Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Remember when we said that the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II (worst name ever) shown in Tokyo was basically the next Mitsubishi Outlander? We weren't lying. The 2013 Outlander will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, and Mitsubishi has released the first photo of the new crossover. What's more, the fancy PX-MiEV II concept apparently wasn't a vaporware showcase; Mitsubishi says that a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander will join the roster later in 2012.

The Euro-spec Outlander launches this summer with 2.0-liter gas and 2.2-liter turbodiesel power, three seating rows, and an eco-driving coach feature designed to help drivers eke out the best possible fuel economy. Furthermore, the diesel version will offer an automatic start-stop feature to help maximize efficiency and minimize emissions.

Available driver aids include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems. There's not much else to tell right now, other than that Russia gets the new Outlander first, followed by a global rollout that includes North America. Follow the jump to read the press release, and click the image above to see a larger version.

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013breakingcrossovercuvgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmitsubishioutlandersuvThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/20168074/article-detail.xml 20168074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/newmitsuoutlandersmall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/newmitsuoutlandersmall.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Xterra to continue as traditional SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Nissan Xterra

Nissan has good news for anyone weeping about the fact that the 2013 Pathfinder has abandoned its body-on-frame ways. The company isn't completely ditching legitimate SUVs for the crossover crowd. According to Car and Driver, the Nissan Xterra will continue to shun a unibody design for the conceivable future. The magazine spoke with engineers familiar with the development of the Xterra who said the vehicle will share its DNA with the Nissan Frontier for years to come.

That means buyers will still be able to enjoy the vehicle's truckish charm and legitimate off-road chops. Those who want something a little softer or smaller can turn to the automaker's Rogue, while the 2013 Pathfinder will now offer mall-goers a suitable alternative to the Ford Explorer. The times may be changing, but for now, the Xterra isn't.

Nissan Xterra to continue as traditional SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body on framecrossovercuvnissansuvxterraThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/20147579/article-detail.xml 20147579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-nissan-xterra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-nissan-xterra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac is gunning for BMW. The company's recently unveiled ATS is a clear shot across the bow of the German automaker's 3 Series, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports the small sedan may be the first of a larger product offensive. Kurt McNeil, vice president of sales with Cadillac, said the luxury brand is currently looking into the possibility of a small CUV designed to lure in BMW X3 buyers. The vehicle would be smaller than the current Cadillac SRX, which saw an 11 percent increase in sales last year.

The report makes it clear that General Motors hasn't given the go-ahead on the smaller crossover, though the fact that Cadillac is growing its presence globally will likely factor heavily in the final decision on whether or not to bring the vehicle to market. American buyers are always happy to welcome another tall-riding five-door into the fold, but CUVs don't enjoy the same level of prestige in European markets.

Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x3cadillaccadillac srxcadillac suvsrxsuvx3Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/20146499/article-detail.xml 20146499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-cadillac-srx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-cadillac-srx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bentley chief executives

After two consecutive years posting losses in its balance book, Bentley is back in the black as the figures came in for the close of 2011. But don't think for one minute that the ultra-luxe British marque is about to stop there. No, Bentley's new CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer (pictured above, right) has big plans for the company, and having headed product development at Porsche for years, that can only mean one thing: more new vehicles. More types of vehicles, more bodystyles and more derivatives.

The biggest potential item in the pipeline is an SUV, a plan which Bentley has had in the making for some time now and which Dürheimer recently indicated in a conference call will be decided on soon. The Bentley of sport-utes would be significantly more upscale than anything currently offered, with a price tag upwards of $140,000, with underpinnings borrowed from the Porsche Cayenne which Dürheimer helped launch himself.

Beyond the SUV, the Bentley chief executive also hinted at a new sportscar range that would include a two-seat coupe, a hardtop convertible and even a racing version. The model would likely take the fight more directly to Aston Martin, against whose smaller GTs the larger Continental GT range currently competes with.

On the sales front, The Flying B was the first automaker to report its December figures and the 2011 calendar year as a whole, with global sales up 37 percent last year to 7,003 units. Sales for December were also up 69 percent versus 2010 to 1,059 cars, which Bentley claims is its second-best sales month of all time and best since the recession began.

What's more interesting is how Bentley sales break down geographically. The U.S. remains the brand's best-selling market with 2,021 cars sold, but sales in China "virtually doubled" last year to 1,839 units. In fact, the Chinese had already bought more Bentleys by last July than they did in all of 2010. With that kind of momentum, China should easily overtake the U.S. as as the automaker's best customer base in 2012. Even struggling Europeans managed to increase their appetites, buying 53 percent more last year than the year before. Follow the jump for the latest statement on Bentley's financial health.

Continue reading Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability

Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley earningsbentley profitsbentley suvdürheimersuvwolfgang dürheimerWed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/20139425/article-detail.xml 20139425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

People lifting SUV off of child

One little Chinese girl's protest against going to kindergarten very nearly ended in tragedy. While walking with her mother, the girl decided to sit down in the street and pout about being drug into the educational system. Seconds later, a crossover drove over the child at low speed and stopped.

Fortunately, a crowd of 16 bystanders jumped to action and managed to lift the vehicle far enough off of the child for her mother to pull her to safety. The heroics prevented any serious injury, and the girl headed off to school after a brief check up at a local hospital.

It's unclear whether the inattentive driver responsible for parking on top of the child will be charged in the incident. Click past the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China

Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacrossovercrossover drives over girlpeople lift suvpeople lift suv in chinasuvWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/20126989/article-detail.xml 20126989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bentley Continental Supersports

Dakar. The very name conjures up images of daring dashes through the brutish desert, running down scorpions and dodging terrorists at full throttle. Not exactly the place you'd expect to find a Bentley, then, but that's what the rumormill is pointing towards today.

Wait a second, you say, Bentley's parent company Volkswagen is already a dominant force in the Dakar rally! And right you are. But now that it's heading to the World Rally Championship, VW isn't expected to return to the iconic desert race. Which leaves it with two options: either mothball the operation it's been cultivating to domination over the past several years and hand victory to one of its erstwhile rivals, or bring in one of its subsidiary divisions.

Okay, makes sense, but why Bentley? Well, the British luxury marque is understood to be preparing to roll out an SUV, and Dakar could be just the place to prove it won't be just some pampered show horse.

The last rumor linking Bentley with a world-class racing series revolved, much like its actual last foray, around Le Mans. But with sister-companies Audi and Porsche gearing up to contest the endurance race next season, this Dakar scenario suddenly doesn't seem so far-fetched.

Bentley gearing up to take on Dakar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley suvdakardakar rally raidsuvMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/bentley-gearing-up-to-take-on-dakar/20099800/article-detail.xml 20099800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/conti-ss-offroad.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 ford explorer

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a massive improvement over the last-generation model, and the Blue Oval's sales tally supports this claim. Ford tells us that the the Explorer is flying off store shelves, with 100,000 units sold so far in 2011. Those numbers are up 290 percent compared to 2010 totals, making the Explorer the fastest-growing mid-size utility vehicle in the country. This is the first time the Explorer has hit the 100,000 mark since 2007, and there are still over two months left in the year.

The Explorer appears to be selling quite well in spite of mixed reviews. While the vehicle came in for 2011 North American Truck Of The Year laurels, it hasn't fared as well in a number of comparison tests. Cars.com recently ranked the Explorer sixth in its $37,000 SUV Shootout, and earlier in the year, Consumer Reports ranked the Explorer as the 17th best utility vehicle out of 19 models, with complaints centering on the CUV's MyFordTouch infotainment system.

Ford would likely counter that the company is more concerned with what CUV buyers think, and those customers appear to be giving their vote of approval with their pocketbooks, and they might also note that the Explorer's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder model is only hitting the market as a 2012 model now (though it's already claiming about 15 percent of the model mix). Hit the jump to read Ford's official press release.

Continue reading Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark

Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000002011 ford explorerconsumer reportsexplorerfordreviewsalessuvFri, 21 Oct 2011 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086858/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/20086858/article-detail.xml 20086858 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-ford-explorer-review-lead1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/2011-ford-explorer-review-lead1.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bentley W-12

Sport-utility vehicles and big engines go together like peanut butter and jelly. Surprising, then, that nobody offers one with a twelve-cylinder engine. But if the latest reports prove accurate, that's all about to change.

It's not that there's never been a twelve-cylinder SUV, but none are currently offered in the U.S. market and the only offerings from mainstream automakers are from Volkswagen Group divisions. Audi continues to offer the Q7 with a V12 in overseas markets, but that's a diesel. Lamborghini shoehorned the Countach's V12 into the LM002, but that hasn't been around since the early 90s.

Enter the next contender from the VW Group, coming from the division that produces more twelve-pots than any other automaker on God's green earth. Bentley's upcoming SUV is expected to borrow its underpinnings from the Porsche Cayenne (no V12 there), but the upcoming crossover from Crewe is, according to sources quoting Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer, slated to get a new version of the W-12 engine in the Continental. The Q7's V12 TDI could find its way under the Bentley's hood as well, which would be a first for the Flying B marque that has long been linked to potential diesel propulsion.

Bentley's upcoming SUV to pack twelve cylinders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley crossoverbentley suvcrossoversuvw-12w12Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/11/bentleys-upcoming-suv-to-pack-twelve-cylinders/20077817/article-detail.xml 20077817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-w12_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bentley-w12.jpg <![CDATA[Car-on-truck crashes less deadly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/car-on-truck-crashes-less-deadly/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/car-on-truck-crashes-less-deadly/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/car-on-truck-crashes-less-deadly/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IIHS SUV Crash

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, today's pickup trucks and SUVs pose less of a threat to drivers in cars and minivans than they did in the past. For the first time in recent memory, trucks and SUVs aren't more likely to be involved in crashes that involve fatalities than cars and minivans of the same weight. Between 2000 and 2001, trucks and SUVs weighing between 3,000 and 3,499 pounds were involved in accidents with cars and minivans that resulted in a traffic fatality at a rate of 44 deaths per million registered vehicles.

IIHS says that number has fallen to 16 deaths per million registered vehicles between 2008 and 2009. The research institute says that the decline is largely attributable to better crash protection in cars and minivans thanks to the addition of side-curtain airbags and more advanced crash structure, but the fact that modern SUVs and trucks now use front ends designed to better align with those crash structures plays a large role as well. Hit the jump to view the full press release.

Continue reading Car-on-truck crashes less deadly

Car-on-truck crashes less deadly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetysuvsuv crashestruckWed, 28 Sep 2011 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/car-on-truck-crashes-less-deadly/20068813/article-detail.xml 20068813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/suv-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/suv-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mahindra XUV500

Indian automaker Mahindra has announced that its first global SUV will be called the XUV500, pronounced "five double-o." The company says the vehicle's design was influenced by input from buyers all over the globe, including unnamed western markets, South Africa and, of course, India. The XUV500 will be the first unibody SUV from Mahindra to feature a transverse engine, which means that there's a good chance it'll have a front-wheel drive bias. Beyond that, details on the new SUV are scarce.

Rajesh Jejurikar, chief executive of Mahindra's automotive division (right) said that he expects the XUV500 to make his company the lead brand in SUVs.

Mahindra says that it enjoys a market share of 60.5 percent in India due to the success of products like the Bolero, Scorpio and even the Xylo sedan. Pawan Goenka, president of automotive and farm equipment sectors (left) says that the XUV500 will launch in South America simultaneously under the same name, hopefully broadening the brand's appeal around the world. Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500

First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra suvmahindra xuv500suvxuv500Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033551/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/20033551/article-detail.xml 20033551 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/xuv500-name-reveal-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/xuv500-name-reveal-630.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati to unveil Grand Cherokee-based SUV in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/maserati-to-unveil-grand-cherokee-based-suv-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/maserati-to-unveil-grand-cherokee-based-suv-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/maserati-to-unveil-grand-cherokee-based-suv-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Maserati grille

It's go time over at the Modena headquarters of Maserati. The automaker itself set the ambitious target of doubling its sales figures, but its corporate overlord Sergio Marchionne wants the brand to increase their sales tenfold. That's ambitious and then some, and in order to get there, the Trident marque is going to need some new product.

Fortunately, Maserati has just such plans in store. And we already know a bit about all of 'em. The Quattroporte will be replaced by two new sedans - one smaller and one larger than the current model - while a new SUV is set to join the lineup for the first time. What we didn't know is that the sport-ute is set, according to reports, for unveiling at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The vehicle, based on the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, will likely debut in concept form at first. So it might be a while before we find out whether it will carry Maserati's own V8 engine or something from the Chrysler parts bin, but we should have a good idea of what we're looking at when the concept is unveiled next week. Stay tuned.

Maserati to unveil Grand Cherokee-based SUV in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt motor showfrankfurtfrankfurt 2011frankfurt motor showmaseratimaserati suvsuvThu, 04 Aug 2011 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008484/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/04/maserati-to-unveil-grand-cherokee-based-suv-in-frankfurt/20008484/article-detail.xml 20008484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/granturismomcstradale18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/granturismomcstradale18.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Jaguar SUV set to arrive in four years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/report-jaguar-suv-set-to-arrive-in-four-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/report-jaguar-suv-set-to-arrive-in-four-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/report-jaguar-suv-set-to-arrive-in-four-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jaguar

Want the Jaguar of sport-utes? That'd be a Range Rover then. And it will be for another four years until Jag develops its own SUV.

The reports of a Jaguar ute come as the latest stage in a veritable onslaught of new products planned for the Coventry marque, which have included a new diesel four, all-wheel drive for the XJ sedan, a 3 Series rival and an XFR-S super sedan.

The SUV would naturally borrow heavily from its sister brand Land Rover, but in order to differentiate itself, would come in a more road-focused package to take on the likes of the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne at the upper end of the luxury crossover market.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Jaguar SUV set to arrive in four years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarsport-utility vehiclesuvMon, 11 Apr 2011 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19908455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/11/report-jaguar-suv-set-to-arrive-in-four-years/19908455/article-detail.xml 19908455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/jag-leaper-xj75_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/jag-leaper-xj75.jpg <![CDATA[Cars.com $29K SUV Shootout - now with more Joey Lawrence [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/cars-com-29k-suv-shootout-now-with-more-joey-lawrence-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/cars-com-29k-suv-shootout-now-with-more-joey-lawrence-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/cars-com-29k-suv-shootout-now-with-more-joey-lawrence-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Joey and Chandie Lawrence help you pick out a new crossover
Joey and Chandie Lawrence help you pick out a new car - Click above to watch the video after the break

Shopping for a new car (or truck, for that matter) in a crowded segment can be a bewildering task, especially when you're talking about mid-size SUVs and crossovers. There's a plethora positioned under the 30-grand mark, and most of them have comparable features and specs. So which one to choose?

Our friends over at Cars.com recently assembled a selection of nine such vehicles - the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4 - and pitted them against each other. Now you may be thinking, Really? A Journey against a Sportage? What gives?

True, they're vastly different vehicles, but Cars.com arrived at its selections through a different kind of methodology. They checked with J.D. Power & Associates to find a median price - $29k - and then let the automakers choose which of their products to field in the test. Then they assembled a panel of testers, including members of their own editorial staff, plus Chris Woodyard of USA Today, Brian Robinson from MotorWeek and - wait for it - Joey Lawrence. Yes, he of Blossom and Melissa & Joey fame. Whoa!

So what did the B-list celeb (along with his wife Chandie and two daughters) and his auto-journo fellow jurists select? Hit the source link to find out, but we'll give you a hint: we listed them above by score from 1st to 9th. Bonus: Follow the jump for a video featuring Joey and Chandie.

[Source: Cars.com]

Continue reading Cars.com $29K SUV Shootout - now with more Joey Lawrence [w/video]

Cars.com $29K SUV Shootout - now with more Joey Lawrence [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cars.comchandie lawrencecomparocrossovercrossover comparisonfamily crossoverfamily suvjoey lawrencesuvTue, 15 Feb 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19842948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/15/cars-com-29k-suv-shootout-now-with-more-joey-lawrence-w-vide/19842948/article-detail.xml 19842948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/joey-chandie-lawrence_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/joey-chandie-lawrence.jpg <![CDATA[Report: VW readying seven-passenger SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/report-vw-readying-seven-passenger-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/report-vw-readying-seven-passenger-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/report-vw-readying-seven-passenger-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Touareg

It looks like a few more details have shown up on the rumored addition to the Volkswagen SUV family. According to Auto Express, the newcomer will have its sights set dead on the American market and will boast seating for seven. It will also carry a slimmer price tag than the current Touareg, all of this courtesy of VW America guru Jonathan Browning.

Auto Express is also reporting that the new crossover/SUV will most likely be built here in the U.S. at the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing facility alongside the new Passat.

The German automaker has made no secret of the fact that it wants nothing more than to carve out a larger chunk of the American auto market, and doing so will require a portfolio of vehicles that caters more specifically to Yankee tastes. By 2018, VW wants to sell 800,000 vehicles in the land of the free. Last year the company managed to move 256,830 units.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: VW readying seven-passenger SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rumorsuvvolkswagenvolkswagen suvvwvw suvThu, 20 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19805679/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/20/report-vw-readying-seven-passenger-suv/19805679/article-detail.xml 19805679 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/vw-touareg-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/vw-touareg-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Detroit-made Maserati SUV to carry Ferrari power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/report-detroit-made-maserati-suv-to-carry-ferrari-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/report-detroit-made-maserati-suv-to-carry-ferrari-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/report-detroit-made-maserati-suv-to-carry-ferrari-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Maserati Quattroporte engine

Ferrari's high-revving powerplants are the beating heart of any of its road or racing cars, but the Prancing Horse's own aren't the only vehicles to carry Ferrari engines. Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and countless Formula One teams have benefited from Maranello's powertrain expertise. But an SUV made in Detroit? Has the rapidly integrating Fiat-Chrysler empire lost the plot?

The alliance's chief executive Sergio Marchionne has big plans for Jeep that includes building a Maserati version of the new Grand Cherokee right here in the good ol' U-S-of-A, at the Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. With Jeep underpinnings, though, the lingering question has been whether the Trident-badged model would come across as more Italian in character or more American.

According to reports, Marchionne is adamant that the Maserati SUV will carry an engine designed (if not necessarily built) by Ferrari. The high-riding application may be a first for a Ferrari engine, but if arch-rival Lamborghini could port the Countach's V12 into the LM002, we suppose anything's possible.

[Source: CNN Money via Motor Authority]

Report: Detroit-made Maserati SUV to carry Ferrari power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand Cherokeejeepjeep grand cherokeeJefferson Northjefferson north assembly plantmaseratimaserati suvsuvThu, 13 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19797803/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/13/report-detroit-made-maserati-suv-to-carry-ferrari-power/19797803/article-detail.xml 19797803 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/novitec-maserati-quattroporte-4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/novitec-maserati-quattroporte-4.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Marchionne confirms 7-seat Jeep Grand Wagoneer in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/report-marchionne-confirms-7-seat-jeep-grand-wagoneer-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/report-marchionne-confirms-7-seat-jeep-grand-wagoneer-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/report-marchionne-confirms-7-seat-jeep-grand-wagoneer-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeep Grand Wagoneer with horses
Jeep Wagoneer through the years - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler, has reportedly just announced his plans to bring an old American nameplate back to life. According to Automotive News, in two years time, Jeep will roll out a seven-seat SUV and its badge will read: Grand Wagoneer. According to Marchionne, it will be an upscale, seven-seat sport utility vehicle built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is slated to make its first appearance in January 2013, though whether that will be in conceptual or production form, we're not yet sure.


Gallery: Jeep Wagoneer through the years

1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer1963 Jeep Wagoneer1966 Jeep Wagoneer1978 Jeep Wagoneer1978 Jeep Wagoneer

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Marchionne confirms 7-seat Jeep Grand Wagoneer in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodge durangogrand wagoneerjeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand wagoneerjeep wagoneersergio marchionnesuvTue, 11 Jan 2011 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19796253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/11/report-marchionne-confirms-7-seat-jeep-grand-wagoneer-in-2013/19796253/article-detail.xml 19796253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lede-jeep-wagoneer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lede-jeep-wagoneer.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Paris takes first step to ban SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/report-paris-takes-first-step-to-ban-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/report-paris-takes-first-step-to-ban-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/report-paris-takes-first-step-to-ban-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Explorer question

Does a Sport Utility Vehicle belong in the city? Environmental officials in Paris certainly don't think so and they've taken the first steps toward an outright ban of the SUV. While not strictly aimed at SUV owners, the Parisian officials are looking to implement restrictions on gas-guzzling vehicles.

It's not clear yet what types of restrictions will be set in place for SUVs (and older diesel-powered cars as well), but officials hint at limitations on vehicle type by neighborhood and time of day. Penalties for breaking these restrictions have yet to be established.

Paris is not alone in moving to implement these changes either as Lyon, Grenoble, Aix-en-Provence and a handful of other French cities are joining in this movement. Elsewhere in Europe, London and Berlin already have such restrictions in place in the form of Low Emission Zones with varying levels of success. However, the biggest question is: How do you define an SUV?

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Paris takes first step to ban SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aix-en-provenceberlineuropegrenoblelondonlow emission zoneslyonparissport utility vehiclesuvMon, 27 Dec 2010 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19778338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/27/report-paris-takes-first-step-to-ban-suvs/19778338/article-detail.xml 19778338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/explorer-question_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/explorer-question.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG snapped with less disguise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg-snapped-with-less-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg-snapped-with-less-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg-snapped-with-less-disguise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of updating the AMG side of the family, including the replacement of its 6.2-liter engines with the more efficient 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. One of the models set to receive the new mill is the 2012 M-Class, and photogs posted outside the Nürburgring have caught the revised SUV getting ready to push its prodigious weight around the circuit.

The current generation ML63 AMG churns out 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, but with the twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill bolted in, the reworked high-po ML could see at least 544 hp and close to 600 lb-ft of twist. In addition to the upgraded engine, the camo-clad mule also benefits from a more aggressive lower-front fascia, a new character line running across the side and an assortment of other revised body mods, all of which should make their way to the new model when it goes on sale early next year.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMGSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMGSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMGSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMGSpy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG snapped with less disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMGmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz M-ClassML AMGML63ML63 AMGNurburgringsport utility vehiclespy picsspy shotssuvWed, 06 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19663313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/06/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg-snapped-with-less-disguise/19663313/article-detail.xml 19663313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg00-1286382035_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-ml-amg00-1286382035.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/officially-official-dodge-keeps-durango-nameplate-for-2011-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/officially-official-dodge-keeps-durango-nameplate-for-2011-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/officially-official-dodge-keeps-durango-nameplate-for-2011-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Dodge Durango teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery

Only days after our readers stumbled upon Dodge's test site for the 2011 Durango, the official word has been given from Chrysler that its new unibody SUV/crossover will, in fact, wear the Durango nameplate. As you'll recall, this new Dodge sport-ute was rumored to serve as a rebirth for the Magnum moniker, but it appears that those plans - if indeed they ever existed - have been scrapped.

The 2011 Durango shares the vast majority of its architecture from the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (which isn't a bad point to work from), and we expect both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to be available underhood. Curiously, Dodge refers to the new Durango as a "three-row performance SUV" in its press release, which leads us to believe that Chrysler might have another trick or two up its sleeve. Durango SRT8? Makes sense, especially since the new 6.4-liter Hemi is slated for use in the Grand Cherokee. We also note that Dodge doesn't appear to be playing up the Durango as an off-road model, either, at least where badging is concerned - instead of proclaiming the new model available with four-wheel drive, they've added an all-wheel drive badge (as seen above).

For now, you can see plenty of teaser images of the 2011 Durango in the gallery below, and Chrysler has even provided a slideshow of images for your viewing pleasure after the jump. Expect the full details on the new Durango to be released in the next few weeks.


Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango Teaser Website


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video]

Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge2011 dodge durango2011 durango2011Dodge2011DodgeDurango2011DurangododgeDodge DurangoDodgeDurangodurangodurango 2011Durango2011suvSUVsteasersMon, 16 Aug 2010 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19594960/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/16/officially-official-dodge-keeps-durango-nameplate-for-2011-w-v/19594960/article-detail.xml 19594960 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/durango-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/durango-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/report-gm-suvs-to-continue-with-full-frame-granite-still-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/report-gm-suvs-to-continue-with-full-frame-granite-still-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/10/report-gm-suvs-to-continue-with-full-frame-granite-still-on-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Sport Utility Vehicle is dead. Long live the Sport Utility Vehicle.

We all know by now that the SUV, considered the Official Car of the 1990s and early 00s, has mostly fallen out of favor. But that doesn't mean we should expect the large, body-on-frame behemoths - with the exception of impractical niche models like those from Hummer - to completely disappear from automaker showrooms any time soon.

Instead, the market may just right-size itself back to a more natural mix, with those users who really do need the off-road and towing capabilities of a proper SUV sticking with their 'utes and the rest of the population switching to crossovers. With that in mind, Automotive News reports that the redesigned GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, due in 2013 or 2014, will likely stick to their truck-based roots. No surprise.

Nor should we be shocked by the revelation that the GMC Granite, which was first shown at the Detroit Auto Show early in 2010, is still in the works. In today's market conditions, an entirely truck-based lineup makes very little fiscal sense, but we'd imagine that General Motors' Lambda triplets will remain the automaker's volume sellers.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet tahoeChevroletTahoechevy tahoeChevyTahoegmcgmc granitegmc suburbangmc yukonGmcGraniteGmcSuburbanGmcYukonsport uteSport Utilitysport utility vehiclesport utility vehiclesSportUteSportUtilitySportUtilityVehicleSportUtilityVehiclessuburbansuvsuvstahoeyukonTue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19587012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/10/report-gm-suvs-to-continue-with-full-frame-granite-still-on-th/19587012/article-detail.xml 19587012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmc-yukon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/gmc-yukon.jpg -1 2