Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Audi A8 teaser - click above to watch the video after the jump

We still have a bit over a week until Audi officially pulls the wraps off its next-generation A8 flagship sedan in Miami. As a holdover, however, they have released a teaser video, and we've got it for you. The operative word here is tease. As usual, very little of the car is actually shown, although a variety of phrases are overlaid on the imagery which feature terms like "creativity," "aesthetics," and "art factory." From a couple of the images (including the one captured above), it appears that the new A8 will probably be more sculpted than previous models, and it will likely feature elements like the so-called "tornado line" used on the side of the A4 and A5.

As a brand headliner, the A8 will surely feature an "intensive abundance of research and ideas" such as the rumored touch pad interface with handwriting or gesture recognition for the controls. No doubt more details will be trickling out over the coming week, and we'll be on hand in Miami to give you the full details as the car is revealed. In the meantime, you can check out the video now by clicking past the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Art WeekArtWeekaudiAudi A8Audi flagshipAudi sedanAudiA8AudiFlagshipAudiSedanlimosinelimousineluxury sedanLuxurySedanMiamiFri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/mess-with-success-hyundai-already-seen-tweaking-genesis-sedan-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/mess-with-success-hyundai-already-seen-tweaking-genesis-sedan-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/mess-with-success-hyundai-already-seen-tweaking-genesis-sedan-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite claiming great success with its 2009 Genesis sedan, Hyundai doesn't appear to be resting on its laurels. For 2010, there are no cosmetic changes in store, but the entry-level luxury sedan is getting a gentle fettling in the suspension and steering departments along with some additional kit.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's press release wasn't terribly forthcoming about what changes had been effected upon steering and suspension systems, so we checked in with company spokesman Dan Bedore to learn a few more:
"We're Hyundai, and we'll always seeking continuous improvement. We've made a series of small chassis changes, with a particular focus on improving steering and handling. We've made small adjustments to the steering, increasing efforts and tweaking feel around center; reduced friction in some suspension components; increased V6 rear spring rates; and added more jounce and rebound control to our shocks."
On the creature comforts front (this is a luxury sedan after all), the 2010 Genesis gains available intelligent cruise control and an electronic parking brake on Technology Package equipped models - the latter including an automatic hill holder feature. Additionally, "Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces" will come as standard fit on 3.8 Genesis models with Premium, Premium Navigation, and Technology Package equipped models. Finally, in response to consumer demand, Hyundai says it has made an updated touch-screen navigation (with three-month trial subscriptions to XM radio and XM NavTraffic) standard equipment on 4.6-liter models as well as Genesis 3.8 models fitted with the premium navi pack. You can check out the complete press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Genesis2010 Genesis sedan2010 Hyundai Genesis2010 Hyundai genesis sedan2010Genesis2010GenesisSedan2010HyundaiGenesis2010HyundaiGenesisSedanDan BedoreDanBedoreGenesis sedanGenesisSedanHyundaiHyundai GenesisHyundaiGenesisluxury sedanLuxurySedanXMSun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/reader-spy-the-hyundai-equus-takes-to-u-s-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/reader-spy-the-hyundai-equus-takes-to-u-s-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/reader-spy-the-hyundai-equus-takes-to-u-s-streets/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res gallery

This is the new Hyundai Equus in the steel and on U.S. roads, courtesy of Autoblog reader Alex. Depending on dealer reaction to the car, Hyundai could-maybe-possibly-might bring it to America. If so, we would then find out if Hyundai could do what Volkswagen was incapable of doing with its Phaeton: Charge top-tier money for a top-tier product wearing a lower to (now) mid-market badge.

As for the luxury sedan itself, being fans of the underdog, the Equus makes us go "Hooray, but hmmm..." We understand the need to lure unfamiliar buyers with familiar luxury themes, but we have to chide the Korean automaker for its reliance on Lexus' styling playbook. This is particularly true at the rear, where the taillight line jinks twice and runs to the wheel well, mimicking Lexus' L-Finesse language. Further, the rump wears a copy of Lexus' exhaust pipes and the car is badged the VS 460, which strikes us as a bit too close for comfort.

With Hyundai at least enjoying early signs of success with its upmarket Genesis sedan, perhaps there's room for an even more expensive offering, but early warnings point to a much higher sticker price than the automaker's reigning North American Car of the Year, and it's too soon to analyze the Genny's long-term prospects for success. What do you think... is Hyundai threatening to jump the gun, or is it headed in the right direction?

Gallery: More Hyundai Equus


[Source: Flickr]

Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 hyundai equus2010HyundaiEquusequushyundaihyundai equusHyundaiEquusLexusluxury carluxury sedanLuxuryCarLuxurySedansaloonsedanMon, 11 May 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Cadillac Converj Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Cadillac has a legitimate contender on its hands with the CTS. The luxury sedan is selling pretty well considering the down market, and it will soon be joined by wagon and coupe variants in the not too distant future. Beyond the CTS, though, Cadillac's car offerings have been less successful.

According to The Detroit Bureau, Cadillac is hoping to improve its standing by bookending the CTS with a smaller BMW 3-Series fighter and an all-new flagship. The website quotes Cadillac Marketing Chief Steve Shannon as saying that a sub-CTS is 24-30 months away. Cadillac designers are evidently working on sedan, hatchback, wagon, and convertible variants, although it is unclear what markets would receive what variants. Shannon believes the small Caddy could be the global sales leader for Cadillac, and diesel powerplants may be available at home and abroad. The question remains whether the sub-CTS would come in the form of the RWD Alpha platform GM is rumored to be working on, or a FWD platform in the mold of the Converj concept from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

For a while now, rumors have swirled that Cadillac would fold its slow-selling STS and long-serving DTS models into one new successor. The top-line Cadillac has always been too close in size to the CTS (which is itself larger than most of its cross-shops), and sales never really took off for either - at least outside of the livery market. GM is reportedly looking to change that with a new model that will better differentiate itself from the CTS in terms of size, price, amenities, and style. We've been hearing about a new replacement for some time, with most talk surrounding whether or not the project is on hold. Though the replacement sedan would be larger than the STS, Shannon insists that fuel economy would be a top priority considering the ever-tightening standards worldwide.

The real question for Cadillac is whether or not GM will be able to afford the new models. If the General goes into bankruptcy, nobody really knows what stands to get cut. Shannon optimistically says that GM's brand bloodletting could work in Cadillac's favor, though. With fewer brands to feed, GM's luxury division could finally get the attention it so richly deserves.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphacadillac ctsCadillac DTSCadillac STSCadillacCtsCadillacDtsCadillacStsconverjCTSgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmluxury sedanLuxurySedanstsFri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-hyundai-genesis-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-hyundai-genesis-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-hyundai-genesis-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Genesis Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been capturing more than its share of the spotlight this year. The luxury-oriented four-door sedan was launched with much ballyhoo over the summer. With a long list of standard features, a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, and its sights pointed directly at some heavy-hitting established competition, the sedan rolled into showrooms with high expectations. After a few short introductory drives, Hyundai put both models in the Autoblog Garage so we could spend some time getting a bit more intimate with its new players. How solid is the chassis, engine and powertrain? How does the sedan hold up to the daily grind? How does the late-arrival fare against its status-laden competition? Find out after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgenesisgenesis sedanGenesisSedanhyundaiHyundai first driveHyundai Genesis sedanHyundai sedanHyundaiFirstDriveHyundaiGenesisSedanHyundaiSedanIn the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarageLuxury sedanLuxurySedanreviewThu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Kia's big VG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rendered-speculation-kias-big-vg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rendered-speculation-kias-big-vg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rendered-speculation-kias-big-vg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So the Kia VG mule that has kept spy photographers busy the last few weeks has now been given a computer animated face and body. It's a nice looking ride, though has a surprising amount in common with the Hyundai Genesis... which means we also see, well, a lot of other cars in it. But that's not a bad thing, really, because the result is a tasty little creation, especially coming from Kia. The lines are a touch more forceful than those on the Genesis, which goes along with Kia being the sporting brand, or so they say. If the final version looks even close to this rendering, and they give it performance to match... well, then Kia will have taken a giant leap forward. Thanks for the tip, miha!

[Source: Kia World]

Rendered Speculation: Kia's big VG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia luxury sedankia vgKiaLuxurySedanKiaVgluxury carluxury carsluxury sedanLuxuryCarLuxuryCarsLuxurySedanrenderrenderingrenderingsrenderssedansedansTue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[End of life pricing on Lincoln LS: $8,000 discount]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford recently revealed its incentive lineup for the month of July and the Lincoln LS, which is on its way out, is now available with incentives that range from $4,000 to $8,000. It was previously being sold with $3,000 to $4,000 on the hood. The Lincoln Town Car is also being offered now with a bankroll of $6,500 to $7,000.

Other models that saw increased savings included the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT with an additional $500, the Ford Explorer and Crown Victoria with an additional $1,000, and the Lincoln Navigator with another $1,500.

Ford's payout on the Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer, however, fell $500. The Ford Focus payout also was reduced by $1,000. 

The LS was a decent attempt at domestic competition for the German luxury sedans that still epitomize the sport sedan market, but was saddled with improper engine/transmission combos that paired its healthy V8 only with an automatic transmission and the base V6 with an available manual. As such, it never struck a chord with shoppers seeking performance and luxury. Those looking for a domestic alternative found one in the Cadillac CTS.

[Source: Autoweek]

End of life pricing on Lincoln LS: $8,000 discount originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash backCashBackincentiveLSluxury sedanLuxurySedanrebatetown carTownCarFri, 23 Jun 2006 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW to go hands-free in the back seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/07/bmw-to-go-hands-free-in-the-back-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/07/bmw-to-go-hands-free-in-the-back-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/07/bmw-to-go-hands-free-in-the-back-seat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With Bluetooth hands-free phoning trickling all the way down to the options lists of  inexpensive motors like the Nissan Versa, high-end car manufacturers are searching for new points of differentiation in the telephony wars.

BMW has taken the battle to the back seat, as rear seat hands-free will be an option on its 7-Series lineup in the not-too-distant future. The Peikar Acustic wireless phone will allow storage of 100 speed dial numbers.

[Sources: TelematicsJournal.com; WHTHmusic.com]

BMW to go hands-free in the back seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-SeriesBluetoothcar phoneCarPhonehands-freelimousineLuxury SedanLuxurySedanrear seat phoneRearSeatPhoneSeven SeriesSevenSeriestelephonyWed, 07 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus ES350 priced to move at $33k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/lexus-es350-priced-to-move-at-33k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/lexus-es350-priced-to-move-at-33k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/lexus-es350-priced-to-move-at-33k/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota's luxury division Lexus has announced that the all-new 2007 ES350 will arrive in showrooms with a base price of $33,170. A few Lexus shoppers probably already know this as the car went on sale April 21st. Having been excused from any sporting pretentions by the brand's IS sedans, the ES350 arrives softer and quieter than ever. Its 272-hp 3.5L V6 can move the sedan to 60 in 6.8 seconds, but the ES350's targeted demographic has already reached 60 if you know what we mean.

[Source: Toyota]

Lexus ES350 priced to move at $33k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 May 2006 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>es350luxuryluxury carluxury sedanLuxuryCarLuxurySedanFri, 05 May 2006 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/30/holy-geneva-2007-volvo-s80-revealed-in-advance-of-swiss-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/30/holy-geneva-2007-volvo-s80-revealed-in-advance-of-swiss-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/30/holy-geneva-2007-volvo-s80-revealed-in-advance-of-swiss-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo's renaissance started with 1999's S80 flagship sedan, and the turnaround appears to have come full circle with its successor, seen here for the first time without camouflage. In what looks to be yet another premature press photo distribution leak, the good folks who frequent SwedeSpeed have provided us with an advance glimpse into Gothenburg's gurus latest... well ahead of the car's Geneva coming-out party.

The exterior is clearly evolutionary and couldn't be anything other than a Volvo, but this is hardly unfortunate. Up top, more aggressively raked glass, along with a sharkfin antenna presents a sportier roofline, and the S80's corners have been substantially radiused, with headlights and taillamps appearing to 'wrap around' the car's perimeter, neatly integrating the front end turn signal lens in the process. Side cladding has also been minimized for a cleaner profile, and subtle cues like the second set of inboard character lines on the hood and less timid exhaustwork afford the S80 a more energetic and dynamic look.

[Further exposé including 7 additional photos inside-and-out after the jump]

Continue reading Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut

Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luxury sedanLuxurySedanVolvo S80VolvoS80Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST