Autoblog

SEMA Preview: Chrysler goes hog wild [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

2011 Dodge Charger Red Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has big plans for this year's SEMA show. The company has worked up a muscle-bound pack of special edition models and concepts slated to be unveiled in Las Vegas. In a live webchat this morning, Ralph Guiles and Pietro Gorlier announced that Dodge and Mopar will be pulling the sheets off of the new Challenger 392, complete with a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. In addition, quarter-mile fans can get excited about the new Challenger Drag Pak V10. The car will come with all the goodies you'll need to dominate the strip, including a V10 borrowed from the mighty Dodge Viper, a two-speed transmission, roll cage, fuel cell and unique gauge cluster. Even better, both Challengers are production models.

Of course, what would SEMA be without a few wild concepts thrown into the mix? In that vein, Chrysler will roll out the 2011 Red Line Dodge Charger shown above. The car will feature massive 22-inch wheels and a number of unique body treatments geared toward giving the redesigned sedan even more attitude. The company will also show off a different take on the new Durango called the Black and Tan. The truck features a custom interior and wheel package designed to be the most luxurious Durango out there.

Finally, Fiat is getting a taste of Mopar love with a new 500 concept. The pint-sized Italian will wear flared fenders, 18-inch wheels and special interior treatments designed with a sporty flare.

Chrysler says that it will have a total of 35 vehicles on hand for this year's SEMA show. Hit the jump to take a look at a quick video detailing some of the stars of the company's show fleet as well as a full press blast.

Gallery: Chrysler at SEMA 2010

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Chrysler goes hog wild [w/video]

SEMA Preview: Chrysler goes hog wild [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota FT-86 to be badged as Scion, retail for $25K

Chris Shunk — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Scion, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Toyota FT-86 concept was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, we were surprised and delighted at the prospect of an attractive, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 with a $20,000 price tag. Could we just as excited for a $25,000 RWD Scion? We may not have a choice.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota management told dealers in Las Vegas there will be a production version of the FT-86 badged as a Scion model. The move would help bolster the struggling brand, which has been a bit product-starved of late. There are also rumors of a new price point - as high as $25,000 - and the possibility that the Subaru version will only be available in Europe.

While the report claims the FT-86 will be badged as a Scion, there is no definitive word there won't be a Toyota variant as well. We're sure to learn more this auto show season, as reports show that the production FT-86 could arrive at the New York Auto Show in 2011.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

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

[Sources: Wall Street Journal - sub. req., Toyobaru.net]

Report: Toyota FT-86 to be badged as Scion, retail for $25K originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS caught going out for lunch

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Buick, GM

Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS - Click above for high-res image gallery

We spy with our little eye, a camouflaged 2012 Buick Regal GS taking a group of General Motors employees out to lunch. Rather than opting for the drive-thru, this group decided to stay out of the office a bit longer and left the vehicle alone in a parking lot, and our CarPix spy photographers were ready to pounce in order to give us this good look at the sportiest Buick we've seen for eons.

And sporty it shall be judging by the hardware the cameras caught. A set of heavily-bolstered Recaro seats look identical to the super grippy chairs used in the model's Opel Insignia OPC twin, and there's a six-speed manual transmission sprouting between the bolsters, further suggesting that this is no mere people hauler. The Regal is expected to borrow heavily from the OPC partsbin, and that's great thing. The OPC is motivated by a 320 horsepower, twin-turbo V6 that pushes the all-wheel drive car to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just six seconds. In our brief experience with the Euro market car, it has an altogether more hardcore and snarlier character that should appeal to diehard enthusiasts, and it's sure to bring some performance luster back to the TriShield brand. We can hardly wait.

Gallery: Buick Regal GS: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS caught going out for lunch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept lights up the stage

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept live debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surely, one of the most hotly anticipated releases at the 2010 Paris Motor Show would be the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept. After all, no automaker has teased the masses these last few weeks more than Lamborghini, and perhaps no single vehicle manufacturer is as beloved by the teenage boys lurking inside each one of us.

That said, any new Lambo is going to have big shoes to fill, with such classics as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Murcielago, Gallardo and Reventon each holding its well-earned place in the annals of supercardom. Will the Sesto Elemento turn out to be yet another masterpiece from Italy? Too early to say, but we can still drool a bit over the live shots in our high-res image gallery below. Enjoy!

Gallery: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

Gallery: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept lights up the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept celebrates 30 years of performance

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Audi Quattro Concept live debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here they are folks, the first live images we've managed to snap of the Audi Quattro Concept that's currently being debuted at the Paris Motor Show. We expect to get much more closely acquainted with the machine over the next couple of days, but until then, take a gander at the machine that Audi crafted to celebrate 30 years of Quattro performance.

Keep in mind that this sucker is packing 408 horsepower from its turbocharged five-cylinder engine and routing all those ponies through a six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels, making for a power-to-weight ratio on par with that of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI. See the rest of the details here. A fitting tribute, if we do say so ourselves.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept

Gallery: Audi Quattro Concept

Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept celebrates 30 years of performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success

Chris Paukert — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has just announced that it will begin importing the hottest version of its little sports car, the TT-RS, in the third quarter of next year.

The product move comes after Audi whipped up a Facebook petition page that gathered in excess of 11,500 signatures in just a month's time.

The move to import the 360-horsepower Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG-fighter isn't much of a surprise - after all, Audi has been courting the media with test drives for months, and an Audi executive at last week's launch of the A7 Sportback in Sardinia hinted that a decision was to be revealed in a few days.

No word yet on what pricing or the options list will look like, but only the hard-hatted coupe will make it to these shores - the Roadster will remain forbidden fruit.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success

Audi TT RS headed to America after Facebook petition success originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011

Chris Paukert — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep

2011 Jeep Patriot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has just revealed the first images and details of its 2011 Jeep Patriot, and the compact softroader has received very subtle nip/tuck for the new model year that touch nearly every aspect of the vehicle.

The alterations include a new front fascia with fog lamps integrated with the headlamps, color-keyed grille, a new front fascia that's lower than before, new 17-inch alloys and a brace of new colors, among other differences.

Under the skin, the baby Jeep receives reworked steering and suspension tunings (though the company declines specifics) and 4x4 models benefit from additional inch of ride height to augment its off-road capabilities.

Like other recent Chrysler models, the Patriot's interior has been a sticking point since the model was introduced for the 2007 model year, and the Auburn Hills automaker has devoted quite a bit of attention to upgrading the cabin in this revised model. Changes include new soft-touch door panels with backlighting for the door and window switches, a new armrest, a new wheel with redundant audio controls (along with Bluetooth and cruise), higher-quality cloth on the seats, and so on.

Analyze the changes for yourself by checking out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Patriot

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011

Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrysler 200 sedan teased, preliminary specs revealed

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 200 teaser images - Click above for high-res image gallery

These teaser images don't reveal much, but what we see are some of the finer details of the 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan, set to replace the Sebring when it hits dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010. Chrysler is counting on the 200 to make up some of the market share that the Sebring failed to gain, and if new products like the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee are anything to base judgments on, we fully expect the 200 to be a giant step in the right direction.

Details are slim, but we do know that the 200 will be available with a choice of two powertrains. The standard engine is Chrysler's 2.4-liter inline-four, mated to either a four- or six-speed automatic transmission, and the automaker's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will be available on higher-end trim levels. Rated at 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the Pentastar should provide more than enough grunt for Chrysler's new mid-size luxury sedan, and a six-speed auto 'box should make for relatively respectable fuel economy numbers, too.

We anticipate that Chrysler will release more images and details within the next few weeks, so stay tuned for the full raft of details. For now, hit the jump to read Chrysler's press release, and scroll through our gallery of teaser shots below.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200 Teaser Images

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan teased, preliminary specs revealed

2011 Chrysler 200 sedan teased, preliminary specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler shows off Fiat 500 Sport for North America

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

2011 Fiat 500 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has officially pulled back the covers on the American version of the Fiat 500 Sport. The pint-sized hatchback will be dueling with the Mini Cooper on our shores in short order, powered by none-other than the Fiat 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair four-cylinder engine. The Pentastar hasn't released power figures for the American version of the powerplant, nor do we know official fuel economy numbers.

Chrysler says the Fiat 500 will be available starting later this year. Buyers should be able to opt for one of three models initially - Sport, Pop or Lounge - though the company hasn't mentioned what kind of differentiation we'll see between the three. We do know that Sport trim will feature a nifty sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and painted brake calipers.

Starting next year, a convertible version of the adorable Italian will make its way to our shores as well. You can find the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Fiat 500 Sport

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler shows off Fiat 500 Sport for North America

Chrysler shows off Fiat 500 Sport for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A7 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autoblog is driving the stunning new Audi A7 Sportback at its international media launch this week in Sardinia, and the scuttlebutt around the hotel bar is that a hotter performance variant, the S7, will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the coming weeks.

With garden-variety U.S. A7 five-door powered by the latest evolution of Audi's supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI six-cylinder engine backed by a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, it will be interesting to see what the higher-performance S7 brings to the party. As is often the way with such things, Audi representatives here on the Mediterranean island are stopping just short of confirming the debut altogether, and they certainly aren't telling us what will lurk under in the engine bay of the all-wheel drive hatchback.

Like other German automakers, Audi has pledged to back down from the cylinder-count escalation wars that have marked the last decade of its performance products, so we certainly aren't expecting a further derivation of the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the current S6. The company has also been veering away from its excellent 4.2-liter FSI engine as seen in the R8 and S5 coupe, so it's possible that this engine won't make it into the S7 as well. Sister brand Bentley has already confirmed that the 2011 Continental GT will be available with a V8 engine for the first time, and it's broadly suspected that the new engine will be a direct-injected 4.0-liter turbo, and an Audi-fied version of that powerplant is expected to filter down throughout the S6/S7/S8 range.

Even though North American A7s will funnel their 296 horsepower exclusively through a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic, the model range is available with a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch cogswapper in European markets, and it's likely that Audi would save this more sports-oriented gearbox for the higher-performance S7. A six-speed manual is also a possibility.

Will the sporty S7 slantback make it into our showrooms? Again, Audi of America reps won't confirm it, but they are clearly vying to receive the car, and with only one powertrain confirmed for the A7 bodystyle in our market, it would make sense that a second powertrain package like that of the S7 would join the stable. As the U.S. A7 will carry a 2012 designation and won't be available until late spring, don't look for the S7 to hit U.S. dealers any time soon.

As you'll likely remember, Audi USA has been aggressively lobbying its German counterparts for more performance models as of late, having only recently confirmed the white-hot RS5 coupe for the States. The RS5 won't show until 2012, sadly, but still on the table is the importation of the TT RS, and a decision on that model is likely to be handed down within the next few days. Further, you may recall that Audi of America actually went so far as to create an online petition on its Facebook page asking brand fans to urge for its importation, and it even tempted members of the U.S. media ('Hi!') with local test drives in California.

While we're all waiting for further word on the S7 and TT RS, there's at least a new high-res gallery of the A7 Sportback to keep us entertained. Check it out below.

Gallery: Audi A7

Audi S7 likely headed for Paris, TT RS for U.S. decision imminent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

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

General Motors is continuing its small-car onslaught by showing off the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo at this year's Paris Motor Show. According to the company, the show car on display will be the spitting image of the actual production version, though we can expect a few small changes to show up as dictated by each market. GM says that the new Aveo borrows heavily from the Spark, complete with plenty of "hot hatch" styling. It's true that the forward-leaning shoulder line and aggressive headlights help give the Aveo plenty of menace for a vehicle this size, and judging from the powertrain lineup, there's a chance that this little sucker might scoot along with the best of them.

GM says that it will be offering a range of engines in the Aveo globally, from an anemic 70 horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine to a variety of diesel mills and a 115 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline four. We aren't engineers by a long shot, but 115 horsepower in a tiny tin box like the Aveo is bound to be at least somewhat entertaining.

The next-generation Aveo is both longer and wider than its predecessor, so there should be quite a bit more interior space to enjoy. Here's hoping the company has applied its newfound dedication to interior quality to the hatch. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show

General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe's lineup by adding a five-door Cruze, and while we won't get our first look at this new hatchback for a few weeks, GM has decided to preview it early with a few pictures on the web. Sure to be one of the major draws at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks, the liftback ought to compete nicely with the 2012 Ford Focus five-door, but don't expect GM to offer the more functional Cruze in the United States. "Americans don't like hatchbacks," remember?

Much like the Aveo RS and Buick Regal GS from this year's Detroit Auto Show, GM calls the Cruze hatchback a "show car," but in this case, that means that it's somewhere between the stages of concept and prototype. Don't expect the body to change, but we can easily see the front LED light bar and larger wheels being scrapped for the sake of cost-cutting.

Chevrolet says it will begin selling the Cruze hatchback across Europe in mid-2011 and pricing will be announced closer to the model's on-sale date. Follow the jump for the full details in GM's press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Durango unveiled

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge

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

Chrysler has just pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Dodge Durango, and the newest iteration of the Auburn Hills brawler looks to have all of the bones it needs to be competitive in one of the industry's most crowded segments. For next year, the vehicle will ride on a new unibody platform wrapped in freshly-minted sheetmetal. More importantly for those looking to ferry their brood about town, it will also boast a full three rows of seating. Under the hood, buyers can look forward to picking between the company's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 6,200- and 7,800-pounds of towing capacity, respectively. All-wheel drive is available with both power plants.

Chrysler hasn't provided any fuel-economy estimates just yet.

The interior was worked over by the same gurus responsible for the superb, hide-lined cabins in the Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee, and judging by the one teaser photo the company released this morning, it looks like a fine place to whittle away the miles. There look to be a host of smaller, but equally important changes onboard the Durango as well, including an all-new Dodge emblem on the steering wheel. If you were waiting to see what the face of the new Chrysler would look like, search no more. It's here. Look for the Durango to hit dealer lots by late this year.

Hit the jump for the full press blast after checking out our high-res gallery below

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Durango unveiled

2011 Dodge Durango unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Bentley, Luxury

2012 Bentley Continental GT spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's only a matter of days before Bentley officially debuts the 2012 Continental GT coupe on the internet. We've already seen two sets of spy shots and a teaser video, and now our trusty spy photographers have caught the big Conti out testing one last time. So much for keeping us in suspense.

Yes, by now we already have a very good idea of what the final Continental GT will look like, but we're still curious as to what changes lie under that shapely sheetmetal. What's more, we're sure that Bentley has a few tricks up its sleeve for new interior refinement (not that the current Conti has third-world accommodations, or anything).

ContinentalGT.com is the place to be at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, September 7 - that's where we'll see the official reveal and get full details on the new Conti. For now, scroll through the final set of spy shots, below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Bentley Continental GT

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some say he's Ben sacked! BBC reportedly fires The Stig

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Celebrities, Rumormill

We saw this one coming; the BBC has apparently sacked The Stig. Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid reports that the Stig, a.k.a. Ben Collins, has been let go and that a new Stig has already replaced him on Top Gear. In fact, the Mirror says it already have pics of the new Stig at a Nürburgring track event, wearing the signature white coveralls and smoked visor helmet. How does the paper know it's not Collins in the photos? Simple: it had another photographer at Ben's house - 1,100 miles away - watching Collins play with his children at the same time.

The firing of the Stig comes a week after a battle erupted over Collins' autobiography, slated for release in September. Details about the Stig's true identity have been trickling out for some time, including the recent discovery that Collins Auto-Sport, a company owned and operated by Ben Collins, claimed income from "driving services for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme."

Of course, this could still just be speculation, and TG may have hired another driver just for that one track event. If Collins has indeed been canned and the show follows form, a segment will be filmed showing the demise of the white Stig and the appearance of his replacement. At least that's what they did when the original black-clad Stig, Perry McCarthy, left the show. Wonder what colors the new Stig will fly...

[Source: The Daily Mirror]

Some say he's Ben sacked! BBC reportedly fires The Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn't confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota's official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn't forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger revealed on set of The Fast and the Furious Five

Chris Paukert — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger on the set of 'The Fast and the Furious Five' - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to Autoblog reader Jose Rosario, we can now put the speculation to rest - the 2011 Dodge Charger will indeed receive a new full-width taillamp treatment that echoes that of its two-door Challenger kin. Rosario informs us that these spy shots were taken in Puerto Rico on the set of The Fast and the Furious Five, the latest installment of the durable Vin Diesel street racing franchise.

According to Rosario, the filming appears to be using at least one prototype of the new Charger, "because it has the sides of the current model but has the new front and they added the new rear which light up all in LED lights." The film crew is also using more complete 2011 models, all of which are dressed up as police cars. The cars were used in a chase scene in which two current-model in a matte black finish pull a bank vault along the street, pursued by the Brazilian police cars (Even though the filming is taking place in Puerto Rico, the movie is set in Brazil). Rosario sadly reports that the last scene filmed the day these images were taken were of a current model Charger rear-ending a 2011 model.

Rosario managed to not only get shots of the new taillamps and well-integrated dual exhausts, but also some shots of the front end, which he says looks "more aggressive," including more snout-like grille, new hood, subtly but completely redone headlamps and a revised lower fascia.

As if that weren't enough, our man in PR also scored a shot of the 2011 model's interior, which reveals a much more cohesive look. A new three-spoke steering wheel with redundant audio controls beckons, as does what appears to be a start button. The gauge binnacle eschews the four nacelles of the current car for a more unified cluster that's marked out by a liberal helping of silvery trim and vertically oriented air vents bookend a new infotainment screen. Immediately below the screen, the Charger maintains its simple three-knob HVAC controls (albeit redone), and a step down from there is the CD slot. In the center console, a gated PRNDL surrounded by what looks like faux carbon-fiber trim. All-in-all, it looks like a massive improvement over the dour and workmanlike instrument panel of the outgoing Dodge.

What do you think - will the reborn Dodge Charger and its Chrysler 300 twin offer enough changes to rekindle your interest? Check out our images in the high-res gallery below, and then drop your fellow reader a line in Comments. Thanks for the pics, Rosario!

Gallery: Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger

Reader Spy: 2011 Dodge Charger revealed on set of The Fast and the Furious Five originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: General Motors files for IPO

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials

General Motors, the largest automaker based in the United States, has officially filed paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an Initial Public Offering.

By offering preferred stock along with its IPO, GM is looking to allow the U.S. Treasury (and by extension, American taxpayers) the chance to reduce its stake in the automaker as much as possible. Unlike common stock, preferred stock carries both debt and equity, is rated by the world's credit rating companies and typically has priority over common stock in the event that the company goes into bankruptcy.

According to Bloomberg, the U.S. Treasury intends to sell a fifth of its 304 million common shares as part of the IPO, which will make the government a minority shareholder.

If GM raises the expected $16 billion in its IPO, it will rank as the second-largest in U.S. history behind Visa's $19.7 billion in 2008. The offering will be led by Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. Official GM fine print is available after the jump.

[Sources: General Motors, Bloomberg | Image: Associated Press/Paul Sancya]

Continue reading BREAKING: General Motors files for IPO

BREAKING: General Motors files for IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

Saab 9-4X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been expecting this announcement to come sooner or later, though we didn't exactly count on it coming from the LA Auto Show's own Twitter page. But there it is anyway, straight from the horse's mouth: "Saab has confirmed that the 9-4X Crossover will make its world debut at the LA Auto Show this Nov."

We're also expecting some sort of official word that the new crossover 'ute, which will share its Theta Premium underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX, should hit the market sometime in the spring of 2011... perhaps around April.

While we're on the subject of expectations, we'd also imagine that Saab will offer its premium crossover with the same powerplants as the recently released 9-5, which means we could see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and a 2.8-liter turbocharged six, both likely mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. We'll apparently find out for sure soon enough.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

[Source: LA Auto Show's Twitter]

2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS leaked shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whoops! The men and women in Stuttgart weren't planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but the crew from eMercedesBenz snagged these leaked images showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory.

As expected, the new CLS takes a lot of its styling cues from Benz's Shooting Break concept (they're name, not ours) notably the upright grille and more aggressive front fascia. The sectioned-off headlamp design has also remained intact, and from these photo-realistic renderings, it looks like someone shot the CLS in the eyes with lemon juice. Still, we're eager to see how this mix of LEDs looks out on the road at dusk. The CLS also uses the more shapely rear hips of the Shooting Break concept, rounding out the revised rear end. It's certainly more stylish than the outgoing CLS, which says a lot.

Inside, the CLS continues to use its four-seat arrangement with a center console that extends the full length of the cabin, and we fully expect the overall refinement to fall somewhere between the E-Class and S-Class sedans. Plush stuff, we're sure.

When the CLS launches, eMercedesBenz reports that a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 will be offered, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, an AMG version won't be far behind with the all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 underhood.

Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, don't be surprised if the official images and details are published in the very near future. Stay tuned for the full smattering, and in the meantime, scroll through the attached gallery to see the high-res leaked images.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Leaked Shots

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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