Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/report-subaru-issues-recall-stop-sale-on-2010-11-outback-and-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/report-subaru-issues-recall-stop-sale-on-2010-11-outback-and-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/report-subaru-issues-recall-stop-sale-on-2010-11-outback-and-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Subaru Outback
2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once again, Subaru's mainstay models, the Outback and Legacy, appear to be girding for a recall. Both models have already faced callbacks for leaky CVT hoses and wiring issues, but according to Inside Line, a new issue affecting a number of manual transmission-equipped 2010 and 2011 models will not only precipitate another recall, but also a stop-sale on all potentially-affected vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the oil lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission has not been drilled on the affected vehicles, which can cause gears to break. NHTSA issued a statement, saying:
"If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop, alerting the driver to a problem. If this sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash."
Vehicles will be repaired, free of charge, at any Subaru dealer in America. Most will simply have an oil lubrication hole drilled, though the automaker has informed its dealer network that vehicles with 6,250 miles or more will require the replacement of the third through sixth gearsets, as well as the main shaft.

A total of 809 Outback and Legacy models are affected by this recall, which is expected to officially go into effect on August 6. In the meantime, owners are urged to contact their local dealers as soon as possible to have this problem corrected.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback


Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 subaru legacy2010 subaru outback2010SubaruLegacy2010SubaruOutbackInside LineInsideLineLegacylegacy recallLegacyRecallNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSAnhtsa recallNhtsaRecalloutbackoutback recallOutbackRecallSubarusubaru legacysubaru legacy recallsubaru outbacksubaru outback recallsubaru recallSubaruLegacySubaruLegacyRecallSubaruOutbackSubaruOutbackRecallSubaruRecallSat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19566977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/24/report-subaru-issues-recall-stop-sale-on-2010-11-outback-and-l/19566977/article-detail.xml 19566977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2010outback_review000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/2010outback_review000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Jaguar XE small sports car to debut at 2011 Geneva Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/report-jaguar-xe-small-sports-car-to-debut-at-2011-geneva-motor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/report-jaguar-xe-small-sports-car-to-debut-at-2011-geneva-motor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/report-jaguar-xe-small-sports-car-to-debut-at-2011-geneva-motor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As Tata Motors continues to shovel money into the expansion of the Jaguar and Land Rover marques, expect to see more and more new products from the two brands over the next few years. We've already seen the new Evoque, Land Rover's small crossover, and new reports state that Jaguar's new small sports car will be revealed in concept form at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

These rumblings come right on the heels of Jaguar reportedly saying that it will produce a version of the F-Type sports car, though it's still unclear if the Geneva-bound XE is a different model altogether. According to Inside Line, the XE will be based on a shortened version of the next-generation XK architecture. If the concept stays true to most of Jaguar's recent designs, it should be quite eye-catching, as well.

We fully expect more and more details to drop about the new XE in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Jaguar XE small sports car to debut at 2011 Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 geneva2011 geneva motor show2011Geneva2011GenevaMotorShowconceptconcept carConceptCargenevageneva 2011Geneva Motor Showgeneva motor show 2011Geneva2011GenevaMotorShowGenevaMotorShow2011Inside LineInsideLinejaguarJaguar F-Typejaguar f-type conceptjaguar xeJaguar XE RoadsterJaguarF-typeJaguarF-typeConceptJaguarXeJaguarXeRoadsterFri, 02 Jul 2010 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19540646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/02/report-jaguar-xe-small-sports-car-to-debut-at-2011-geneva-motor/19540646/article-detail.xml 19540646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/jaguarf34ns112101600-thumb-717x477_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/jaguarf34ns112101600-thumb-717x477.jpg <![CDATA[Ford confirms Raptor SuperCrew, only available with 6.2-liter V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/ford-confirmes-raptor-supercrew-only-available-with-6-2-liter-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/ford-confirmes-raptor-supercrew-only-available-with-6-2-liter-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/ford-confirmes-raptor-supercrew-only-available-with-6-2-liter-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not too long ago, the rumormill was buzzing about the possibility of Ford offering a SuperCrew version of the brutal F-150 SVT Raptor, adding four-door versatility to the already awesome prowess of the automaker's latest pickup. Now, Inside Line reports that Ford has confirmed production of the more spacious Raptor for the 2011 model year.

IL also states that Ford will only offer the SuperCrew Raptor with the top-rung 6.2-liter V8, which produces a healthy 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Need to get the family across the desert in a hurry? This is the truck you'll want to opt for. We'll wait for the official word from Ford before we discuss pricing, but expect the SuperCrew model to ring in just above the standard 6.2-liter Raptor's base price of $41,995.

Ram Power Wagon, prepare to meet your match.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010raptor_firstdrive0022010raptor_firstdrive0012010raptor_firstdrive0002010raptor_firstdrive0032010raptor_firstdrive004

[Source: Inside Line]

Ford confirms Raptor SuperCrew, only available with 6.2-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford f-150 svt raptor2011FordF-150SvtRaptor6.2l v86.2lV8F-150 SVT RaptorF-150SvtRaptorfordFord F-150ford f-150 svt raptorford f-150 svt raptor supercrewFord SVT RaptorFord SVT Raptor 6.2 V8FordF-150FordF-150SvtRaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorSupercrewFordSvtRaptorFordSvtRaptor6.2V8Inside LineInsideLineraptorsvt raptorSVT raptor supercrewSvtRaptorSvtRaptorSupercrewFri, 14 May 2010 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19478098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/14/ford-confirmes-raptor-supercrew-only-available-with-6-2-liter-v/19478098/article-detail.xml 19478098 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2010raptorfirstdrive004_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2010raptorfirstdrive004.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/25/video-inside-line-dynos-the-2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/25/video-inside-line-dynos-the-2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/25/video-inside-line-dynos-the-2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ford Mustang GT dyno pull
2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 hits the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford says that the 2011 Mustang GT makes 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its new, advanced 5.0-liter V8. Well, Ford may just be full of crap. Autojournos have descended upon California this week to to kick the snot out of the 2011 Mustangs at the Blue Oval's invitation, and Inside Line took one of the new 5.0 GT models and strapped it to a Dynojet to see what the real numbers were. Thankfully, they do not disappoint.

It's like this: after seven pulls, Inside Line's tester reliably belted out 395 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,350 rpm. That's at the wheel, natch, and since IL estimates the 'Stang sees only an 11% to 13% driveline loss thanks to its stick axle, the car is likely making somewhere between 438 and 446 horsepower at the crank - far more than the advertised 412.

This should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Inside Line. After all, last year they did the same thing with a 2010 GT500 only to learn that - surprise! - it was underrated. (Their tester put down 511 horsepower at the wheel. The guys figured the number at the crank to be around 570 horses, not the 540 advertised).

Is it possible that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT media launch testers are juiced? Sure it is, but we think it's unlikely. Reason number one is that Ford would be exposed the moment customer cars started getting delivered and dynoed, which would then look really foolish. Reason number two is the 1999 SVT Cobra. Upon its release, that particular car became infamous for not making its advertised 320 horsepower. While Ford eventually made things right via a recall, the incident was clearly embarrassing and likely left Dearborn with a "never again" mentality that sticks to this day. Hence, we're inclined to think Inside Line's numbers are no fluke. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its new engine, is designed to punch the Chevrolet Camaro in the teeth and make it taste blood. By underrating the 5.0, Ford's just, you know, making sure.

Stay tuned for our man Lieberman's first drive impressions next week. In the meantime, follow the jump for video of one of Inside Line's dyno pulls and visit them to watch a few more and read their full analysis. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT


Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8


[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 ford2011 Ford Mustang2011 ford Mustang GT2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.02011 mustang2011Ford2011FordMustang2011FordMustangGt2011FordMustangGt5.02011Mustang5.05.0 Mustang5.0 mustang gt5.0 Mustang V85.0Mustang5.0MustangGt5.0MustangV8blue ovalBlueOvalcoyote v8CoyoteV8dynodyno pullDynoPullFordGTinside LineInsideLineMuatangMustang GTMustang V8MustangGtMustangV8V8 mustangV8MustangThu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19413473/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/25/video-inside-line-dynos-the-2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0/19413473/article-detail.xml 19413473 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gtdynopull2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gtdynopull2011.jpg <![CDATA[Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/04/report-bmw-m1-not-happening-look-for-135is-instead/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/04/report-bmw-m1-not-happening-look-for-135is-instead/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/04/report-bmw-m1-not-happening-look-for-135is-instead/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.

Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.

So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.


Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i


[Source: Inside Line]

Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series135i135is1SeriesbmwBMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series coupebmw 135ibmw 135isBmw135iBmw135isBmw1SeriesBmw1SeriesCoupeInside LineInsideLineThu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19383630/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/04/report-bmw-m1-not-happening-look-for-135is-instead/19383630/article-detail.xml 19383630 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/23-bmw-135i_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/23-bmw-135i.jpg <![CDATA[Edmunds pledges $1 million prize for unintended acceleration research]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/edmunds-pledges-1-million-prize-for-unintended-acceleration-res/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/edmunds-pledges-1-million-prize-for-unintended-acceleration-res/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/edmunds-pledges-1-million-prize-for-unintended-acceleration-res/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're like us and wondering what lengths are required to get your hands on a 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, we may have the answer. All you need to do is solve the mystery of Toyota's unintended acceleration issues and our friends over at Edmunds will give you a cool million dollars.

Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl claims his company has heard "compelling testimony" from customers, and much of what's been documented (including a 2006 forum on Toyota Sienna unintended acceleration) hasn't been addressed by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations. The online vehicle information resource site says it's coming up with rules for a competition that will earn a lucky person (or more likely a group) $1 million for determining the true cause of Toyota's unintended acceleration woes. Anwyl compares the challenge to the 'open source' software challenge, adding "let's see if this kind of 'crowd sourcing' can work in the pressing area of automotive safety."

We're thinking there are quite a few technical schools out there that may want to offer extra credit for the win. Who wouldn't want to attend the institution that solved the unintended acceleration mystery? The cool million in prize money could buy a lot of band uniforms, too. We'll bring you more details on the contest as they become available.


Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: Edmunds]

Edmunds pledges $1 million prize for unintended acceleration research originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmundsinside lineInsideLinemillion dollar prizeMillionDollarPrizetoyota unintended accelerationToyotaUnintendedAccelerationWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19380555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/edmunds-pledges-1-million-prize-for-unintended-acceleration-res/19380555/article-detail.xml 19380555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/edmundslogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/edmundslogo.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009


[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi R8 V102010 Ford F-150 Raptor2010 Ford F-150 SVT raptor2010 Ford Flex2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002010 Porsche Panamera2010AudiR8V102010FordF-150Raptor2010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010FordFlex2010FordMustangShelbyGt5002010PorschePanameraaudi R8audi r8 v10AudiR8AudiR8V10ecoboostEdmundsflex ecoboostFlexEcoboostford flexford raptorFord ustangFordFlexFordRaptorFordUstanginside lineInsideLinemazda 3mazda3most wantedMostWantedMustang GT500MustangGt500panameraporsche panameraPorschePanameraRaptorSVTThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262827/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/19262827/article-detail.xml 19262827 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ot_120109_717_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ot_120109_717_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you're looking for a practical, fuel efficient subcompact, you've got a few options, and the Honda Fit remains a top pick for many. The five-door hatchback packs plenty of volume, while also providing just enough punch to deliver smiles on the open road.

Doubtlessly jealously eying the Fit's success, Ford officials are counting down the months until they can finally provide some competition in the form of their 2011 Fiesta - but does it have the goods to knock the Fit from atop the subcompact mountain?

The crew at Inside Line wanted to answer that question and brought the Fit face-to-face against a European-spec Fiesta in a battle for B-Segment superiority. The Fit came in for praise for its masterfully engineered interior and massive cargo area, while the Fiesta was lauded for its superb driving dynamics and higher end materials. Which subcompact all-star came out on top in the battle of the (little) bulge? Head over to Inside Line to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


[Source: Inside Line | Image Source: Kevin Wing]

Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda fit2009HondaFit2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestaBlue OvalBlueOvalcomparison testComparisonTesteuro spec fiestaEuroSpecFiestafiestafiesta fitFiestaFitfitford fiestaFordFiestahonda fitHondaFitinside lineInsideLineTue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19168995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/19168995/article-detail.xml 19168995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/fiesta-vs-fit-edmunds-inside-line-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/fiesta-vs-fit-edmunds-inside-line-630.jpg <![CDATA[Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

When it comes to isolating the two most important stats automakers consider when determining a vehicle's success or failure, the Lexus ES350 is a smash it. The stats in question are sales volume and profit, and the ES typically tops the entry-level luxury sales chart while often exceeding its competition in terms of price. Conversely, Buick has been stuck at the opposite end of the spectrum, with little in the way of product or respect - at least until recently. The well-received Enclave proved that General Motors' one-time bastard child could make competitive product, but the 2010 LaCrosse is tasked with taking on the likes of Acura and Lexus.

Inside Line was impressed enough with a LaCrosse it reviewed earlier that the online publication pitted Buick's upstart against the long dominant ES350. IL notes that the Lacrosse outweighs the ES by nearly 500 pounds, generates 2.5 fewer miles per gallon and has a .6 second slower 0-60 mph time, yet it handily bests the aging ES in nearly every category. Hit the read link below to check out the comparison. Has Buick arrived as a legitimate contender to Lexus? It's definitely too early to tell, but it looks like the division could finally be ready to put up a good fight.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse


[Source: Inside Line]

Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010 es3502010BuickLacrosse2010Es350edmundsinsidelinelacrosselexus eslexus es350LexusEsLexusEs350Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19147765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/02/oldplay-inside-line-pits-buick-lacrosse-against-lexus-es-350/19147765/article-detail.xml 19147765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lacrosse_fd008_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lacrosse_fd008_opt.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata coming to Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2011-hyundai-sonata-coming-to-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2011-hyundai-sonata-coming-to-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-2011-hyundai-sonata-coming-to-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: ,


2011 Hyundai Sonata spy shots - Click above for image gallery

Back in June, we reported on a news story in the Montgomery Advertiser saying that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata would be unveiled in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It appears that Hyundai may be holding off the introduction of its bread and butter sedan for a larger audience in Detroit. Inside Line is reporting that the Sonata will bow in the Motor City, giving Hyundai a big-league entry at the North American International Auto Show.

When describing the design direction of the new Sonata, Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik told IL the 2011 model would be "bold, so bold." Judging from the many spy photos we've seen, we're thinking that could be an apt description. We see well-sculpted sheetmetal punctuated with a four door coupe-like roof line, but we'll have to wait until the covers come off to hand down a verdict..

Hyundai is also rumored to be using direct injection technology to power the four cylinder Sonata. The mooted 2.2-liter powertrain is expected to produce in the neighborhood of 200 horsepower while also improving fuel economy versus the 2009 model by 5% to 10%. Hyundai has been on a roll of late with its successful launches of the Genesis Coupe and Sedan, and if it can pull off a showstopper at the Detroit Auto Show with the 2011 Sonata, the Korean automaker will officially be on fire.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata - spy shots


[Source: Inside Line | Images: Sammy_R-Gti of assayyarat.com]

REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata coming to Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai sonata2011HyundaiSonatadirect injectionDirectInjectionhyundaihyundai sonataHyundaiSonatainside lineInsideLinejohn krafcikJohnKrafciksonataWed, 15 Jul 2009 16:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19098878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/15/report-2011-hyundai-sonata-coming-to-detroit-auto-show/19098878/article-detail.xml 19098878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/dubai-spy-hyundai-sonata-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/dubai-spy-hyundai-sonata-580.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line pits Challenger against Challenger in Vanishing Point-inspired road trip]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for exclusive pics of Inside Line's road trip

Seems like you can't revive a modern day muscle car these days without having a classic movie tie-in. The Ford Mustang has got Steve McQueen's classic Bullitt, and the Dodge Challenger has got Vanishing Point. In fact, we've already seen one Vanishing Point-inspired Challenger meet its maker on Turn 2 at Road America. Inside Line recently had its first turn behind the wheel of a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and also decided to pay its respects to Kowalski's opus. They took the brand new Challenger on a little road trip following the fateful path of Kowalski in the movie from Denver, Colorado to San Francisco, California. Just for kicks, they brought along a vintage 1970 Dodge Challenger that's a near perfect copy of the one used in Vanishing Point. The classic iron was, however, packing a slightly modified motor putting out 607 horsepower, but details, details... The article is definitely worth a read if only to vicariously absorb what it feels like to go 170 mph in a new Challenger, and the Inside Line team was also kind enough to supply us with a few of their spare high-res images for an Autoblog exclusive gallery below.

Gallery: Inside Line Challenger SRT8 road trip


[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line pits Challenger against Challenger in Vanishing Point-inspired road trip originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 dodge challenger srt82008DodgeChallengerSrt8dodge challengerDodgeChallengerinside lineInsideLinevanishing pointvanishing point chal...VanishingPointVanishingPointChal...Tue, 06 May 2008 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1188223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/06/inside-line-pits-challenger-against-challenger-in-vanishing-poin/1188223/article-detail.xml 1188223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/challenger.roadtrip.1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/challenger.roadtrip.1_opt.jpg <![CDATA[3 days, 3,000 miles, 1 GT-R: <i>Inside Line's</i> Godzilla road trip]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/3-days-3-000-miles-1-gt-r-i-inside-lines-i-godzilla-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/3-days-3-000-miles-1-gt-r-i-inside-lines-i-godzilla-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/3-days-3-000-miles-1-gt-r-i-inside-lines-i-godzilla-road/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Photo courtesy of Inside Line

According to our friends at Inside Line, there are seven U.S.-spec Nissan GT-Rs in the country at this moment. They have secured one of them, a white pre-production car handed over by Nissan's engineering team. (That's it above with IL's 308 long-termer.) With editors Scott Oldham and Ed Hellwig at the wheel, that car will get driven 3,000 miles over the next three days, and they're going to share the wealth! For added coolness, they'll bring the whip to a few selected Inside Line readers along the way, where the lucky fans will reportedly get to take Godzilla for a spin around the block. If that's not reader-love, we don't know what is. The entire trip's being blogged (and possibly vlogged, it seems) at Straightline, so check in over the next three days to follow their progress. It should be a good read. Here's hoping you get accustomed to that "comfort" mode, guys.

[Source: Inside Line]

3 days, 3,000 miles, 1 GT-R: Inside Line's Godzilla road trip originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ed hellwigEdHellwiggodzilla road tripGodzillaRoadTripgt-r road tripGt-rRoadTripinside lineInsideLinenissan gt-rNissanGt-rscott oldhamScottOldhamWed, 26 Mar 2008 16:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1149802/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/26/3-days-3-000-miles-1-gt-r-i-inside-lines-i-godzilla-road/1149802/article-detail.xml 1149802 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/insideline_gt-r_roadtrip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/insideline_gt-r_roadtrip.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line performance tests the Nissan GT-R. Oh yes, it's very fast.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/inside-line-tests-nissan-gt-r-oh-yes-its-very-fast/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/inside-line-tests-nissan-gt-r-oh-yes-its-very-fast/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/inside-line-tests-nissan-gt-r-oh-yes-its-very-fast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Inside Line gang has just returned from Japan, where they performed instrumented testing on Japanese journo Jun Nishikawa's privately-owned 2009 Nissan GT-R. The test car had 1,500 km on the clock and was equipped the same way the US-spec cars will be. Boy, did it ever bring the goods. Zero to sixty came in 3.3 seconds, and the quarter mile flashed by in 11.6 at 120.9 mph. This, according to Inside Line, makes the '09 GT-R the quickest car that they've ever hooked their test equipment to. Some time is spent detailing the GT-R's launch control system, which involves flipping the transmission and damper settings to R mode, killing the VDC, and basically doing a brakestand. Once you let go of the stoppers, you get what IL describes as "crushing acceleration." The full test also touches on the car's predictably good braking and handling. You can read the whole thing here.

After reading it, you're left with the impression that Inside Line feels even more can be wrung out of the GT-R once they get their own tester in the States on a better surface than the Japanese airstrip they used in this case. You can bet that they'll put it head-to-head with the 911 Turbo and Corvette Z06 for good measure. Until then, know that the 2009 Nissan GT-R, at $70,000, appears set to offer drivers some utterly ridiculous bang for the buck.

Thanks to all who sent in tips!

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line performance tests the Nissan GT-R. Oh yes, it's very fast. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Nissan GT-R2009NissanGt-rbreakingGT-R performance testGt-rPerformanceTestInside lineInsideLineWed, 19 Dec 2007 07:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1066556/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/12/19/inside-line-tests-nissan-gt-r-oh-yes-its-very-fast/1066556/article-detail.xml 1066556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/gt-r_il_test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/gt-r_il_test.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line drives and loves the 2009 Jaguar XF]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/inside-line-drives-and-loves-the-2009-jaguar-xf/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/inside-line-drives-and-loves-the-2009-jaguar-xf/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/inside-line-drives-and-loves-the-2009-jaguar-xf/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Jaguar XF will soon be upon us, and if we're to believe Inside Line executive editor Michael Jordan's "First Drive" report, this is indeed a good thing. He speaks of an attractive car that's inviting, engaging to drive, and downright fast when you get to the bottom of it. The XF runs to 60 in 5.1 seconds when equipped with the raucous 4.2L supercharged V8. Frankly, it sounds like it's as fun to drive as either the XJR or XKR, but it does its thing in a more modern-looking package than the big XJ and a more practical one than the admittedly breathtaking XK. We won't steal Jordan's thunder by rehashing his review here. Read it in full over at Inside Line. What we can say is that after reading it, we're eager to get our mitts on Jaguar's new four-door feline as soon as possible. We can feel the shift paddles at our fingertips already. S-Type? What's that?

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2009 Jaguar XF

Inside Line drives and loves the 2009 Jaguar XF originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Jaguar XF2009JaguarXfInside LineInsideLineMichael JordanMichaelJordanMon, 17 Dec 2007 12:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1063588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/12/17/inside-line-drives-and-loves-the-2009-jaguar-xf/1063588/article-detail.xml 1063588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/09.jaguar.xf.f34.4.500_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/09.jaguar.xf.f34.4.500_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line uses long-term Ferrari 308 in comparo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/inside-line-uses-long-term-ferrari-308-in-comparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/inside-line-uses-long-term-ferrari-308-in-comparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/inside-line-uses-long-term-ferrari-308-in-comparo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Inside Line, owner of the world's coolest long-term tester, a 1984 Ferrari 308, decided to have a little fun by pitting the Magnum-mobile against a modern car in a bona-fide side-by-side comparo. Before visions of Boxsters, Corvettes, Elises or Z-cars lining up with Ferrari's 80s icon take hold in your noggins, understand that this particular test is a bit unorthodox. Maybe very unorthodox. You see, the car Inside Line compared the Ferrari to is... the Kia Sedona.

The entertaining write-up reminds us of the good old days of fun-to-read, silly comparos like the Chevy Beretta vs. the Beretta 92 handgun. This one actually has a modicum of validity, however, in that both test subjects are actually cars. One outperforms the other, and there's a substantial practicality gap there (the photos displaying each vehicle's bike-hauling chops are priceless), so the winner might come as a surprise. Or not. We're not going to spoil the fun. Go read IL's Ferrari vs. Kia comparo for yourselves.

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line uses long-term Ferrari 308 in comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>308 vs. sedona308Vs.Sedonaferrari 308 vs kia sedonaferrari vs. kiaFerrari308VsKiaSedonaFerrariVs.Kiainside lineinside line ferrari 308 long-term Ferrari 308InsideLineInsideLineFerrari308Long-termFerrari308Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/992625/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/19/inside-line-uses-long-term-ferrari-308-in-comparo/992625/article-detail.xml 992625 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ferrarivssedonainsideline_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ferrarivssedonainsideline.jpg <![CDATA[Tigers cap optional: Inside Line adds a Ferrari 308 to its long-term fleet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/tigers-cap-optional-inside-line-adds-a-ferrari-308-to-its-long/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/tigers-cap-optional-inside-line-adds-a-ferrari-308-to-its-long/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/tigers-cap-optional-inside-line-adds-a-ferrari-308-to-its-long/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Inside Line's 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi QV

It's something many of us have thought while perusing the car listings. "You know, I could actually buy a 308," becomes part of our inner monologues as we see them tantalize us with prices equal to those of new cars normal people buy all the time. It's a fantasy of sorts. After all, for many of us Autobloggers, the 308 WAS Ferrari when we were kids. It was Magnum's ride. And it was cool.

And now, the gang at Inside Line has acted on the impulse so many of us have felt, but suppressed in fits of rationality and/or practicality. They bought a 308 -- an '84 GTSi Quattrovalvole, to be exact. We're completely jealous, of course. Inside Line's going to roll in the Ferrari shown above for the next year, reporting on it -- the performance, the expenses, the headaches, and the heartaches -- just as they would any other long-termer. And when they're done, we'll all know whether or not the siren's song emanating from the local car paper is worth succumbing to after all. One of the photo captions in IL's piece reads, "What would you rather have for the same money; this or a Toyota Camry?"

That's the kind of crazy talk empty bank accounts and broken marriages are made of. Installment one's posted here, Magnum, P.I. clips and all. Enjoy it. In the meantime, we feel the urge to catch up on some reading, ourselves.

[Source: Inside Line]

Tigers cap optional: Inside Line adds a Ferrari 308 to its long-term fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At first blush, the Altima coupe sounds like a Japanese Monte Carlo -- firmly midsized, front drive, fast roofline -- but that's where the similarities end. Inside Line put an Altima coupe with the lusty 270 HP V6 under the microscope and proclaimed it the best of the field. While the performance figures and spec sheet may reflect solid numbers that don't necessarily best the competition, there are some cars that have a je ne sais quoi that defies measurement. The Inside Line folks laid down the clipboard on the passenger seat and discovered that the Altima Coupe experience is more about how the whole of the machine works. It sounds to us like the Altima is channelling the G37, and thusly, it outclasses its peers.

Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: Inside Line]

First review of Nissan Altima Coupe calls it "best" of FWD two-doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimabestcoupecvtedmundsinside lineInsideLinenissanreviewv6vqWed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/901093/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/05/23/first-review-of-nissan-altima-coupe-calls-it-best-of-fwd-two-d/901093/article-detail.xml 901093 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/08.nissan.altima.coupe.act.prf.2.500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/08.nissan.altima.coupe.act.prf.2.500.jpg <![CDATA[MazdaSpeed3/Alexa MPS garners gushing praise from Inside Line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/18/mazdaspeed3-alexa-mps-garners-gushing-praise-from-inside-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/18/mazdaspeed3-alexa-mps-garners-gushing-praise-from-inside-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/18/mazdaspeed3-alexa-mps-garners-gushing-praise-from-inside-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The MazdaSpeed3 has yet to go on sale in the U.S., so Inside Line booked a flight to Japan for a quick jaunt in the JDM market Axela MPS. Their first impression of the new pocket rocket is one of gushing praise. Mazda engineers benchmarked the Volkswagen GTI and apparently have easily eclipsed the hot hatch that started it all. The Mazda's 2.3-liter turbo four pumps out 264 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs. of torque, eclipsing the GTI's motor by 64 hp and 74 ft-lbs. of torque, respectively. Oh yeah, and it weighs 154 lbs. less. 60 mph comes in 6.1 seconds and torque steer is minimized thanks to a modified ECU that reduces torque levels in 1st through 3rd gears. If Inside Line is to be believed, the MazdaSpeed3 will be tight handling, have a decent ride and be up on utility compared with competitors like the Honda Civic Si. It appears the GTI and Civic Si just won't be able to compete. The MazdaSpeed3, however, still has to get through the 300-horsepower Dodge Caliber SRT-4 to officially claim its title of King of the Compacts.

[Source: Inside Line]

MazdaSpeed3/Alexa MPS garners gushing praise from Inside Line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexa MPSAlexaMpsInside LineInsideLineMazdaSpeed3Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/644074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/07/18/mazdaspeed3-alexa-mps-garners-gushing-praise-from-inside-line/644074/article-detail.xml 644074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/mazda.speed3.f34.500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/mazda.speed3.f34.500.jpg -1 2