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[REPORT: Hyundai shaves $1,800 off price of 2010 Elantra Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/hyundai-shaves-1-800-off-price-of-2010-elantra-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/hyundai-shaves-1-800-off-price-of-2010-elantra-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/hyundai-shaves-1-800-off-price-of-2010-elantra-touring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the Hyundai Elantra Touring is singing your song, the music just got quite a bit better. The Korean automaker has announced a price reduction on the 2010 base model to the tune of $1,800. The 2009 Elantra Touring, a compact five-door hatchback, sat in showrooms with a base price of $18,520 (all prices include the $720 shipping charge) while the 2010 model rolls in wearing a much more pleasing $16,715 sticker this fall.

The 2010 model will also be available in three trim levels: GLS with a 5-speed manual ($16,715), GLS with a 4-speed automatic ($17,915), and SE with a 5-speed manual ($19,715). All models hum along with the same 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine (rated at 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque) sending power to the front wheels. The base GLS models are fitted with standard stability control and a 172-watt sound system with Satellite Radio and iPod/USB jacks. For its extra C-notes, the SE model turns up the music with a standard sunroof, heated front seats, B&M Racing short-throw shifter, and 17-inch alloy wheels with more aggressive tires.

We've reviewed a 2009 Elantra Touring with the automatic and found it way too soft to be a fun daily commuter. Hyundai then loaned us a model with the 5-speed manual, 17-inch wheels and short-throw shifter, which you'll soon be able to read about in an updated review. Short story: If you care about how your car drives, go for the SE with the larger wheels.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring


[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Hyundai shaves $1,800 off price of 2010 Elantra Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 Hyundai2009 Hyundai Elantra2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring2009Hyundai2009HyundaiElantra2009HyundaiElantraTouring2010 Elantra Touring2010 Hyundai2010 Hyundai Elantra2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring2010ElantraTouring2010Hyundai2010HyundaiElantra2010HyundaiElantraTouringElantra TouringElantraTouringHyundailineupmodelPrice decreasePriceDecreasereductionFri, 14 Aug 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/spec-out-your-own-maserati-in-1-43-scale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/spec-out-your-own-maserati-in-1-43-scale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/spec-out-your-own-maserati-in-1-43-scale/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're looking for a Maserati that's easier on your wallet, or a treat for a Maserati lover, then you should check out the Maserati model configurator. Three base models in 1/43 scale are available: Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, and Granturismo S. From there you can choose from among seven exterior and two interior colors, four or five different brake caliper colors, two or three different kinds of rims, and select a sunroof which is made of glass. No, it doesn't open.

You can even select a personalized license plate written in one of four fonts. Naturally, once you're finished, you can buy it. The models are €230 ($320 US), which includes shipping, and are sent within 30 days. If your Maserati doesn't match your expectations, you can return it (good luck doing that with a real car). If you don't want to go all the way then you can just display your modeling prowess in the virtual showroom. Everybody wins.

[Source: Maserati]

Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etcgiftgiftslifestylemaseratimodelmodelstoysFri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Childhood Redeemed: Lego artist creates jaw-dropping four-wheeled creations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/childhood-redeemed-lego-artist-creates-jaw-dropping-four-wheele/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/childhood-redeemed-lego-artist-creates-jaw-dropping-four-wheele/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/childhood-redeemed-lego-artist-creates-jaw-dropping-four-wheele/#commentsFiled under: ,


Firas Abu-Jaber's Lego cars - click above for a high-res gallery

This is how you tell the master from the journeyman: Give them a common task, place the same tools in each of their hands, and while journeyman's results will be acceptable, the master's results will be amazing. Firas Abu-Jaber has a way with Legos that certainly qualifies him as a master in the medium when it comes to building cars.

By his own admission, having played with Legos since he started eating cereal, he is now proficient enough with the regular blocks - not the specialized sets - to create all manner of realistic vehicles and interiors. His work speaks for itself, so have a look at the gallery below to see what passion can do with a set of Legos.


Gallery: Abu-Jaber Lego Cars


[Source: MOC Pages (via Jalopnik)]

Childhood Redeemed: Lego artist creates jaw-dropping four-wheeled creations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu-jabaretclegolegosmodelmodel carsModelCarsmodelstoysMon, 25 May 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view more pics of the Passat CC in high-res

Remember when Volkswagen launched the Phaeton, and everyone was like, What the heck are they thinking? Yeah, that was awesome. But it left a huge gaping hole in Volkswagen's product line-up between the Passat and the Phaeton. Wolfsburg tried to bridge the gap a little with the previous-generation Passat W8 4Motion, but that didn't do so well and was quickly taken off the market. The Passat CC unveiled earlier this week in Detroit helps fill the void, and the next Phaeton is expected to go down-market, but the gap is still so wide between the sedans that Volkswagen is reportedly considering making another one to slot into the line-up. Since the Phaeton isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, we assume this gap-bridging car is destined for the European market only.

This isn't mere rumor, speculation or conjecture. It comes straight from the mouth of Volkswagen's design chief, Klaus Bischoff, who revealed at the Passat CC's unveiling "We are planning another model between the Passat CC and Phaeton." Well, there you have it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccgapline-upmodelnewpassatphaetonsedanvolkswagenThu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroen set to unveil C-<i>something</i> Wednesday morning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/citroen-set-to-unveil-c-i-something-i-wednesday-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/citroen-set-to-unveil-c-i-something-i-wednesday-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/citroen-set-to-unveil-c-i-something-i-wednesday-morning/#commentsFiled under:

Citroen has put up a timer on their website foretelling the imminent launch of a new model, but guesses are all over the place as to what that new model could be.

The French automaker's range has expanded in recent years to include everything from small hatchbacks to SUVs, with just about everything in between. Progressing up the range, among the possibilities considered are a "Streetlounge" version of the C3 supermini, a pseudo-Allroad/Outback version of the C4 hatch, a C5-based convertible previewed by the C-Airscape concept, and a new C8 minivan. While sometimes automakers give us a little teaser in the form of a veiled silhouette, all PSA is giving us here is a box with wheels. Our money is on some sort of automobile, possibly starting with the letter C.

We'll have to wait until the counter runs down to zero at 9 am on Wednesday (Paris time - 3 am in New York) to see what the Chevron marque has in store for our overseas compatriots.

[Source: Citroen via World Car Fans and Le Blog Auto]

Citroen set to unveil C-something Wednesday morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencountdowncountermodelrevealunveilupcomingMon, 31 Dec 2007 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The real reason for traffic jams: us!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/the-real-reason-for-traffic-jams-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/the-real-reason-for-traffic-jams-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/the-real-reason-for-traffic-jams-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Finally, there's an explanation for those wasted hours we spent on the MassPike today asking no one in particular "what the (dirty word) is this (dirty word)?" A team of mathemeticians from the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Budapest developed a mathematical model revealing that traffic jams are caused by idiots. Okay, not exactly. The real explanation is that unexpected events, such as being cut off, require slowing below a threshold speed for smooth traffic flow. As we've all observed, when the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you need to brake even harder to compensate for your reaction time; this creates a wave that radiates back through traffic. That "backward-traveling-wave" means that because of one driver's inattention, we all pay for it miles behind.

The results of the study really point up the need to drive smoothly. Roads with heavy traffic volume seem to be more prone to traffic jams, too, but that's not necessarily the case. Heavy volume can proceed smoothly if drivers anticipate and avoid sudden actions. In the end, it appears that the main way to fix traffic jams is driver diligence. The low-tech solution is to pay attention when you're behind the wheel, but we've also now got radar-based cruise control that does this for you, so you can continue blithely on your way. It boils down to common sense; be a smooth driver, expect that everyone around you is a moron, and hopefully you won't be slamming on your brakes, causing a domino reaction.

[Source: physorg.com via Motive Mag, Photo: Ed Edahl/FEMA]

The real reason for traffic jams: us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backward travelling waveBackwardTravellingWavebristolbudapestexeterjammathematicalmodeltraffictraffic jamTrafficJamuniversitywaveFri, 21 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/autoblog-project-edsel-part-2-paint-round-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/autoblog-project-edsel-part-2-paint-round-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/autoblog-project-edsel-part-2-paint-round-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Yeah, so that didn't work out so well. At least I'll get more practice painting. Project Edsel's time for primer had come, so I thinned some Tamiya X21 into the reservoir and fired up the compressor. It took a while to figure out the proper flow and pressure setting (a pressure gauge would be helpful to adjust the compressor's regulator), but once everything was connected up and filled, I was ready to shoot some paint.

Gallery: Autoblog Project Edsel Part 2

Continue reading Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one

Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog project edselAutoblogProjectEdseledselfordmodelmodel kitModelKitmodelmakingtoyFri, 28 Sep 2007 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/09/autoblog-project-edsel-paint-and-body/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/09/autoblog-project-edsel-paint-and-body/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/09/autoblog-project-edsel-paint-and-body/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been an exciting start, mainly because I get to dig out all my old model building tools and skills. That's also why it's been a little slow since the initial post went up, because I've had to find all those model building tools. The last model I built was a '67 Belvidere GTX over ten years ago and 100 miles from here. I haven't been able to find my X-Acto knife set, but I've made do so far with my home-improvement scarred Stanley 99E razor knife.

I've had an airbrush for years, my uncle generously got it as a gift way back when I was seriously into fine arts. I haven't actually taken the opportunity to use the setup, but it was always comforting knowing that I had it at the ready should I want to become one of those guys in malls doing terrible recreations of scenes from Scarface on t-shirts. The time has come for me to learn how to use it, so I've been doing a bit of research, and finally stopped at a hobby store the other day and picked up some paints and other goodies.

Gallery: Autoblog Project Edsel part 1

Continue reading Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body

Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogedselgaragehobbykitmodelprojectSun, 09 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/a-project-car-on-a-blogging-budget-autoblog-project-edsel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/a-project-car-on-a-blogging-budget-autoblog-project-edsel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/a-project-car-on-a-blogging-budget-autoblog-project-edsel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The recreational car show season is about two-thirds of the way done for 2007, at least here in New England. There will be good cruise days sprinkled in until about Halloween, but as the summer winds down, so does the practice of four-wheeled gatherings. Every year as I stroll past rows of shiny fenders, my thoughts wander to what fun there is to be had with that vehicle that doesn't participate in workaday drudgery.

For project cars, it's a veritable prerequisite to have a garage. Note the shot of my driveway, and its distinct lack of a garage. Lacking a place to store all the accoutrements of the vehicular addiction hobby, let alone provide a proper roof over the heads of my vehicles makes upkeep of even our regular rides that much more difficult, never mind keeping the shine on anything special.

Continue reading A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel

A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1958airbrushedselkitmodelpacerprojectreplicascaleThu, 23 Aug 2007 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/small-changes-for-big-range-rover/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on the image above to view our high-resolution image gallery.

It's had a lot of challengers, and to stay at the top, Land Rover has been rolling out consistent updates to its flagship Range Rover model. Last year it was the upgraded engines: the 305-hp 4.4-liter V8 and the supercharged 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. For this year, the Range Rover gets upgrades to the interior and to its traction systems.

Inside, the Range Rover's luxurious cabin has been updated with a new instrument panel, air-con unit, new airbags and new trim, switchgear and storage compartments. The front seats have been outfitted with new head restraints designed to minimize whiplash, as well as an in-seat air-cooling system (optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models). Underneath, the Land Rover's Terrain Response system has been fitted as standard equipment, as well as an electronic rear differential (which, like the seat cooling system, is optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models) to supplement the center e-diff. There's also a new electronic parking brake that automatically disengages when you start driving.

The new changes might not amount to much, as Land Rover draws up plans for the Range Rover's all-aluminum replacement, but with heavy competition from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Land Rover can't afford to rest on its name alone.

Press release after the jump, and high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2007 Land Rover Range Rover

Continue reading Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008

Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changeshselandmodelnewrangeroversuperchargedupdateupgradesTue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The Serpent F180: possibly the coolest scale model car ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/the-serpent-f180-possibly-the-coolest-scale-model-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/the-serpent-f180-possibly-the-coolest-scale-model-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/the-serpent-f180-possibly-the-coolest-scale-model-car-ever/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Serpent F180 is the kind of car we could spend a lot of time with. A 1/8-scale replica of a formula racer, it has all-round independent double-wishbone push-rod-activated suspension, self-bleeding shocks, rear diff, 4-wheel disc brakes, a lay down engine with pushbutton starter, and a polished exhaust. In addition to the rear geometry, track width and suspension settings, you can adjust the brake balance and front anti-roll bar stiffness. Each car also comes with a carrying case and a keychain that features the car's unique serial number. Even if we could be trusted to build it properly -- it come with two manuals -- there's no way we could be trusted to get any work done once it was finished.

Thanks for the tip, KP!

[Source: Serpent Model Racing]

The Serpent F180: possibly the coolest scale model car ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>modelracingrcserpentThu, 05 Jul 2007 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Model street unveiled, goal to limit crashes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/model-street-unveiled-goal-to-limit-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/model-street-unveiled-goal-to-limit-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/model-street-unveiled-goal-to-limit-crashes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Accidents happen." It's the oft-quoted mantra of anyone who spends time behind the wheel. Sooner or later, you'll witness or partake in a vehicular mishap. The Japan Automobile Research Institute aims to take a less stoic attitude about accidents and have set up a model street to evaluate accident prevention systems and practices.

The model street, which is larger than three football fields, includes straight and curved sections and will offer Institute researchers better insight into the conditions that cause accidents. We can't speak for what causes fender benders in Japan, but in the US, the number one cause has got to be drivers with absolutely no training paying limited attention to the task at hand. Who can blame them? The allure of text messaging is so much more enticing than piloting a 3500-pound projectile rendered in metal, composite and glass. Familiarize yourself with good car-brandishing skills and then observe the idiots that surround you. There's no institute needed to discern that inattention and ineptitude often play roles, but there are often plenty of other factors. That's what the model street has been developed to study. Here's to safer travels for drivers and pedestrians alike -- and let's hope they export the stuff that actually works at reducing incidents.

[Source: MSN - Mainichi]

Model street unveiled, goal to limit crashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentinjuryinstitutejapanmodelpreventionreductionresearchsafetystreetstudyTue, 26 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai Motor Show: Girls of Shanghai Gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/shanghai-motor-show-girls-of-shanghai-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/shanghai-motor-show-girls-of-shanghai-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/shanghai-motor-show-girls-of-shanghai-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view more model pics from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show

Whether it's the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, or the Shanghai Motor Show in China, one thing remains constant: models standing next to cars. We've had a lot of discussions lately about why models are still used at auto shows in this enlightened age, and our best answer is that automakers want the public to feel like they would look this good standing next to a Buick, BMW or Geely automobile. Clearly, this strategy is not lost on the many Chinese automakers at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Our colleague from Autoblog Chinese kept his camera snapping a couple extra frames at each display so he could assemble this Girls of Shanghai Gallery for us, so we hope you enjoy. It's interesting to note the mix of western and Asian models hired for this show, as well.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Gallery: Girls of Shanghai

Shanghai Motor Show: Girls of Shanghai Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesemodelmodelsshanghaishanghai auto showshanghai motor showShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowWed, 25 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy a Ferrari F1 car . . . kind of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/buy-a-ferrari-f1-car-kind-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/buy-a-ferrari-f1-car-kind-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/buy-a-ferrari-f1-car-kind-of/#commentsFiled under:


You're a hobbyist with a lot of space in the living room, a yen for Formula 1 models, and $24,000 to spend on your next hand-assembled project. For you, Drinkstuff has come to the rescue with a full-scale, handmade, carbon fiber model of a Ferrari F1 challenger that will make you the talk of, well, probably everywhere.

The 1:1 model car, with metal decorations and actual rubber tires, comes with everything but an engine. Delivery time is four months, which give you plenty of time to build an equally impressive scale-size race track in the backyard.

[Source: Drinkstuff via Netscape]

Gallery: 1:1 full-scale Ferrar Formula One Race Car

Buy a Ferrari F1 car . . . kind of originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drinkstufff1ferrarimodelMon, 16 Apr 2007 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo obsessive? Try to outdo this miniature recreation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/volvo-obsessive-try-to-outdo-this-miniature-recreation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/volvo-obsessive-try-to-outdo-this-miniature-recreation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/volvo-obsessive-try-to-outdo-this-miniature-recreation/#commentsFiled under: ,



This is the garage all us Volvophiles wish we had. Master model builder Dirk Patschowski constructed this incredible scene for Revell to display at the Techno Classica show in Essen. I built models as a kid, and quickly progressed to adding more authentic detailing than the instructions suggested, but never anything quite so perfectly realized as this diorama.

Built from two Revell 1800 kits and one of their 122S kits, the garage scene is exquisite. The "aged" look of the Amazon is how you'll find them out in the wild, and all of the little details like the B18 engine sitting on a pallet beside a rollaway toolbox, the typical state of shop organization, and overall decor really make it seem like you could step right into the scene, if you were teeny. The one downside is that while I built my models for enjoyment, rolling around on the table and such, this work is so incredible, I'd smack anyone who dared mess with it.

[Source: Hemmings]

Gallery: Revell Volvo Diorama

Volvo obsessive? Try to outdo this miniature recreation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1221800dioramadirk patschowskiDirkPatschowskiessengaragemodelrevellscenevintagevolvoThu, 05 Apr 2007 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SPY SHOTS: Alfa 149 prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/spy-shots-alfa-149-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/spy-shots-alfa-149-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/spy-shots-alfa-149-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fans of Italian cars have been eagerly anticipating the replacement of the Alfa Romeo 147, currently the company's entry-level model. Alfa's working on a new "junior" model to slot below it in the line-up while it prepares a genuine replacement, expected to carry the 149 nameplate.

The current 147 was introduced back in 2001. It got a mild facelift in 2005, but that hasn't been enough to boost sales to where the Italian carmaker wants them to be. These photos are reported to be taken of a clay mock-up and not a pre-production car, which would be a little premature given the production schedule. According to information from parent company Fiat, the new 149 isn't due to hit the market until the middle of 2009, at which point the 147 will have been on the market eight long years.

The 149 is tipped to be based on the new Fiat Bravo, launching a two-pronged Italian attack on the popular Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The car is expected to grow slightly in size over the 147, with gasoline engines starting at a 120-hp 1.4-lter four to a Q4 version with a 3.2-liter V6 pumping 260 hp through all four wheels, and a range of diesel engines on offer as well. Still no word on whether the hatchback will join the 8C Competizione, Brera and 159 when Alfa returns to the American market.

Related post:

(A few more spy shots of the 149 mock-up after the jump)

[Source: Autotematic Forums via Motor Authority]

Continue reading SPY SHOTS: Alfa 149 prototype

SPY SHOTS: Alfa 149 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>147149alfamodelphotosreplacementromeoshotsspyUSThu, 02 Nov 2006 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[More Prius body styles on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/more-prius-bodystyles-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/more-prius-bodystyles-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/more-prius-bodystyles-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Toyota is planning on expanding the Prius range with several new body styles based on the trendy hybrid sedan. Currently, the company is considering adding a wagon and a Smart-style city-car, with the possibility of a crossover hybrid utility vehicle in the future.

The additional models will form the bulk of Toyota's campaign of selling one million hybrids worldwide. To that end, Toyota hopes to triple the number of hybrids it sells in the U.S., with the American market accounting for an anticipated half of that million-car target.

We could expect the wagon to look essentially the same as the current sedan, only with a roof extending rearward over the expanded cargo area, while the city-car will likely be an all-but-completely new model, riding on a much shorter wheelbase but with styling that immediately associates it with the rest of the Prius range.

The announcement opens anew the debate over whether customers want regular cars with hybrid engines, or instantly-identifiable, special-built hybrid models. Toyota's luxury division Lexus has reportedly expressed interest in developing a full hybrid range of its own, but until now its hybrid models have been variations on its standard lineup. The Toyota division itself has focused its hybrid production largely on the Prius, which it now hopes to expand. Meanwhile, competitor Honda found the hybrid version of the Civic to be far more popular than the quirky Insight.

We'd tend to agree with Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson's synopsis: Why buy an overpriced, ugly, poorly-made Prius when most conventional diesels will return better economy and give you more for your money? But with Toyota's ever-quickening race to the top, clearly it's on to something.

[Source: Bloomberg via Motor Authority]

More Prius body styles on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodyhybridlexusmodelnewpriusstyletoyotaThu, 02 Nov 2006 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls Royce announces new model from Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/rolls-royce-announces-new-model-from-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/rolls-royce-announces-new-model-from-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/rolls-royce-announces-new-model-from-paris/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rolls-Royce (literally the "Rolls-Royce" of automobiles) revealed in Paris that they've started working on their long-awaited "baby Rolls-Royce", which it projects will be ready within four years from now.

Saying "baby Rolls-Royce" is relative when it'll still cost as much as a small house, but considering its big-brother Phantom costs as much as a large one, the projected price in the €2-300,000 range seems like a bargain by comparison.

Currently the BMW-owned super-luxe carmaker offers only the Phantom sedan. The smaller sedan, which is expected to share some bits with the next BMW 7-Series, will be joining a few more models, including a stretched Phantom, a new cabriolet (previewed at Geneva '04 by the 101EX showcar) and its possible coupe derivative.

(Follow the jump for the short press release.)

Continue reading Rolls Royce announces new model from Paris

Rolls Royce announces new model from Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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