Autoblog

2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k

Chris Shunk — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST

The 2009 edition of the Detroit Auto Show was depressing on a variety of levels, ranging from the number of automakers who either pulled out or didn't bring anything new, to the industry's general malaise as a whole. The show was upsetting on a regional level because attendance dropped.

Luckily, 2009 is in the books and 2010 appears to be better on nearly all fronts. While new introductions at the show seemed down this year again, the bright side is that more automakers participated and, perhaps more importantly for the struggling region, attendance was up in a big way.

The Detroit News reports that 715,000 men, women and children paid up to $12 to attend the show this year - up 65,000 from 2009's dismal numbers. Part of the reason for the increase came courtesy of surprisingly good weather (for Detroit), while the overall outlook of the industry isn't (quite) as dire as it was one year ago. Also, that higher attendance number happened despite the fact that the Audi display caught fire and cleared Cobo for one afternoon.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built.

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC has always been General Motors' truck and SUV marque, but the brand could break new ground if it decides to build a small urban vehicle based on the Granite concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Granite would likely be smaller and less rough-and-tumble than any other vehicle in the GMC lineup while also carrying a lower base price tag. If GM's "Professional Grade" brand builds a Granite-like vehicle it could take the marketing road less traveled; television-less advertising.

Buick-GMC advertising director Steve Rosenblum has reportedly told Automotive News that the next step for GMC could be a four-passenger vehicle that slots below the Terrain, and the Granite certainly fits that bill. Rosenblum went on to hypothesize that a Granite-sized vehicle would be heavily marketed to car buyers under age 35, and that its marketing campaign could be focused almost entirely on the Internet. And the tried-and-true "Professional Grade" tagline? GMC could exclude it from Granite ads, says Rosenblum. Hmmm...

GMC could also focus its marketing dollars on "smart phone" advertising. Rosenblum says that by 2011, two-thirds of cell phone users under age 40 will own a smart phone. One application the ad team designed is a brochure for the Granite with bar code designs that can be read by smart phones. The codes would then lead interested parties to a website with features about the Granite, along with a social networking site where interested parties could chat with designers.

Is the Granite a smart direction for GM to be taking with GMC, or is it a bridge too far? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford could take Lincoln global (one day)

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a few years ago, Ford had so many luxury brands in its then considerable suite of marques that there were upscale offerings for just about any taste in every region of the world. Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar are now in the hands of other owners and Volvo is on the outs, so how will Ford deliver luxury goods to other regions of the world? How about Lincoln?

The idea has been kicked around to no avail in the past, but with a growing luxury market in emerging markets like China, the Blue Oval may need a new global plan for its lone luxury marquee. Automotive News reports that Ford will only discuss expanding Lincoln globally when its North American operation gets turned around. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields told AN, "We don't have any plans at this point to take it global. That doesn't mean in the future we wouldn't look at that, but it's very important for us to focus on North America."

If Ford waits for Lincoln to turn around in North America before looking at other markets, the process could take a while. Lincoln sales were down 23 percent in 2009, with sales dipping to a 28-year low of 82,847 units. Many of Lincolns newer models have arrived with a luke-warm reception from both journalists and the car-buying public, though there are high hopes for the recently introduced 2011 Lincoln MKX and its trick MyLincoln Touch interface. Another Lincoln that could help spur sales overseas is a smaller model based off of the Concept C from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford could take Lincoln global (one day) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style

2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the third time really the charm? We'll leave that up to you as Kia has unveiled its third special edition Soul at the Detroit Auto Show, this time featuring automotive tattoos. The 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul is available now and follows in the footsteps of the Denim and Ignition specials. As the name implies, the Shadow Dragon is done up in a special black color scheme, and it also features a Soul-first leather-trimmed interior and crowd-sourced black dragon graphics (the Korean automaker trolled the Kia forums to determine what type of ink the Soul should wear).

Besides the matte-on-gloss black graphics, the Shadow Dragon sports blacked-out 18-inch wheels like the ones on the Ignition, glossy accents in the front and rear bumpers, and a unique rear wing. Like the other two Soul specials, the Shadow Dragon starts out as a Soul+ model, so it's stuffed to the gills with options. It includes the Audio Upgrade Package with its center speaker, subwoofer, external amp and those trick speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music. There's also an iPod connector, carpeted floor mats, moonroof, foglights and fender vents with encapsulated side markers.

On top of that, the Shadow Dragon Soul adds keyless entry, limo tint on the cargo area windows, body-color door handles and power mirrors. That's in addition to the steering wheel-mounted cruise control, Bluetooth, dual power ports, separate tweeters and usual array of cubbies and lights to make living inside the Dragon a little more hospitable. All of that for just $18,195 with a manual transmission. That strikes us as a modest price but also makes it the most expensive special Soul so far, some $695 dearer than the Ignition. Check out the press release after the jump for even more details.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul

Detroit 2010: Kia channels its inner tattoo artist with limited-edition Shadow Dragon Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab Saga Update: Genii and Spyker pondering joint bid? Workers rally in Trollhätten, etc.

Chris Paukert — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing

Saab: A history in pictures - Click above for high-res gallery

Despite the fact that the Detroit Auto Show put the focus back on General Motors' new products and pulled the spotlight away from the will-they/won't-they saga that is the Saab sale/wind-down, there are no shortage of developments to report in the ongoing story.

Yesterday, Genii Capital and Bernie Ecclestone submitted a freshly revised bit for Saab, and Spyker Cars reportedly also did so, with CEO Victor Muller going so far as to say that, "We have shown Mr. Whitacre the money." For its part, Merbanco has also apparently been asked to tweak its bid by General Motors, and it has done so as well.

Swedish-language outlet Svenska Dagbladet has reported that Genii and Spyker may team up to present an even stronger bid, and Dagens Industri has gone so far as to speculate that Genii and Spyker might try to pull Renault into a three-way deal (as you may remember, Genii purchased Renault's Formula One team recently), but Saabs United indicates that there's not much to this rumor.

In what critics are suggesting as a less-than-good-faith move, GM may also schedule transportation of the 2010 Saab 9-5's tooling to China as early as tomorrow, January 15, where the model would likely be built wearing Buick badges. The General appointed Steven Taylor and Peter Torngren to oversee the liquidation of Saab on Monday, and as part of that move, they replaced both Saab's CEO and board effective immediately.

Despite all of this, GM's new president of North America, Mark Reuss, has been quoted suggesting that the protracted bidding struggle may continue until early February, all while GM continues to the process of shuttering the brand. It's enough to make us long for the simpler days of last November, when Saab was nearly sold to Koenigsegg for the symbolic sum of one krona (about .14 cents).

While all of this has been happening, Saab enthusiasts have apparently been gearing up for dozens of rallies around the globe to show support for the sale of the battered marque, with organizers in Yekatarinburg, Russia going so far as to create a commercial and running it on local television. On Tuesday, workers at Saab's Trollhätten plant rallied, calling for the newly-appointed liquidators at AlixPartners to "go home." This, as the very first Saab 9-3 convertible came off the line in Sweden - previous droptops had been assembled by Valmet in Findland and Magna Steyr in Austria.

Given how painfully drawn-out this process has become, we have to wonder... will there be anything left to save when all the chips fall? A final, they-really-mean-it-this-time decision on Saab's fate could happen as early as tomorrow, but sources close to the negotiations seem to think that the proceedings are likely to drag out into next week.

Gallery: Saab - A History in Pictures

[Sources: Saabs United, Saab History, Swedish Wire, Earth Times, Business Week; Contract Hire and Leasing]

Saab Saga Update: Genii and Spyker pondering joint bid? Workers rally in Trollhätten, etc. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Transportation Secretary LaHood ponders another round of cash-for-clunkers

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Cash-for-Clunkers was among the more watched auto-related story lines of 2009. With the industry hurting, the government provided cash vouchers of between $3,500 and $4,500 to anyone who turned in a vehicle that was eight (or more) years-old and with between two and 10 miles-per-gallon worse fuel economy numbers than the new car or truck with which it was replaced. The program went from fledgling idea to a done deal in a matter of a few months, showing that the U.S. government is capable of move quickly when it really wants to, albeit with the help of a big fat $3 billion check.

The feat was reportedly so impressive to Department of Transportation Ray LaHood that he openly wondered whether the program should be reincarnated for 2010. Motor Trend reports that LaHood told reporters at the Detroit Auto Show that Clunkers was "the most wildly successful program ever, selling 800,000 cars in less than 30 days." It sounds like LaHood was really impressed with how C4C panned out, but will the program and its multi-billion dollar price tag resurface in 2010? LaHood says the DOT won't be begging for any spending money, and he insists that any decisions will need to be made by Congress in the year ahead.

Motor Trend says that despite LaHood's hands-off approach to Clunkers, there are persistent rumors that C4C could resurface in the second quarter of 2010 with perhaps less bountiful tax incentives and a less exorbitant price tag. We have no idea if C4C has any chance of making a cameo in 2010, though we're thinking that the consistent uptick in sales after Clunkers expired shows that the industry is beginning to improve without additional government intervention. Why spend money propping up an industry that seems to be doing a swell job of helping itself? Let us know what you think by heading over to the Comments and giving us your two-cents.

[Source: Motor Trend | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Detroit 2010: Transportation Secretary LaHood ponders another round of cash-for-clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is ele-MENTAL

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Videos, Cadillac

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When Cadillac unveiled the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, we were so interested taking in the 556 horsepower Caddy to pay much attention to the introductory video. That was a mistake. The creative types at the the Wreath and Crest cut together an epic spot of nature's might that would have made Maurice White proud.

After the jump you'll find one of the cooler press conference videos we've seen on stage. Hurricanes, atom bombs, lightning bolts and the sun come together to show off the all-powerful Caddy. And if you're not into nature, the CTS-V Coupe hooks you up with power slides and slo-mo athleticism. There was no hiding the fact that the CTS-V isn't exactly in line with some of the greener wares at the show, so Cadillac had no choice but to embrace its baddest coupe's scorched earth goodness. Mother Nature might need to change her pantsuit.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is ele-MENTAL

Video: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is ele-MENTAL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Celebrities, Humor

Bob Lutz has been an important guy in the auto industry since before most of us were born. Elon Musk is the reason your eBay transactions go so smoothly (he was the co-creator of PayPal). Together, they don't seem to make much of a team. Well, they wouldn't make much of a match if Musk weren't the CEO of Tesla Motors. Elon makes electric cars. Bob wants to make electric cars. Both are (*ahem*) outspoken and give good soundbites. Upon further review, it makes perfect sense that the two men were hanging out at the Detroit Auto Show. But what were they talking about?

We have some ideas, but they probably aren't as creative as yours. We'll get you started with some appetizers, but we're really just looking for you to provide the main course:

Lutz to Musk: "You think you're nervous right now, but you really just have range anxiety"
Musk to Lutz: "We have more batteries in one car than you have in 500 Volts"
Lutz to Musk: "$500 million? $50 billion!"

Help us out with some better captions by leaving some tender verbal vittles in Comments.

Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world's best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren't nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at... for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we've cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we've run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you'll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn't reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good

Drew Phillips — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder - Click above for high-res gallery

The V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI is a fantastic car, whether in coupe or convertible form. Heck, it's even great in brown, as proven by the pair of cars on the show floor. It might not be our first color choice for the German supercar, although it was a nice change from the usual white, silver, and gray cars that usually are strewn about the Audi stand.

Not that it matters, of course. A look on Audi USA's web site reveals that the color isn't available here in the States. Neither are the carbon ceramic brakes that are hiding behind the 19-inch wheels. A sign of things to come? Perhaps, and we wouldn't be too heartbroken if they came up as future options. Check out the gallery below and decide for yourself whether the color suits the R8.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder

Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Motor City Maidens

John Neff — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show

Motor City Maidens - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's 2010 Detroit Auto Show is over, at least for the press, and while some significant vehicles were unveiled, the overall impression we got is that the industry has scaled back. Less debuts combined with smaller and less elaborate displays made the whole affair feel significantly downsized compared to previous years.

There is one area, however, where automakers seemingly didn't skimp: models. No, not car models, models as in paid spokespeople who stand next to the cars and trucks we came to see. The Motor City maidens who graced displays at this year's show were a cut above the crop of models used at other auto shows we covered this year.

And in case you think us sexist, check out Sirens of Chrome, an entire book celebrating the culture of car models and their history on the auto show circuit. See? We're not sexist, but rather consumers of a valuable service. Check out the gallery below to consume for yourself.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Motor City Maidens

Detroit 2010: Motor City Maidens originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: CT&T debuts three models, including Multi Amphibious Vehicle

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Specialty, Electric, South Korea

CT&T Multi Amphibious Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

CT&T is a Korean company that makes tiny electric cars. You may have read about them on Autoblog Green. And if you did read about about CT&T's current products, you will know that we don't think very much of them. The truth, or a close approximation of it? They strike us as all-weather golf carts.

However, three new CT&T cars just got themselves debuted here at the Detroit Auto Show and we gotta be honest, we're mostly smitten with what we're seeing. First up is the C Squared - though the name might actually be "C Square" - we'll let you know. Anywho, the C Squared is a "creative electric sport [sic] car" that comes with a folding hard top as well as the ability to hit 95 mph. Sure, the nose is rather tragic looking but the back end's pretty good. Our biggest gripe? The $50,000 asking price.

Next up is the E-Zone Plus... and, uh, yeah. It has three-doors, will eventually have five-doors, and as the press release says, "headlights." No, really. That's what it says. Moving on.

Multi Amphibious Vehicle FTW! Now you're talking our language. Seriously, can you think of anything wrong with a six-wheeled, four-passenger electric amphibious car that goes 40 mph on land and 95 mph on the water? Neither can we! Now, some of you party-pooper types might be shaking your heads and saying "95 mph on the water? No frackin' way!" But rather than face reality we'll just stick to what we get accused of - regurgitating press releases. Says 95 mph in black and white. Also, check out how excellent this is, "...letting you enjoy all-around activities in resorts, fields, etc."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: CT&T Multi Amphibious Vehicle

Gallery: Detroit 2010: CT&T C Squared

Gallery: CT&T e-ZONE/c-ZONE at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Detroit 2010: CT&T debuts three models, including Multi Amphibious Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: California Special kicks off Mustang variants for 2011

Drew Phillips — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT/CS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is wasting no time in releasing a variation of its 5.0-powered Mustang, starting with the California Special for 2011. The GT/CS was last introduced as a 2007 model and featured a unique appearance and wheel package available only on the premium GT coupe and convertible. Ford hasn't officially released any details on the new GT/CS, but after inspecting the car in person on the show floor of the Detroit Auto Show, it looks like the 2011 model will have similar features.

Up front the GT/CS gets a larger and more aggressive spoiler painted in matte black as well as a horizontal bar grille featuring the pony logo on one side. The rear is enhanced by a new lower fascia with a GT500-style diffuser and a taller decklid spoiler. Finally, GT/CS graphics, a set of side scoops and a set of 10-spoke wheels round out the exterior enhancements. We'll let you know as soon as we hear more details about the car from Ford, including pricing, but until then you can browse through the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT/CS

Detroit 2010: California Special kicks off Mustang variants for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

Volvo C30 EV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Volvo brought along an all-electric C30 hatchback concept to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. While this isn't a production vehicle at this point, Volvo says the car is a fully drivable prototype with a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

We made our way down to Volvo's area here at Cobo in Detroit to check the battery-electric C30 out for ourselves, and honestly we came away impressed. As Volvo says, the C30 EV is a complete package with little evidence that it's not a production model. See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV

Gallery: Battery electric Volvo C30

Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV silently motors into the Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: A closer look at the Mustang's 5.0L V8

Drew Phillips — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

Ford's 5.0L V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford might not be pulling out all the stops here in Detroit to promote its updated Mustang like it did for the 2010 model year, the 2011 model's improvements are just as significant, if not more. The new 305 horsepower, 30 mile per gallon V6 debuted at Los Angeles back in December, and the long-awaited 5.0L V8 made its official debut here at the NAIAS. Fortunately, there's plenty more to the legendary 5.0 badge than an increase in displacement, and a cutaway motor on the show floor gave us a closer look at all the details.

For starters, the new V8 uses a different bore and stroke to give it an even five liters of displacement, last employed in the Mustang GT in 1995. A larger, single-blade throttle body that replaces the dual unit now works in conjunction with a composite intake manifold runner to provide for better breathing, as do the all-new aluminum cylinder heads that include an extra exhaust valve for a total of four valves per cylinder.

Additional upgraded components include a forged steel crankshaft, stronger forged powder metal connecting rods, high compression pistons, and a fantastic set of tubular stainless steel exhaust headers on each side. Perhaps most importantly, the 5.0-liter V8 receives Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), a technology that allows for optimal power or fuel economy depending on throttle input. You can read our in-depth article for even more details on the Mustang's new 5.0-liter V8, or you can see our live photos of the car and the cutaway engine in the galleries below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Detroit 2010: A closer look at the Mustang's 5.0L V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain fill out the range

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Specialty, Off-Road

2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few cars are as iconic as the Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle that can trace its heritage directly back to General Patton storming the Third Army up to Messina. Maybe a Porsche 911, maybe. Mini? Not really. Harley-Davidson is probably the closest, but they only have two wheels and aren't cars. The reason we're harping on this heritage angle is that after a twenty-year absence, Jeep's bringing back the Islander. Having grown up in Southern California and spent many a summer bumming around the beach, the Islander brings back many happy memories.

Obviously, the Jeep Wrangler Islander is beach themed. Also, water is wet. That said, you get a tropical "Tiki Bob" decal planted next to the coordinates 21° North and 157° West. That's Honolulu for you non-gazatteer types. Similar to most old YJ-based Islanders, this version is painted ocean-blue - Surf Blue Pearl Coat if you want to get specific. You can also get the Islander in white, silver or black, but why? You also get some interior touches, like seats with Surf Blue inserts and another Tiki Bob, this time embroidered into the back seat. All that beach themed fun can be yours for just $1,120 over sticker.

Jeep also showed us the Wrangler Mountain. Long story made real short, the Mountain is the Islander with different stickers, a painted grille and no heritage/nostalgic childhood memories. There's also an odd, flat-black hunk of plastic covering most of the hood that we're scratching our heads over. And... any questions? The cost of entry is $1,820. Oh, and the degrees on the Mountain's decal are 27° South, 88 66° West. We'll let you figure out where in the world that is. Have fun!

Gallery: Detroit: Jeep Wrangler Mountain and Islander Editions

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Jeep]

Detroit 2010: Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain fill out the range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Bentley Series 51 Continental GTC

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Bentley

Bentley Continental Series 51 Continental GTC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley was the only ultra-luxury marque to have a stand-alone display at the Detroit Auto Show and the British brand came strong with its upcoming Mulsanne flagship in the flesh and this special edition Continental to pique our interests. The Continental is already a stunner in its "base" trim, but not everybody is content with an "ordinary" Bentley.

The ultra-exclusive Continental adds a new Series 51 trim for 2010, named after Bentley's first official styling department in the 1950s. Series 51 trim will be available for the entire Continental lineup and offer exclusive exterior design cues and a unique color palette. We're talking three-tone leather with contrasting piping and stitching here, folks. Check the Series 51 box and you'll also get 14-spoke, 20-inch wheels and a Series 51 badge on the front wings.

The new trim, which will be available throughout the Continental lineup, starts at $192,750 for the GT coupe. Click below to peruse our high resolution gallery of the Series 51 Continental GTC and hit the jump to read over the Bentley press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Bentley Series 51 Continental GTC

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Bentley Series 51 Continental GTC

Detroit 2010: Bentley Series 51 Continental GTC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this morning's XTS Platinum and CTS-V Coupe debut here at the Detroit Motor Show, newly appointed brand manager Bryan Nesbitt announced to the media that that all Cadillac models will receive V-Series and Platinum models. However, during the media scrum that followed the conference, we sought clarification from Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell, and he stated that future Cadillacs will receive a V-Series or a Platinum model. Thus, if you had visions of an Escalade-V dancing in your head, well... don't.

The prevailing logic behind which models will get a V or a P will depend on the model's market segment and inherent sportiness. As Caldwell explained it to us, a model like the CTS has a foot in both worlds (and could probably pull off both), but models like the SRX or Escalade lend themselves more to the heightened creature comforts of the Platinum experience. Some Autobloggers remain a bit foggy on why General Motors' luxury brand needs what is effectively a double-prestige trim level (shouldn't all Cadillacs be posh by definition?), but we do appreciate the added accouterments all the same.

And as to the possibility of a CTS-V Sport Wagon? Well, we got a wink-wink, nudge-nudge when we suggested to Cadillac that we'd like to see it, and judging by the smiles all 'round, it's all but certain that we'll be seeing its debut on the show circuit later this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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