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[What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember the good old days when at least BMW nomenclature was straightforward? The first digit designated the series and the second and third the displacement of the engine. Maybe an extra letter would be tacked on, but that was it. Then they started with M this, Z that and X for the SUVs with xDrive all-wheel drive. So now we've got things like the X6 xDrive 35i. Now they're dropping another one on us: rear-wheel-drive models, which used to be the entire BMW line-up, will now bear the "sDrive" nameplate in addition to whatever else they stick on there.

We already knew this was coming for the upcoming X1, which will be offered in both xDrive (AWD) and sDrive (RWD) variants. (The current X3, X5 and X6 crossovers are all strictly all-wheel-drive models.) BMW has even reportedly registered the trademarks for sDrive18, sDrive20, sDrive30 and sDrive35, as if someone else would try and use the confusing nomenclature. Wait a second... sDrive35? As in the twin-turbo straight six in the 335i? That's bigger than the engine offered in the larger X3, so what is BMW up to?

Reports indicate that the sDrive nameplate could begin appearing on other BMW models driven through the rear axle, including the replacement for the Z4 roadster that was just caught nekkid today. If you look closely on the front fender, you can see a badge that looks an awful lot like "sDrive". We wouldn't expect to see the moniker on the standard series models (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series), since those get the suffix "iX", but we're not sure we can even count on that anymore.

[Source: PaulTan.org]

What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4wdall wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveawdbmwbmw s drivebmw sdrivebmw x driveBmwSDriveBmwXDrivefour wheel drivefour-wheel-driveFourWheelDriverwds drivesdrivex drivexdriveWed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/bmw-creates-two-wheel-drive-off-road-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/bmw-creates-two-wheel-drive-off-road-bike/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/bmw-creates-two-wheel-drive-off-road-bike/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for more shots of the 2WD BMW concept bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

Gallery: 2WD BMW Bike


[Source: The Biker Gene]

BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2wd bike2wd bmw2wdBike2wdBmwall wheel driveall wheel drive bikeAllWheelDriveAllWheelDriveBikebmwbmw hill climbBmwHillClimbhill climb bikeHillClimbBiketwo wheel drive bikeTwoWheelDriveBikeWed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ford-working-on-high-performance-fusion-gt-ecoboost-stang-on-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ford-working-on-high-performance-fusion-gt-ecoboost-stang-on-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/ford-working-on-high-performance-fusion-gt-ecoboost-stang-on-h/#commentsFiled under: ,

"The poor man's Audi S4." That's what Motor Trend is tentatively dubbing the Ford Fusion GT, an EcoBoost-powered, SVT-massaged version of the automaker's staid sedan. According to the buff book, Ford will equip the Fusion GT with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing around 340 hp, still short of the engines 415 hp capabilities. Instead of trying to shovel that much grunt through the front wheels, Ford will tap Haldex to supply a part-time all-wheel-drive system to aid grip and limit torque steer, and it's possible that a paddle-shifted six-speed auto 'box could be part of the package.

The Fusion GT would be the fourth model to benefit from Ford's line of EcoBoost engines, which currently power the Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and forthcoming Lincoln MKR. Four-cylinder versions are in the pipeline and are expected to power the entry-level Fusion in 2010, along with a high-performance version of the Focus and another version of the Edge crossover. EcoBoosted sixes are also rumored to be motivating Ford's downsized F100 pickup, but according to MT, a blown V6 for the next Mustang is on hold.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford working on high-performance Fusion GT, EcoBoost 'Stang on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010FordFusionall wheel driveAllWheelDriveawdecoboostv6Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveaudiaudi a1AudiA1awdawd crosspoloAwdCrosspolocross poloCrossPoloquattroseatvolkswagenvolkswagen crosspoloVolkswagenCrosspolovw crosspolovw poloVwCrosspoloVwPoloTue, 06 May 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Haldex developing AWD system for Hyundai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/haldex-developing-awd-system-for-hyundai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/haldex-developing-awd-system-for-hyundai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/haldex-developing-awd-system-for-hyundai/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Swedish engineers at Haldex can finally add an Asian automaker to the ever-expanding list of companies using the firm's all-wheel-drive systems. Haldex currently supplies systems to the entire Volkswagen consortium (from Audi to Bugatti), as well as Land Rover and Volvo. Additionally, the Haldex XWD system that's finding its way into Saabs will likely spread across much of the GM range in the future. That same AWD setup is the basis for a system that will be employed on some Hyundai models in the coming years.

Haldex announced the partnership late last week when it received a prototype order from Hyundai, which includes the development and installation of the fourth generation "Limited Slip Coupling" and electronic LSD. The XWD system has the ability to sense a loss of traction and then distribute power to either the front or rear axle and on to an individual wheel.

There's no word on what vehicle will be used as a drivetrain guinea pig during testing, but the smart money is on some form of SUV or large sedan.

[Source: Trading Markets]

Haldex developing AWD system for Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveawdhaldexhyundaihyundai 4wdhyundai all wheel drivehyundai all-wheel-drivehyundai awdHyundai4wdHyundaiAll-wheel-driveHyundaiAllWheelDriveHyundaiAwdMon, 26 Nov 2007 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Torque Vectoring: The future of AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/torque-vectoring-the-future-of-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/torque-vectoring-the-future-of-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/torque-vectoring-the-future-of-awd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The F-16 is inherently unstable and cannot fly without computerized nannies to keep it aloft. As AWD systems in cars get more complex and can do more things more quickly, one wonders if there will come a time when we'll be absolutely unable to drive without gizmos to make sure rubber stays on road. Torque vectoring is the next step in AWD, its contribution being that it can get power to any wheel nearly instantly without having to use the brakes or cut power.

Most current AWD control wheelspin by braking a spinning wheel or cutting the power from the engine. Torque vectoring is achieved by using redesigned differentials that can distribute power to the wheel or wheels that have traction. That means that wheels don't need to be stopped, and even better, you won't suffer from a sudden loss of power as you're negotiating an unexpected loss in traction. The systems in use now or being developed work on FWD, RWD, and AWD cars, and can get power to any wheel or combination of wheels. Ricardo's system can do so in a tenth of a second.

We drove Acuras with SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) earlier this year on an ice track in Montreal, and the difference is remarkable. Where other SUV's stopped in the middle of an icy corner either due to braking or power loss, the Acuras maintained their lines almost at speed. Mitsubishi has used the technology for almost a decade now on its Lancer Evolutions, and Audi and BMW will be joining the party later this year with new systems from Ricardo and ZF.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Torque Vectoring: The future of AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active yaw controlActiveYawControlall wheel driveAllWheelDriveawdcross axle torque vectoringCrossAxleTorqueVectoringfour wheel driveFourWheelDrivesuper handling all wheel driveSuperHandlingAllWheelDrivetorque vectoringTorqueVectoringvector driveVectorDriveSun, 14 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti G37 coupe to get AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/infiniti-g37-coupe-to-get-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/infiniti-g37-coupe-to-get-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/infiniti-g37-coupe-to-get-awd/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Official word has yet to come down from on high, but it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Infiniti G37 will eventually get AWD hardware. Potential buyers are asking dealers, who are in turn asking Infiniti about channeling the VQ's urge through all four wheels. The M45 and G35S will both be gaining AWD in the near future, so it does bode well for the possibility of a G37x. Official statements are vague about any actual developments, other than to say "it's reasonable to expect it may happen." It's also reasonable to assume that Infiniti's watching the competition like BMW and Audi proliferating AWD euro-luxers, and they'd be remiss to neglect offering the same capabilities.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Infiniti G37 coupe to get AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible

The crew at AutoCar in jolly old England recently had a first crack at the updated 2008 Saab 9-3 and they've published their initial impressions. They mainly got to play with the flex-fuel 2.0L turbo four, which will probably be the base engine when the new Saab arrives on our shores. In Europe, the 9-3 will also be available with the 2.8L turbo V-6 and a twin turbo 1.8L diesel. Unfortunately, we probably won't get the diesel here.

The Brits were also impressed by the new XWD all-wheel-drive system that uses a combination of the latest Haldex center differential and an electronic limited slip differential in the rear axle to instantly distribute the drive torque away from slipping wheels to the ones that have grip in a smooth, seamless transition. Check out the rest of AutoCars driving impressions here.

[Source: AutoCar]

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible


Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi

Autocar drives the new Saab 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3all wheel driveAllWheelDriveethanolhaldexSun, 17 Jun 2007 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the (drivetrain) rumormill: V6, AWD Corolla on the horizon?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/enter-the-drivetrain-rumormill-v6-awd-corolla-on-the-horizon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/enter-the-drivetrain-rumormill-v6-awd-corolla-on-the-horizon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/enter-the-drivetrain-rumormill-v6-awd-corolla-on-the-horizon/#commentsFiled under: ,



Our friends over at the Authority of all things Motored came across an interesting interview with Soichiro Okudaira, a Toyota technician, who maintains that the next Corolla may have a large enough engine bay to fit a 3.5-liter V6. The idea is being batted around ToMoCo's executive washroom, along with the possibility of offering an all-wheel-drive variant of Toyota's compact sedan.

AWD-equipped Corollas (named the Auris in other parts of the world) are nothing new, as they've been offered in Japan before, but aside from the Corolla 4Trac of yesteryear, we haven't had an AWD option for some time (Matrix excluded). Okudaira says that more R-and-D is necessary, as the rear wheel setup still has to be augmented to accept the new drivetrain components.

European buyers will surely get a diesel version when the new Corolla is released, while those of us in the U.S. are destined to get a petrol-powerplant. If the V6 gets the green light, Motor Authority expects the new Corolla to be launched in the States later this year.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl via Motor Authority]

Enter the (drivetrain) rumormill: V6, AWD Corolla on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveawdcorollatoyotav6Thu, 24 May 2007 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/borgwarner-gets-tapped-to-provide-awd-system-for-sebring-avenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Following on the heels of the successful AWD adaptation of the Chrysler Pacifica, Borg Warner has been tapped once again to outfit the Sebring and Avenger models with all-wheel motiviation. The Borg will supply the hardware as well as the electronic controls and support for integrating the system with the rest of the platform. BW has a line of products specifically aimed at adapting AWD to front-drive platforms. Known as iTrac, the suite of products is designed to interface with stability and traction control systems. With everything working in concert, the Interactive Torque Management (ITM 3e(C)) system is designed to offer the sure-footed dynamics of an AWD chassis with no fuel economy penalty. At highway speeds, power transfer to the rear wheels is reduced, lowering friction and allowing for better fuel economy.

Whether or not AWD is entirely necessary (a full suite of four snow tires and a prudent driver are often nearly as effective) remains to be seen, but it is popular. With the buying public being sold on AWD as a safety feature, it benefits manufacturers when they can offer it on more of their models, and it's a further benefit when the platform doesn't need much re-engineering for the extra hardware.

UPDATE: PRNewswire has issued a correction stating that the release should not have specified the Chrysler Sebring at all. The news applies only to the Dodge Avenger.

[Source: Borg Warner via prnewswire - Sub Req'd]

BorgWarner gets tapped to provide AWD system for Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008all wheel driveAllWheelDriveavengerawdborg warnerBorgWarnerchryslerdaimlerchryslerdcxdodgesebringTue, 13 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: MINI 4x4 under development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/rumormill-mini-4x4-under-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/rumormill-mini-4x4-under-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/rumormill-mini-4x4-under-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With the new MINI on its way and the Clubman on the horizon, how else can BMW capitalize on the iconic hatch's popularity? Diversify.

According to AutoExpress' sources within BMW/MINI, the Cooper will likely come equipped with some manner of all-wheel-drive in the future, along with an "intelligent" transmission and a flexible interior that makes the most of the interior space. If such a beast comes to fruition, the possibility of a crossover version and even a pickup variant are also in the cards.

That last part leaves us a little stunned and somewhat worried about brand dilution, even if they are just rumors. Then again, with total sales of the new MINI likely to reach one million sometime in 2007, the automaker's momentum may allow for some interesting spinoffs.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: MINI 4x4 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x4all wheel driveAllWheelDriveBMWclubmancrossovercuvhatchbackMINIpickupTue, 21 Nov 2006 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari develops 4WD system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ferrari-develops-4wd-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ferrari-develops-4wd-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ferrari-develops-4wd-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to an article in Italiaspeed, it seems you may be able to equip your next prancing horse with all-wheel-drive.

What's being called "insertable 4x4" can be equipped in both Ferrari's mid-engine and front-engine vehicles and will only be activated if the computer senses a loss of traction. However, unlike systems utilized by Lamborghini, Ferrari drivers can choose between traditional rear-wheel- and the four-wheel-drive when and where they wish.

The new system functions much like a conventional gearbox, however, a secondary clutch is joined to the crankshaft, which will only be engaged when the system detects a slide or excessive wheel-spin. When it does, power will be sent to the front wheels to right the vehicle. According to the article, the system works very well, however the all-wheel-drive system can only be active for a short amount of time at high speeds, as mechanisms in the system are prone to overheating. Whether or not this problem will carry through to the production models was not addressed in the article.

When it comes to outright traction, all-wheel-drive is clearly the dominating drive train, however, with the additional weight and complexity of the system, we hope that Ferrari is willing to take the inevitable flack that will come from their core clientele of drive train traditionalists.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Ferrari develops 4WD system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4WDall wheel driveAllWheelDriveAWDferrarifour wheel driveFourWheelDriveWed, 11 Oct 2006 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Transit gets 4WD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-transit-gets-4wd/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-transit-gets-4wd/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-transit-gets-4wd/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Transit AWD
Click to enlarge

The Ford Transit has for decades been the standard working horse of Europe and much of the rest of the world - the F-150 for our friends across the pond. The versatile work-a-day hauler was recently named Van of the Year by a pan-European panel of automotive journalists. (Why didn't they ask us? Just 'cause we can't find "Yurp" on a map doesn't mean we don't have an opinion!)

Ford's upping the ante and making a versatile vehicle even more versatile by offering the van now with four-wheel-drive. Mated to a 140-hp 2.4-liter turbodiesel through a six-speed floor-shifter, Ford expects the surefooted Transit to find its way into the garages of police departments, park rangers and rescue workers (among others) who'll undoubtedly find its enhanced capability to make for a handy tool.

(Press release, hires pics after the jump after the jump)

[Source: Ford UK]

Continue reading Ford Transit gets 4WD

Ford Transit gets 4WD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4wdall wheel driveAllWheelDriveawdeuropeanfordfour wheel driveFourWheelDriveof the yearOfTheYeartransitvanThu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/farfromskiddin-mercedes-benz-s-class-4matic-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/farfromskiddin-mercedes-benz-s-class-4matic-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/farfromskiddin-mercedes-benz-s-class-4matic-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its upcoming line-up of 4MATIC S-Class sedans. 4MATIC is, of course, the name for Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, and the range-topping über-sedan will offer it mated to a number of engines to give the well-heeled a host of choices for uncompromised traction in whatever conditions they may come across.

4MATIC will be offered globally on the S320 CDI, S450 and S500 sedans, although they've yet to announce which of these models will be sold in the North American market. Based on the current American line-up, it'd be safe to assume we'll only get the S550 4MATIC.

Mercedes claims the AWD V8 sedan, despite the extra weight, will accelerate in the same 5.4 seconds it takes its rear-wheel drive counterpart to hit sixty from a standstill, and will only suffer a minor increase in fuel consumption.

The V8-powered 4MATIC models are on sale in Europe now in both short and long wheelbase versions, while customers will have to wait until December for the S320 CDI 4MATIC. Another gas-powered V6 model, the S350 4MATIC, will arrive by mid-2007.

(Official press release can be found after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, eMercedesBenz]

Continue reading Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled

Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4MATIC4WDall wheel driveAllWheelDriveAWDBenzDaimlerChryslerfour wheel driveFourWheelDriveMercedesMercedes-BenzS-Classsedansnowtractionwinter drivingWinterDrivingTue, 12 Sep 2006 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Volkswagen Scirocco green-lighted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/15/report-volkswagen-scirocco-green-lighted/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/15/report-volkswagen-scirocco-green-lighted/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/15/report-volkswagen-scirocco-green-lighted/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After a seemingly interminable number of artist renderings and computer-generated 'spyshots' (including the shot seen above), AutoWeek says that Volkswagen has given the neo-Scirocco the go-ahead.

According to the magazine's sources, buyers can expect the coupe to command $28,000 in base spec (front-wheel-drive, four-pot). An all-wheel-drive 3.6-liter V6 is expected to be the top rung, which we would guess would start at about $34,000 if AutoWeek's estimate is in the ballpark.

Click through for more scuttlebutt on VW's coming hot wind.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Volkswagen Scirocco green-lighted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.6-literall wheel driveAll-Wheel-DriveAllWheelDriveAWDSciroccoVeedubVWThu, 15 Jun 2006 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/ford-to-take-all-wheel-drive-lead-from-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/ford-to-take-all-wheel-drive-lead-from-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/22/ford-to-take-all-wheel-drive-lead-from-subaru/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Watch out Fuji Heavy, Ford Motor Company is out to nab your claim to fame. The Detroit Free Press states that the automaker working its way toward becoming the leading producer of all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars and crossovers in the North American market. Ford says that it will offer AWD variants of the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, bringing its total AWD offerings to 22 vehicles and sales to 500,000 by next year.

The trick, Ford thinks, is to offer up models in the middle range of the market -- vehicles a little above entry-level, but not reaching the high cost of luxury vehicles such as BMW and Audi's AWD offerings.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press; Ford Motor Company]

Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all wheel driveAllWheelDriveford edgeford freestyleford fusionFordEdgeFordFreestyleFordFusionLincoln MKXLincoln MKZLincolnMkxLincolnMkzMercury MilanMercuryMilanSUVsMon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show - Subaru shows 2007 Legacy GT spec.B]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/new-york-auto-show-subaru-shows-2007-legacy-gt-spec-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/new-york-auto-show-subaru-shows-2007-legacy-gt-spec-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/15/new-york-auto-show-subaru-shows-2007-legacy-gt-spec-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Subaru is well-known for knocking out special edition models of their performance-minded lineup at the rate of about one every 15 minutes. Problem is, historically we haven't had access to them here in the U.S.-- they've largely been Japan-only, UK-only, or mainland Europe exclusives. For Stateside automobile aficionados, it's been tortuous stuff.

Fortunately, Subaru has been showing signs that it is ready to ingratiate itself more thoroughly with American enthusiasts. Last year, it brought a limited run of 500 units of its Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B to U.S. dealers, and this year, it returns as a regular production model. For 2007, the already excellent Scooby sedan gets a reworked version of the six-speed manual gearbox found in the WRX STi, along with Vehicle Dynamics Control (a stability control system previously only seen on the B9 Tribeca and high-end Outbacks) and a tire pressure monitoring system. Underneath, it also arrives with the Bilstein Sport Suspension of last year's spec.B, incorporating inverted struts up front and aluminum lower control arms. The rear architecture has been subtly reworked as well, incorporating aluminum rear arms and upper links (lesser Legacy models make do with cast iron bits).

(More impressions and press conference shots, plus dozens of stock images and press release after the jump!)

 

Continue reading New York Auto Show - Subaru shows 2007 Legacy GT spec.B

New York Auto Show - Subaru shows 2007 Legacy GT spec.B originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All Wheel DriveAllWheelDriveAWDFuji HeavyFujiHeavyLegacyRallySubaruWorld RallyWorldRallyWRCSat, 15 Apr 2006 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[XGA replacing Honda's S2000?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/xga-replacing-honda-s-s2000/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/xga-replacing-honda-s-s2000/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/xga-replacing-honda-s-s2000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Looks like the S2000's epitaph has already been written, as Honda may be planning a replacement dubbed internally as the XGA. What the XGA will be when it comes online is anyone's guess, though. Road and Track is reporting that at first it thought the S2000 replacement would grow a roof and an extra set of doors. This four-door sports coupe would employ Honda's SH-AWD technology and possibly use some advanced hybrid powertrain.

Now R&T is hearing from inside Honda's hallowed halls that the XGA will be a coupe based on the RL platform and feature either a V8 or V10, probably a detuned version of what ends up powering the next Acura NSX. Word on the forums, however, is that the XGA will be slotted between the outgoing S2000 and the NSX. Rather, this vehicle isn't meant to replace Honda's high-revving roadster.

The Sports4 Concept (shown) Honda unveiled at last year's Tokyo Motor Show gives us the best indication of what the XGA will look like. Whether it will be four- or two-door in the end is still unknown, and whether or not it will be powerful enough to take on the likes of Nissan's upcoming GT-R is another whole story.

[Source: Road&Track]

XGA replacing Honda's S2000? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acura NSXAcuraNsxall wheel driveAllWheelDriveAWDconvertiblecoupeHonda S2000HondaS2000hybridsedanV10V8Wed, 05 Apr 2006 11:22:00 EST