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[Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/geneva-preview-rinspeed-to-unveil-the-uc-electric-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/geneva-preview-rinspeed-to-unveil-the-uc-electric-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/geneva-preview-rinspeed-to-unveil-the-uc-electric-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rinspeed UC? - click above for high-res image gallery

When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).

However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.


Gallery: Rinspeed UC?


[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car

Geneva Preview: Rinspeed to unveil the UC? electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarelectricElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclegenevageneva 2010geneva auto showGeneva Motor ShowGeneva-Motor-ShowGeneva2010GenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowmicrocarrinspeedRinspeed UCRinspeedUcucWed, 16 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Murray working on EV version of city car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/gordon-murray-working-on-ev-version-of-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/gordon-murray-working-on-ev-version-of-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/gordon-murray-working-on-ev-version-of-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Gordon Murray's T25 city car looks pretty impressive on paper. It boasts higher cargo capacity and more seats (three) than a Smart Fortwo - and it promises to be built for maximum efficiency. According to Autocar, Gordon Murray says the T25 will be motivated by both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 660-cc Mitsubishi engine, but Murray is also reportedly working on an electric version of the still unseen city car.

The aim of the T27 would be to make the most efficient electric vehicle on earth, although details of the propulsion system are at this point nonexistent. The alleged EV city car has reportedly been made possible by a £4.5 million ($7.46 million USD) investment from the U.K.'s government-backed Technology Strategy board along with £3 million ($4.975 million) from Gordon Murray design and £1.5 million ($2.48 million) from Zytec Automotive Technology.

If Murray's plans for the T27 are anything like those of the T25, the successful F1 designer won't produce the vehicle himself, instead opting to sell the rights to build the car to third-party assemblers like Apple, Sony or Virgin. The aim of the 16-month T27 project is to build four prototypes and eventually develop a manufacturing facility that utilizes Murray's reportedly brilliant iStream manufacturing process.

[Source: Autocar]

Gordon Murray working on EV version of city car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citicarcity carCityCarf1 designerF1Designergordon murrayGordonMurrayistream manufacturingIstreamManufacturingmicrocart25T25 city carT25CityCart27Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Toyota iQ: Small Car, Font Jockey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/video-toyota-iq-small-car-font-jockey/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/video-toyota-iq-small-car-font-jockey/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/video-toyota-iq-small-car-font-jockey/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view the video after the jump

Anyone who has ever used a computer knows that there are a lot of fonts out there, but we can't think of one that was designed with the use of a cute little hatchback. Letmedesign typographers Pierre & Damien teamed up with Stef Vancampenhoudt to create a whole new font using the new Toyota iQ, and the resulting ABCs are colorful to say the least.

Hit the jump to watch Vancampenhoudt maneuver the iQ inside a parking garage in an effort to recreate the alphabet. The iQ was fitted with red, green yellow and blue lights at the corners while being taped by an overhead camera. Special software was created to track the colored dots and create a one of a kind font, made by the ultra-compact Toyota city car. Check it out, and if you like the font, you can download it here. Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota iQ: Small Car, Font Jockey

VIDEO: Toyota iQ: Small Car, Font Jockey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abcalphabetCampenhoudtcity carCityCarfontsiQLetmedesigntoyotatoyota iQToyotaIqVancampenhoudtFri, 17 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-could-the-fiat-chrysler-deal-yield-a-north-american-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-could-the-fiat-chrysler-deal-yield-a-north-american-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/rumormill-could-the-fiat-chrysler-deal-yield-a-north-american-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The 2009 Ford Ka - Click above for a high-res gallery

It's a long shot, but according to The Detroit Free Press, Chrysler's deal with Fiat could result in Ford offering the cutesy Ka for sale in North America. As you may recall, Ford co-developed the Ka's platform with Fiat (it shares its chassis with the 500), and the Italian automaker builds both cars in Poland. If and when Chrysler and Fiat finish dancing and commit, the Freep reasons that models built on the 500's platform might be built in Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant. If so, that could offer Ford the kind of economies-of-scale necessary to sell the thousands of thin-margin Kas to make the venture worthwhile.

If the Ford Fiesta takes off and Ford can keep the Ka's price down - it starts at £7,995 ($12,150 US) in the UK - the case might make itself. Sure, there are a fair number of ifs, mights, and maybes in there, but as a cheap city car for when gas prices doubtlessly skyrocket again, it's certainly worth a thought or two.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka


[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercity carCityCareconomyfiatfiat 500Fiat500fordford kaFordKahatchbackkamanufacturingminicarplantssuperminiMon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/spy-shots-if-this-is-it-the-mazda1-looks-nothing-like-kiyora-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/spy-shots-if-this-is-it-the-mazda1-looks-nothing-like-kiyora-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/spy-shots-if-this-is-it-the-mazda1-looks-nothing-like-kiyora-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

UPDATE: This is not a prototype for the Mazda1, it is a Chinese-market Haima subcompact based on the Mazda2. Thanks to everyone who sent in the correction

When we were told that the Mazda Kiyora concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show would influence Mazda's coming city car, it looks like we overestimated the word "influence." At least, that's the case if the little Mazda caught in Evo's spy shots is actually the Mazda1.

Evo makes a compelling case for the car actually being the Mazda1 - not merely a revised Mazda2. Save for the ascending shoulder line (now moved to shoulder height, way above the rocker panels as on the Kiyora) the prototype has almost nothing in common with the design of the swoopy Paris beastlet. At the very least, we hope this car comes with the concept car's tech, but we won't know for certain until the car's expected launch at September's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Evo]

Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarconcept carConceptCareconomyfrankfurtfrankfurt auto showFrankfurtAutoShowhatchbackkiyoramazdamazda kiyoramazda kiyora conceptmazda1mazda2MazdaKiyoraMazdaKiyoraConceptparisparis motor showParisMotorShowspy shotsSpyShotsWed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Murray's city car prototype is "weeks away"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/gordon-murrays-city-car-prototype-is-weeks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/gordon-murrays-city-car-prototype-is-weeks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/gordon-murrays-city-car-prototype-is-weeks-away/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The T25, Gordon Murray's take on revolutionizing urban transport - and perhaps driving itself - the same way he did with supercars with his McLaren F1, is almost ready for center stage. Now that the design and engineering has been completed, T25 prototypes are expected on the roads in a few weeks for the next phase of testing.

The T25 is shorter, narrower, and lighter than even the smart fortwo, yet rumors say that it can carry more weight. Once the platform is proven, Murray plans for it to support a range of vehicle types, from a city car to a pickup truck. And Murray has applied his new thinking to the car's manufacturing as well: his iStream build process eschews large, stamped parts, focusing on "simple base mechanicals" that promote model flexibility and small factory sizes.

[Source: Autocar]

Gordon Murray's city car prototype is "weeks away" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarcoupeeconomygordon murrayGordonMurraygreenhatchbackt25Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat plans Smart, Toyota iQ competitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/report-fiat-plans-smart-toyota-iq-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/report-fiat-plans-smart-toyota-iq-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/report-fiat-plans-smart-toyota-iq-competitor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat is rumored to be working on an all-new brand to launch small, inexpensive cars into the Western Europe, with two of the three proposed models being based on vehicles from emerging markets. The third is much more interesting. The new supermini, which could revive the Topolino moniker, is expected to get a new twin cylinder engine that could offer as much as 65 mpg when mated to a dual-clutch gearbox. Naturally, Fiat is targeting the smart fortwo, Toyota iQ and the upcoming up! minicar from Volkswagen, but the automaker is said to be working on a pricing model that more closely matches Renault's low-cost Logan subsidiary. In other words, Europeans may get an efficient, stylish Italian city car that's priced to compete with upper-end motorcycles as basic transportation. Electric versions are also a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Americans are likely to miss out on this one.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Fiat plans Smart, Toyota iQ competitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carcity carsCityCarCityCarsfiatfiat city carfiat topolinoFiatCityCarFiatTopolinosmall fiatSmallFiatTue, 23 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught at anniversary celebration]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/gordon-murrays-t25-city-car-caught-at-anniversary-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/gordon-murrays-t25-city-car-caught-at-anniversary-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/gordon-murrays-t25-city-car-caught-at-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more teaser shots of the T.25 concept

Gordon Murray may be best known for his radical supercars, especially the timeless McLaren F1, but his automotive passions span far enough to include vehicles that could be described as the F1's polar opposite. Evidence of such is the T.25 program, a novel city car concept that Murray and his design crew plan to sell to established automotive companies. Gordon Murray Design Limited, the company formed by the man for his day-to-day design aspirations, has just celebrated its first anniversary and some intriguing pictures were snapped at the party, most of all a covered-up T.25 sitting in between some classic city cars of the past and present. Looking extremely short, even when compared to the original Mini, and almost comically tall, the wheels appear to be pushed as far to the corners as possible. Click here to read a transcript from Murray's speech at the event where he compares driving cars that get 20 miles per gallon with smoking. Thanks for the tip, Andre!

Gallery: Gordon Murray T.25 teasers


[Source: Gordon Murray Design]

Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught at anniversary celebration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carcity carsCityCarCityCarsgordon murraygordon murray designsgordon murray t.25gordon murray typ-25gordon murray type 25GordonMurrayGordonMurrayDesignsGordonMurrayT.25GordonMurrayTyp-25GordonMurrayType25t.25Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM preparing low-cost, clean city cars and SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As suspected, the KTM X-Bow is just the beginning of the bike-cum-automaker's assault on the four-wheeled world. According to CAR, KTM is in the process of creating a "slew" budget oriented vehicles, including a city car and "the world's first frugal and eco-friendly off-roader."

The SUV, codenamed the New Haflinger, will split the difference between KTM's world-renowned bikes and a traditional utility vehicle, with a small footprint, an open- or closed-top body and the ability to handle the rigors of the Paris-Dakar rally (which it plans to compete in with four wheels) while still holding its own on the road.

Three separate city vehicles are also part of the product onslaught, which is being co-developed with Bajaj Auto, India's third largest automaker. One will be a four-seat, four-wheel runabout, while a scooter and three-wheeled modern take on the tuk-tuk is under development. KTM's aim is to produce a wide variety of bodystyles and drivetrains, and its plans to include gasoline- and diesel-powered models, along with an EV in the future.

[Source: CAR]

KTM preparing low-cost, clean city cars and SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If such projections as cutting the cost of driving and vehicle emissions in half sounds a bit radical to you, that's exactly the response that Gordon Murray is hoping for. Before completely dismissing these claims, remember that Murray is the man most responsible for the road-going supercar known as the McLaren F1, as well as quite a number of race winning Formula 1 cars from a few decades ago. Note too that Caparo, makers of the awe-inspiring T1 are also heavily involved in the project. Considering that the team is only halfway through the design process, we hope that they are able to follow through with their early projections.

Murray claims that his newest vehicle, designated the Type-25 (his 25th clean-sheet design), will revolutionize personal transportation by being cheap to produce, purchase and operate. Safety is not forgotten either, as the new vehicle is fully expected to pass all applicable crash testing. What's more, the new car is IKEA ready able to be flat-packed for ease of shipping. So far, details remain sketchy regarding who will produce the vehicle as Murray's company only intends to design the it. Caparo's excellence in carbon fiber design may prove valuable, though we have no indication that Caparo will be the company actually assembling the vehicles.

[Source: Autocar]

More details: Gordon Murray's Type-25 city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparo t1CaparoT1city carCityCargordon murraygordon murray designsGordonMurrayGordonMurrayDesignsmurray type-25MurrayType-25type-25Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear gives Fiat 500 <em>another</em> award, though Captain Slow didn't like it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/top-gear-gives-fiat-500-em-another-em-award-though-captain-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/top-gear-gives-fiat-500-em-another-em-award-though-captain-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/top-gear-gives-fiat-500-em-another-em-award-though-captain-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat's undeniably adorable 500 has closed off the year with yet another award. The retro-licious little supermini already won the car award of all car awards when it took the 2008 European Car of the Year award, which it somehow managed to squeeze into its little hatch packed with the Auto Europa 2008 award, EuroCarBody 2007 and the Auto Trophy.

The latest to pile on the praise is Top Gear magazine, which named the Fiat 500 its favorite City Car in the BBC Top Gear Awards 2007. Rival publication CAR also named the 500 its Car of the Year, as did rival television program Fifth Gear. Ironically, though, James May (a.k.a. Captain Slow) didn't like the 500.

That's a lot of accolades for such a small car, which Fiat is hoping will help turn its fortunes around as part of its recent resurgence in the marketplace.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Top Gear gives Fiat 500 another award, though Captain Slow didn't like it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500awardcity carCityCarfiattop gearTopGearMon, 31 Dec 2007 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[More on Gordon Murray Designs' Type 25]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/more-on-gordon-murray-designs-type-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/more-on-gordon-murray-designs-type-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/more-on-gordon-murray-designs-type-25/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been keeping close tabs on Gordon Murray and his namesake's design house since it was announced earlier this year. Beyond having Murray at the helm, he's accompanied by 13 other engineers (many of whom are McLaren ex-pats), and has gained backing from Caparo, Mohr Davidow Ventures and Jonathan Feiber, a former Sun Microsystems exec.

All that talent and capital is being funneled into one major endeavor: the Type 25, a city car that aims to be smarter than the fortwo by combining a diminutive footprint with a multitude of configurations both inside and out.

Although Murray has remained mum on the details regarding the engine and suspension, he's confirmed that a total of 14 different body configurations will be available, putting a premium on adaptability, light weight, handling and fuel consumption, along with having a minimal impact on the environment from "cradle-to-grave". Some of the configurations on the inside include seats that can accommodate a variety of positions, one example being a large seat for an adult, with two smaller seats for children.

The Type 25 won't reach production for at least another five years, but Murray and his team intend to have a working prototype ready within the next 18 months. The plan includes a larger model for U.S. consumption, as well as versions designed for emerging markets.

[Source: Autoweek]

More on Gordon Murray Designs' Type 25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarfortwogordon murraygordon murray designsGordonMurrayGordonMurrayDesignsmclarensmarttype 25Type25Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt preview: VW to debut rear-engine city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/frankfurt-preview-vw-to-debut-rear-engine-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/frankfurt-preview-vw-to-debut-rear-engine-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/frankfurt-preview-vw-to-debut-rear-engine-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Tiguan is one of eight models making their Frankfurt debut.

Volkswagen is gearing up for Frankfurt and has no intention of disappointing the seething throngs of media-types when it lifts the curtain on its home turf. A total of eight new models will debut, including the Tiguan, six BlueMotion-equipped models and, most intriguing, a new micro car dubbed the City Expert that's equipped with a powerplant that "will beat where the flat-four 'Boxer' engine once did in the Beetle."

We've reported on rumors of a rear-engine vehicle in the past, and although it was easy to dismiss with a shrug, the market is ripe for an ultra-inexpensive model that VW claims is "sensationally flexible." That last part leaves us wondering what kind of body styles the City Expert will be available in, likely a three-door hatch, four-door sedan and five-door wagon. It's safe to expect that luggage space will be at a premium, considering the rear-mounted mill and the radiator, A/C and battery are likely to be fitted up front.

The real question is what kind of motor will fill the trunk, and rumors are beginning to circulate that two- and three-cylinder powerplants will provide motivation. We'll have to wait until next month rolls along to get all the official details, but in the meantime get your speculation caps on and read through the press release after the jump.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Frankfurt preview: VW to debut rear-engine city car

Frankfurt preview: VW to debut rear-engine city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluemotioncity carcity expertCityCarCityExpertmicro carMicroCarrear enginerear-engineRearEnginetiguanvolkswagenvwThu, 02 Aug 2007 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[GM introduces new Opel/Vauxhall Agila city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gm-introduces-opel-vauxhall-aglia-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gm-introduces-opel-vauxhall-aglia-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gm-introduces-opel-vauxhall-aglia-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for gallery

When GM unveiled the "Triplets" in New York last month, they were designed to showcase what a new Chevy-branded city car might look like, and to gauge interest for such a vehicle here in the States (in this regard, the Beat concept seems to be winning people over). In Europe, city cars are an established market segment, and GM has now unveiled its newest entrant into the class, the Agila. Set to be sold under the Opel and Vauxhall banners, the 5-door will get its pomp-and-circumstance intro this September in Frankfurt and hit European showrooms next spring.

Based on the Suzuki Swift platform, the diminutive 5-seater can be configured to haul up to 40 cubic feet of cargo (with the rear seats flipped down) and will be available with a trio of economy-minded small engines. A 1.0L 65-horsepower three-cylinder will serve as the base, paired with a 5-speed manual. The top engine offered will be a 1.2-liter four with 86 horses and an optional automatic transmission. Finally, a 1.3L diesel will round out the range and stake out the middle ground in terms of power, delivering 75 ponies along with a healthy 140 lb-ft of torque. The car's styling is current and eye-catching, and it has a simple, clean interior.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2008 Opel Agila

Continue reading GM introduces new Opel/Vauxhall Agila city car

GM introduces new Opel/Vauxhall Agila city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agliacity carCityCarnew agliaNewAgliaopelvauxhallMon, 14 May 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/new-york-preview-chevy-trax-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/new-york-preview-chevy-trax-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/new-york-preview-chevy-trax-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image for high-res version

Speculation that the hush-hush global concept GM has headed to the New York Auto Show has varied wildly, with the Corvette SS a popular favorite among theorists. Turns out they're all wrong. The secret concept is actually three global concepts. Small ones, at that -- they're all minicars -- perfect for NYC's urban canyons. GM has released a photo of one of them, the Chevy Trax, and you can color us impressed. We love the chunky little wagon's look, with its big round lights and extra-thick Chevrolet crossbar grille. It's also got a combination matte/gloss orange finish that we'll reserve judgment on until we see how it looks in person.

Designed at GM's Incheon, South Korea design center, the Trax will be joined onstage by two other minicar concepts, and the public will be able to vote for their favorite one online at http://www.vote4chevrolet.com. That little marketing exercise will help the General gauge US market interest in the mini/city car segment as well as get reaction to the individual models they're debuting in the Big Apple. The Trax stows a 1.0L gasoline engine under it's stubby hood, and we're looking forward to getting up close and personal with the car next week.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Chevy Trax Concept

Continue reading New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept

New York Preview: Chevy Trax Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarminicartraxtrax conceptTraxConcepturban carUrbanCarWed, 28 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Photos: Opel Agila]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/spy-photos-opel-agila/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/spy-photos-opel-agila/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/21/spy-photos-opel-agila/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Because GM has said that Opel and Saturn will be virtually indistinguishable by 2014, every new Opel piques our curiosity. And guess what? Thanks to Hans Lehmann Photo, we have a spy pic of a new Opel. The vehicle is a heavily disguised prototype of the new Opel Agila. As with the current Agila, the model is being co-developed with Suzuki. WorldCarFans is predicting that this microvan will again use a choice of transversely mounted engines ranging from 60 to 80 hp. A 70 hp 1.3 litre turbodiesel might be another option. The finished vehicle or a concept version should be making its debut in Frankfurt this fall.

The current Agila is a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R built in Poland. One of the few 5-doors in the small city car class, it has been successful because of its unique combination of a small but relatively powerful and refined Opel engine, good standard equipment levels, low MSRP, and equally low operating costs. It has the typical small footprint of European city cars, but is as tall as some MPVs, allowing a lot of interior room. Where the current Wagon R and Agila have a slab-sided micro commercial van look, this new version appears to have a bit more style a lá the Suzuki SX4.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Photos: Opel Agila originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarmicrovanOpelOpel AgilaOpelAgilaSuzuki SX4Suzuki Wagon RSuzukiSx4SuzukiWagonRWed, 21 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/06/leak-peek-say-hello-to-the-new-renault-twingo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/06/leak-peek-say-hello-to-the-new-renault-twingo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/06/leak-peek-say-hello-to-the-new-renault-twingo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click the picture above for a gallery

Continuing on its established theme of versatility and efficient use of space is the new Renault Twingo, set to be unveiled today in Geneva. This is the production version of the recent Twingo Concept, and it hasn't been watered down very much for production. As we suspected, the panoramic roof didn't make the cut, but overall, it's quite close to what we saw in Paris. The central gauge pod the Twingo introduced to the world makes a repeat appearance outfitted with digital displays. The analog tach attached firmly to the steering column (what, no hose clamp?) is a nice touch. The little A-segment Twingo should be a hoot to drive, if only we here in the States were lucky enough to see city cars. The top powerplant will be a 100-hp 1.2 liter four cylinder turbo, and although this Twingo gains a little bit in some dimensions, it should offer good entertainment value.

[Source: km77]

Continue reading Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo

Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007a segmentASegmentcity carCityCargenevaparisrenaulttwingotwingo conceptTwingoConceptTue, 06 Mar 2007 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda recalls 270,000 vehicles in Japan and elsewhere]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/honda-recalls-270-000-vehicles-in-japan-and-elsewhere/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/honda-recalls-270-000-vehicles-in-japan-and-elsewhere/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/06/honda-recalls-270-000-vehicles-in-japan-and-elsewhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Honda announced yesterday that they would recall 270,000 vehicles throughout Japan and China. The two vehicles affected by the recall are the Odyssey minivan and Life kei car.

In the case of the Odyssey, a problematic electrical circuit in the windshield wiper unit has resulted in two minivans catching fire. Of the approximately 117,000 affected Odysseys, 85,000 are in Japan and the rest are spread throughout China, Australia and New Zealand.

The Life kei car (pictured) is also suffering from electrical maladies that can cause the engine to shut down suddenly. So far 104 cases of engine failure have been reported and Honda is expecting to recall 153,000 examples of the popular city car.

[Source: Today Online]

Honda recalls 270,000 vehicles in Japan and elsewhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 06:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachinacity carCityCarhondajapankei carKeiCarnew zealandNewZealandodysseyrecallFri, 06 Oct 2006 06:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Moon city-car concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/nissan-moon-city-car-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/nissan-moon-city-car-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/nissan-moon-city-car-concept/#commentsFiled under: ,

Designer Robert Hoffmann drew up this Nissan concept for an auto magazine. The futuristic conveyance is not intended for production, but it's an interesting exercise just the same.

The oversized rear wheels are slanted inward, and move backward for highway cruising, optimizing space when retracted for city driving and enhancing stability in conjunction with a deployable rear wing at higher speeds.

The "car of tomorrow" would theoretically employ a hybrid or electric power plant if it were actually built. Kinda looks like a cross between an alien and an iPod.

(Follow the jump for more pics.)

[Source: MotorPasion via Motor Authority]

Continue reading Nissan Moon city-car concept

Nissan Moon city-car concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggycity carCityCarconcepthoffmannmoonnissanrobertWed, 27 Sep 2006 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[New peek at next SMART fortwo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/new-peek-at-next-smart-fortwo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/new-peek-at-next-smart-fortwo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/new-peek-at-next-smart-fortwo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz has decided to provoke our curiosity once again over the next generation SMART fortwo. We've already seen a sand sculpture of it, as well as some mysterious detail shots that promote Coke, but today SMART has released a pair of brand new renderings (second shot after the jump) ahead of the Paris Motor Show at which the car will not debut. Word is it'll launch on its terms at a special event held later in the year. While little information is given about the new fortwo, SMART does say that it will be do everything the current fortwo can do - but a little better. That sounds to us like it will grow a smidge in a few key dimensions and feature a more powerful and efficient engine lineup. That is the trend these days, no?

[Source: SMART]

Continue reading New peek at next SMART fortwo

New peek at next SMART fortwo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarfortwoSMARTurban carUrbanCarMon, 25 Sep 2006 18:01:00 EST