all five stamps in high-resolution

All the way back in 2004, we wondered out loud why the U.S. Postal Service chose only to showcase cars from the first half of the decade starting in 1950. All of you waiting on pins and needles now have an official date when this offense will be rectified: October 3, 2008. Starting on that day, each of the 37,000 Post Office locations will begin offering five new "50s Fins and Chrome" 42-cent first-class stamps as part of the "America on the Move" series. We've gallerized each of the upcoming stamps for your viewing enjoyment:
These new stamps were unveiled at the auto-mecca that is the Spring Carlisle Collector Car & Swap Meet in Carlisle, PA. The designs were illustrated by Art M. Fitzpatrick using an example of each car which is still currently road-worthy. We think Fitz did a darn good job on these particular stamps, which will make the mundane act of sending letters just a bit more palatable starting in October.

Gallery: Fins and Chrome Stamps


[Source: U.S. Postal Service]

 

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]]>50s Fins and Chrome50sFinsAndChromeAmerica on the MoveAmericaOnTheMoveauto stampsauto-stampsautomobile stampsautomobile-stampsAutomobileStampsAutoStampscar stampscar-stampsCarStampscollectible stampscollectible-stampsCollectibleStampscollector stampscollector-stampsCollectorStampspost officepost-officePostOfficestampsu.s. postal serviceU.s.PostalService2008-04-25T19:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS Wagon!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/spy-shots-cadillac-cts-coupe-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Cadillac CTS Wagon spy shots

Codenamed internally as the GMX 206, the Cadillac CTS Wagon has clearly gone beyond the consideration phase within GM's hallowed halls and is actively being developed. This prototype was just caught by spy photographers and the profile is unmistakable evidence that the CTS will soon get some extra cargo space. Cadillac's plan to expand the CTS into a full-fledged lineup that can compete with the likes of the the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 hinges on producing more variants than just the sedan. The CTS Coupe Concept was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the wagon in development now and we would expect a convertible version of the coupe eventually, as well. Sources say that Cadillac will build around 10,000 - 12,000 units of the CTS wagon at the same Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant as the sedan and coupe, with most of those being earmarked for sale in Europe. And we have to say that the Family Truckster has never looked so sharp.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Wagon - spy shots


[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

 

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]]>cadillaccadillac ctscadillac cts wagonCadillacCtsCadillacCtsWagonctscts wagonCtsWagonspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-04-25T14:54:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volkswagen finishes up Jetta BlueTDI development, on sale this summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




The new, fifty-state legal Jetta BlueTDI is finally done and it's coming soon. At the International Vienna Motor Symposium in Austria, Volkswagen announced that it's completed development on what they are calling the BlueTDI system for their US diesels. Like Mercedes (BlueTec) and BMW (BluePerformance), VW is adopting the Blue moniker for their cleanest, most efficient systems. The Jetta BlueTDI will be the first Tier2 Bin5 compliant diesels that doesn't have to use a urea injection system to meet the new NOx emissions standard. VW started with the updated 2.0L TDI that was launched in the European Tiguan last fall. Individual cylinder pressure sensors were added that allow the engine management system to optimize the fuel injection pulses to keep combustion temperatures down. That helped VW eliminate 60-percent of the NOx emissions before you even get to the exhaust stream. The exhaust gas flowing from the 2.0L engine are low enough that VW was able to use a lean NOx trap to convert the remaining NOx to nitrogen and water. However, the larger 3.0L V-6 TDI that is coming in the Touareg and Audi Q7 at the end of the year will have to use urea injection. In addition to the NOx trap, there is a particulate filter to eliminate the soot often associated with diesel engines. The new Jetta will be able to get up to 60mpg when cruising on the highway, a boost of 12-percent over the last US-market Jetta TDI from 2006. The Jetta BlueTDI should be the first of the new round of diesels to come to market when it arrives later this summer. The first batch of cars should actually start arriving at US dealers in June, where they will be available for test drives through the summer before going on sale in September.

[Source: Volkswagen]

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]]>bluetdibluetdi-jettajettajetta bluetdijetta dieseljetta tdiJettaBluetdiJettaDieseljettatdi2008-04-24T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi unveils updated A3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/audi-unveils-updated-a3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/audi-unveils-updated-a3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/audi-unveils-updated-a3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high resolution gallery of the S3 Sportback

Audi has revealed the model updates for the European-spec 2009 A3 and S3. Both are slightly larger than the previous version, and the S3 is now available in the 5-door Sportback version. The front of the A3 receives a freshened look including a more complex design around the grille and more modern headlights with optional bi-xenon units that incorporate LEDs. At the rear there is a modified tailgate and the taillight design uses fiber optic rods to create a pretty cool effect. The interior features new aluminum design trim and new colors and fabrics for the seats, and the controls for the audio system have been given a new look. As for the powertrain, the Euro-only diesel engines have been reworked to include an updated fuel injection system. All engine options are now available with the S tronic transmission, and the 1.6, 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engines can be paired with a newly developed seven-speed version.

Follow the jump for the full press release with all the details for the updated A3 and S3, and check out the galleries of each car below.

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

Gallery: 2009 Audi A3

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi unveils updated A3

 

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]]>2009 Audi A32009 Audi S32009AudiA32009AudiS3A3AudiAudi A3Audi S3AudiA3AudiS3breakingS3Sportback2008-04-24T02:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Villa d'Este 08 Preview: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/villa-deste-08-preview-carrozzeria-touring-maserati-quattropor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/villa-deste-08-preview-carrozzeria-touring-maserati-quattropor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/villa-deste-08-preview-carrozzeria-touring-maserati-quattropor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to enlarge

There are wagons, and then there are wagons. Most five-door family-haulers fall under the former, but once in a while something more shapely comes along and redefines the latter. If this image is something to go on, the Bellagio Fastback is definitely one of those rarities.

Created by the revived Carrozzeria Touring, the Bellagio Fastback is a wagon variant of the Maserati Quattroporte - itself already one of our favorite sedans and a beautiful point of departure. And from the looks of things, Touring has done a far more elegant job than the StudioM Cinqueporte we reported on previously. Carrozzeria Touring will be showcasing the Bellagio alongside its new Superleggera sportscar in a few days at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Italy's glamorous Lake Como along with such elegant motors as the Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, BMW Concept CS, Zagato Bentley Continental GTZ and Cadillac CTS Coupe. Follow the jump for more information on the cars participating in this year's Concorso.

[Source: Carrozzeria Touring and Villa d'Este]

Continue reading Villa d'Este 08 Preview: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback

 

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]]>bellagio fastbackBellagioFastbackcarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring maserati quattroporte bellagio fastbackCarrozzeriaTouringCarrozzeriaTouringMaseratiQuattroporteBellagioFastbackquattroporte wagonQuattroporteWagon2008-04-22T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Beijing 2008: Brilliance BS4 wagon is good looking... no BS!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/beijing-2008-brilliance-bs4-wagon-is-good-looking-no-bs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/beijing-2008-brilliance-bs4-wagon-is-good-looking-no-bs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/beijing-2008-brilliance-bs4-wagon-is-good-looking-no-bs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Brilliance BS4 Wagon

The Brilliance BS4 sedan is a pretty good-looking car, so it stands to reason that its wagon variant would be easy on the eyes as well. Unveiled in Beijing, the BS4 wagon is indeed a snazzy-looking, ostensibly practical machine. Power comes from a 1.8L Mitsubishi G93 four-cylinder making 134 hp (100 kW) at 6500 rpm. The BS4 wagon also comes equipped with an alphabet soup of safety feature acronyms like "ABS + EBD + EDS" but word association games involving "Brilliance" and "safety" only call to mind the BS6 Euro NCAP debacle (since corrected, allegedly... but still). The bad news continues, as a recent Inside Line review of the BS4 sedan concluded that the car was generally lackluster at best. Based on that, we can probably assume that the same shortcomings afflict the wagon. It does look nice, at least.

Gallery: Brilliance BS4 Wagon


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Bin Chen / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

 

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]]>auto chinaauto china 2008AutoChinaAutoChina2008beijingbeijing 2008beijing 2008 autoshowbeijing auto showbeijing autoshowbeijing motor showbeijing2008Beijing2008Autoshowbeijingautoshowbeijingmotorshowbrilliancebrilliance bs4brilliance bs4 wagonBrillianceBs4BrillianceBs4Wagon2008-04-21T17:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Carrozzeria Touring coming back with new Superleggera and Bellagio Fastback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/carrozzeria-touring-coming-back-with-new-superleggera-and-bellag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/carrozzeria-touring-coming-back-with-new-superleggera-and-bellag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/carrozzeria-touring-coming-back-with-new-superleggera-and-bellag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With Italian coachbuilders like Bertone and Pininfarina struggling to retain profitability, now may not be the best time to establish (or re-establish) another. But that isn't about to stop Holland-based Zeta Europe BV, which owns Borrani wheels and has acquired the rights to the defunct Carrozzeria Touring. The coachbuilder was originally established in 1926 and popularized the advanced Superleggera construction method, consisting of small-diameter tubular frames draped with thin-gauge aluminum sheetmetal and employed on numerous Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins, among others. The name Superleggera was revived for the recently-terminated lightweight Lamborghini Gallardo, though strictly speaking the supercar did not use the classic construction method.

Carrozzeria Touring is now gearing up for a revival with a new Superleggera, to debut in a week at the famous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the classic motor show where a trophy honoring Touring's founder is awarded each year. Aside from the teaser silhouette image shown above, little is known about the new Superleggera, but we're looking forward to finding out. The coachbuilder is also anticipated to show the Ballagio Fastback, an estate wagon based on the Maserati Quattroporte (like the one on which we previously reported), previewed by a teaser mixed in with the classic images on the company's new website.

[Source: VirtualCar and AutoWeek]

 

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]]>bellagio fastbackBellagioFastbackcarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring superleggeraCarrozzeriaTouringCarrozzeriaTouringSuperleggeramaserati quattroporte wagonMaseratiQuattroporteWagontouring superleggeraTouringSuperleggera2008-04-17T18:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris 2008 Preview: Mercedes CLK Shooting Brake concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/paris-2008-preview-mercedes-clk-shooting-brake-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Emerging reports suggest that Mercedes is gearing up to preview the new CLK coupe with a shooting brake concept at the upcoming Paris Auto Salon in October. For those unfamiliar, "shooting brake" is Euro-speak for a three-door estate wagon or extended hatchback, originally coined by coachbuilders for custom motor carriages made for hunting.

Although the CLK Shooting Brake is expected to show up as a concept car, reports suggest that Mercedes could actually build it in that form as an alternative bodystyle to the more conventional coupe and convertible variants replacing the ones we have now. Otherwise styling is expected to follow along the lines laid down by the S-Class sedan, like the E-Class sedan which the CLK is made to accompany in Merc's mid-range line-up.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

 

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]]>2009 mercedes clk2009MercedesClk2010 mercedes clk2010MercedesClkmercedes-benz clk shooting brake conceptMercedes-benzClkShootingBrakeConcept2008-04-09T18:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ukrainian limousine leaves nothing to the imagination]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/ukrainian-limousine-leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/ukrainian-limousine-leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/ukrainian-limousine-leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've seen some dogface cars around here. As a baseline, most of us consider the stock Pontiac Aztek simply indigestible. With that in mind, when this "customized" Pontiac Aztek showed up on eBay last year, a few of us fell over the porcelain fighting to hold down lunch.

Just as our stomachs have finally settled, we came across several pictures of a limousine in the Ukraine. The manufacturer of this calamity obviously didn't know when to stop (in fact, they apparently didn't know where to start either) as every styling, functional, and ergonomic rule has been tossed out the door. There is so much wrong with this disproportioned mess of machinery...

Don't question the six exhaust tips, the narrow trunk opening, or the running boards that don't exactly line up with the doors. Better yet, spend time pondering the aerodynamic hood bulges for the wiper blades, the old-school benefits of 14-inch wheels, and the envious looks you will get for the lavish ornamentation on the door handles. You know, we didn't see any seat belts inside - then again, would you want to be caught with a heartbeat in this thing?

Gallery: Ukraine Limo

[Source: English Russia]

 

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]]>limoLimoulimousinelimousinesukraine2008-04-08T20:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[Scion xB spontaneously combusts during dealer service]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/scion-xb-spontaneously-combusts-during-dealer-service/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/scion-xb-spontaneously-combusts-during-dealer-service/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/scion-xb-spontaneously-combusts-during-dealer-service/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more pics of the Scion xB post-fire damage

An auto dealer service center is a lot like a doctor's office for your car. When something is wrong or your ride needs a check-up, a technician can set things right. Of course sometimes doctors make mistakes like taking off your left foot when they're supposed to amputate the right one, and things don't always go as planned in the hands of a trained tech. One Scion xB owner took his modified baby to the dealer for a Technical Service Bulletin, and it ended up engulfed in flames. The fire completely destroyed the little xB, but the good news is that the dealer has taken full responsibility for the problem and is giving the owner a new ride for his troubles.

We had auto shop in high school, but we can't seem to remember any reason a car should blow up when being worked on. We don't know what Scion xB TSB was being done, but if trying to fix it could blow up your car, that's probably not good. Check out the gruesome pics in the gallery below

Gallery: Scion xB after fire


[Source: Scion Life via Motive Mag]

 

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]]>dealer visitDealerVisitfireScion xBScionXbtechnical service bulletinTechnicalServiceBulletinToyotaTSB2008-04-08T08:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Audi A4 on the Autobahn and in Ibiza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/first-drive-2008-audi-a4-on-the-autobahn-and-in-ibiza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/first-drive-2008-audi-a4-on-the-autobahn-and-in-ibiza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/first-drive-2008-audi-a4-on-the-autobahn-and-in-ibiza/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the A4 Avant for a high-res gallery

The A4 is Audi's bread-and-butter, representing half of the brand's volume in the US market. So, when the premium brand from the Volkswagen group introduces a new version of its volume leader, it's a big deal. That's why Audi invited a contingent of American media over to Europe this week to play with the new A4 -- first on its home turf in Deutschland and then bombing around the Spanish resort island of Ibiza. The completely redesigned B7-platform A4 debuted in sedan form last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, while the Avant wagon dropped last month in Geneva.

As is typical for most German cars, European customers get a much wider array of powertrain choices than we Americans do. With the US dollar in free-fall against the Euro, brands like Audi have to cut costs in order to be able to sell their vehicles here at a competitive price point. A big part of that means simplifying the number of product combinations that get shipped over. That means US Audi dealers will get sedans with either a 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder or a 3.2L FSI V6. The wagons will only get the four banger. All models will use a new fast-shifting ZF six-speed autobox, and only the front-wheel-drive 2.0L will be available with a shift-it-yourself six-speed with a third pedal. The automatic will of course be equipped with paddle shifters for those inclined to pretend they are Dindo Cappello. Follow the jump to find out what's new about the latest A4 and what it's like to drive with some of the European engines that most Americans will never get to sample.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Audi A4


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Audi A4 on the Autobahn and in Ibiza

 

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]]>2009 audi a42009 audi a4 avant2009AudiA42009AudiA4Avanta4 ibizaA4Ibizaaudiaudi a4audi a4 avantaudi-a4audi-a4-avantaudi-a4-dieselaudi-a4-tdiaudi-a4-usAudiA4AudiA4Avantfeatured2008-04-06T20:12:00+00:00<![CDATA[I'm looking at you, Clubman: Fiat preparing 500 wagon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/im-looking-at-you-clubman-fiat-preparing-500-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/im-looking-at-you-clubman-fiat-preparing-500-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/im-looking-at-you-clubman-fiat-preparing-500-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view Castagna's Fiat 500 wagon in hi-res

Unrelenting. That's the only way we could describe the Fiat group's assault on the MINI with more models than a Victoria's Secret photoshoot. While its sister brands Alfa Romeo and Lancia prepare their new retro-hatches to out-flank their Anglo-Saxon opponent, the Fiat division itself is branching out the 500 like a willow. Following the original hatch came the Abarth sport model, which will be followed by the cabrio, and then, as sources indicate, a longer wagon variant. The latter will target the new MINI Clubman, but without all the weird doors.

We got our first look at a Fiat 500 wagon in the ramp-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, where carrozzeria Castagna showed off its wood-sided Cinquocente estate. Like its MINI wagons, which the coachbuilder crafted ahead of the factory's Clubman, Castagna's woodie wagon previewed the vehicle that may revive the classic Giardiniera nameplate used on the original 500 estate. Rather than stretching the wheelbase, the overhang will simply be extended, reducing costs and retaining the same front end as its more compact counterpart. Aluminum roof-rails are also tipped to join the more utile package, which could hit the market as early as 2010.

Gallery: Fiat 500


[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>cinquocentefiatfiat 500fiat 500 giardinierafiat 500 wagonfiat cinquocenteFiat500Fiat500GiardinieraFiat500WagonFiatCinquocente2008-04-02T13:28:00+00:00