Autoblog

VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two years ago, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept bowed at the Tokyo Motor Show. A year later, the Audi A1 Sportback study was unveiled in Paris. And in less than two months, the production 2011 Audi A1 will finally be revealed online ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show... but not before the hype machine is put into full effect.

After the jump, you can check out three teaser videos of the A1, beginning with a graffiti homage to Audi's new compact hatch, followed by a brief statement from Chairman Rupert Stadler and a design discussion with a few of the A1's creators.

Predictably, all three spots are mum on details, but from previous reports, we know that the A1 is likely to be powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder channeling around 150 hp to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel drive may be exclusive to the 180-hp S1 -- due to arrive sometime in 2011 -- with the standard model dolling out power to the front wheels alone, and a cabrio variant arriving in 2012. Expect all the details to come down from on high in February -- including an announcement about Audi's intent to sell the A1 Stateside -- but until then... jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling

VIDEO: 2011 Audi A1 teased ahead of Geneva unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

2012 BMW 3-series prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning we get our first "clear" look at the next generation BMW 3 Series as one of our intrepid spy photographers captured one sitting on a trailer somewhere in Germany. The newest version of BMW's mainstream model is expected to debut sometime in 2011 as 2012 model. Judging from these shots, it does not appear that the size of the new 3 will change much, although we can expect BMW to implement some weight reduction measures in order to help meet new fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The overall proportions look pretty similar to today's car, but the profile shot indicates a more upright grille stance similar to the new Z4 and 5 Series GT.

The next 3 is also expected to adopt some new powertrains including a new turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine. When the new 3 arrives here in the U.S., it will likely also mark the return of four-cylinder engines to the brand's U.S. lineup, to which we say, bring on the fuel savings. Thanks to Annie and Andrus for the tips!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 3 Series

[Photos: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Next generation Nissan Micra coming to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan, UK

Next Generation Nissan Micra - Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has confirmed plans to offer the next generation Micra in the United States. The new, yet-to-be-named model will slot in below the Versa (the Micra is nearly two-feet shorter than Nissan's entry-level hatch) and will be built atop Nissan's new low-cost "V" architecture.

The new model will be build at five of Nissan's plants around the world and will be equipped with a three-cylinder engine putting out an undisclosed amount of power. Three variants will be available - a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and an MPV-like vehicle - all in an effort to sell one million "V" platform units globally each year. Nissan hasn't disclosed when the next generation Micra will go on sale globally - or more specifically, in the States - but expect the sub-compact runabout to hit U.S. shores sometime in 2011 or 2012.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Micra Sketches

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Next generation Nissan Micra coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2012 Trailer - When Cali crumbles into the sea, you want a Lincoln Town Car

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Celebrities

Click image above to view the videos after the jump

Although the Summer Blockbuster season has officially ended (and not a moment too soon), on November 13, Hollywood is putting out yet another epic disaster flick produced by the same fertile minds that brought you The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day and Alien vs. Predator. Like TF2, 2012 is destined to exchange character development and a cohesive plot for Cray-annihilating graphics, but we're still planning to throw our brains into neutral and hit up the Multiplex to get the full visceral assault when it arrives.

Before 2012 hits theaters next month, Sony Pictures has put out a five and a half minute spoiler of one of the movie's ultimate scenes, in which Jackson Curtis (played by John Cusack) picks up his wife (Amanda Peet), daughter and a few other characters just as the apocalypse kicks into high gear. What follows is one of the best (and by best, we mean ridiculously green-screened and CG'd) scenes that proves once and for all that Ford's decision to kill the Panther platform will have untold consequences when Revelations (or whatever) is realized. Make the jump for the full teaser, along with a parody trailer that sums up our collective grumbling.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2012 Trailer - When Cali crumbles into the sea, you want a Lincoln Town Car

VIDEO: 2012 Trailer - When Cali crumbles into the sea, you want a Lincoln Town Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 GT500 to feature 500 horsepower, twin-turbo "Coyote" V8, or not?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ford

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the two variants of the Ford Shelby GT500 that we've lived with since 2007 are undoubtedly fast in a straight line, they have a major flaw. They are simply too heavy. For a variety of reasons, when Ford created the GT500, they opted to use a cast iron block rather than the aluminum dry sump block that was in the GT supercar. Between that and all of the performance model's extra equipment, the GT500 is over 400 pounds heavier than the Mustang GT with most of that hanging over the front axle.

Ford has acknowledged that the Mustang will be getting updated powertrains in the coming model years and we expect at least two new engines for 2011 including the 400 horsepower, 5.0-liter Coyote V8. PickupTrucks.com is reporting that for 2012, the Coyote should spawn a twin turbo variant with over 500 hp for the GT500. With an aluminum block, this engine figures to be markedly lighter than the current engine, which ought to give the car much better handling.

Another source with knowledge of the upcoming Mustang lineup referred us to a report in AutoGuide.com and tells us "this information is very, very, accurate... ". That report says that there will be instead be an aluminum block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 in the 2011 GT500. Apparently we'll find out in due course.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1

[Sources: PickupTrucks.com, AutoGuide.com]

2012 GT500 to feature 500 horsepower, twin-turbo "Coyote" V8, or not? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Front-wheel drive, hybrid Honda S2000 "replacement" coming in 2012

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda, Rumormill

The latest reports out of Japan could spell bad news for Honda S2000 enthusiasts the world over. According the Best Car, the rear-wheel drive roadster's replacement will likely ditch Honda's high-revving F20C in favor of the second-generation hybrid drivetrain slated to be fitted to the Accord, and further, the gasoline-electric mill will be driving the front wheels.

Although we've been hearing rumors about the S2000's successor for a few years, Honda hasn't provided any indication about if and where the new model is headed. Best Car contends that the new convertible - likely to be fitted with a retractable hard-top - will slot in above the all-new Honda CR-Z due to debut in production form at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. If that's the case, we suspect the next S2000 will be marketed as more of a boulevard cruiser than a back-road bomber, and that could mean that it might be sold as an Acura if it arrives in the States at all. If it does land here badged as a Honda, might we suggest calling it Del Sol instead?

[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

Rumormill: Front-wheel drive, hybrid Honda S2000 "replacement" coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

BMW M5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The next BMW M5 is due to arrive sometime in 2011 or 2012 and as the release date draws near, more details about BMW's newest 'Bahn-burner have begun to surface.

Two reports indicate that BMW may continue to use a V10 powerplant in the next M5, although there's still some evidence that the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently fitted to the X5M and X6M could be tweaked and fitted in its place. However, if BMW decides to stick with the bent-ten, a thoroughly revised version based off the 'utes' V8 would be employed, packing a duo of turbos to boost output up and over the 600 hp mark, and giving the Audi RS6 a run for its money.

But it won't be all about power. BMW is also expected to use an F1-style KERS system to increase performance and fuel economy, along with an engine start-stop setup and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. If the rumors are to be believed, expect the next M5 to make its debut sometime in 2011, with sales beginning in early 2012.

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

[Sources: BMWBlog, AutoExpress]

REPORT: Next BMW M5 to feature twin-turbo V10 with 600 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More details emerge about Hyundai's Veloster-like Tiburon replacement

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai Veloster Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the Genesis Coupe coming into its own, the handwriting has been on the wall for Hyundai's front-drive Tiburon. Confirming what we first reported back in February around the Chicago Auto Show, the Korean automaker has now told AutoWeek that it plans to introduce a new model based on the 2007 Veloster coupe concept - a model that it hopes will capture a different demographic than the outgoing Tiburon.

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's CEO, has let slip that the car probably won't be badged Tiburon, and it will be at once smaller and less expensive than that car, occupying what the company is describing as an "eco-sport" marketing position.

The Tiburon's replacement will be based off the same front-wheel drive architecture that underpins the Accent and Elantra, packing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and taking its design cues from the Veloster concept shown at the Seoul Motor Show in 2007. The Scion tC fighter is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and could find its way to U.S. shores in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

More details emerge about Hyundai's Veloster-like Tiburon replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Infiniti

Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to Car and Driver, Infiniti is readying a direct-injection system for its 3.7-liter V6 and plans to implement it on the refreshed G37 coupe and sedan before the redesigned G arrives in the next three years. A variant of the twin-turbocharged, 3.7-liter direct-injected V6 originally shown in the Essence concept will likely appear in the redesigned M - due in 2010 - and will reportedly put out between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos.

While Infiniti recognizes that it could use a successor to the Q45 (the company's slow-selling full-size sedan last roamed U.S. showrooms in 2006) to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, the project may be stifled by the floundering economy. Infiniti dealers were evidently shown a concept in Japan earlier this year, assumed to be the next Q, which was essentially a four-door version of the Essence concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. At this point, its future is uncertain.

Larry Dominique, Infiniti's veep of product planning in the U.S., wants to make sure that the automaker's resources are focused on its core products - namely the G and M series - but admitted that a QX56 replacement is in the works and will likely debut after 2010 once the redesigned Armada is released.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2002 in 2012: Next BMW 1-series taking retro cues, turbo'd four

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

When BMW trotted out the 1-series coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, the jumbo-tron was awash in videos and stills of the 2002 as the automaker attempted to associate the new 128i and 135i with BMW's iconic coupe. Almost two years later, it's clear the 1-series isn't the 2002's spiritual successor, but new reports continue to surface saying BMW is hard at work on a range of Ones to bring the magic back.

In addition to a turbocharged four-cylinder model wearing the Super Sport moniker and the five body styles on the drawing board, CAR is reporting that an entry-level model - tentatively dubbed the 115i - is in the works and due to debut in 2012. On the other end of the spectrum is the aforementioned Super Sport variant that's expected to feature round headlamps in a homage to the 2002, along with a new coupe body style also slated to arrive in the latter half of 2012. The SS model will slot in between the 135i and next M3, and is likely to pack a turbo'd 2.0- or 2.2-liter four-pot putting out 300 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. A dual-clutch transmission will be optional and a reduced curb weight is part of the package.

While we've heard these claims before, with Audi stepping up its own weight loss program, BMW needs to compete, and we're hoping the next 1-series is an indication of what's to come.

[Source: CAR]

2002 in 2012: Next BMW 1-series taking retro cues, turbo'd four originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW considering five possible variants of next 1-series, turbocharging galore

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

A report by AutoBild states that BMW's designers are hard at work on the next iteration of the 1 series and that five different body styles are under review, with only one headed for production.

The variations include a three-door shooting brake, a five-door wagon, a "Progressive Activity Sedan" smaller than the X1, a lifted "Sports Activity Coupe" with a glass roof and, coinciding with an earlier report, a more traditional "sports tourer" that could be the spiritual successor to the 2002.

According to AutoBild, no matter which model makes the cut, BMW plans to downsize the displacement of its engines and begin the wide-scale implementation of turbocharging and direct injection across the 1 series range. The 116i model will make use of a 136 hp, 1.3-liter turbo, the 118i will use a 1.3-liter turbo tweaked to produce 177 hp, the 120i will get a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo and the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six will put out an estimated 326 hp. Both new diesel engines and mild hybrid variants are also planned, and BMW's dual-clutch gearbox will be available on more sport-oriented models, while a standard slushbox will be employed on the rest of the range.

The new 1 series is expected to hit Europe in 2011, with a the Super Sport model debuting in 2012 and a convertible variant arriving a year later.

[Source: AutoBild]

BMW considering five possible variants of next 1-series, turbocharging galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW creating 'green supercar' for 2012

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Supercars, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW M1 Homage concept

BMW is hard at work on the M1's successor and according to Autocar's sources, officials inside the automaker are calling it a "breakthrough green supercar" that will arrive towards the end of 2012.

Taking inspiration from the M1 Homage concept and equipping the two-door with BMW's EfficientDynamics system, the mid-engine supercar is rumored to be packing the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six found across BMW's range. The automaker expects fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions to be on par with a mid-range 5-series sedan, primarily through the use of direct-injection, brake regeneration, start-stop technology and even its F1 team's kinetic energy recovery system.

The unnamed BMW supercar is expected to carry a price tag close to its rivals, the Audi R8 and the Mercedes-Benz SLC.

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

[Source: AutoCar]

BMW creating 'green supercar' for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Corvette C7 put on indefinite hold

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

According to multiple unnamed sources speaking with Autoweek, General Motors has put its plans for a C7 Corvette on "indefinite hold, with no official or set timetable." That's a pretty broad admission, but not entirely surprising considering the financial issues plaguing GM, the rest of the domestics and the world as a whole.

Originally it was thought that the current C6 Corvette would undergo significant upgrades over the course of the next five years, with the C7 coming to market in 2014. That timeframe doesn't appear to hold water anymore, and Autoweek maintains that GM's leadership doesn't have a clear plan for what the future holds for the 'Vette, not to mention the rest of the General's lineup.

However, Corvette vehicle-line executive Tom Wallace assured the weekly pub that the halo coupe isn't going anywhere. "We're still working on future Corvettes," Wallace said, and "there are changes, some neat stuff, coming for 2010 that I can't talk about yet." Wallace went on to say that the 2010 model wouldn't be considered an all-new car and that the 35-mpg CAFE standards for 2020 are having an effect on future drivetrains specs of the next Corvette.

[Source: Autoweek]

Corvette C7 put on indefinite hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments