Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2010-ford-fusion-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2010-ford-fusion-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autoblog-garage-2010-ford-fusion-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford introduced the Ford Fusion back in 2005, the Blue Oval's midsize sedan was a pleasant surprise. Ford delivered vastly improved quality while also offering impressive driving dynamics, room for five adults and a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. The Fusion put Ford back into play in the battle for midsize sedan supremacy, and in some ways the agile sedan shined brighter than the Camry and Accord. The Fusion also won respect from Consumer Reports for its high quality, and JD Powers named the Fusion an APEAL winner. For all that is right about the Fusion, though, it has consistently ranked fourth or fifth in the sales battle, losing big to the Altima, Accord, and Camry.

Ford put a lot into the first generation Fusion, and for 2010 the Dearborn, MI-based automaker is taking more big strides. The Fusion has a fresh look, more powertrain combinations, and hybrid offering that can achieve 41 mpg in the city. Ford also introduced the new 2010 Fusion Sport with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. We've been waiting patiently for Ford to offer its 3.5L engine in the Fusion, so we happily took the keys to a well-equipped Fusion Sport recently to test it for ourselves. Follow the jump to see how the new Fusion Sport fared during its stay in the Autoblog Garage.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion sport2010FordFusionSport3.5L V63.5lV6awdfeaturedfordford fusion sportFordFusionSportfusionfusion sportFusionSportin the autoblog garagein the autoblog garage ford fusionInTheAutoblogGarageInTheAutoblogGarageFordFusionreviewreviewsselect shiftSelectShiftMon, 16 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-challenger-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-challenger-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-dodge-challenger-se/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Dodge Challenger SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler pays the bills with big sellers like the Dodge Ram and Caravan, but when it comes to passion and excitement, the 2009 Dodge Challenger sits with the Viper atop the Pentastar throne. The new Dodge Challenger is retro done right, with the wide stance and long hood of the original mixed with the clean lines and aggressive dimensions of a modern pony car. For the 2008 model year, Chrysler introduced only the SRT version of the Challenger. The first production model sold for $400,000 at auction, and the entire stock of HEMI-packing, Mopar goodness was history faster than it takes to hit 125 mph on a barren back road.

The reality of today's high gas prices combined with strict new fuel economy standards means that, unfortunately, it's unreasonable for every Challenger to pack a fire-breathing, neck snapping 425-hp, 6.1L V8. So for 2009, Chrysler added the R/T Challenger with an extremely competitive 375-hp 5.7L Hemi and a less expensive Challenger SE with a corporate 3.5L V6 engine pumping out 250 ponies. We wanted to see if the SE model could satisfy our hunger for rear drive performance and classic muscle car looks, so we took in the entry level Challenger for a stay in the Autoblog Garage.


Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dodge challenger se2009DodgeChallengerSe3.5L V63.5lV6autoblog garage challenger SEAutoblogGarageChallengerSechallengerchallenger seChallengerSeChryslercoupedodgedodge challengerDodge Challenger SEDodgeChallengerDodgeChallengerSefeaturedHEMIreviewFri, 12 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[First two Dodge Challenger SEs delivered to Ohio this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/first-two-dodge-challenger-ses-delivered-to-ohio-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/first-two-dodge-challenger-ses-delivered-to-ohio-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/first-two-dodge-challenger-ses-delivered-to-ohio-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you want to sport a Dodge Challenger without the fire-breathing V8 or the hefty price tag, the time to act is now. The first two Dodge Challenger SE models have arrived in Ohio this week, and 500 models are en-route to dealerships in the U.S. and Canada as you read this. The SE Challenger packs Chrysler's ho-hum 3.5L V6 with 250 horsepower and a truly retro four speed automatic, but the news is far from all bad. You still get the Challenger's muscular looks, power flowing through the rear wheels, and a hard to beat entry price of only $21,995. You probably won't win many races, but at least you won't be driving an Avenger. Seriously, though, the Challenger SE charmed us at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show where it debuted with a simple proposition: cheap, rear-wheel-drive fun on four wheels.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE - Live Reveal


[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

First two Dodge Challenger SEs delivered to Ohio this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5L V63.5lV6Challenger SEChallengerSeDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerWed, 13 Aug 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Dodge Journey recalled for possible engine fires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/2009-dodge-journey-recalled-for-possible-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/2009-dodge-journey-recalled-for-possible-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/2009-dodge-journey-recalled-for-possible-engine-fires/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Journey

Chrysler is recalling 6,692 Dodge Journey crossover vehicles equipped with its 3.5L V6 engine due to a wiring harness problem that could potentially result in an engine fire. NHTSA says the issue can occur when the wiring harness becomes dislodged and makes contact with the transaxle mount. Effected vehicles need to be checked out at your local Dodge dealer where the wiring harness will be inspected for damage. If the harness is damaged it will be replaced, and all harnesses will be secured with a tie wrap to ensure the issue doesn't reoccur. Chrysler has known about the issue since mid-March, but no actual fires have been reported as of this time.

The Journey recall is the second NHTSA action on a new vehicle this month, the Volkswagen Tiguan being the other, with each model having less than 7,000 units effected. Though nobody wants to see a time-consuming recall, it's good to see that issues are being discovered well in advance of any freeway carbeques.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Journey


[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Dodge Journey recalled for possible engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5L V63.5lV6ChryslerDodge JourneyDodgeJourneyNHTSArecallwiring harnessWiringHarnessTue, 17 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-chrysler-sebring-limited-convertibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-chrysler-sebring-limited-convertibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-chrysler-sebring-limited-convertibl/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

On paper, the Sebring seems to have what it takes, including three engine choices, an optional six-speed automatic, a sedan and convertible, and nifty cup holders that keep your drink hot or cold. We gave a top of the line Limited Sebring Convertible one week in the Autoblog Garage win us over, but things didn't go as planned. Read about what happened after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible


All photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible

Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 chrysler sebring convertible limited2008ChryslerSebringConvertibleLimited3.5L V63.5lV6Autoblog GarageAutoblogGarageCabrioChryslerChrysler Sebring LimitedChryslerSebringLimitedConvertibleDodge AvengerDodgeAvengerfeaturedFri, 04 Jan 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/infiniti-prices-2008-ex35-just-over-30k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/infiniti-prices-2008-ex35-just-over-30k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/infiniti-prices-2008-ex35-just-over-30k/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Entry luxury crossovers are only a few weeks from getting a new competitor, and the Infiniti EX35 will be priced to sell. The base EX begins at a reasonable $31,300, and includes a 297 HP 3.5L V6, five speed automatic, and six air bags. Infiniti also offers a RWD EX Journey for $34,850, and leather-trimmed seats, moon roof, and front and rear sensing systems come standard. AWD is a $1,400 option on both models. Infiniti also offers several option packages that will bring the little CUV over the $40,000 mark, but that's the standard top end for much of the segment.

The EX35 has good looks, a willing chassis based off the G35 sedan, and an outstanding VQ engine. At these prices, Infinity should meet sales quotas and steal buyers from other luxury nameplates at the same time. The EX35 will be available beginning December 21. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k

Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5L V63.5lV6EX35G35G37InfinitiNissanVQ engineVqEngineTue, 20 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ford Flex out and about]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-ford-flex-out-and-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-ford-flex-out-and-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-ford-flex-out-and-about/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Ford Flex is an important vehicle for ford, as it is basically the automaker's replacement for its dead (and not missed) minivans. Absent the Flex, which doesn't arrive until MY2009, the only 7-passenger vehicles the Oval offers are the fuel-thirsty Expedition, the slow-selling Explorer, and the lame-duck Freestyle, which gets reincarnated as the Taurus X later this year.

Popular Mechanics was able to get some shots of the Flex while it was testing on public roads. Since the car is a known commodity, having been shown in new York last month, the prototype seen here is refreshingly devoid of the bras and cladding most development mules wear in public. Ford does the bare minimum, giving it black bumpers and a white Gilette grille, but it's all production bodywork.

Looking over the spy shots reminds us just how big the Flex is. It's as long as a Tahoe, and its lower stance seems to exaggerate the length when viewed in profile. Of course, that size is what's supposed to make it such a comfortable way to haul you, a bunch of friends, and a fair amount of stuff, too. Hopefully, the 3.5L V6 is up to the task, because while its perfectly good in the smaller Edge and Lincoln MKX, we wonder how spunky it'll be pulling around the sizeable Flex. Time will tell -- and there's time enough between now and when the big crossover arrives in showrooms for Ford to make sure everything's as it needs to be to make it successful.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Gallery: 2009 Ford Flex

Spy Shots: Ford Flex out and about originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5L v63.5lV6cuvflexfordspy photoSpyPhotoThu, 10 May 2007 10:06:00 EST