Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring - click above image for hi-res gallery

Looky, looky - it's another piece of future German metal disguised to look like MC Escher on peyote. But what is it? Well, unlike the never ending back-and-forth between the A6 and/or the A8, we're certain this is the new 2011 5 Series Touring, a.k.a. a Bimmer station wagon or "Kombi" as they call 'em over in Europe. Not bad, right? Kinda lithe yet athletic at the same time. Good looking, too. And let's not forget the M versions of these puppies. Only thing is, what we think probably doesn't matter - odds are we'll never see the 5 Series Touring here in the States.

Why is that? We've mentioned it before, but BMW just launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Selling both of the fairly similar five-door cars along side each other might cut into sales. Additionally, wagons have never sold well for BMW here in North America - and for some reason, Americans just aren't into traditional car-like station wagons. And since in BMW's mind the 5 Series GT is going to be a hit, why mess with a good thing?

A few reasons. Never mind the nearly 1,000 pound weight advantage of the wagon (around 4,000 pounds) over the GT (about 4,800 pounds) - which should bring with it better mileage, performance and handling - to its detractors, the Gran Turismo just has an air of Chrysler Pacifica about it. Of course, since the day it came out, many of us auto-journo types have been asking why one would buy the SUV-ish X5 when the hauls-just-as-much-stuff 5 Series wagon is not only available but costs less, goes quicker, handles better, etc. Looks like BMW just might just disarm that line of questioning altogether. Maybe.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 5 Series Touring caught testing... but will it come to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Design/Style

Subaru Hybrid Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer is sharp-nosed and an all-out sharp piece of car. The car's flat floor hides two electric motors, one aft that powers the car in low-speed acceleration and assists with acceleration, and one up front connected to a direct-injection turbocharged gas engine. The Tourer is also fitted with Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

As for its design, Subie officials tell us that the nose points the way for Subaru's new corporate face and the rest of the car indicates the general design language we'll see from the brand represented by the Pleiades. "It will be anti-Bangle, editing, not adding - cars have too many character lines now." But forget about the gullwing doors -- those were fitted to provide the best view of the interior. You can have a great view of it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Reviews, Luxury

2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Europe, the humble station wagon holds a big-time slice of the family driver demographic, partly because ridiculous petrol prices make big SUVs and crossovers far too uneconomical. Americans, on the other hand, have a fundamental problem with the station wagon. We're not sure if the wagon is uncool because it was our parents' preferred family vehicle or if the aesthetics of it are just too boxy for our fashion forward culture. The only subset of the American public who has consistently called for more wagons are automotive enthusiasts, though even we seldom seem to vote for the Griswald Family Truckster with our pocketbooks.

Cadillac is all too aware of America's disdain for the wagon, as evidenced by the fact that General Motors' luxury brand has never built a squat two box for the U.S. market. That changes for 2010 as the Wreath and Crest begins production of its 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon. This Caddy begins life with hot-to-trot sheetmetal and the underpinnings of the excellent CTS sedan, but does it have the chutzpah to change our less than flattering opinions about the station wagon? We gave the CTS Sportwagon some time in the Autoblog Garage to see if the first-ever U.S.-market Caddy wagon has the goods to make Americans stop their loathing and get to loading. Click on the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

Continue reading Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road

Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mercedes bringing E-Class Wagon Stateside

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon - click above image for high-res gallery

Wagons, wagons everywhere! Just yesterday there were rumors that Acura is tinkering with the idea of a TSX Wagon. Today, none other than the Gray Lady reports that Mercedes-Benz is planning on bringing an E-Class wagon to the U.S. Dubbed the E350 4MATIC Wagon, the potent people mover will sport a 268 hp 3.5-liter V6, Mercedes excellent seven-speed autobox and all-wheel drive. The E350 Wagon should reach our shores by June of 2010 as a 2011 model.

No word on price, but as the E-Class sedan starts at $52,00, expect the wagon to cost more. Same goes for mileage: the sedan gets 16/24 mpg so the slightly heavier AWD wagon should do a bit worse. Over in Europe-land the E-Class wagons get all sorts of different engines ranging from teeny turbo gas engines to bigger boosted diesels. Not here. In fact, we're not even getting a BlueTec diesel wagon. But you can bet your pinks that we'll be getting an AMG E63 wagon, so you can sleep soundly tonight.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leakage

[Source: NYTimes.com]

REPORT: Mercedes bringing E-Class Wagon Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

Chris Paukert — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate - Click above to watch video

We know the sales numbers in America don't agree with us, but here at AB we loves us some premium station wagons. The ability to haul ass, kin, and upright bongos all at the same time just speaks to our gearhead souls. All of which goes to show why we may be a bit more interested in Mercedes-Benz's 2010 E-Class Estate more than we are in the sedan that we've already driven - itself a fine automobile.

Whether the load-lugging model will come to America remains to be seen, but we look forward to seeing it in the flesh at the Frankfurt Motor Show all the same. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our familyman joneses on the new video available after the jump. Oh, perhaps it's just us, but doesn't it look like the new E-Wagon has its automotive barn door ajar (or missing completely) for a few split-seconds beginning at 1:10 in the video? We hate to nitpick, but for a company that crows about its precision engineering, they seem to be having some minor quality control issues with their video production teams as of late. Let's hope that their models are better behaved. Thanks for the tip, Racer!

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leakage

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, Subaru unveiled its new Legacy sedan, a vehicle that is pivotal not just in its own right, but because it also forms the basis for the softroader stiltswagon seen here. It only makes sense that Subaru chose to unveil its new Outback here this morning, as the very first model debuted here in the Big Apple some 15 years ago.

Predictably, the all-wheel drive Outback's running gear remains pure Legacy, and as such, it has grown similarly. Interior volume is up eight percent thanks in part to a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (which also adds nearly four inches of rear legroom) and a two-inch wider footprint. Despite these gains, Subie officials claim the 2010 model is actually shorter overall. It also rides a bit higher, with ground clearnce swelling to 8.7 inches. Not only is this growth part of a strategy to combat upsized family sedans from Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Mazda, the move also allows the Outback to distance itself from popular Forester that also got biggie-sized with its last redesign.

The new model will be available in the buyer's choice of a 2.5-liter, normally aspirated flat-four giving 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (backed by one of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or Subie's "Lineartronic" CVT) or a 3.6-liter flat-six (256 hp and 247 pound-feet) paired to a conventional five-speed automatic. Regardless of which engine is specified, the fuel tank grows to 18.5 gallons (from 16.9), and regular fuel is all that's required.

Follow the jump for more, including Subaru's official press release, and check out the new Outback in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: New York: 2010 Subaru Outback

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Outback

Continue reading New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on

New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar XF Estate headed to Frankfurt

Chris Paukert — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Jaguar, Rumormill

The Jaguar XF has gotten off to a strong sales start, and with a tempting new diesel engine option in Europe and a new "R" performance model, the sport sedan is being asked to carry a lot of water for the British brand. And if new rumors prove to be true, the XF will soon be able to tote a lot more of the wet stuff thanks to a new wagon variant.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Jaguar will unveil a thinly-disguised XF Estate concept car at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, with a 2011 production model following about six months later. AMuS also suggests that there will be an XFR estate model to take on BMW's M5 Touring and Audi's RS6, and like its sedan counterpart, it is expected to be V8-powered with some 510 supercharged horsepower. Naturally, more measured V8 and V6 models will also make the scene, along with a pair of V6 diesel models.

Other XF variants, including a possible coupe and convertible are reportedly on the table. Us? We're looking forward to clapping our eyes on the load-lugging cat, and hope that the XF's rumored quality problems don't dog what is sure to be a stylish family transporter.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via AutoTelegraph.nl]

Rumormill: Jaguar XF Estate headed to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: 2010 Saab 9-3X ideal wagon for lingonberry picking

Chris Paukert — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Saab

Click above for high-res gallery of the Saab 9-3X

Saab debuted its 9-3X at the Geneva Motor Show, and while it's a new market for the Swedish brand (we'll try to forget about the body-on-frame 9-7X, thank you), we suspect that the lifted load-lugger will probably outsell the standard SportCombi by a healthy margin Stateside, given America's appetite for such things.

It's quite handsome in person and the inherently less-sharp handling of a sportstilts wagon ought to paper over the 9-3's occasionally soggy dynamics. Said another way, a lack of razor-sharp handling in the 9-3 platform would seem to be more appropriate/acceptable in a softroader than a sporty wagon or sedan.

While basically the same as the 2.0-liter Sportcombi, the 9-3X has a 1.4-inch higher stance and standard Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD), a fantastically grippy system that figures to give the new model sufficient softroading abilities to be a worthwhile alternative to the Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70. Other model-specific cues include contrasting lower cladding and flared fenders, unique 17-inch wheels, and a roof rack for safely displaying all of one's lifestyle accessories.

Given the effort to extract Saab from General Motors' portfolio and its uncertain future, there is a very real possibility that the 9-3X will be the last new Griffin-badged product we see in the States - the badly-needed 9-5 replacement is slated to debut before the year is out, but we expect it will go to European markets first, and there has been some talk of Saab withdrawing from North America entirely even if it continues to exist. While the 9-3X can't be fairly tasked with saving the company, it's a compelling-looking package that would appear to deserve a shot.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Saab 9-3X

Geneva 2009: 2010 Saab 9-3X ideal wagon for lingonberry picking originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: E-Class wagon

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz

When we saw spy shots of the E63 AMG wagon a couple of months ago, we thought the extended lines might diminish the stubbiness of the E Class sedan. The camouflage, cladding, and low profile tires made it seem deceptively sleek. Now that we've seen pictures of the regular E Class wagon, we're not so sure. There are two swage lines along the sides, but without any other curvature or those nifty ConceptFascination-esque haunches, they can't break up the impression of acres of metal. It just looks huge. Even so, we're still upset we don't get it here, and with a trailer hitch, even...

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: E-Class wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Saab

Click to enlarge

As the current Saab 9-5 heads into the waning days of its life-cycle, General Motors' Swedish brand will be launching a new limited edition model at the Detroit Auto Show.

This time around, the 9-5 Griffin is set to do duty as the most luxurious Saab yet. While one might expect the most premium edition of the 9-5 to use a six cylinder engine like the 2.8-liter turbo from the Turbo-X, it actually uses a 260-horsepower version of the corporate 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo. The Griffin receives matte chrome trim in the front, unique five-spoke 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and special badging.

The interior receives minimal changes, including gloss trim, piping on the carpets, and accent-colored stitching on the steering wheel, hand brake pull, and standard leather seats.

The Griffin will be available with either two- or three-pedal transmission configurations and four door sedan or wagon ("SportCombi") body styles.

The big question remains is that at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the Sportcombi, will anyone outside of Saab's most faithful really care? GM has already acknowledged that the Swedish brand is under review and the possibility of sale or shutdown looms large.

Click on the jump for Saab's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition

Detroit Preview: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Exiga: Up close and personal

Justin Gardiner — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Subaru

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Exiga.

When we showed you Subaru's new MPV last week your response was pretty much unanimous: man that is fugly. The car's reception on the other side of the Pacific has been a lot warmer though, particularly for the headlights' signature blue flash; the only criticism is that it's taken Subaru way too long to get this car to market.

Make the jump to read our initial impressions of the Subaru Exiga.

Gallery: Subaru Exiga Impressions

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Exiga

Continue reading Subaru Exiga: Up close and personal

Subaru Exiga: Up close and personal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volvo XC70 [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, In the Autoblog Garage, Wagon, Videos, Volvo, First Drive

2008 Volvo XC70 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While station wagons are a very big part of the European automotive landscape, here in the States the two-box design sells much better when it's a crossover. We Americans don't have many choices on the true wagon front, mostly because high volume demand simply doesn't exist. One wagon that has been around for a while is the Volvo XC70, which combines much of the rugged AWD utility of an SUV with traditional wagon packaging.

The XC70 is all-new for 2008, including its Ford Mondeo-derived platform, 3.2L engine and more refined sheet metal. On paper, the XC70 delivers a good-looking, safe and evolved station wagon to go head-to-head with upscale utility vehicles, but how will it hold up in the Autoblog Garage? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Volvo XC70

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volvo XC70 [w/VIDEO]

Review: 2008 Volvo XC70 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back

John Neff — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Europe, Cadillac

click above image for high-res gallery of the Cadillac BLS Wagon

Big derrieres can be hot if they're attached to the right body. We're talking about cars here, specifically wagons whose ample rumps allow you to haul more cargo while hardly carrying the stigma of a libido killing minivan. Wagons are still very popular in Europe, so Cadillac had the bright idea of building a wagon version of its BLS, a front-wheel drive entry level luxury car that's a Saab 9-3 beneath its skin. Don't call this a Sport Combi though, as the BLS gets it own sheetmetal, and the wagon unveiled in Frankfurt wore it well. It looks very much like a first-gen CTS that's been starving itself.

Cadillac is hoping that by offering European customers more choices, it will sell more cars, so in addition to the Wagon it's also offering Stabilitrak as standard equipment and two new engines for the BLS in Europe next year. The first is a 1.9L two-stage turbodiesel producing 180 HP and 295 ft-lbs., and the second is a 2.0L Flexpower engine that produces 285 HP and is able to run on E85 ethanol. Since the BLS is largely sourced from Saab, it should come as no surprise that the Flexpower engine is really one of the Swedish automaker's Biopower engines.

Check out GM's tiny press release after the jump and view our full gallery by clicking below.

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac BLS wagon

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back

Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More on the 2007 Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Volkswagen

Click image for photo gallery

"Obsessively covering the auto industry" means that when presented with an opportunity to check out some historically interesting cars, we do it. If you don't like station wagons, you might want to scroll down and check out one of our other articles for the time being. For the rest of you who grew up with the classic Detroit-style land barges, check out some of the pictures that we were able to snap last weekend's Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention. With the help of some Volkswagen media guys (who truly went the extra mile to get "the shot") and some station wagon lovers in attendance, we lined up a pretty cool shot that illustrates the progression of VW's station wagon offerings in America. This brings up an interesting point. Volkswagen wanted to show that it sees itself as being a genuine part of classic Americana. With vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and Karmann Ghia receiving admiring stares from those who remember them from their youth, it's not hard to see why VW feels that way. Likewise, the next generation grew up seeing Volkswagen GTIs on the roads, effectively starting the "hot hatch" category. The Jetta is a particularly American success. While it is the best-selling Volkswagen here in the States, it's hardly mentioned in Europe. So, an argument could be made that the new Jetta Sportwagen belongs right beside the big American station wagons of yesteryear. And so that's where it went, as you'll see in the attached gallery.

Gallery: Station Wagon Convention

More on the 2007 Station Wagon Owners Association of America convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIP: Ford Focus Wagon

John Neff — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Wagon, Ford

While you may be able to successfully argue that station wagons have made a comeback thanks to such hipster sleds as the Dodge Magnum and SUV-inspired Outbacks from Subaru, the love hasn't spread to the Ford Focus Wagon, which has always been the black sheep of the Focus lineup holding down around 8% of the small car's sales. Thus, Ford announced on its fleet website that it will be discontinuing the Focus Wagon in December. While Ford is actually increasing Focus production as a whole to meet the U.S. market's newfound demand for small cars, it's decided to spend its resources on the high volume Focus sedan, 3-door and 5-door hatchback models. Though the Focus lineup will now be down to three models by the end of the year, soon enough the heavily revised 2008 Focus will appear and a two-door coupe will join the ranks in place of the discontinued wagon.

[Source: Ford Fleet via LLN]

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RIP: Ford Focus Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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