Autoblog

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST

Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan. The bankrupt automaker's Formula Drift program was run by Shaun Carlson's NuFormz Racing, which began with Mopar in 2002, competing in the NHRA Sport Compact division. The team eventually made their way into drifting in 2004, where Hubinette captured the championship behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper during Formula D's inaugural season. Hubinette went onto several podium finishes, placing second overall in 2006 and claiming runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2008.

Although the team's last sideways outing will be at the New Jersey Speedway on June 5 and 6, Chrysler's Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Mike Accavitti, said in a release, "At this time, [Chrysler] plan[s] to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future." Make the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler via EverythingDrift]

Continue reading Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials

When Hyundai dealers complained about not having a minivan in 2006, the automaker reached into the corporate pool and re-badged the Kia Sedona, turning into the Entourage. The timing was poor, as minivan sales plummeted across the board. Last year, sales were down 50% on the Entourage to just 8,400 units (Kia sold 27,000 Sedonas in the same period). It was a brutal lesson, but Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik says the company learned "why you don't do badge engineering." Needless to say, the plug is being pulled on the Hyundai Entourage later this year. With its sales wounded by the dismissed Hyundai, the Kia Sedona will continue to grace showrooms. For now, at least.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, Nissan

We knew this was coming, it was just a matter of getting confirmation. According to Autocar, Nissan has suspended plans to create a compact, rear-wheel-drive successor to the Silvia due to Nissan's financial difficulties and Carlos Ghosn's pledge to reduce costs.

The first indication that Nissan was working on a Silvia/240 replacement came in the form of the Foria concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. The Urge design study quickly followed and development of the RWD coupe continued over the following years. We talked to a Nissan exec back in August of 2008 and they were able to confirm that work was still underway, but wouldn't put an exact date on when it would be unveiled.

Another casualty of the financial crisis is the rumored and refuted GT-R-based sedan for Infiniti. Work on the Porsche Panamera fighter has been put on indefinite hold, but it hasn't been cancelled outright. Ghosn wants the automaker to focus its development efforts on producing small- and medium-sized cars, including a Toyota Prius competitor which could arrive as early as next year.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Nissan cancels RWD Silvia successor and GT-R sedan, Prius-fight planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reportedly executes Cadillac XLR

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that the Cadillac XLR will cease production forever this spring. Spawned from the eye-popping Evoq concept, the Corvette-derived (but Northstar-powered) hardtop convertible finds itself as General Motors' latest cost-cutting casualty. Its high price, low volume and decreasing sales do not make for a strong business case anymore, especially in an economic environment that is not conducive to new car sales in general. We've driven the XLR - the supercharged V-Series - and we like it a lot. Rare and stylish enough to still turn heads, fast enough to paste a wide, goofy grin on your face, and comfortable enough to let you cruise for hours on end - as good as it was, the XLR (and its V-Series counterpart) never quite got the formula perfected. It was doomed to perpetual also-ran status in its category compared to the benchmark set by the Mercedes-Benz SL. The Corvettes also had better engines, manual gearboxes and cost a lot less. The current CTS-V boasts a substantially better interior, is faster and costs less still. And so the XLR drives into the sunset this spring. Frankly, it's a pretty good ride to be making that drive in.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

[Source: Bowling Green Daily News]

GM reportedly executes Cadillac XLR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another one bites the dust: Mitsubishi pulls out of Detroit Auto Show

Michael Harley — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi

Eight weeks from now, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show will open its doors at Cobo Hall. And... Mitsubishi won't be there. Like a handful of other high-profile manufacturers who have pulled out (including Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, Suzuki, and Porsche), the Japanese automaker based its decision on cost - the market for Mitsubishi automobiles in the Detroit area just isn't significant enough to warrant the expenditure in today's economy. The automaker's move is rather significant as the Detroit show is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. However, skipping the 2009 show doesn't prevent Mitsubishi from coming back in 2010. Regardless of whose left at the show come the second week of January (hey, at least Chinese automaker BYD will exhibit), Autoblog will be there to cover everything in detail.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Another one bites the dust: Mitsubishi pulls out of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European insurers quit covering Ford and GM suppliers

Michael Harley — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:18:00 EST

Soaked in bad news, GM and Ford received yet another dousing when their three big European credit insurers dropped them this week. Euler Hermes, Atradius, and Coface have all refused to write policies for suppliers trading with both automakers. The three giant insurance companies control more than 80 percent of the world's credit insurance (insurance companies typically pull their coverage when a client stops proving insurers with enough information to calculate a credit risk, or their overall risk profile has deteriorated). Without their credit cover, suppliers will be forced to either trade uninsured, cease trading, or ask for payment up front. Supply issues aside, this news only compounds the automaker's problems as it also weakens investor confidence, already completely slumped.

[Source: FT, free subs. req'd]

European insurers quit covering Ford and GM suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?

Justin Gardiner — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.

Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.

Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.

No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.

Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar at the Nurburgring

Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac places DTS/STS replacement on hold

Michael Harley — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM

Click on the image above for our high-res 2008 Cadillac STS gallery

It may be the end of the Big Cadillac. Not only has General Motors put plans for a DTS/STS replacement on the back burner, but apparently the flame is close to being extinguished as consumers are demanding smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Cadillac's banner year was 1954 (the year Elvis was driving a pink '54 model). Back then, the big Caddys represented wealth and success (and gas was only $.25 per gallon). Today, a 4,000-pound super-sized sedan averaging 15 mpg in the city cycle doesn't bode well with anyone. With plans for their replacement on hold, and the rumor that the DTS/STS my be combined into one new vehicle unconfirmed, GM is focusing on coupe and wagon versions of the CTS and smaller and more fuel efficient SUVs. For the record, we don't consider the just-announced $71,000 2009 Escalade Hybrid smaller and more efficient....

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac STS

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Cadillac places DTS/STS replacement on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler, cutting lineup, won't sell twins anymore

Michael Harley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

With Project Genesis in full swing, new revelations from Steven Landry, Chrysler executive vice president for North American Sales, have shed some more light on the corporate strategy to trim waste and turn the company around. As of now, dealers are under the belief that the automaker intends to cut its lineup by one-third to one-half. Supporting that assumption, Landry told a crowd at Northwood University that "twins" -- vehicles built on the same platform yet are sold under different brand names -- are out (think Jeep Liberty / Dodge Nitro). As Chrysler has more than a handful of twins, sold under several different brands, their dilemma will be in choosing which twin gets the axe, and which gets to survive.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Chrysler, cutting lineup, won't sell twins anymore originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dakar looks at alternatives, South America tops list

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Following the unfortunate cancellation of this year's Dakar rally, race organizers are examining a number of potential alternatives to permanently move the race away from northern Africa. Last year's race had stages canceled due to security considerations, but this year's event, which would have been going on right now, was the first to be cancelled in the rally's history. With reports now suggesting that the French foreign ministry's urging to cancel was based on direct threats from Al Qaeda to the Dakar rally itself, last year's modified race will likely have been the last to run the traditional, if oft-modified, route.

ASO - the French outfit that organizes the event, along with the famous Tour de France bicycle race - has considered a number of alternatives, including Dubai, Australia, and even running the distance from Paris all the way to Beijing, but reports are now suggesting that following the offer from the Chilean tourism minister, a deal has already been signed to hold the rally beginning next year on a route from Argentina to Chile and back.

Although the South American rally likely won't happen this year, when it does it will likely revert to Dakar's traditional January 1 starting gun and take the place of the Pampas Rally in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup.

[Source: Autosport]

Dakar looks at alternatives, South America tops list originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NO SOUP FOR YOU! Prodrive-McLaren deal cancelled

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

If you've got your money on Prodrive making an unprecedented F1 debut next season, we'd recommend calling your bookie and changing your bet. The British racing consultancy was preparing to hit the grand prix circuit using equipment obtained through a deal with McLaren, but the agreement that was all but dotted and crossed has reportedly fallen apart.

Neither Prodrive nor McLaren have yet to comment, but according to Autosport.com, the deal is off. As we'd reported previously, Prodrive were to become an effective second McLaren team by using the same chassis next season, but that all depends on the FIA Court of Appeal's ruling on the legality of such an arrangement. That procedure was, according to Prodrive chief David Richards - also chairman of Aston Martin and former lyteam principal at first Benetton and then BAR-Honda - was the last obstacle standing between the new team and its fight for podiums in 2008. It would appear, however, that McLaren is less than confident that the regulatory body will rubber-stamp the customer-car deal, as they've reportedly told their employees not to prepare the additional Prodrive cars.

Mad props to our reader andybee for the tip!

[Source: Autosport]

NO SOUP FOR YOU! Prodrive-McLaren deal cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clarkson confirms he and Top Gear will return

John Neff — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Europe

Jeremy Clarkson has laid to rest rumors that either he or Top Gear itself would not be returning for another season. During yesterday's show, which is the last for the current series, Clarkson said, "Everyone seems to think the programme is finished or that I've left. Well, sorry to disappoint you all but it isn't and I haven't. Top Gear... will be back in the autumn."

The rumor spread after Clarkson contradicted a BBC announcer's claim that a Top Gear "summer special" was in the works and that the show would return in the fall. Clarkson turned the rumor mill's key when he said in his column, "After last week's Top Gear, the continuity announcer said the show would be back in the summer. Can I just say, here and now, it won't be."

Most are now assuming that Clarkson is simply claiming that there won't be a summer special for the show, but that it will return, with Clarkson in tow, next fall.

Thanks for the tips, all!

[Source: Sundaymirror.co.uk]

Clarkson confirms he and Top Gear will return originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIP: Chevy kills off Monte Carlo

John Neff — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Chevrolet

A member of the GM Inside News forum posted today that he received an email from General Motors announcing the end of the Monte Carlo. We rang up the General for confirmation and received word that the Monte Carlo is indeed being offed. May 4th will reportedly be the last day you can order a Monte Carlo and production of the car at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada will cease on June 20th. Apparently production of the Monte Carlo is being cancelled to make room for all those extra Malibu orders the automaker is expecting when the new 2008 model sedan begins production in October. This is the sixth generation Monte Carlo, and when asked if we'd see the name return on a new model in the near future, we got the canned answer from GM, "We do not comment on future product." Sigh. Monte Carlo sales were off 64.2% in January of 2007 with only 1,639 units being sold. In 2006, 34,113 units were sold, a slight improvement over 2005.

[Source: GM, GM Inside News]

RIP: Chevy kills off Monte Carlo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Mill: Chrysler Pacifica being cancelled

John Neff — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler

News of the next generation Pacifica being cancelled and the model dropped from Chrysler's lineup has come to us right out of the rumor mill, albeit from a source we trust. We're told that official word of the Pacifica's fate is forthcoming and could arrive as early as today.

The Pacifica was never the sales success that Chrysler hoped it would be, a fact that could be blamed on its lukewarm launch. Its sales were slow to gain momentum on account of the absence of a lower-priced base model, and when such a model was added it seemed too little too late. Talk to a Pacifica owner, however, and you're likely to find someone who is very satisfied with his or her choice of transportation. The big four-door wagon (oops, Chrysler hates it when you call it that) was a competent crossover before the term was cool, combining the all-wheel drive attributes of an SUV with the slicker shape of a traditional wagon, effectively offering a vehicle as useful as a minivan without the suburban stigma. Sales of the vehicle are off 10% year-to-date, with Chrysler managing to move 60,885 units through October. We'll keep our ears open all day today in case Chrysler makes this rumor an official act.

UPDATE: A piece just posted on the Detroit Free Press website corroborates what our source has told us about the next generation Pacifica, codenamed the CT, being cancelled. The DFP has word from several suppliers who told the paper they have been ordered by Chrysler to stop work on the project and even lay off associated contracted engineers and designers.

Rumor Mill: Chrysler Pacifica being cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 01:00:00 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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