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[Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/rumormill-subaru-considering-fwd-impreza-for-europe-turbocharg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/rumormill-subaru-considering-fwd-impreza-for-europe-turbocharg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/rumormill-subaru-considering-fwd-impreza-for-europe-turbocharg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

Autoweek.nl is spreading a rumor that Subaru is considering offering a two-wheel-drive version of the Impreza in Europe in an attempt to offer a budget alternative to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. The entry-level Impreza would make use of the 107 hp, 1.5-liter boxer four-cylinder and possibly the new 150 hp diesel engine, putting fuel economy above all else. There's also talk of a turbocharged version of the 1.5-liter mill that would slot in between the naturally aspirated variant and Subaru's turbocharged 2.5-liter.

Although Subaru has offered FWD versions of its models in the past, its recent raison d'être of being the all-wheel-drive automaker would be harmed if a FWD variant was added to its lineup. That's why we doubt it will come to fruition and that we'll never seen a FWD Subaru in the States. A rear-wheel-drive Subaru on the other hand...

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza


[Source: Autoweek.nl - Google-translated]

Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It has been rumored for the last few months that Chevrolet would be soldiering on with a front-wheel-drive Impala for at least the next few years. The recent contract agreement between the Canadian Auto Workers union and General Motors appears to cement this rumor as fact. According to the signed pact, GM promised to keep the Oshawa Assembly plant, where the current-generation Impala is made, open until 2012 -- two years longer than first planned. The Impala is a pretty good seller for the General, so we're not too surprised that upper-level management would want to leave it alone, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to see Chevy's bread-and-butter full-size sedan return to its roots by going rear-wheel-drive.

One thing is for certain: by the year 2012, the W-Body platform of the current Impala will be absolutely ancient. On the other hand, we've had nothing but good things to say about the new Zeta platform which underpins such enthusiast-friendly vehicles as the new Pontiac G8. Therefore, we can at least hold out some hope that GM will find a way to offer as many vehicles as possible using the new chassis architecture, whether they are named Impala or not. Anybody want to see a new Nova?

[Source: The GM Source]

Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>front wheelfront wheel drivefront wheel drive im...FrontWheelFrontWheelDriveFrontWheelDriveIm...fwd impalafwd-impalaFwdImpalaimpalarear driverear weel driverear wheel driverear wheel drive imp...RearDriveRearWeelDriveRearWheelDriveRearWheelDriveImp...rwd impalarwd-impalaRwdImpalaw-bodyzetazeta platformzetaplatformFri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrong-Wheel-Drive! Dodge Demon to use Chery platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/wrong-wheel-drive-dodge-demon-to-use-chery-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/wrong-wheel-drive-dodge-demon-to-use-chery-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/wrong-wheel-drive-dodge-demon-to-use-chery-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Dodge Demon Concept

The Dodge Demon has been hinted and anti-hinted for production, and it seems that the sports car will indeed make it into showrooms. Unfortunately, according to AutoWeek, the Demon will wind up on a front wheel drive chassis from Chery. The 1993 Mercury Capri Demon's switch to FF has been partially driven by emissions regulations, says Chrysler's Tom LaSorda, but we think it's more likely due to build cost. There is a direct-injection engine in development, which should also help the Demon meet upcoming emissions standards while offering strong performance. The Chery platform will doubtlessly be re-jiggered for the Demon, but we predict that the MX-5 is in no danger of losing its primacy in the segment. Perhaps in acknowledgment of dynamic shortcomings, one of the major selling factors for the Demon will be a price lower than the Mazda or GM's Solstice/Sky twins, the car's main competitors. Here's hoping that no matter what's underneath the Demon, it still looks as hot as the concept when it hits stores.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: Dodge Demon sunset shoot

Wrong-Wheel-Drive! Dodge Demon to use Chery platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009cherycoupedemondodgedodge demonDodgeDemonfront wheel driveFrontWheelDrivefwdplatformsports carSportsCarSun, 13 Jan 2008 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[GM bringing new six-speed tranny to market in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/22/gm-bringing-new-six-speed-tranny-to-market-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/22/gm-bringing-new-six-speed-tranny-to-market-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/22/gm-bringing-new-six-speed-tranny-to-market-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an effort to keep up with the foreign competition, while at the same time offering consumers more ratios than they can shake their stick at, General Motors has made a pledge to invest $332 million into its Toledo, Ohio plant.

The financial infusion is necessary to produce the new Hydra-matic GT40/45 six-speed transmission, designed for GM's midsized, front drivers, with production expected to begin in February of 2010. The FWD tranny will be built alongside the new rear-wheel drive six-speed that was announced last year.

Although the General's progress with six-speed cog-swappers is all well and good, 2010 seems like a long way out considering that several other automakers have already moved on to seven- and eight-speed transmissions.

[Source: Inside Line]

GM bringing new six-speed tranny to market in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>front wheel drivefront-wheel driveFront-wheelDriveFrontWheelDrivefwdgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmsix-speedtrannytransmissionTue, 22 May 2007 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Decision on CTS siblings coming soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/decision-on-cts-siblings-coming-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/decision-on-cts-siblings-coming-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/decision-on-cts-siblings-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


PHOTOS UPDATED

Cadillac is already on the upswing here in the US, and has been for some time. The image repair that GM has been able to carry out is impressive, and the rebirth is poised to enter phase two. GM Vice Chair Bob Lutz and Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor both commented at the Geneva Motor Show that Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are in their gunsights, and that a 3-series-esque family of models could emerge from the CTS. A wagon version of the CTS is getting serious consideration as Cadillac looks at taking the fight to European turf.

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

Continue reading Decision on CTS siblings coming soon

Decision on CTS siblings coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzblsbmwcadillaccompetitioncompetitorctsdtsestateeuroeuropeanfront wheel driveFrontWheelDrivefwdlexusmercedesmercedes benzMercedesBenznew modelsNewModelsrear wheel driveRearWheelDriverwdwagonMon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/chrysler-developing-dual-clutch-tranny-for-fwd-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/chrysler-developing-dual-clutch-tranny-for-fwd-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/chrysler-developing-dual-clutch-tranny-for-fwd-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The dual-clutch gearbox's popularity has grown immensely over the past three years and that popularity only stands to grow. Average motorists have enjoyed the DSG's smooth shifting and economical fuel consumption, while enthusiasts appreciate the trick technology and uber-quick gear changes. Volkswagen already announced that they plan on replacing all their automatic transmission vehicles with DSG in the next five years and here's a stat for you -- half of all GTIs sold are equipped with paddle shifters.

DaimlerChrysler has recognized the benefits of the DSG over conventional, torque converter-equipped automatics and has decided to invest $560 million in a new assembly plant in Kokomo, Indiana to manufacturer their own version of the DSG. Partnering with Getrag, the automaker plans on creating 700,000 units annually, with production set to begin in 2009. The models that stand to benefit from the new transmission are primarily front-wheel drive vehicles, including the Avenger, Sebring and all manner of minivan. Additionally, the transmission will find an ideal partner with D.C.'s new Phoenix V6 engine, which will also make an appearance in 2010.

Industry analysts recognize that the greatest source of competition with DSGs are the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), but one expert cited in Automotive News expects that the number of DSG-equipped vehicles in the U.S. will rise from it's current 0.2-percent to 3.3-percent by 2012. The more the merrier in our eyes.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdaimlerchryslerdsgdual clutch transmissionDualClutchTransmissionfront wheel driveFrontWheelDrivepaddle shifterPaddleShifterMon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:00 EST