Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/ladies-love-it-evoque-wins-womens-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/ladies-love-it-evoque-wins-womens-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/ladies-love-it-evoque-wins-womens-world-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: SUV, Crossover, Land Rover, UK, Luxury

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Coupe- white - front three-quarter view

The 2012 Women's World Car of the Year Award winners are in, and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has taken top honors. A jury of female auto writers from a total of 12 countries all voted on this year's winners over four categories, including Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car, though the panel also awards a trophy for "supreme winner." This year, the Evoque took first place in both Luxury Car and supreme winner segments.

Interestingly enough, the BMW 3 Series drove off with first place in the Family Car category, while the Porsche 911 took the top Sports Car nod and the Honda Civic won Economy Car honors. WWCOTY says that while each category saw a clear winner, the spots for second and third place in each category switched multiple times as more votes came in. You can check out the full list of winners in the press release below.

Continue reading Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year

Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardcar of the yearevoqueland rover evoqueland rover range rover evoquerange rover evoquewomens carwomens world car of the yearMon, 08 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST

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20343838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-range-rover-evoque_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-range-rover-evoque.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari North America CEO named Auto Exec of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/ferrari-north-america-ceo-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/ferrari-north-america-ceo-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/ferrari-north-america-ceo-named-auto-exec-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: Ferrari

Ferrari is, among other things, a cult of personalities. It just tries to keep those personalities to a manageable number to include its founder Enzo Ferrari, his successor and longtime chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and whatever two talents happen to be filling the seats of its F1 cars - Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa... You don't tend to hear the names of any of the thousands of others who make the company what it is, but today Marco Mattiacci takes a well-deserved curtain call.

Head of Ferrari's operations in North America - as well as those in Central and South America - for little over two years now, Mattiacci is credited with increasing the brand's market share on this side of the Atlantic by some 20 percent. And due to that success, he has been named 2012 Automotive Executive of the Year.

The award is one of the oldest in the business, having started in 1964 and featuring such notable past honorees as Alan Mulally, Bill Ford, Jr., Henry Ford II, Carroll Shelby, Rick Wagoner, Bob Lutz, Lee Iacocca, Carlos Ghosn, and Dieter Zetsche. Born in Rome, Mattiacci is cited as the first Italian to receive the award (Iacocca's lineage apparently notwithstanding), and will officially receive the award at a ceremony on April 20 in Detroit. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Ferrari North America CEO named Auto Exec of the Year

Ferrari North America CEO named Auto Exec of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive executive of the yearautomotive executive of the year awardawardexecutive of the yearferrarimarco mattiaccimattiacciThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST

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20181165 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/marco-mattiacci_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/marco-mattiacci.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Elantra, Range Rover Evoque named 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/hyundai-elantra-range-rover-evoque-named-2012-north-american-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/hyundai-elantra-range-rover-evoque-named-2012-north-american-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/hyundai-elantra-range-rover-evoque-named-2012-north-american-ca/#commentsFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai, Land Rover

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for... the Car of the Year awards to rule all Car of the Year awards... the definitive selection of the very best the industry has to offer has been decided. Well, we don't know about all that, but the votes have been tabulated and the assembled jurists (including our own Chris Paukert) have selected the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year.

The finalists were whittled down from a list of 30 candidates to include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat (on the car side of the equation) and the BMW X3, Honda CR-V and Range Rover Evoque (on the truck side, despite them all being car-based crossovers). And after (what we hope was) careful consideration, the panelists have selected the Elantra and the Evoque as the overall winners.

The awards will undoubtedly sit proudly atop the mantles at both Hyundai and Jaguar/Land Rover's headquarters, but will surely be received with particular jubilation by Land Rover, which has won the award for the first time in this, its largest market.

UPDATE: Official press release with voting tally added after the jump.

Continue reading Hyundai Elantra, Range Rover Evoque named 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year [UPDATE]

Hyundai Elantra, Range Rover Evoque named 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit auto show2012 north american car and truck of the yearawardawardscar of the yeardetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showelantrahyundaihyundai elantraland roverland rover evoqueland rover range rover evoquenorth american car and truck of the yearnorth american car of the yearnorth american truck of the yearrange roverrange rover evoquetruck of the yearMon, 09 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST

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20143646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/elantra08_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/elantra08.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Automobile</i> names its 2012 All-Stars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/automobile-names-its-2012-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/automobile-names-its-2012-all-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/automobile-names-its-2012-all-stars/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Hatchback, Audi, BMW, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Land Rover, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ferrari

Ford Mustang Boss 302

'Tis the season, boys and girls. Sure, the holidays are around the corner, but with the end of the year in sight, it's time for every magazine and its sister (publication) to choose its favorite car(s) for the year. And the latest to do so is Automobile magazine.

The venerable glossy book has already announced its 2012 Automobile of the Year, the Audi A7, along with its Man of the Year (Kia design chief Peter Schreyer), Technology of the Year (the trifecta of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing) and Design of the Year (Fisker Karma). But now Automobile has revealed its ten favorite cars for the annual All-Star list.

The final list represents an eclectic cross-section of American, European and Asian vehicles - all available in the U.S., naturally - including the:

Think Jennings and company chose well? Follow the jump for the press release, and be sure to click here to read the full All-Stars story, as well.

Continue reading Automobile names its 2012 All-Stars

Automobile names its 2012 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileautomobile all-starsautomobile magazineautomobile magazine all-starsawardawardscar of the yearThu, 10 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST

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20103349 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webautomag-boss302-allstar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webautomag-boss302-allstar.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins <i>Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road</i> 4x4 of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/jeep-wrangler-rubicon-wins-petersens-4-wheel-and-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/jeep-wrangler-rubicon-wins-petersens-4-wheel-and-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/jeep-wrangler-rubicon-wins-petersens-4-wheel-and-off-road/#commentsFiled under: Jeep, Off-Road

wrangler rubicon

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable off-roading vehicles on the planet, and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road has taken notice. The Wrangler Rubicon has been named 4X4 of the Year by the magazine, beating the Dodge Ram Power Wagon for the honor.

The award is the third for the Wrangler, and the 12th award in 30 years for the Jeep brand. The Rubicon took the trophy after acing a 1,000-mile trial that evaluates vehicles' performance in dirt, mud, sand, rocks, gravel and highway driving.

For 2012, the Wrangler lineup ditched its old, unloved 3.7-liter V6 in favor of the 285-horsepower Pentastar V6, as well as the various interior refinements that have been in place since the 2011 model year. The changes, coupled with the Wrangler's established off-road pedigree, were enough for it to take top honors from Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road.

Rick Péwé, the mag's editor-in-chief, called the Rubicon "the most competent 4x4 ever produced," adding that the Jeep "allows you to take the trail less traveled without worrying about the journey." Hit the jump to read Petersen's press release.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road 4x4 of the Year

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off Road 4x4 of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x4awardjeepoff-roadpetersonsrubiconwranglerSun, 30 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST

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20093568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-jeep-wrangler---01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-jeep-wrangler---01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA Show debuts new awards for most popular vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/sema-show-debuts-new-awards-for-most-popular-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/sema-show-debuts-new-awards-for-most-popular-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/sema-show-debuts-new-awards-for-most-popular-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: SEMA Show, Etc.

SEMA will inaugurate a new award at this year's show, but in this case the voters are show exhibitors, not attendees. Called the SEMA Award, it lets the folks who provide the entertainment officially recognize the item that they found most entertaining.

There are three categories of hot - Hottest Car, Hottest 4x4 SUV and Hottest Truck - with contenders "proven... to be significant in the industry" already decided. Follow the jump for more info on the award and the eligible awardees.

Yet somehow, no matter how cool the Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type F looks (see above), we're going to go out on a limb and guess there won't be any Honda CR-Zs on the winner's list.

[Source: SEMA]

Continue reading SEMA Show debuts new awards for most popular vehicles

SEMA Show debuts new awards for most popular vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardawardshottest carhottest suvhottest trucksemasema 2010sema awardFri, 10 Sep 2010 08:58:00 EST

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19626126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/semaawardpopular_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/semaawardpopular.jpg <![CDATA[Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/domestics-surpass-imports-as-a-whole-in-j-d-power-2010-apeal-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/domestics-surpass-imports-as-a-whole-in-j-d-power-2010-apeal-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/domestics-surpass-imports-as-a-whole-in-j-d-power-2010-apeal-st/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Click above for gallery of the graphics from J.D. Power and Associates

Porsche once again grabs the top spot (for the sixth time in a row) in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. This year's study asked 76,000 owners 90 days after purchasing their 2010 model-year cars "how gratifying their new vehicle is to own and drive." The answer, for the first time since 1997, was that the domestic brands were more "appealing" as a whole than the imports (the domestics earned a score of 787 on a 1,000-point scale - 13 points greater than the imports).

When it comes down to specific awards (as shown in the segment-level graphics), Ford leads with five. The automaker earned one each for the Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen each garner two awards. The Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Avalanche, both segment leaders, are the only two models that ranked highest in the 2010 APEAL study and in the 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) announced in June. Suzuki is credited with the greatest improvement this year, while Jeep drops one slot from last year's 2009 APEAL Study and falls to the bottom of the list for 2010. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.

Gallery: J.D. Power 2010 APEAL Awards

[Source: JDPower.com]

Continue reading Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study

Domestics surpass imports as a whole in 2010 J.D. Power APEAL study originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 APEAL2009 IQS2009Apeal2009Iqs2010 APEAL2010 Study2010Apeal2010StudyAPEALAPEAL StudyApealStudyAwardExecutionIQSj.d. powerJ.D. Power and AssociatesJ.d.PowerJ.d.PowerAndAssociatesjd powerJDPAJdPowerLayoutPerformanceRecipientSurveyThu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST

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19555001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/apealpage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/apealpage.jpg <![CDATA[Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/survey-aston-martin-db9-is-uks-favorite-car-of-last-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/survey-aston-martin-db9-is-uks-favorite-car-of-last-25-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/18/survey-aston-martin-db9-is-uks-favorite-car-of-last-25-years/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

It's just six years old, but Britons have lived with it long enough to declare the Aston Martin DB9 their favorite car of the past 25 years. Great Britain's drivers were asked to choose their favorite car from a list of 30 rides going back to 1985 and fully ten percent of them chose Aston's middle-child coupe, said to be "synonymous with James Bond" even though he never drove one. Germany rounded out the podium spots with the Volkswagen Golf at number two, and the (Anglo-~~Saxon~~German) Mini at number three.

You can follow the jump for the press release on the survey. Or you can have a look at the DB9 Volante in the high-res gallery below and see if you can figure out why its hardtop sibling took home the trophy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

[Source: Direct Line]

Continue reading Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years

Survey: Aston Martin DB9 is UK's favorite car of last 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin db9AstonMartinDb9awardbritaindb9surveySun, 18 Apr 2010 18:33:00 EST

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19444127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/astondb9favuk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/astondb9favuk.jpg <![CDATA[Red Dot design award honors Rolls-Royce Ghost, others]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/red-dot-design-award-honors-rolls-royce-ghost-others/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/red-dot-design-award-honors-rolls-royce-ghost-others/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/red-dot-design-award-honors-rolls-royce-ghost-others/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Peugeot, Design/Style

Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still thinking of the Rolls-Royce Ghost as a mini-me Phantom? Think again. The design is apparently standing on its own merits, and has won the praise of the Red Dot jury. Considered one of - if not the - definitive awards for superior design, the Red Dot is awarded every year to an array of products, from furniture and office supplies to electronics and passenger vehicles.

This year the award was given to a wide range of automobiles, including the Skoda Yeti and Superb Combi, BMW 5 Series and X1, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Venga, Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet and Opel Astra. The "best of the best" designation, however, was reserved for the Rolls-Royce - which follows the prize awarded to the Phantom Drophead Coupe two years ago - along with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Peugeot RCZ. Follow the jump for more details.

[Source: Rolls-Royce, Red Dot]

Continue reading Red Dot design award honors Rolls-Royce Ghost, others

Red Dot design award honors Rolls-Royce Ghost, others originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awarddesignghostmercedesmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgpeugeot rczPeugeotRczrczred dotred dot design awardRedDotRedDotDesignAwardrolls-roycerolls-royce ghostRolls-royceGhostsls amgSlsAmgFri, 02 Apr 2010 07:59:00 EST

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19421666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/r-rghostopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/r-rghostopt.jpg <![CDATA[Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Design/Style

Most everyone is familiar with the Ward's Auto 10 Best Engines award where BMW, Audi and Ford took several honors for 2010, but a less prominent, though perhaps more eye-catching, award given by the magazine is the Ward's Interior of the Year awards.

The award recipients are chosen through a process that examines all new vehicles for the given model year. For 2010, Ward's had 40 vehicles, considered finalists meeting the requirements. Vehicles are placed in several different classes and judged based upon interior ergonomics, quality and feel of materials, comfort, fit and finish and overall value.

The winners in each class will be announced in mid-April, but you can continue after the jump to view the list of competitors in each class. It could be argued that many of the vehicles are deserving, but only one per class will be selected. The Buick Regal interior pictured above caught our eye, but tell us your own in the comments below.

[Source: Ward's Auto - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award

Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardawardsawards interiorAwardsInteriorbest interiorbest interior designBestInteriorcar interiorCarInteriorInteriorinterior designInteriorDesignvehicle interiorVehicleInteriorwards autoWards Automotivewards interiorwards ten best enginesWardsAutoWardsAutomotiveWardsInteriorWardsTenBestEnginesTue, 30 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST

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19416869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/buick-regal-gs-press-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/buick-regal-gs-press-630.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Gran Turismo</i> creator to select Best in Show at SEMA that will be featured in upcoming game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/gran-turismo-creator-to-select-best-in-show-at-sema-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/gran-turismo-creator-to-select-best-in-show-at-sema-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/gran-turismo-creator-to-select-best-in-show-at-sema-that/#commentsFiled under: SEMA Show, Toys/Games

Each year at SEMA, a select group of editors and contributors from the world's largest automotive publications scour the show floor to hand out prizes for the best hot rod, Japanese import, European import, domestic automobile and SUV. But not the overall Best in Show award. That'll be handed out by a video game programmer.

Well, not just any video game programmer. The video game programmer: Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the Gran Turismo racing game franchise. As part of the seventh annual Gran Turismo awards, Yamauchi will hand pick one custom ride at the SEMA show to be rendered by his team of electronic wizards in high-resolution splendor and featured in an upcoming edition of the game. Nominations are being accepted in advance of the November 4 awards ceremony at the Palms, so if you know a ride worthy of Gran Turismo, follow the link for the entry form.

[Source: SEMA]

Gran Turismo creator to select Best in Show at SEMA that will be featured in upcoming game originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardawardsbest in showBestInShowgran turimsogran turismo awardsGranTurimsoGranTurismoAwardsgt5Kazunori YamauchiKazunoriYamauchisemasema best in showSemaBestInShowMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

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19200612 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/kazunori_yamauchi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/kazunori_yamauchi.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/hyundai-genesis-sedan-the-most-awarded-car-of-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/hyundai-genesis-sedan-the-most-awarded-car-of-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/hyundai-genesis-sedan-the-most-awarded-car-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Hyundai Genesis Sedan hit the scene, it was hard to know exactly what to think of the handsome-if-anonymous looking luxury intender. After all, Hyundai hadn't ever had a presence in our luxury car market, and attributes like rear-wheel drive and V8 engines weren't exactly a Hyundai staple. Over the past year, however, the Genesis' well-judged appointments and recession-friendly pricing Genesis Sedan won us over, and our contemporaries in the motoring press seem to feel the same way.

Hyundai says that the Genesis Sedan's considerable trophy case makes it the most awarded car of 2009 - and since we have no methodology by which to cross-checking such a high-falutin' claim (scientific or otherwise) we're going to give the Korean automaker the benefit of the doubt. The Hyundai Genesis Sedan began 2009 as the North American Car Of The Year and the well-heeled sedan has continued to build momentum with an impressive 21 awards. Among the Genesis Sedan's many honors are nods from Motor Trend (America's Top 40 New Cars), Cars.com, J.D. Power, NADAGuides, and AutoPacific.

Heck, the Genesis' 375 horsepower Tau 4.6-liter V8 also made Wards Automotive's 10 Best Engines list, and after putting down nearly 2,000 miles in just such a beast earlier this month, AB executive editor Paukert concurs, praising the eight's smooth power delivery and impressive mileage. Despite a packed cabin and trunk and plenty of mountain driving and high-speed cruising, our man averaged 26.1 MPG on a circuitous route from Michigan to North Carolina - fully 1.1 MPG better than the EPA says to expect on the freeway. He also praised the car's acheless seats and pleasing Lexicon audio system as excellent long-distance travel partners.

Hit the jump to read the press release listing the Genny's awards cache. What follows is a proud parent brag-fest, but when you get it right like Hyundai appears to have done with its Genesis Sedan, perhaps a little self-promoting is merited. Maybe now they'll see fit to finally take credit for it by putting a "Hyundai" badge somewhere on the car, eh?

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009?

Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 hyundai genesis2009HyundaiGenesis4.6l v84.6lV8awardhyundai genesis sedanHyundaiGenesisSedanjd powersJdPowersmotor trendMotorTrendtau v8TauV8Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST

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19145797 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/2009-hyundai-genesis-4.2-v8-blur-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/2009-hyundai-genesis-4.2-v8-blur-630.jpg <![CDATA[European jurists announce candidates for 2010 Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/european-jurists-announced-candidates-for-2010-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/european-jurists-announced-candidates-for-2010-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/european-jurists-announced-candidates-for-2010-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: Europe

It's getting to be that time of the year when jurists select their favorites for the various Car of the Year awards. And so, hot on the heels of the announced list of nominees for the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards comes the roster of candidates for the 2010 European Car of the Year awards.

For those unfamiliar, the European COTY award is a joint effort between several automotive publications across Europe that banded together way back in 1964 to select their one favorite. England's Autocar, Italy's Auto, Spain's Autopista, Holland's Autovisie, France's L'Automobile, Germany's Stern and Sweden's Vi Bilagare all contribute jurists who take several months to narrow down the list of eligible candidates to a seven-car shortlist before picking their choice for the year.

Although it doesn't have any nominees in the field this year, Fiat has won the award nine times (plus two for Alfa Romeo and another for Lancia). Recent winners have included the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Fiat 500, Ford S-Max and Renault Clio. Follow the jump to view the list of this year's candidates and stay tuned for the seven-car shortlist before the winner will be announced on November 30.

[Source: CarOfTheYear.org]

Continue reading European jurists announce candidates for 2010 Car of the Year

European jurists announce candidates for 2010 Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardcar of the yearcar of the year awardCarOfTheYearCarOfTheYearAwardcotyecotyeuropean car of the yeareuropean car of the year awardeuropean cotyEuropeanCarOfTheYearEuropeanCarOfTheYearAwardEuropeanCotyWed, 24 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST

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19077218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/coty2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/coty2009.jpg <![CDATA[Sebastian Vettel drives his Toro Rosso on public streets to pick up award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/sebastian-vettel-drives-his-toro-rosso-on-public-streets-to-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/sebastian-vettel-drives-his-toro-rosso-on-public-streets-to-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/sebastian-vettel-drives-his-toro-rosso-on-public-streets-to-pick/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Sebastian Vettel en route to receive the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's not every day that we get to see an F1 car out on city streets, but then again, we don't live in Italy. That's the racing-crazed country that recently allowed Sebastian Vettel to drive a grand prix racer across 12 kilometers of public roads to receive the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy.

The award is presented annually in the Italian village of Brisighella, where Lorenzo Bandini lived until his tragic death at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix. Every year since, the Bandini family presents the trophy to a F1 driver, and it's become a bit of a tradition that the recipient drive his F1 car to pick it up in person. So with police escorts (note the Polizia-spec Lamborghini Gallardo in the background of the pictures in the gallery below), Vettel drove the dozen clicks from the home base of the Scuderia Toro Rosso - with whom he won the Italian Grand Prix last season - in an STR F1 car to Brisighella, where he joined the ranks of such recent recipients as Felipe Massa, Mark Webber, Kimi Raikkonen, Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica in accepting the citation.

Gallery: Sebastian Vettel receives Lorenzo Bandini Trophy

Sebastian Vettel drives his Toro Rosso on public streets to pick up award originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardbandinicitationlorenzo bandinilorenzo bandini trophyLorenzoBandiniLorenzoBandiniTrophyrbrred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingscuderia toro rossoScuderiaToroRossosebastian vettelSebastianVettelstrtoro rossoToroRossotrophyvettelFri, 05 Jun 2009 09:59:00 EST

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19053586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/web580-4-toro_rosso_trofeo_bandini_2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/web580-4-toro_rosso_trofeo_bandini_2009.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno to be honored with La Bella Macchina Award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/jay-leno-to-be-honored-with-la-bella-macchina-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/jay-leno-to-be-honored-with-la-bella-macchina-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/jay-leno-to-be-honored-with-la-bella-macchina-award/#commentsFiled under: Celebrities

Automotive aficionado and all-around cool dude Jay Leno - today celebrating his last night has host of The Tonight Show - is set to receive the "La Bella Macchina" award this August at the 24th Annual Concorso Italiano. One of the highest honors in automotive circles, the award signifies outstanding contributions and a passion for the automotive industry. Previous recipients have included Sergio Pininfarina, Phil Hill and Carroll Shelby.

Concorso owner Tom McDowell summed up Mr. Leno well:

"Jay is the international face of the ultimate car guy and has been an enthusiastic ambassador for the hobby for more than 30 years. With his own large collection ranging from Lamborghinis and jet powered motorcycles to Duesenbergs and a tank-engined 30-foot hot rod, Jay's eclectic taste knows no boundaries, other than making sure it has four wheels and a great history.

We couldn't agree more. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Concorso Italiano]

Continue reading Jay Leno to be honored with La Bella Macchina Award

Jay Leno to be honored with La Bella Macchina Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Awardconcorso italianoConcorsoItalianoconcours deleganceConcoursDeleganceHonorJay LenoJayLenoLa Bella MacchinaLaBellaMacchinaMontereyThe Tonight ShowTheTonightShowFri, 29 May 2009 17:28:00 EST

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19051508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/fiat-topolino_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/fiat-topolino_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-r-class-lincoln-mkz-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-r-class-lincoln-mkz-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-r-class-lincoln-mkz-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Lincoln MKZ, and both have earned the agency's Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did very well in the frontal offset and side impact tests with "Good" ratings in both tests (models manufactured after 9/2008 with the standard side airbags). The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also performed admirably, earning "Good" ratings in both tests as well (models manufactured after 1/2007). In rear crash tests done by the IIHS, the Mercedes and Lincoln each received "Good" ratings. While the IIHS smashed both of the vehicles offset into a barrier at 40 mph, and hit each with a 3,300-pound side impact barrier moving at 31 mph, the agency's new roof strength crash testing has not been conducted on either model. See the short press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Awardcrash testCrashTestIIHSLincoln MKZLincolnMkzMercedes-Benz R-ClassMercedes-benzR-classSafetyTop RatedTop Safety PickTopRatedTopSafetyPickWinnerMon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST

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1535941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/02_lincolnmkz2010-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/02_lincolnmkz2010-580op.jpg <![CDATA[Jamie Kitman wins 2009 National Magazine Award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/jamie-kitman-wins-2009-national-magazine-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/jamie-kitman-wins-2009-national-magazine-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/jamie-kitman-wins-2009-national-magazine-award/#commentsFiled under: Etc.

Jamie Kitman, Automobile Magazine's New York Bureau Chief, has been named the winner of the 2009 National Magazine Award in the Columns and Commentary category. Kitman's monthly column, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, won the recognition from the National Society of Magazine Editors (ASME).

The awards, also known as the "Ellies," are considered some of the most prestigious for American online and print magazines. His winning category "recognizes excellence in short-form political, social, economic or humorous commentary. It honors the eloquence, force of argument and succinctness with which the writer presents his or her views." According to Automobile Magazine, Kitman's accolade marks the first time in the 44-year history of the award that a car-enthusiast magazine has won.

[Source: Automobile, photo from Automobile Magazine]

Jamie Kitman wins 2009 National Magazine Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASMEAutomobile MagazineAutomobileMagazineAwardElliesJamie KitmanJamieKitmanNational Society of Magazine EditorsNationalSocietyOfMagazineEditorsWinningSun, 03 May 2009 11:36:00 EST

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1534354 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/kitman_250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/kitman_250.jpg <![CDATA[2009 World Car of the Year finalists announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/2009-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/2009-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/2009-world-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/#commentsFiled under: Contests, Green, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen

Less than one month from now, the 2009 World Car of the Year Award winner will be announced at the New York Auto Show. The international jury panel (chosen by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of experience, expertise, credibility and influence) has whittled down the original list of eligible entries to just three in each category (in alphabetical order):

2009 World Car Finalists

2009 World Performance Car Finalists

2009 World Green Car Finalists

This year, the committee has appointed three "green experts" to assist in the selection of the World Green Car finalists. Our own Sam Abuelsamid (from Autoblog and AutoblogGreen) was the sole representative from North America! Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: World Car of the Year]

Continue reading 2009 World Car of the Year finalists announced

2009 World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AwardBest CarBestCarNew York Auto ShowNewYorkAutoShowwcotywcoty 2009Wcoty2009WinWorld Car of the YearWorldCarOfTheYearWed, 11 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST

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1484930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/wcotyawards_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/wcotyawards_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/mazda-president-and-ceo-james-osullivan-named-automotive-execut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/mazda-president-and-ceo-james-osullivan-named-automotive-execut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/mazda-president-and-ceo-james-osullivan-named-automotive-execut/#commentsFiled under: Contests, Mazda

Joining the ranks of Carroll Shelby, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean (to name just a few), James O'Sullivan will receive the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year Award at an invitation-only luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) in May. O'Sullivan is the current President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation.

The award, started in 1964, recognizes excellence in automotive leadership from OEM executives as chosen by a nominating committee comprised of industry media, analysts, and suppliers. O'Sullivan has more than three decades of experience in the industry, and he held many key positions with Ford before heading Mazda. Robert Djurovic, executive director of the Automotive Executive of the Year award program said, "As a native Detroiter with a strong background in the actual sales process, coupled with a lean inventory, a solid partnership with JP Morgan Chase, and a great market offering in the Mazda3, James is the ideal candidate for the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year."

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year

Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Automotive Executive of the Year AwardAutomotiveExecutiveOfTheYearAwardAwardCEOJames OSullivanJamesOsullivanMazda CEOMazda3MazdaCeowinnerSat, 07 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST

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1481313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/osullivan_250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/osullivan_250.jpg <![CDATA[Self-inflating tire technology captures innovation award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/self-inflating-tire-technology-captures-innovation-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/self-inflating-tire-technology-captures-innovation-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/self-inflating-tire-technology-captures-innovation-award/#commentsFiled under: Gadgets, Green, Safety, Technology

The Tire Technology of the Year award, handed out at the Tire Technology Expo in Hamburg, Germany, has been awarded to the creators of the Self-Inflating Tire at Coda Development.

While "self-inflating" tires aren't new to the market (especially in the commercial industry), nearly all of the existing systems utilize compressed air to inflate or maintain tire pressure. This requires a compressor or reservoir tank to feed air to the tires. Coda's "SIT" system uses a peristaltic pump built directly into the tire that uses the spinning wheel to force air through a liquid-filled tube to maintain pressure at a set level. Designed to aid fuel economy and improve safety, the SIT system claims to maintain a constant inflation pressure over the lifetime of the tire. Simple, lightweight, inexpensive, and not requiring any power source, we liked the idea last year. Twelve months later, and now with an award under its belt, we think it's time to get the SIT system rolling. Press release after the jump, gallery below.

Gallery: Coda self-inflating tire technology

Continue reading Self-inflating tire technology captures innovation award

Self-inflating tire technology captures innovation award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AwardCodaCoda DevelopmentCodaDevelopmentGermanyHamburgradialrubberSelf Inflating TireSelf-inflatingSelfInflatingTireSITTireTire Technology of the YearTireTechnologyOfTheYearMon, 23 Feb 2009 16:25:00 EST

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