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[Autoblog Podcast #156]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a7 sportbackaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideaudiaudi a7audi a8audi s8AudiS8autoblogautoblog podcastchryslerdakotadodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedjettaLA 2009LA Auto showla auto show 2009la show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShow2009los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2009los angeles autoshow 2009los angeles autoshow2009LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoshow2009podcastsportbackunibody dakotaunit body dakotavolkswagenvolkswagen jettavwvw jettaTue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #156Autoblog01:41:22la auto show; aston martin; aston martin rapide; rapide; audi a7; sportback; a8; audi; volkswagen; jetta; dakota; dodge dakota; podcast; autoblog podcast http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19270414/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/19270414/article-detail.xml 19270414 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just some of the beauty in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the state of the economy, it didn't come as much of a surprise that manufacturer presence was down at the LA Auto Show this year. The carmakers that did show up, however, brought their "A Game" - mostly. As much as that was true for new vehicle introductions, it also applied to the deployment of booth professionals as well.

Many booths didn't hire models this year, unfortunately, and companies that have traditionally been reliable sources of model employment weren't even here in 2009. We're looking at you, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Still, it was nice to see even a few smiling faces while we scoured the darkened halls of the LA Convention Center trying in our obsessive search for postworthy material.

While we didn't encounter many spokesmodels, we did find a lot of beauty in the City of Angels. We've assembled a small gallery of random shots and artsy-fartsy images to give all of you a taste of this year's show from LA. Click below to see our small but satisfying high-res gallery.


Gallery: LA 2009: LA beauty


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babe galleryBabeGallerybabesbooth professionalsBoothProfessionalsla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Convention CenterLA ladyLA ShowLA womanLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaConventionCenterladiesLaLadyLaShowLaWomanlos angeles auto showlos angeles international auto showLosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesInternationalAutoShowspokesmodelspokesmodelsFri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/19263307/article-detail.xml 19263307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lababes---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lababes---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Billabong Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

No, this isn't a leftover post from SEMA, although to be perfectly fair, it is a leftover vehicle from SEMA. While reporting on the Hot Rod Toyota Tundra and Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer, we somehow missed this tricked-out Venza. Kitted out by the Australian surfwear mavens at Billabong, it's called the Ultimate Venza Concept. Umm, yeah. While the vast majority of Venza crossovers are probably never going to be used off-road, this Ultimate Venza apparently wants us to know that any extreme sports fan will be happy in one.

Toyota had Street Image do the build. They started with a 2009 Venza and added a body kit with Outback-worthy fender flares and alloy wheels. That crazy custom roof rack can accommodate surfboards, snow boards and wake boards, and can be lowered for easier loading. There's even a hidden cargo rack that allows skis and snow boards to be mounted at the back. There are front and rear hitch receivers, a Grinch Winch to "pull wake boarders into waves or snow boarders and skaters across flat land to a jump or rail," and a TRD big brake kit in there as well.

Besides being identified by the massive graphics along the flanks, Billabong also chipped in wet suit material for the seats and an homage of sorts on the headliner which features a collage of Billabong athletes in action. The vehicle also incorporates certain "living" features like a heated shower system to help you rinse off after surfing and a Verizon Wireless access point router to keep you abreast of current surf and snow conditions. Look for it at upcoming Billabong surf events, read more about it in the press release after the jump, and see it in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Billabong Toyota Venza


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza

LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Toyota2010 Toyota Venza2010Toyota2010ToyotaVenzaBillabongBillabong Toyota VenzaBillabong VenzaBillabongToyotaVenzaBillabongVenzala 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowSEMASEMA 2009SEMA2009toyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/19264811/article-detail.xml 19264811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX


[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Kia2010 Kia Forte2010 Kia Forte Koup2010Kia2010KiaForte2010KiaForteKoupcar of the yearCarOfTheYearCotyforteForte CoupeForte KoupForteCoupeForteKoupkiaKia ForteKia Forte CoupeKia Forte KoupKiaForteKiaForteCoupeKiaForteKoupKoupla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009nadanada guidesNadaGuidesnadaguides.comFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/19264591/article-detail.xml 19264591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010kiafortereview_00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010kiafortereview_00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.


Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriuspluginPlugInHybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybridFri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/19264869/article-detail.xml 19264869 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lapluginprius---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lapluginprius---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mazdaspeed2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As cool as some of those custom Ford Fiestas are at the LA Auto Show, these even tidier Mazda2 customs really jumped out at us. Okay, maybe not all of the concepts so much as the "Mazdaspeed2" you see above. The Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow barely registered when we saw this green and grey fun machine. Dubbed the 2Evil Special and not really an official Mazdaspeed2 at all, this concept blends weekend track car with urban commuter in just the right proportions.

The other two concepts aren't quite as eye-catching as the 2Evil, but are fun nonetheless. The Active2 Surf has a slightly restyled exterior, 17-inch wheels, an H&R coil over suspension and was painted a bright green with MINI-like white wheels and mirror caps. We really dug the carbon fiber surfboard in the Thule roof rack, too. The Active2 Snow gets similar bodywork tweaks, along with the 17-inch wheels and the H&R setup with another Thule roof rack sporting matching snowboards.. Both cars also wear Active2 graphics. These two cars look like they are going to be easily duplicated by accessing the Mazda Accessories catalog.

Meanwhile, the 2Evil sits even lower thanks to its H&R coil-over setup, and is visually lowered even more courtesy of the aggressive body kit with its curb-scraping front lip and deep side skirts. The 2Evil also includes a new diffuser and spoiler in the back, limo-black windows, Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B tribute graphics, 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokahama Advan tires, and a Magna performance exhaust system. The green highlights really bring the whole thing together to make it look like a spec series racer. Now if Mazda could just shoehorn in the Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill, they'd really be onto something. We can just imagine Grand-Am adding a CC (commuter car) class for fun little runabouts like this Mazda2, the MINI Cooper, Fiesta, Fiat 500, Honda Fit and the like.


Gallery: LA 2009: Custom Mazda2 Concepts


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA

LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2Evil2Evil Special2evilSpecialActive2Active2 SnowActive2 SurfActive2SnowActive2Surfla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowmazdamazda2mazdaspeed2Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/19264157/article-detail.xml 19264157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Luna, left, and Toby, model the Honda Element Dog Friendly edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda certainly can't be accused of running a dog and pony show here at the LA Auto Show, because there were no ponies. They did, however, have the adorable Luna and Toby on hand to demonstrate their clever Dog Friendly system on this Honda Element. It's essentially a collapsible ramp and pup tent (couldn't resist) with tethers that keeps dogs secure in back while protecting the interior of your vehicle from stains and pet hair.

We've shown you this Dog Friendly setup before, but couldn't resist snapping a few pics of the system in action, especially now that it's available. The Dog Friendly package is available on any 2010 Honda Element model for an extra $995. besides the nylon kennel and ramp, the system includes a cushioned bed, a spill-proof water dish, a small 12-volt ventilation fan, seat covers for the second row, and rubber floor mats with a bone motif. Seems like a reasonable price for keeping one's pets safe and secure, especially considering it's a custom fit package from the people who actually build the vehicle itself. There's a full press release after the jump and some more pics of Toby and Luna in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Dog Friendly Honda Element


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package

LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dog friendlyDog Friendly carDog Friendly ElementDog Friendly Element ConceptDog Friendly HondaDog Friendly Honda ElementDog Friendly Honda Element Conceptdog safetyDogFriendlyDogFriendlyCarDogFriendlyElementDogFriendlyElementConceptDogFriendlyHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementDogFriendlyHondaElementConceptDogSafetyhondahonda doghonda dog friendlyHonda dog-friendly Element concepthonda elementHondaDogHondaDog-friendlyElementConceptHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowpet safepet safetyPetSafePetSafetyThu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/19264362/article-detail.xml 19264362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---0.jpg <![CDATA[Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi Geek Squad i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Mitsubishi didn't unveil any new vehicles at the LA Auto Show today, company president Osamu Masuko did announce the latest step in his company's plan to bring plug-in vehicles to North America. The vehicle - well, one of them - is an all-electric i-MiEV plastered with Best Buy's Geek Squad logo. The electronics giant will start using them in January (after they're shown off at CES) at some Geek Squad locations in California. Details have not yet been totally worked out, but the Geek EVs will start with a fleet of four vehicles and then expand and rotate to other stores over the course of three years. Most likely, the i-MiEVs will be doled out in pairs and the probable early cities where these vehicles will make house calls include Chicago, New York, Portland and San Francisco.

Best Buy plans to use the i-MiEVs just like any other fleet car, with the exception that they will be right-hand drive. Best Buy's Senior Vice President of emerging business, Rick Rommel, told AutoblogGreen that the idea is to learn "how these will fit into a Geek's daily life." The plug-in vehicle tests with Geek Squad are unrelated to how select West Coast Best Buy stores are selling electric bikes. That said, Rommel admits that the key thing is that Best Buy likes to conduct new experiments, and these EVs fit into that general concept.


Gallery: Best Buy Geek Squad i-MIEV


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowbest buybest buy electric vehiclesbest buy evsBest Buy Inc.Best Buy StoresBestBuyBestBuyElectricVehiclesBestBuyEvsBestBuyInc.BestBuyStoresGeek SquadGeekSquadi-mievimievla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009la showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowlashow2009mievmitsumitsubishimitsubishi imievMitsubishiImievosamu masukoOsamuMasukoPX-MiEVrick rommelRickRommelThu, 03 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/19264456/article-detail.xml 19264456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-geek-squad-miev-2_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-geek-squad-miev-2_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

Continue reading LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 7 series2010 BMW2010 BMW 7 series2010 bmw 7 series activehybrid2010 BMW X62010 bmw x6 activehybrid2010 X620107Series2010Bmw2010Bmw7Series2010Bmw7SeriesActivehybrid2010BmwX62010BmwX6Activehybrid2010X6activehybridBMWbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridBMW Active Hybrid 7bmw activehybrid x6bmw hybridbmw visionBMW Vision Efficient Dynamicsbmw vision efficient dynamics conceptbmw vision hybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActiveHybrid7BmwActivehybridX6BmwHybridBmwVisionBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsConceptBmwVisionHybridla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/19262733/article-detail.xml 19262733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Taurus and Volvo VX60 named International Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold onto your hats folks, because while magazine award ceremonies appear to be just about finished, the auto show trophies are just starting to be handed out. This time, it's the International Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, and we've got two winners from within the Ford empire. The Ford Taurus took top car honors while the Volvo XC60 won as the best truck. Both vehicles have been well received by the press and early returns from customers appear to be positive, too. While the Taurus is outselling its bland and unexciting predecessor, the XC60 has helped Volvo achieve six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases.

ICOTY creator and executive producer Courtney Caldwell claims that the winners aren't chosen based on performance, but instead on how the vehicles "reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self-image and how well the automaker achieves that goal through the design and marketing of the vehicle." Uh-huh. And while the ICoTY award isn't exactly one of the big-name trophies for the mantle, a win is a win, and both Ford and Volvo are proud recipients of the accolades. Hit the jump to read over the press releases from Ford and Volvo.


Gallery: LA 2009 COTY: 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Volvo XC60


[Sources: Ford, Volvo]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year

LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus2010 volvo xc602010FordTaurus2010VolvoXc60ford taurusFordTaurusicotyicoty awardIcotyAwardinternational car of the yearInternationalCarOfTheYearla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009volvo xc60VolvoXc60Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/19263065/article-detail.xml 19263065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/13-volvo-xc60-ford-taurus_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/13-volvo-xc60-ford-taurus_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


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

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exige scuraexige stealthExigeScuraExigeStealthla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lotuslotus exigelotus exige scuralotus exige stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/19263014/article-detail.xml 19263014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating platform in the middle of the booth, another LFA-like creature lay motionless a few feet away.

It seems Lexus had an extra drivetrain they wanted to display, but instead of just parking the engine, transaxle and other mechanical bits on a stand, they decided to make it something of a cutaway. Rather than chopping up one of those exquisitely woven carbon fiber bodies, thankfully, they supported the running gear in a wireframe cutaway of sorts that mimics the overall shape of the production car. It was even done up in white just like the real thing on the other side of the stand. While some saw it as a novel way to display the internals, we think this might be a sneak peek at the cheaper, simpler Lexus LFA we had hoped for. Or, you know, not.

Check out the gallery below, and do yourself a favor - Take a few extra seconds to ogle that engine.


Gallery: LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowlexusLexus LF-Alexus lfalexus supercarLexusLf-aLexusLfaLexusSupercarLF-Alfalos angeleslos angeles 2009LosAngelesLosAngeles2009Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262727/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/19262727/article-detail.xml 19262727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lexuslfaframework---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lexuslfaframework---0.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Hyundai Tucson makes the drive to America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-los-angeles-2009-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Hyundai Tucson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's second big unveiling for the LA Auto Show is its next-generation Tucson, its compact crossover. Like the Sonata sedan, we've actually already seen the Tucson for some time now, as it previously debuted South Korea and Europe badged as the ix35 or Tucson ix. We actually first saw this shape as the ix-onic concept at Geneva last March and the production model is only mildly toned down.

Even toned down, though, this is a major departure from the outgoing Tucson. Like the Sonata, that model was a competent but utterly invisible CUV. The new Tucson was created by Hyundai's Frankfurt-based European design studio and features the same "Fluidic Sculpture" surface language used on the Sonata. Like the sedan, the look is attractive, if not entirely original, as the form seems to draw quite a bit inspiration from the Nissan Murano, especially in the rear. Either way, with its bulging fenders and a multitude of curves and creases, the new style is likely to draw a lot more second glances than its predecessor. Wherever the ideas came from, the Tucson appears to be well-executed overall. Follow the jump to learn more Hyundai's latest CUV.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Tucson


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading 2010 Hyundai Tucson makes the drive to America

2010 Hyundai Tucson makes the drive to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow20102010 hyunda tucson2010 hyundai2010 hyundai tucson2010Hyundai2010HyundaiTucson2010HyundaTucsonCrossoverCUVfluidic sculptureFluidicSculptureHyundaiHyundai CUVHyundai iX35Hyundai TucsonHyundai Tucson ixhyundai tucson ix35HyundaiCuvHyundaiGenesisHyundaiIx35HyundaiTucsonHyundaiTucsonIxHyundaiTucsonIx35Ix35HyundaiEuropala 2009la auto showla auto show 2009la showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowtucsontucson ixtucson suvTucsonIxTucsonSuvThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19253947/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-los-angeles-2009-debut/19253947/article-detail.xml 19253947 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hyundatucsonla_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hyundatucsonla_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Leashed Mini Cooper S Clubman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini may be many things, but stuffy they're not. When your business consists of selling tiny hatchbacks with sports car handling at a near luxury price, you really can't take yourself too seriously all the time. Mini ad campaigns have capitalized on that cheeky spirit to great effect. While at the LA Auto Show this week, we were treated to a preview of some of the newest commercials that will be getting airtime soon. Rest assured, the attitude is still there in abundance.

A good example of that spirited personality is the car you see here. Playing on the old Mini's Bulldog alter ego, the automaker has chosen to put this new Cooper S Clubman on a leash...with a spiked collar. Seriously. And they even went step further with some funny warnings painted into the danger hash marks on the floor around it. We can't think of many other car companies that could pull this off, but on a Mini, that collar actually looks amusingly good. We've got more high-res pics in the gallery that can be unleashed by clicking below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Leashed MINI Cooper S Clubman


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Mini owns its inner Bulldog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad miniBadMinibulldogla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowleashed miniLeashedMiniminimini bulldogmini cooperMini Cooper Clubmanmini leashedMiniBulldogMiniCooperMiniCooperClubmanMiniLeashedThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-mini-owns-its-inner-bulldog/19262729/article-detail.xml 19262729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/badmini---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/badmini---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery

While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.

There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:

Black Fiesta:

This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.

Blue Fiesta:

The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."

White Fiesta:

The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.

Red Fiesta:

Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."

We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d Carbon3dcarboncustom carcustom carsCustomCarCustomCarsFiestafiesta movementFiestaMovementfordFord FiestaFordFiestaFSWerksHRken blockKenBlockla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowsteedaSteeda AutosportsSteedaAutosportsx gamesx games rallyXGamesXGamesRallyThu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/19262710/article-detail.xml 19262710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the LA Auto Show for their North American debut today. The Cambden and Mayfair were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the Coupe and Roadster. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.

None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MINI]

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperLAla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowminimini coopermini coupemini coupe conceptmini roadsterMINI Roadster ConceptMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniCoupeConceptMiniRoadsterMiniRoadsterConceptWed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19261843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/19261843/article-detail.xml 19261843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing about the 2011 Ford Fiesta for so long that it's hard to imagine that the U.S. version of the car was just officially unveiled today. We gave you all of the official details and photos late last night, but we can now give you our first live impressions of the North American-spec version. Ford's own Mark Fields officially introduced the car along with numerous Fiesta agents on hand who helped pull the sheets off the various Fiestas on the show floor.

Although just 60 percent of the parts on the U.S.-spec Fiesta are common with the European version, it seems that most of the charm of the car remains. Up front the grille has been revised to include the three-bar design (at least on the sedan), and the fog lights have been replaced by LED light strips surrounded by chrome. The interior design is relatively the same as well, although it's been tweaked to conform with U.S. crash standards and features soft touch materials, a four-inch LCD display, and available SYNC, auto climate control, leather seats, moon roof and more. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder putting out a respectable 119 horsepower and 109 lb-ft torque. A 5-speed manual or new 6-speed PowerShift electronic dual clutch automatic will be the transmissions of choice, though the automatic goes without any manual controls.

There's plenty of more details in the multitude of press releases after the jump, and we've included all of our live shots of the 2011 Fiesta in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement

LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiestaFiestaFordFord FiestaFordFiestala 2009la auto showla auto show 2009la showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/19262668/article-detail.xml 19262668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/fiestala09live_04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/fiestala09live_04_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/scion-xb-release-series-7.0-los-angeles-2009-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/scion-xb-release-series-7.0-los-angeles-2009-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/scion-xb-release-series-7.0-los-angeles-2009-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just yesterday we shared with you some pics of and specs on the latest Scion Release Series, the xB 7.0. It's a tradition of sorts for Scion to come out with a new Release at the LA Auto Show. For this go-around, Scion seems to have been indulging in some fermented grapes, as the bloody thing is painted Murasaki! That would be purple for those of us not fluent in Japanese. Well, we have just one thing to say now that we've seen it in person, we're glad it's going to be limited to just 2,000 units.

It's not so much the underlying xB, or the DAMD body kit, or the custom stitching on the interior. It's not the TRD springs for sure, and the new exhaust tips aren't that bad. It's just that when the whole thing is swathed in purple, we can't get past the color. In any case, you can check out the high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump and judge the 7.0 for yourself.


Gallery: LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0


Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowRelease Series 7.0ReleaseSeries7.0scionscion releaseScion xBScion xB Release Series 7.0ScionReleaseScionXbScionXbReleaseSeries7.0special editionSpecialEditiontoyotaxBxB Release Series 7.0XbReleaseSeries7.0Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262722/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/scion-xb-release-series-7.0-los-angeles-2009-live/19262722/article-detail.xml 19262722 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/scionxbreleaseseries7live---02_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/scionxbreleaseseries7live---02_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not counting full-size trucks, the meat-and-potatoes of the American car market remains the mid-size family sedan. For the past two decades, the undisputed kings of this particular segment have been the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, especially since the Ford Taurus fell off its pedestal right around 1992. Many have tried to knock the two Japanese heavyweights (now figuratively and literally) off the hill - and almost as many have failed. And while those two titans have remained atop the sales charts, other family sedans have met with considerable success. Perhaps most notably, the Hyundai Sonata, an unassuming car that has found its way into 1.2 million homes.

With beaming grins and news of Hyundai being named the most fuel efficient brand in America, Hyundai's brass took the wraps off their new-for-2011 Sonota. What strikes you instantly is the Sonata's curvy, slightly-hefty, almost organic shape. Hyundai calls the design language "Fluidic Sculpture," and while not quite as in-your-face as Mazda's signature Nagare styling language, we have a feeling it might prove nearly as polarizing. That's not to say the new Sonata is bad looking or ugly. But it is highly-stylized in a mid-size market that tends to reward the bland and middle-of-the-road.

But Fluidic Sculpture is what we've got - and not just on the Sonata. Hyundai's North American President and CEO John Krafcik promises that this design language will define the brand moving forward. Not surprisingly, Fluidic Sculpture originated right here in Southern California in Hyundai's Irvine design center. We really appreciate some of the finely wrought detailing, such as the grille, door handles, headlights and taillights (though those taillights appear to be lifted directly from the BMW 3 Series). We're just a wee bit uncertain of how the new Sonata will play in Peoria.

As for the non-design aspects of the 2011 Sonata, the big news is under the hood. Gone is the 3.3-liter V6, or for that matter, any V6. Instead Hyundai is offering consumers a choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first is a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) motor called the Theta II good for 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That much power from a 2.4-liter essentially puts the Sonata at the head of the four-cylinder class. But what about those pesky V6 cars? No problem, as Hyundai will launching a turbocharged version of the GDI Theta II. If direct-injection and turbocharging sounds a little EcoBoosty to you, well, it is. And that's a very, very good thing.

But what about hybrids? There will be a hybrid version of the Theta II. Hyundai's calling the technology Blue Drive,and it sounds pretty spiffy. Unlike other hybrids that use nickel hydride (or starting soon, lithium ion) batteries, the Hyundai system will use lithium polymer technology. According to Hyundai, lithium polymer leapfrogs lithium ion battery tech and within five years, the entire industry will switch to LP. Only Hyundai will be putting the tech on sale within the year. Big claims to be sure, but Hyundai's been defying conventions and expectations for quite a while now. Look for the Alabama-built Sonata to start at less than $20,000 and go on sale this January. Official press release after the jump, Jonny-on-the-spot photos below.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Toyota Sienna live in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota finally took the wraps off their new 2011 Sienna minivan and we have to say, it looks pretty good in person. Although Toyota sent out some teaser shots this morning, we just got back from the official unveiling at the LA Auto Show and have a whole batch of live shots and quite a few more media pics for you to browse. We were quite shocked by the size of the crowd at this press conference, perhaps showing that even though the minivan market may be shrinking, it still meets a sizable need.

We were also a bit surprised to run into Ford's J. Mays and Mark Fields, and they reminded us that you have to stay abreast of the competition lest you die. They would neither confirm nor deny the return of the Aerostar. Besides the top-level Limited model on stage, Toyota also showed off a pre-production SE, which sits a little lower on a stiffened suspension and 19-inch alloys. It also sports a body kit, a revised grille and carbon fiber in place of wood inside.

Also make sure you check out the 2011 Sienna's trick 16-inch LCD monitor for rear seat passengers and the reclining seats with extendable footrests, two features we've never seen in this segment before.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna


Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Third-Gen 2011 Toyota Sienna is a rock star originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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