Autoblog

Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

A little over a month ago, I got a call from Jonny. Something was up. He was excited and anxious, and before the words "MacKenzie offered me a job, and I've accepted" came out of his mouth, I knew he was off to greener pastures.

I'm proud of a lot of things at Autoblog, but getting Dr. Lieberman on board is near the top of that list. And now he's gone, taking the Senior Editor position at Motor Trend after the buff book's editor-in-chief called and said, "We need to talk." Plenty of people have moved on from Autoblog over the years, but given Jonny's penchant for prose and never-say-die attitude, we asked him to pen a farewell letter before heading off to do some ludicrous comparison test for MT. You'll be missed, sir, so the floor is yours... one last time.

Damon Lavrinc - Senior Editor

Working at Autoblog has been one of the best experiences of my car-writing career. As you may or may not know, if there's a website about cars, odds are it's hoisted my byline at some point. From The Truth About Cars to Jalopnik to Clunkbucket and most points in between, I've cranked out some auto-centric virtual ink nearly everywhere. But Autoblog was the feather in my digital cap. No car website commands more respect, is more widely read or opens as many doors. And yeah, a pretty big door just got opened for me.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful men behind the screen. I've worked at some sites filled with mega-friendly people that weren't capable of pouring piss from a boot. Other places were hyper-competent and staffed almost totally with assholes. Autoblog combined near-ruthless professionalism with the kind of positive working environment you only dream about in any job. It really is a wonderful operation, one that sent me Japanese whiskey as a wedding gift. Thanks to Damon Lavrinc for always being in my corner and John Neff for not only giving me the chance, but for running such a tight ship. I'd like to thank especially Drew Phillips, "my photographer," for putting up with my right foot on all those canyon runs.

But of course, it's not all roses and sunshine. There are quite a few things I regret. In true Butthole Surfers fashion, allow me to quote, "Well son, the funny thing about regret is, it's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't done." Sadly, while there's nothing I regret doing at Autoblog (well, maybe SEMA), there's a whole slew of things I regret not doing. With that in mind, here's a small list of stuff that for one reason (lazy!) or another (extra lazy!) I never got around to sharing. Read on...

Continue reading Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog

Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mazda

Quite a few automakers have had success with certified pre-owned used car programs, and now Mazda is jumping on board by offering a CPO plan of its own. After all, used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection are more attractive to potential buyers, even though certified cars commonly carry a heavier price tag than their non-inspected lot mates.

Mazda is offering its CPO program on all 2006 to 2010 model year vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. Depending on the auto's age, certified used cars will offer the remaining balance of Mazda's warranty, or will be sold with an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. What's more, Mazda offers roadside assistance on its CPO vehicles.

Expect the certified pre-owned program to make its way across the vast majority of Mazda dealers in the United States in the coming months. For the full details, hit the jump to read the release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Mazda launches certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota

IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.

Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.

Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: IIHS Rollover tests for CUVs

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Japan, Crossover, Mazda, Diesel

2010 Mazda CX-7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

One of our favorite sporty CUVs -- the Mazda CX-7 -- is due for a refresh and Mazda plans to take the wraps off the 2010 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. In addition to receiving Mazda's familiar "happy" family face and some new brightwork, the Euro-spec model gets a 2.2-liter turbo'd oil burner, as opposed to the US-version's 2.3-liter turbo petrol plant. The MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, which makes a "meh" 170 hp and a "yowza" 295 lb-ft of torque, complies with the stringent Euro Stage 5 emissions. Still not quite as tough as US diesel standards, but getting warmer.

~~There's no official word from Mazda about whether or not the US version will get the giant happy smiling face.~~ 2010 CX-7s with the big happy face are already sitting on US lots. Though of course, no diesel. Make the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia

Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a familiar fascia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Chris Shunk — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazda CX-7

The 2010 Mazda CX-7 may have made its global debut at the Toronto Auto Show in February, but we're seeing it for the first time in person at the Geneva Motor Show this week. At first glance, the CX-7 looks largely unchanged versus the 2009 model, but closer inspection reveals subtle tweaks. New for 2010 are a larger grille, updated front and rear fascias and a refashioned interior. The biggest addition to the CX-7 lineup in North America is the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mazda3, though power will be reduced slightly to 161 horsepower. The base four will have a lower sticker price than the 2009 model while also improving fuel economy. The turbocharged, 244-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder remains unchained for the 2010 model year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Continue reading Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Geneva 2009: 2010 Mazda CX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008: Kesselman Mazda CX-7

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossover, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kesselman Mazda CX-7.

From afar, our first reaction was: what's a Matrix doing at the Mazda booth? Upon closer inspection, the dumped wagon you see above revealed itself as a tuned Mazda CX-7. Unfortunately, our Russian is about as good as our Swahili, so we weren't able to get any definitive details on what exactly has been done to Mazda's mid-level CUV. But the upgraded intercooler, ultra-low stance, gaudy body kit, stripped interior and six-point roll cage is proof that Russia's Kesselman tuning excels at answering questions that no one asked.

Gallery: Kesselman Mazda CX-7

Moscow 2008: Kesselman Mazda CX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Buick

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Buick Enclave

Thinking outside the box a bit, AutoWeek figured that if a customer can drive down to his or her local Buick dealer and purchase a new 2008 Buick Enclave, there's no good reason to wait until GM's embargo on ride evaluations lifts at the end of May before having a go at one themselves. So they visited a local dealer, test drove one and reported the findings for those of us interested in learning about this highly anticipated new Buick ASAP. There was a bit of backlash the last time AutoWeek did this when they reviewed the 2007 Chevy Silverado well ahead of its embargo lifting, but we'll have to wait and see if anyone, including GM, cares much this time. Embargo breaking seems to be the norm these days and the rules are ever-changing. So what did they think of the Enclave?

Follow the jump for the rest of the summary, and make sure you click through the read link for the full write-up.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Continue reading AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda considering CX-5, a Hakaze-inspired crossover

John Neff — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda made it clear at the beginning of this auto show season that each of the three concepts it debuted would be more production ready than the last. First there was the Nagare concept that debuted at the LA Auto Show, and then came the Ryuga concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The final concept, called the Hakaze, debuted this month in Geneva, and according to a report from Auto Express is destined to inspire the design of a production CUV called the CX-5.

The naming convention used here is apt, as the new ute will combine the utility of the CX-7 with the fun-to-drive nature of the MX-5. What's more, it appears the CX-5 will be the second vehicle in Mazda's lineup after the RX-8 to sport a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors that provide easier access to vehicle's second row of seats.

The rendering shown on Auto Express reveals the CX-5 will share a basic shape with the Hakaze concept, but many cues will be toned down on the production version. Considering that Mazda used an interesting ripple effect on the exterior sheetmetal of all three concepts, we were surpised to see the CX-5's sheetmetal is as smooth as a baby's butt. Regardless, the CX-5 could reach showrooms as early as 2010.

[Source: Auto Express]

Mazda considering CX-5, a Hakaze-inspired crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive a Mazda CX-7, get $15

Chris Tutor — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Last year Mazda teamed with Google to give away a CX-7 and some iPods and computers. Only a few lucky folks won. But if you live in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio or Wisconsin, Mazda wants to pay you $15 to check out their CX-7. Go fill out the form at this link and watch for an email invitation that you can print and take to your local participating dealer. After driving Mazda's mid-size SUV, you'll get a $15 Best Buy gift card. Can't beat getting paid to drive cars, right?

[Source: dealnews.com]

Drive a Mazda CX-7, get $15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda CX-7 SUV is alone and proud of it

Joel Arellano — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV

Ford owns about 51% of Mazda. Thus many folks, including some here at Autoblog, assumed the new CX-7 SUV displayed at the North American International Auto Show was built on a shared platform with the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles. It didn't help that all three are sized within inches of each other.

Not so, according to this report from TCC Confidential. The automotive news source confirmed with Mazda's Jay Amestoy that the new SUV is actually closer to the Mazda5 (e.g., same rear suspenion). That vehicle is based on the fabled C1 platform that underpins the Mazda3, Volvo S40 and European Ford Focus.

Mazda CX-7 SUV is alone and proud of it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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