Autoblog

Jaguar bringing XKR-S Convertible to LA

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Jaguar

Jaguar has officially announced that the droptop counterpart to its new XKR-S will bow at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. We've spied the XKR-S Convertible before, and aside from some minor tweaks to the suspension to keep the car from getting all wobbly after the roof was cut off, not much else is expected to change during the coupe-to-cabrio transformation.

The automaker has not released any details about the XKR-S Convertible at this time, stating only that it and the coupe represent the fastest and most powerful Jaguar automobiles ever created. We were pretty smitten with the hardtop variant when we drove it recently, so we're eager to see how the whole XKR-S experience changes with the wind in your hair.

Stay tuned for the full details live from Los Angeles next week.

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Jaguar bringing XKR-S Convertible to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is why Nintendo's going to the LA Auto Show

John Neff — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, LA Auto Show, Toys/Games

We were intrigued when we learned that Nintendo is holding a press conference at next week's LA Auto Show. Why would The House That Mario Built be hanging around an auto show? What sort of tie-in could Nintendo with have four wheels?

It was fun to speculate, but a press release issued today might clear things up. Nintendo of America President COO Reggie Fils-Aime and founder of West Coast Customs, Ryan Friedlinghaus, will be appearing on stage together during the second press day of the LA Auto Show to unveil an "exclusive collaboration" between their two companies.

The easy guess is that they're going to unveil a Nintendo-themed custom car of some sort. More specifically, Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS is launching on December 4th, so perhaps West Coast Customs will be pimping the Italian plumber's ride.

If that's it, color us disappointed. We'd be surprised if Nintendo is going to all this trouble just to unveil a crazy custom car with WCC. We're still holding out hope that the announcement is more substantial, perhaps involving a consumer product of some sort.

We'll let you know what we find when Nintendo takes the stage next Thursday.

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This is why Nintendo's going to the LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production 2012 Honda CR-V caught ahead of LA Auto Show debut

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Honda

We'll be honest: Not only have we already seen the production 2012 Honda CR-V in the flesh, we've driven it. And we aren't the only ones. In fact, these spy shots were taken during a local CR-V media drive that's taking place in Detroit, and while we can't talk about our impressions of Honda's all-new crossover just yet, we can tell you that the vehicle in these pictures is the final production model.

Honda will officially take the wraps off its 2012 CR-V at the LA Auto Show next week, with the first examples hitting showrooms before the end of the year. It's common knowledge that the new CR-V will continue to use Honda's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, though mated to a new (or, at least, revised) transmission that will enhance both performance and fuel economy. The CR-V's interior gets a healthy update, too, with some new materials used throughout the cabin. The overall form and function of the interior, however, won't differ much from the current model.

You'll be able to read our full impressions of the 2012 Honda CR-V next week. Until then, click through our attached image gallery to see the production crossover out on the street.

Production 2012 Honda CR-V caught ahead of LA Auto Show debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln teases new design language; 2013 MKS, MKT headed for LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln

Yesterday, Lincoln released the teaser you see above on its Facebook page, showing what's in store for the automaker's revised design language that's coming soon (we're guessing it's the hood and fender of the redesign MKT). Lincoln states that its new styling direction will be "forward-looking and more elegantly crafted," and it appears that we'll get our first glimpse at the fruits of the company's labor at the LA Auto Show next week.

Autoblog reader Tony tipped us to this page on the LA Auto Show website, which lists all of the vehicles that will debut at the Los Angeles Convention Center next week, and both the Lincoln MKS and MKT are listed under the "world debuts" section. Makes sense, since we've already seen the refreshed versions of the Ford Taurus and Flex on which the Lincoln vehicles are based, respectively. When asked, a Lincoln spokesperson was unable to confirm that we would see the new sedan and crossover in LA.

Unlike the current vehicles, the 2013 MKS and MKT are expected to differ greatly from their respective Ford kin. While not officially confirmed, sources within the automaker have suggested that the updated vehicles will use new running gear in order to fully differentiate them from their Ford counterparts. Of course, Ford's EcoBoost engine technology will be on hand, though other enhancements like suspension and steering upgrades will also likely be in the cards.

Stay tuned for the full details from the LA Auto Show next week.

Lincoln teases new design language; 2013 MKS, MKT headed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Dodge, Design/Style

Chrysler is taking a page from the insect world with its latest set of high-performance machinery. Just as the bright yellow and black motif of a bumble bee is meant to warn potential predators that they might get stung if they come too close, the new 2012 Charger SRT8 Super Bee and Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket feature Stinger Yellow and Pitch Black paint schemes to signal their ill intent.

Included in the Charger Super Bee package for 2012, in either yellow or black motifs, is a full sticker and stripe package highlighting the 3D helmeted bee logo along with five-spoke aluminum wheels with black painted pockets. Inside, the cloth interior is punctuated with yellow and silver striping and stitching. Subtle it is not.

Similarly, the Challenger Yellow Jacket is covered in various coatings of yellow and black, both inside and out, with the addition of a new Yellow Jacket logo. Both models come equipped with Chrysler's venerable 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that puts out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Challenger is available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic; the Charger offers only the auto.

You'll be able to see both machines live and in living color at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Ordering is slated to begin in December and the first shipments will arrive sometime in the first quarter of 2012. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you can read all about each machine in the press releases after the jump.

Continue reading Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA

Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Volkswagen CC nip/tuck revealed ahead of LA debut

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Volkswagen

Without a doubt, the big story from Volkswagen this year was the launch of its all-new, American-built 2012 Passat. And while the sun is about to set on 2011, Volkswagen is now announcing some updates for the Passat's svelte sister, the CC, which will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.

For the 2013 model year, the CC benefits from a refreshed front and rear fascia, both of which are more akin to the styling direction seen on the larger Passat sedan. Up front, bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lamps are now offered as standard equipment - part of the CC's reworked nose that incorporates a new grille and lower fascia. Around back, the taillamps have been redesigned to look more like the new units found on the Jetta and Passat.

Volkswagen hasn't released any information - yet - about powertrain or interior upgrades, but we don't expect things to change too much here. The one interior photo that VW released looks almost identical to the current model, though we won't rule out some packaging or color combination changes. Under the hood, expect both the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 with 4Motion all-wheel drive to carry over unchanged.

Pricing for the 2013 CC will likely be announced closer to the car's on-sale date next spring. We'll have more details at the LA Auto Show in just a few weeks, but in the meantime, click past the jump for Volkswagen's brief press release.

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2013 Volkswagen CC nip/tuck revealed ahead of LA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

We're expecting to finally see the production version of the Subaru BRZ sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December, but not before the automaker teases us with one more concept. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru will unveil this, the BRZ Concept - STI (yes, that's its official name), showing what the automaker's in-house tuner can do with the all-new, lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car.

Curiously, the STI team has chosen to leave the BRZ's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer four untouched. A shame, since a turbocharged version of the all-new powerplant would certainly make sense for an STI-badged version of the car. Subaru has, however, fitted upgraded suspension bits, new Brembo brakes and larger 18-inch wheels.

The neat thing about the STI Concept is that this is actually the first time we've seen the Subaru's exterior design - we've only seen full models of the Toyota/Scion version of this car. We like what we see so far, though we're not exactly blown away. Then again, we probably shouldn't expect much from an automaker that hasn't exactly been known for aesthetics over the years. Of course, this being the STI version, a large wing has been fitted to the rear deck, and the car is painted in a new evolution of Subaru's classic blue, called WR Blue Pearl II.

We'll see the car in person in just two weeks, but for now, hit the jump for Subaru's press release and see some official renderings of the BRZ STI in our attached high-res image gallery.

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Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki ducking out of Los Angeles, Detroit auto shows

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Suzuki

We're gearing up for the next auto show season, with the Los Angeles showcase taking place in just a few weeks. Suzuki - an automaker that hasn't been doing so hot lately - will reportedly be absent from this year's festivities in Los Angeles, and will not be seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January.

"For the upcoming season, our brand will selectively participate at auto shows where our distinctive and engaging story will resonate the most," Suzuki spokesperson Jeff Holland told Automotive News. As for the remainder of the North American show circuit, it's unclear whether or not Suzuki will appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February, but we'd be surprised if the Japanese automaker didn't have some sort of showing in New York next spring.

Suzuki was hit hard by the large economic recession of the past few years. Automotive News reports that while the automaker managed to sell over 100,000 vehicles in the United States in 2007, it only sold 23,994 in 2010. Due to the poor economy, Suzuki's marketing budgets have been slashed, says Holland, and thus, the company will have "more of a conservative approach going forward."

Suzuki ducking out of Los Angeles, Detroit auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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