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[First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Tucson a green machine with few compromises]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/2010-hyundai-tucson-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/2010-hyundai-tucson-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/2010-hyundai-tucson-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Hyundai Tucson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Little more than ten years ago, the meat and potatoes of the automotive universe were C and D segment sedans. Think Corolla and Camry; Focus, Fusion and (old) Taurus; Civic and Accord. But then, for better or for worse, something significant shifted in that old sales paradigm. Specifically, crossovers. Also known as CUVs, the overgrown wagons still ride around on C and D platforms, only a foot higher off the ground. Why? Blame the SUV craze and/or what automakers refer to as the "command seating position," an odd euphemism for sitting up high.

A momentary flirtation with $4 per gallon gasoline has - for the most part - shut down the large SUV game. But for whatever reason, consumers still want and demand command seating, so much so that Hyundai believes the compact CUV segment will experience more growth than any other niche in the market. Hyundai knows this specialized segment well, as the outgoing Tucson - the Korean brand's previous generation small CUV - has sold more than one million copies. However, the Tucson has been around since 2005, and to put it nicely, the old Tucson wasn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. And this is a gun fight. Knowing that, Hyundai has just rolled out its newest car, the 2010 Tucson. But is it a killer?


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Tucson


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Tucson a green machine with few compromises

First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Tucson a green machine with few compromises originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Hyundai Tucson2010HyundaiTucsonfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehyundaihyundai tucsonHyundaiTucsontucsonFri, 11 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX 460 sticks to its trucky roots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/2010-lexus-gx-460-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/2010-lexus-gx-460-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/2010-lexus-gx-460-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Lexus GX 460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2002 Lexus GX 470 was little more than a Toyota 4Runner with a healthy dollop of Lexus luxury on top, but at the time, it didn't have to be anything more than that. It seemed just about every automaker that had an SUV in the stable was introducing an uplevel version to capitalize on American consumers' insatiable appetite for luxury sport-utes, so why not Toyota? Lexus had already adopted the full-size Land Cruiser, so it made sense to bring along the 4Runner for the slightly less well-heeled.

Although it didn't set the charts on fire, the GX won over enough people that Lexus has continued churning it out virtually unchanged until now. In fact, the company easily moved every 2009 model it made. Still, even the best vehicles need to be updated from time to time, and with an all-new 2010 4Runner hitting dealers, it was time for this Lexus to undergo a similar overhaul. But the state of the economy, environment and the changing luxury SUV market itself meant that the Japanese automaker needed to rethink a few things for its sophomore endeavor. And it has.

We spent time on and off road in San Diego County during our stint with the new 2010 Lexus GX 460, and what we have learned was quite surprising. Despite the market's shift toward crossovers, the GX is still body-on-frame and has a V8, full-time four-wheel drive and takes up just as much space as the previous generation model. It still looks like a truck, drives like a truck and handles like a truck. But is that such a bad thing? Is there still a place for this type of vehicle... or is it simply an anachronism from a once-thriving, but now rapidly vanishing market? Follow the jump to see what we discovered.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX460


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX 460 sticks to its trucky roots

First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX 460 sticks to its trucky roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lexus2010 Lexus GX2010 Lexus GX 4602010Lexus2010LexusGx2010LexusGx460featuredfirst driveFirstDrivegxGX 460Gx460lexuslexus gxLexus GX 460LexusGxLexusGx460Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #156]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a7 sportbackaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideaudiaudi a7audi a8audi s8AudiS8autoblogautoblog podcastchryslerdakotadodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedjettaLA 2009LA Auto showla auto show 2009la show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShow2009los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2009los angeles autoshow 2009los angeles autoshow2009LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoshow2009podcastsportbackunibody dakotaunit body dakotavolkswagenvolkswagen jettavwvw jettaTue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #156Autoblog01:41:22la auto show; aston martin; aston martin rapide; rapide; audi a7; sportback; a8; audi; volkswagen; jetta; dakota; dodge dakota; podcast; autoblog podcast<![CDATA[Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In anticipation of the debut of the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December, the folks responsible for the minivan invited us to take a peek inside their Calty design center in Newport Beach, California. Calty Design Research is the Toyota design center that created production cars like the '78, '90 and '00 Toyota Celica, '07 FJ Cruiser, '07 Tundra, '08 Highlander, '08 Scion xB, and '09 Venza, as well as the Lexus LF-C, FT-SX, Scion t2B, Scion FUSE, FT-HS and A-BAT concepts.

It's not very often that they open the doors of this design center to the public - let alone journalists - so we jumped at the chance. We spent a day with the group directly responsible for the 2011 Sienna and also met with Calty and Toyota officials. It was an enlightening day in which we learned about what inspired this third generation people-hauler, what Calty offers to differentiate it from other Toyota design houses, and why full-size clay models are still so important in the world of design, among other things.

Follow the jump to travel with us past the velvet rope and into Calty.


Gallery: Calty Design Research Tour

Continue reading Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caltycalty design researchCaltyDesignResearchdesigndesign housedesignerdesignersDesignHousefeaturedlexuslexus designLexusDesignscionscion designScionDesigntoyotatoyota designToyotaDesignTue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/2010-suzuki-kizashi-gts-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/2010-suzuki-kizashi-gts-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/2010-suzuki-kizashi-gts-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Kizashi will change the way you look at Suzuki. To put it bluntly, the Kizashi is the strongest evidence yet that Suzuki's automotive division is no longer operating on autopilot in the States. And what's more, the brand is showing serious confidence. Consider the vehicles against which the automaker wants you to cross shop its Kizashi: the Acura TSX and Audi A4.

Suzuki has launched a promotion called the Kizashi Test Drive Challenge that will pay $100 to anyone who test drives a Kizashi and still decides to buy the more expensive TSX or A4. After spending some quality time with the model, we don't envy those potential Acura and Audi customers who are unprepared for how difficult their decision is going to be.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS


Photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge

Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Suzuki Kizashi2010 suzuki kizashi cts2010SuzukiKizashi2010SuzukiKizashiCtsfeaturedkizashikizashi gtsKizashiGtsreviewreviewssuzukisuzuki kizashisuzuki kizashi gtsSuzukiKizashiSuzukiKizashiGtsMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cornell's SAE Baja Buggy - Click above for high-res image gallery

How much horsepower do you need to have fun in a car? More is usually better, but sometimes less is okay too. Sometimes even none is enough - if you have gravity on your side. When you're running off-road through mud, rocks, up hills, crashing off of whoops and flying over jumps, you certainly can't rely on the attraction of physical bodies to get you around the course. You need power. Cornell's Baja SAE buggy admittedly doesn't have much, driven by a lowly 10-hp Briggs & Stratton that wouldn't look out of place on a lawnmower. This most certainly is not a lawnmower.

Cornell's team of students past and present have built an impressive chariot to cradle that engine and a driver. CAD modeled, CNC hewn and carbon fiber-skinned, nearly everything on the kart is a one-off created by the sort of technology that drives Formula One. When an offer came in to come drive the thing, we jumped right in - right in to a mudbath as it turned out. Won't you join us?


Gallery: Cornell's SAE Baja buggy tour and test drive

Continue reading Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater

Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggycartcornellcornell baja saecornell sae bajaCornellBajaSaeCornellSaeBajafeaturedkartkartingsaesae bajaSaeBajatest driveFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[By the Numbers - November 2009: Strengthen Your Core Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/by-the-numbers-november-2009-strengthen-your-core-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/by-the-numbers-november-2009-strengthen-your-core-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/by-the-numbers-november-2009-strengthen-your-core-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Hyundai up 46%, Nissan up 30% and all GM core brands positive

It's pretty easy to stage a comeback when a prior year's monthly sales are so dismal, but that still doesn't dull the sheen off what happened last month for auto sales in the U.S.

Not surprisingly, Hyundai continues its winning ways with the largest increase in sales by volume at 45.91 percent. Newcomers to the I Know How To Sell Cars In A Down Market list include Nissan, up 19.94 percent, and Mercedes-Benz, up 19.11 percent. Subaru and Kia again perform flawlessly, posting gains of 23.95 and 18.27 percent, respectively.

Perhaps more interesting is the fact that all four core brands of General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC) posted positive sales numbers last month, and in the case of Buick rose 14.78 percent. Ford also continued to stay positive, but just barely posting 2.02 percent gain for the brand against a 0.04 decrease for the motor company. You can blame that on Lincoln and Mercury, both of which were down.

As the U.S. auto industry continues to claw its way out of this recession, the Chrysler Group is seemingly being left behind. Of the multi-brand companies we follow, the Pentastar performed the worst (-25.45 percent). The next worst performer, BMW Group, was down only 7.54 percent. With sales down only 8.09 percent, the Dodge brand was the company's best performer.

*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 23 selling days in November 2009 and 25 selling days in November 2008, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in the average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

Brand Volume% Nov-13 Nov-12 DSR*% DSR Nov-09 DSR Nov-08
Hyundai 45.91 28,045 19,221 58.60 1,219 769
Nissan 29.94 50,644 38,974 41.24 2,202 1,559
Subaru 23.95 16,988 13,706 34.72 739 548
Mercedes-Benz 19.11 16,797 14,102 29.47 730 564
Kia 18.27 17,955 15,182 28.55 781 607
Porsche 18.00 1,626 1,378 28.26 71 55
Buick 14.78 8,627 7,516 24.76 375 301
Lexus 14.04 18,500 16,223 23.95 804 649
Volkswagen 13.68 16,250 14,295 23.56 707 572
Acura 11.17 8,769 7,888 20.84 381 316
Cadillac 10.28 9,721 8,815 19.87 423 353
GMC 5.38 21,301 20,214 14.54 926 809
Volvo 5.15 4,631 4,404 14.30 201 176
Chevrolet 4.46 100,023 95,756 13.54 4,349 3,830
BMW 3.23 15,708 15,217 12.20 683 609
Ford 2.02 105,133 103,055 10.89 4,571 4,122
Toyota 0.98 115,200 114,084 9.76 5,009 4,563
Mazda 0.86 14,255 14,134 9.63 620 565
Audi 0.32 6,810 6,788 9.05 296 272
Honda -4.55 65,234 68,345 3.75 2,836 2,734
Dodge -8.09 24,268 26,404 -0.10 1,055 1,056
Mercury -9.68 6,994 7,744 -1.83 304 310
Lincoln -20.08 6,409 8,019 -13.13 279 321
Jeep -24.45 15,339 20,302 -17.88 667 812
Infiniti -26.04 5,644 7,631 -19.61 245 305
Chrysler -37.33 12,544 20,017 -31.88 545 801
Pontiac -38.83 7,426 12,140 -33.51 323 486
Mitsubishi -42.60 2,925 5,096 -37.61 127 204
Mini -43.59 2,564 4,545 -38.68 111 182
Suzuki -52.11 1,540 3,216 -47.95 67 129
Saturn -54.03 3,737 8,130 -50.04 162 325
Saab -56.46 371 852 -52.67 16 34
Smart -70.44 661 2,236 -67.87 29 89
Hummer -84.80 221 1,454 -83.48 10 58
COMPANIES
Nissan NA 20.78 56,288 46,605 31.28 2,447 1,864
Toyota Mo Co 2.60 133,700 130,307 11.53 5,813 5,212
Ford Mo Co -0.04 123,167 123,222 8.65 5,355 4,929
General Motors -2.23 151,427 154,877 6.27 6,584 6,195
American Honda -2.93 74,003 76,233 5.52 3,218 3,049
BMW Group -7.54 18,272 19,762 0.50 794 790
Chrysler Group -25.45 63,560 85,260 -18.97 2,763 3,410

By the Numbers - November 2009: Strengthen Your Core Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>by the numbersByTheNumbersfeaturednovember 2009 auto salesNovember2009AutoSalesTue, 01 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

With the LA Auto Show near at hand, Chris, Dan, and Editor Extraordinaire Paukert sat down and talked over some of the latest for Episode #155 of the Autoblog Podcast. First up is the surprisingly thorough re-rework of the Mustang, before we move on to talk about the early release of U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta pictures. Gazing at photos brings us to the Chevrolet Cruze, which has also been lensed in North American garb. The Chinese-market Buick Excelle is rumored as a possibility for our market, and we scratch our heads about that for a while. Toyota's handling of its gas pedal recall and Nissan's low-priced and well-integrated navigation unit wraps it up before we move on to some of your questions. Right before signing off, we jump back to talk briefly about the newly unveiled Audi A8 and Saab's sad fortunes. At one hour, 50 minutes, it's an epic. We blame Paukert.

If you get bored once the new Autoblog Podcast bliss has worn off, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...

Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Mustang2010FordMustang2011 mustang v62011MustangV6audi a8AudiA8auto showautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowbuickbuick excelleBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevy cruzeChevyCruzefeaturedfiesta hatchfiesta hatchbackFiestaHatchFiestaHatchbackFord Fiestaford fiesta picturesFord fiesta sedanford fiesta unveilFordFiestaFordFiestaPicturesFordFiestaSedanFordFiestaUnveilla auto showLaAutoShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowlost angelesLostAngelesmustangmustang v6MustangV6nissan navigationNissanNavigationpodcastsaabsaab dealsaab koenigseggSaabDealSaabKoenigseggtoyota accelerationtoyota gas pedaltoyota pedaltoyota recallToyotaAccelerationToyotaGasPedalToyotaPedalToyotaRecallv6 mustangV6MustangTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #155Autoblog1:49:25LA auto show; cruze; chevrolet cruze; buick excelle; toyota recall; fiesta; ford fiesta; toyota; nissan; nissan navigation; mustang; v6 mustang; mustang v6; autoblog podcast<![CDATA[Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google maps turn by turn navigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we've been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren't tied in to a vehicles' wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper - as in (sort of) free.

It's only "sort of" free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget's full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I've been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We've now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.


Gallery: Motorola Droid Google Navigation

Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android navigationAndroid1.6Android2.0AndroidNavigationdroiddroid navigationDroidNavigationfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps turn by turn navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsTurnByTurnNavigationMotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsNavigationUnitreviewturn by turnturn by turn directionsturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnTurnByTurnDirectionsTurnByTurnNavigationTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 A82011 Audi A82011A82011AudiA8a8audiAudi A8Audi sedanAudiA8AudiSedanDesign MiamiDesign WeekDesignMiamiDesignWeekFeaturedLucy LiuLucyLiuMon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

A RADICALLY NEW TYPE OF ENGINE

When oil prices shot over $100 a barrel a year ago, I was inundated with press releases from inventors claiming they had an engine that would solve the energy crisis. In most cases, I simply deleted each release and went on with my work. You see, I've seen this all before.

The same thing happened after the oil shocks of the 1970s. All kinds of inventors came up with all kinds of engine designs, promising to solve the country's energy problem. But not one of those engines ever made it into production.

In most cases these new designs only existed on paper. In other cases, the efforts were led by people who had no clue what it takes to break into the automotive industry. Think about it. In the last 100 years only three engines have made it into mass production: the gasoline engine, the diesel engine, and the rotary. And only Mazda has stuck with the rotary.

But recently I got to see a new type of engine that makes me think it might have a chance. Part of that has to do with the design of the engine. The other part has to do with who is behind the project.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogdon runkleDonRunkleeco motorsEcoMotorsfeaturedjohn colettijohn mcelroyJohnColettiJohnMcelroyopoc engineOpocEnginepeter hofbauerPeterHofbauerMon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan conference room for a background briefing on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of a new powertrain architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day included vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest lessons learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturedquick spinQuickSpinvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It would be reasonable to expect that Ford might pass over the Mustang and instead devote more attention to its other models since it's fresh off a comprehensive revamp for the 2010 model year. However, that's not what is shaping up in the House That Henry Built.

For 2011, the Blue Oval is introducing a new 3.7-liter V6 Mustang that should give it the firepower and refinement needed to take on Chevrolet's six-cylinder Camaro and Hyundai's upstart Genesis Coupe. But it isn't just the spanking all-aluminum powerplant and its 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque that's making the scene for the forthcoming model year. In addition to the Cleveland-sourced mill, there are a pair of fresh gearboxes, a new V6 performance package, and a host of nip/tucks to the interior and elsewhere.

Now, we could grouse on behalf of 2010 MY 'Stang owners everywhere that these upgrades weren't part of last year's mid-life updo, but instead, we'll just be happy that these advancements are arriving at all.

Despite being smaller than the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, the dual-overhead cam 3.7-liter's horsepower and torque ratings represent massive improvements over the 2010 model (305 HP dismisses 210 HP and 280 lb-ft. plays 240 torques). In fact, that's more horsepower than the 4.6-liter V8 Mustang made just a few years ago. While the 305-horse figure only allows the Mustang to pip the crosstown Camaro by a single all-important stallion in the pony car bragging wars, Ford says the powertrain will be good for 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway when paired with its new six-speed automatic, also one notch better than the Chevy.

Click through to the jump to read more details and check out Ford's suite of press releases.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Ford Mustang2011 ford mustang v62011FordMustang2011FordMustangV63.73.7-literBlue OvalBlueOvalfeaturedfordFord Mustangford mustang v6FordMustangFordMustangV6lala 2009LA Auto ShowLA Auto Show 2009LA showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLos Angeles 2009Los Angeles Auto ShowLosAngeles2009LosAngelesAutoShowMuscle CarMuscleCarMustangMustang V6MustangV6Pony CarPonyCarStangV6 MustangV6MustangMon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/review-2009-audi-a8l-a-requiem-for-a-heavyweight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Audi A8L - Click above for high-res gallery

We come not to bury the A8L, but to praise it. Next week the newest generation of Audi's aluminum spaceframe panzer will greet the world in Miami, and we expect it to be a leap through a wormhole compared to today's car. After a week with the current model at the end of its six-year run, we walked away from a saloon that still has us smitten. What we didn't expect was that, even though we didn't come to bury the thing, we would end up throwing quite a bit of dirt on it.

That might make the Audi A8 the Megan Fox of automobiles.
A funny thing happened on the way to reviewing the 2009 Audi A8L: we discovered ourselves writing compromising things about the four-ringed flagship. This is a sedan that we adore mightily, and having thought it over, we might even say unreasonably. It became the girl you're dating that you first describe as "She's great!" just before divulging a list of mildly unseemly behaviors that you'd never considered all at once, ending with, "Wow... I really do like her, but come to think of it... she's a little kooky." That might make the Audi A8 the Megan Fox of automobiles.

We drove the A8L W12 a couple of years ago, and it was possessed of so much battleship-gray girth we wanted to call it the Bismarck and park it in a Norwegian fjord for safety. Yet and still, it was glorious: an exterior awash in pulchritude, an interior so beautiful we wish we had gotten its autograph, and it gulped miles, and gas, like cognac. Since we didn't write about it, we didn't give it the philosopher's thought, and we walked away from it with only roses, no thorns. But now...


Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi A8 L


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight

Review: 2009 Audi A8L - requiem for a heavyweight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 audi a82009 audi a8l2009AudiA82009AudiA8la8a8laudifeaturedlreviewreview 2009 audi a8lReview2009AudiA8lreviewsWed, 25 Nov 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #154]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154

Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acuraacura pricingAcura ZDXAcuraPricingAcuraZdxautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw 5BMW 5 seriesBMW 5-seriesBmw5Bmw5-seriesBmw5Serieschevrolet sparkChevroletSparkfeaturedhyundaihyundai four cylinderhyundai gdihyundai sonatahyundai sonata 2011HyundaiFourCylinderHyundaiGdiHyundaiSonataHyundaiSonata2011infinitiInfiniti MInfiniti M SeriesInfiniti M35Infiniti QXinfiniti qx 56Infiniti QX56InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiMSeriesInfinitiQxInfinitiQx56lexus gxlexus GX 2010Lexus GX 460LExus GX 470LEXUS GX460lexus GX470LexusGxLexusGx2010LexusGx460LexusGx470new bmwNew BMW 5 SeriesNewBmwNewBmw5Seriespodcastsonata four cylinderSonataFourCylinderzdx pricingZdxPricingTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #154Autoblog1:17:34podcast; autoblog podcast; lexus gx; infiniti; infiniti m; acura; acura zdx; hyundai; hyundai gdi; chevrolet spark; bmw 5 series<![CDATA[Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/quick-spin-nissan-leaf-the-tip-of-mass-market-ev-spear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has gone into a back room, pulled out its Ouija board and decided that the time is right to make a huge bet. The Japanese automaker, along with its partner Renault, wants to be the world leader in pure electric vehicles. Even though you can go buy an Altima hybrid right now, the company didn't develop its own gas-electric technology (the sedan uses Toyota tech). This time around, Nissan believes the future belongs to vehicles without an internal combustion engine (ICE) and is preparing to put its own foot forward. It's way too early to know for sure, but Nissan's gamble could pay off handsomely. Toyota leads the hybrid race, General Motors and others are adding plugs to vehicles with liquid-fueled engines, but no major automaker has claimed the pure EV pole position. If everything goes right, Nissan will be that automaker.

The flagship vehicle for the automaker is, of course, the Leaf EV hatchback, which was unveiled in August and recently made its North American debut in Los Angeles. We were on hand to take a Leaf mule out for a short (very short) spin and heard directly from Nissan how this unique-looking EV will secure Nissan's place in the auto industry as tremendous changes take place in the coming years. Follow us after the jump to learn about Nissan's wager and find out if the Leaf has got the potential to (silently) propel the company to the top.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf Test Mule


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear

Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehiclebevelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfeaturedleafnissannissan leafNissanLeafquick spinQuickSpinTue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/2009-infiniti-g37x-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/2009-infiniti-g37x-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/2009-infiniti-g37x-sport-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Infiniti G37X Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Being close" matters with horseshoes, hand grenades and misguided arithmetic. In past years, the Infiniti G sedan has been close, but compared to the Kaiser of the Klasse, BMW's 3 Series, the G35 was near the stake, but not a ringer. "Almost as good," we'd all nod, "but its biggest strength is that it's a bargain."

When the G37 arrived, our initial thought was it was simply an amplified G35, a car that's delighted our socks off in the past. But same car, bigger engine isn't the whole of the story. Just as gourmet chefs tinker with recipes, Infiniti has made adjustments. Embracing the spirit of Kaizen, Infiniti refuses to leave well enough alone, and the G37XS doesn't need to trade as heavily on its value proposition anymore. The G line has always driven well, but there's always been compromise, too. Cheap interiors, choppy ride - a history of "not quite." Has the G improved to the point of full greatness? And what happens when you add all-wheel drive to the mix? We hit the road to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x S Sedan


Photos copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 infiniti g37 sedan2009InfinitiG37SedanfeaturedG37G37 Sedang37 xG37Sedang37xInfinitiinfiniti g37infiniti g37 sedaninfiniti reviewInfinitiG37InfinitiG37SedanInfinitiReviewreviewreviewsTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's an odd bit of historical deja vu at work here. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, General Motors wanted to shift a few sporty-ish four-cylinder models from its Opel division into America, so they turned to their Buick dealers. This didn't work out exactly as planned - merchandising these odd European ducks in an outlet best known for sober doctor's cars meant that the GT, Manta and Kadett never managed to make much of a dent in North America's automotive landscape. This time out, with the Opel Insignia-derived 2011 Buick Regal, GM knows it needs massively better results.

This is a Buick the likes of which we have never seen before.
While attending an early drive event for the new Regal last week, we reminded vice-chairman Bob Lutz about the last time his company attempted to sell Opels in Buick showrooms. He laughed his trademark raspy laugh, and reminded us that Car and Driver so loathed the 1968 Kadett that their review featured it photographed in a junkyard. With characteristic candor, Lutz tells us, "It actually wasn't a very good car." Of course, Maximum Bob knows full well that GM can't afford another lost in space Kadett. Does the Regal have what it takes to mollify these "sins of the father" and put Buick on the right track? Click through to the jump to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal


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

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 buick2011 Buick regal2011 regal2011Buick2011BuickRegal2011RegalBob LutzBobLutzbuickbuick regalBuickRegalFeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMopelOpel GTopel insigniaOpel KadettOpel MagnaOpelGtOpelInsigniaOpelKadettOpelMagnaregalMon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi presented its best and brightest rides for us to drive over the course of an eight-hour event in the parched desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA. Everything from a tuned, 290-hp Lancer Sportback Ralliart to an electric i MiEV. And drive them we did. We rocketed up winding mountain roads and down gravel-caked trails. If they brought it, we pounded on it. Fairly hard, too. Odd then that the focus of this particular review - and in many ways the star of the party - isn't some carbon fiber body kit-enhanced EVO X, but rather the new 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT.

Yup, an SUV. Actually, a CUV, albeit one with lots of ground clearance. Mitsubishi first introduced the second generation Outlander in 2006 (replacing the more wagon-esque first gen.), and 2010 marks a major refresh. In GT trim, almost everything has changed, from the exterior to the interior to the quantity and quality of gadgets to the engine output to the transmission and finally, most importantly, its all-wheel-drive system. The 2009 Outlander was a fine, competent, utilitarian machine - perfectly adequate for schlepping kids and groceries. But let's be frank, it didn't set hearts on fire. And while the new Outlander GT won't necessarily do that either, it's most definitely not just another sedan on stilts.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT


Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Off-Roading


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with

First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT2010 Outlander GT2010MitsubishiOutlanderGt2010OutlanderGtfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveMitsubishiMitsubishi Outlander GTMitsubishiOutlanderGtOutlanderOutlander GTOutlanderGtS-AWCFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Superformance MKIII R Cobra - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's mea culpa time. While it's probably best not to begin a review with an apology, I'd be fairly derelict in my auto bloggin' duty if I didn't admit that not only does this review represent my first time in a Cobra - ever - but that I went in wanting to love the car. After all, not only is the Cobra Daytona Coupe the single greatest car I've ever driven, but I'm what you might call a Shelby-head. At least once a week my fiancee is hollering at me to put one of my several Shelby books back in the bookcase. But still, before today, I'd never driven a Cobra.

Of course, purists will argue I still haven't. This gun metal gray beauty wasn't built on Princeton Ave. in Venice Beach. Nor was it built at Shelby America's hanger near LAX. In fact, it wasn't even built in America. No, this particular Cobra - the Superformance MKIII R, a special version of their MKIII - is built in South Africa. Recently, too. The MKIII R actually has a modern, square-tube spaceframe chassis with different hard points and suspension than you'd find underneath a classic Cobra's skin. Perhaps it's not a "real" Cobra, but here's what Carroll Shelby has to say about Superformance's efforts, "It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible." Good enough for me.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII-R


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts

Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carroll ShelbyCarrollShelbyCobrafeaturedMKIII RMkiiiRquick driveQuickDriveRoushRoush 427Roush 427 SRRoush427Roush427SrShelby CobraShelbyCobraSuperformanceSuperformance CobraSuperformance MKIII RSuperformance MKIII R CobraSuperformanceCobraSuperformanceMkiiiRSuperformanceMkiiiRCobraWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST