Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dirty Dozen: Twelve of the auto industry's biggest busts of the last decade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/dirty-dozen-twelve-of-the-auto-industrys-biggest-busts-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/dirty-dozen-twelve-of-the-auto-industrys-biggest-busts-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/dirty-dozen-twelve-of-the-auto-industrys-biggest-busts-of-the/#commentsFiled under:



Now that the 2000s are officially drawing to a close, it's time for us to look back at the decade-that-was and reflect on the hits and misses in the automotive industry. Naturally, we expect that some models will hit the target square in the bulls-eye while others will fall just short of becoming a marketplace success. For every few near-misses, though, there seems to be a new model launch that just completely goes down in flames, Hindenburg-style.

We put our heads together to see if we could all agree on at least ten major automotive busts that whiffed on both critical success and in sales volume, and somewhat surprisingly, we managed to come up with a dozen. These may not be the last word in failure - and not every choice was made unanimously - meaning that you may be surprised by some of our inclusions, but we stand by our list. That said, grab some popcorn, a candy bar and a super-sized Coke, then click here to see our list of the Twelve of the Auto Industry's Biggest Busts of the Last Decade.



[Source Image: MGM]

Dirty Dozen: Twelve of the auto industry's biggest busts of the last decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive bustsAutomotiveBustsbiggest automotive bustsbiggest automotive busts of the decadebiggest bustsbiggest busts of the decadeBiggestAutomotiveBustsBiggestAutomotiveBustsOfTheDecadeBiggestBustsBiggestBustsOfTheDecadebustsfeatureTue, 15 Dec 2009 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google maps turn by turn navigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we've been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren't tied in to a vehicles' wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper - as in (sort of) free.

It's only "sort of" free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget's full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I've been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We've now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.


Gallery: Motorola Droid Google Navigation

Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android navigationAndroid1.6Android2.0AndroidNavigationdroiddroid navigationDroidNavigationfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps turn by turn navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsTurnByTurnNavigationMotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsNavigationUnitreviewturn by turnturn by turn directionsturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnTurnByTurnDirectionsTurnByTurnNavigationTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/#commentsFiled under: ,


WRAPPING UP

The leaves have long-since changed and most have fallen off. There's a chill in the air and the odd snowflake, too. The summer motorsports season is at an end, and it's time to think about putting everything into stasis for the winter. With a kart, this requires a bit of work: freezing temperatures and race hardware don't tend to get along. But, even if you have a spacious, heated garage there's still some prep-work and general maintenance you should know how to do. In this final installment of An Introduction to Karting we'll walk you through tearing down and cleaning the kart, answer some questions received from readers, and mix in a little more race footage from the final event of the year.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 7

Introduction to Karting - Part 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to kartingAnIntroductionToKartingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkanye westKanyeWestkartkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/#commentsFiled under: ,

RACE DAY

It's taken a long time to get here, many months accelerated through the magic of the internet, but now it's finally time to hit the track in anger, to fight for position, to make some daring passes - or at least to try and avoid getting lapped more than once. Learning all about karting was interesting, shopping was a chore, hitting the track to practice was a blast, but it was all about wheel-to-wheel competition. In this installment of the series we'll take you through our first race day and our first time turning a wheel on fresh rubber, an experience we shall not soon forget. Oh, and we've given our kart a bit of a make-over too. Click on through to see how it looks, and how we managed under our first green flag.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 6

Introduction to Karting - Part 6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/#commentsFiled under: ,

HAVE ENGINE, WILL PRACTICE

Finally, after weeks of learning, shopping, and preparation, we have a track-ready kart. If you've been following along with our An Introduction to Karting series you're probably just as ready to go as we are. Last time we got our chassis, installed the seat, and finally spooned a little two-stroke Rotax 125 engine on the back. The only thing left to add is a driver, and wouldn't you know it we have one of those.

In this installment we'll hit the track with the kart, get the motor broken in properly, start looking at some tuning parameters, and have a heck of a lot of fun drifting around the track on some ancient tires that appear to have been hewn from slate or something similarly hard. We'll also get some further advice on driving techniques, troubleshoot some brake issues, and learn just how easy it is to make a kart point in the wrong direction at high-speed - captured for you in high definition.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 5

Introduction to Karting - Part 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

We've been accused of acting as facilitators; as dealers; as dastardly souls encouraging readers to engage in a one-way trip toward an expensive, time-consuming hobby. That's pretty accurate. Yes, we did describe karting as an inexpensive way into a serious motorsport, and that's true, but any racer or would-be should know that few forms of motorsport are truly inexpensive. Karting is no different. You can get going in the sport for cheap, but running costs escalate quickly, leaving the most finely honed budgets full of holes and rusting by the side of the road.

After getting a taste for real karting at the school we attended in Part 2, and after our bruises had faded, we knew we needed more. What we didn't know was whether we could afford it. So we set out creating a budget, then went about buying what we'd need and along the way made a number of... revisions. We're more or less done shopping at this point, meaning you get the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, but of course our priorities may not jive with yours so don't come yelling at us if your numbers come up differently.

First, though, you need to decide what kind of racing we're going to do.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 3

Introduction to Karting - Part 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudgetingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingintroductiontokartingkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

RENT YOUR WAY TO GLORY

Welcome to the second installment of our Introduction to Karting series. Hopefully the first piece piqued your interest with tales of tiny machines pulling 3 g in the corners then hitting 60 in under three seconds on their way up to over 140 MPH. (Well over, as it turns out; one commenter indicated he hit an indicated 156 this season.) That kind of performance is unequaled outside of top-level formula motorsport, yet is available to anyone with some disposable income and a passion for going quick.

However, karting isn't for everyone so suitably endowed. The physical demands placed on a kart racer are hard to comprehend until you're in a fast turn, holding your breath because you can't inhale, feeling like your head is going to fly off and land somewhere in the pits. Chances are it won't, but whether or not you can withstand that while maintaining a good racing line and keeping an eye on a swarm of opponents is an important thing to find out before breaking out the charge card. The best way is, of course, to try it, and given the big up-front cost to buy a kart, a rental is the way to go.

To get our first real experience we signed up for an afternoon's racing school. We walked the track, worked with multiple instructors, got a lot of advice, had an impromptu race, and stuck it out for way more seat time than was probably advisable for a newbie. How'd we do? Read on to find out, and see some videos of our on (and, occasionally, off) track antics.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 2

Introduction to Karting - Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to kartingAnIntroductionToKartingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkartkart racingkartingKartRacingoakland vally race parkOaklandVallyRaceParkovrpFri, 09 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport - unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 - is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.

After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 chevrolet2010 chevrolet corvette2010 chevrolet corvette grand sport2010 chevrolet corvette grand sport convertible2010Chevrolet2010ChevroletCorvette2010ChevroletCorvetteGrandSport2010ChevroletCorvetteGrandSportConvertiblechevroletchevycorvettecorvette convertiblecorvette grand sportcorvette grand sport convertibleCorvetteConvertibleCorvetteGrandSportCorvetteGrandSportConvertiblefeaturefeaturedfeaturedstoriesfeaturesreviewreviewsWed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?


Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

2010acuratsxv60002010acuratsxv60012010acuratsxv60022010acuratsxv60032010acuratsxv6004

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford "Scorpion" Power-Stroke 6.7-liter diesel V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford's issues with its long-time heavy duty diesel engine supplier Navistar will soon be coming to an end. The 2011 edition of the Ford Super Duty pickup will get an all-new diesel V8 designed in-house code-named Scorpion. So now, if Ford has any durability issues with its big diesels, it will have no one to blame but itself.

Officially the Scorpion retains the Power Stroke badge, but that and eight cylinders in a V-configuration are all that is carried over. The Scorpion engine picks up a variety of technologies that have been appearing on other recent engines, both gas- and diesel-fueled, as well as adding a few new tricks, particularly the turbocharger. The biggest change for the architecture is the move to an inside-out layout. Since the early days of the V-engine configuration, most examples have had the intake system mounted in the valley between the banks with the exhaust on the outside. Like BMW's new turbocharged gas V8 and GM's current on-the-shelf Duramax 4500, the Scorpion switches this around. Read on after the jump to learn more.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Power-Stroke 6.7L diesel V8


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Beware the Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all-new 6.7-liter diesel V8

Beware the Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all-new 6.7-liter diesel V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturefeaturedfordford dieselford power strokeford scorpionford scorpion diesel v8ford super dutyford super duty dieselford super duty pick...ford super duty pickupsford super-dutyford superdutyford superduty 2011FordDieselFordPowerStrokeFordScorpionFordScorpionDieselV8FordSuper-dutyFordSuperDutyFordSuperduty2011FordSuperDutyDieselFordSuperDutyPick...FordSuperDutyPickupsscorpionscorpion diesel v8ScorpionDieselV8super dutysuper duty dieselsuper duty fordsuper duty pickupSuperDutySuperDutyDieselSuperDutyFordSuperDutyPickupMon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Volt body panels being stamped - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The other day, we pointed you toward a video produced by General Motors that is part of a series on the building of the pre-production Chevy Volt prototypes. That video showed the model's IVER (Integration Vehicle Engineering Release) bodies being assembled, welded and painted in the body shop at the pre-production operations center in Warren MI. However, before you can weld and paint, you have to take sheets of steel and stamp them into the right shapes. It turns out that there were other videos that came ahead the body shop video show this aspect of the Volt's development.

In the stamping shown above, you can see how the engineers go from the mathematical models of the parts to machining the prototype dies. Unlike the production dies, these prototypes are not as tough and are only useful for producing a limited number of parts. Because the steel springs back somewhat after it comes out of the press, the dies don't have the same shape as the final part. As a result, there is often some trial and error in creating them. Once the final die shape is determined, it is scanned and the data is sent to the production tool and die shop. Check out the videos after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies

VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgmvideovideosvoltvolt iver prototypevolt prototype buildVoltIverPrototypeVoltPrototypeBuildTue, 04 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog we've been fortunate enough to have two separate opportunities to drive what is officially known as the Milford Road Course. Informally, the facility is better known as the Lutz-ring. Early this decade when Bob Lutz was lured out of retirement to provide guidance to the product development staff at General Motors he quickly came to the realization that despite all of the different test surfaces at the Milford Proving ground there was no proper facility for evaluating the limit handling performance of its vehicles.

Under Lutz's prodding the development staff led by Jim Mero designed a 3 mile, 17 turn course where 97 percent of every lap is spent undergoing lateral acceleration to one side or another. The facility is used for both handling evaluation and development and as part of the durability cycle for new GM vehicles. We shot some footage the other day while driving in the Corvette Grand Sport and you can follow along for a lap of the Lutz-ring after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

corvettegrandsport000corvettegrandsport001corvettegrandsport002corvettegrandsport003corvettegrandsport004

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Acura MDX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the 2010 model year, Acura has updated the style and substance of the MDX, revamping the exterior to tie-in with the rest of the automaker's line-up and making a few upgrades to its powertrain to keep up with the competition.

Obviously, the biggest change is the adoption of Acura's new corporate fascia. If you can get passed the massive shield, you'll notice a modified lower valence and a set of reworked headlamps that, like the updated RDX, retain their shape but benefit from a few tweaks to the interior elements. Out back, the changes are noticeably more subtle, with a splash of chrome trim and re-shaped exhaust pipes that tie the exterior elements together.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements

Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura mdx2010AcuraMdxacuraacura mdxAcuraMdxfeaturefirst driveFirstDrivemdxFri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/video-see-how-prototype-chevy-volt-bodies-are-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/video-see-how-prototype-chevy-volt-bodies-are-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/video-see-how-prototype-chevy-volt-bodies-are-built/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above to watch video after the jump

Right now the crew at General Motors' pre-production operations center at the Warren Technical Center is in the midst of building 75 Chevy Volt IVER prototypes. IVERs, or integration vehicle engineering release prototypes, are the last stage of prototypes prior to pilot builds. For these IVER builds, pretty much all of the production intent parts and systems are in place and the intent of the build process is to evaluate final assembly processes. The cars are all built by hand, but the technicians and engineers are testing the build sequence as it will be done on the line to make sure everything actually goes together.

As always, the first stage of final assembly is the body shop. The video after the jump shows stampings that for the Volt that are assembled on jigs and then welded by hand before the complete body is painted. GM will apparently be releasing a series of videos documenting the complete build process, so stay tuned. Check out the first one after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built

VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet-voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy-voltChevyVoltfeaturegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmvideovoltvolt prototype buildVoltPrototypeBuildThu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've gone to some unusual places for new product unveilings, but today's reveal of a new mid-sized sedan from Suzuki may be one of the most ironic. For some reason, the small automaker of mostly small cars chose a World War II memorial in suburban Detroit for the global reveal of its most aggressive attack yet on the heart of the U.S. car market.

Suzuki has always been a bit of an outlier in this market, although the company has been a strong player in the Japanese mini-car scene. Its most successful entry to date here in the U.S. has been the compact SX4. Now, it's trying to encroach on Camry/Accord/Fusion territory. Learn all about where Suzuki is going and what to expect from the Kizashi after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Live Reveal


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

2010kizashi_official0002010kizashi_official0012010kizashi_official0022010kizashi_official0032010kizashi_official004-1248984638

Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturefeaturedfeatureskizashilive revealLiveRevealsuzukisuzuki kizashiSuzukiKizashiThu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Acura RDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

After three years on the market, the Acura RDX is getting its first comprehensive makeover for the 2010 model year. Unlike the automaker's new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up - meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere.

If, on the other hand, you're partial to the new corporate beak, the RDX benefits from a few well-designed tweaks to boost its exterior appeal. The shape of the headlamp clusters remains the same, although the internal arrangement has been shuffled around, while below the bumper you'll spot a new air intake sitting in between the revised fog-lamp housings. Out back, the taillights receive a few minor revisions that most observers probably won't notice and the satin frame around the license plate pocket now matches the finish on the front grille.


Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield

Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura rdx2010 rdx2010AcuraRdx2010Rdxacuraacura rdxAcuraRdxfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDriverdxWed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

Make no mistake, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades. Buick, nearly consigned to the dustbin of history a few short years ago, is now one of General Motors' four remaining "core" brands. And if it weren't for the Chinese market's love affair with the marque, there's little doubt Buick would've followed Oldsmobile into the afterlife. Instead, GM is attempting to (once again) refashion the brand as a serious competitor to Acura, Lexus and Volvo, and the LaCrosse is the opening salvo in the battle for hearts, minds and market share - not to mention pocketbooks.

Technically, the "New" Buick was born two years ago when the Enclave debuted, but in reality, that was simply a new segment for the brand. In contrast, the LaCrosse marks the initial transformation of Buick's future. CEO Fritz Henderson has stated that new Buicks (and actually all GM vehicles going forward) must be more than competitive - they must be superb. They can't merely match the competition, they have to surpass them in every quantifiable way. So the launch of the LaCrosse couldn't be more fortuitous or fraught with risk. Developed before bankruptcy, bailouts and government intervention, the LaCrosse is what GM envisioned for the future of Buick over two years ago. But is it good enough to revive the marque? Time to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand

First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featured first drive FirstDrive2010 buick lacrosse2010 buick lacrosse price2010 buick lacrosse pricing2010BuickLacrosse2010BuickLacrossePrice2010BuickLacrossePricingbuickbuick lacrosseBuickLacrossefeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivelacrosseThu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #134]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/autoblog-podcast-134/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/autoblog-podcast-134/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/autoblog-podcast-134/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Just in time for the July 4th holiday roadtrip, it's Episode #134 of the Autoblog Podcast! We've had a couple delays this week getting together to chat about recent events, but hopefully we're hitting your media player before you depart for this weekend's festivities.

Once seated around our digital roundtable, Chris, Sam, and Dan take a quick spin through June's sales numbers, and specifically, the Camaro's Mustang-topping numbers, official BMW X1 imagery, the demise of diesel programs, Consumer Reports' Honda Insight displeasure, BMW's challenge to Lexus as America's #1 luxury brand, and then we hit up your questions for the rest of the show. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your efforts to keep communication rolling in to Podcast at autoblog dot com, as well as all the responses to our survey, which you can still fill out to add your data in our quest for 'cast sponsorship.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #134

Autoblog Podcast #134 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 134AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast134bmw lexusbmw luxury lexusbmw number one luxury brandbmw x1bmw x1 imagesbmw x1 leakbmw x1 photosBmwLexusBmwLuxuryLexusBmwNumberOneLuxuryBrandBmwX1BmwX1ImagesBmwX1LeakBmwX1Photosby the numbersByTheNumberscamaro mustang salescamaro salesCamaroMustangSalesCamaroSalesconsumer reportsconsumer reports honda insightconsumer reports insightConsumerReportsConsumerReportsHondaInsightConsumerReportsInsightfeaturefeaturedjune auto salesjune by the numberesJuneAutoSalesJuneByTheNumbereslexus bmwlexus luxury brandLexusBmwLexusLuxuryBrandmustang salesMustangSalespodcastpodcast 134Podcast134Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #134Autoblog75:00podcast, autoblog podcast<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.

Get our real-world impressions after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent

Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> reviews2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeatureshondahonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridinsightreviewreviewedreviewsThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-four-versions-of-fiat-500-in-the-u-s-by-2011-including/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-four-versions-of-fiat-500-in-the-u-s-by-2011-including/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-four-versions-of-fiat-500-in-the-u-s-by-2011-including/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Fiat 500 Abarth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Four 500s by 2011. That is the latest word out of Italy concerning the adorable Fiat 500. While the Chrysler/Fiat merger chugs along, the tiny 500 is the only model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner. To make up for that dearth of models, Fiat will apparently offer the 500 in four different flavors when it reaches these shores: hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback. There's also an outside chance of a micro-CUV according to this Automotive News piece.

The "sporty hatchback" will be the Abarth, Europe's 2008 Car of the Year. Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls it "our iPod." Wonder if it's too late for some co-branding. While it might seem that a sporty wagon and sporty drop-top would be fairly easy to slot into the mix (Abarth Giardiniera SS Corsa, FTW!), we'll have to make due with those four iterations for the time being. The 500 family should be in U.S. dealerships by the first half of 2011. The American-market cars will likely be produced at a Chrysler plant in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico, but there's no official word on U.S. pricing yet.


Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500breakingfeaturefeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500 cabriofiat 500 convertiblefiat 500cFiat500Fiat500AbarthFiat500cFiat500CabrioFiat500ConvertiblereportMon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST