Autoblog

2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k

Chris Shunk — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST

The 2009 edition of the Detroit Auto Show was depressing on a variety of levels, ranging from the number of automakers who either pulled out or didn't bring anything new, to the industry's general malaise as a whole. The show was upsetting on a regional level because attendance dropped.

Luckily, 2009 is in the books and 2010 appears to be better on nearly all fronts. While new introductions at the show seemed down this year again, the bright side is that more automakers participated and, perhaps more importantly for the struggling region, attendance was up in a big way.

The Detroit News reports that 715,000 men, women and children paid up to $12 to attend the show this year - up 65,000 from 2009's dismal numbers. Part of the reason for the increase came courtesy of surprisingly good weather (for Detroit), while the overall outlook of the industry isn't (quite) as dire as it was one year ago. Also, that higher attendance number happened despite the fact that the Audi display caught fire and cleared Cobo for one afternoon.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Fire breaks out at Cobo, Detroit Auto Show evacuated

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:09:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Safety

Instant gratification can be an amazing thing, a fact evidenced once again by the always-on-top-of-things nature of Twitter. Apparently, Detroit Auto Show attendees were evacuated from Cobo Hall a short time ago after a reported electrical fire broke out at the Audi exhibit. Says the official NAIAS Twitter feed:

There was a small electrical fire inside Cobo. The fire is out and everything is under control... The building was cleared as a precautionary measure. The show will reopen in a couple hours.

Reports are unclear as to how the fire actually started, with some witnesses seeing sparks and others reporting flames as high as the ceiling with pieces of display falling down. Regardless, it's clear that thick smoke currently fills Cobo Hall and police, firefighters and other emergency personnel are on the scene.

Showgoers can get their hands stamped in order to get a voucher to come back another day, or wait until 5PM when the doors are currently scheduled to reopen. More info as we get it. Click here for a few photos posted on Twitter. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: Twitter]

BREAKING: Fire breaks out at Cobo, Detroit Auto Show evacuated originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built.

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC has always been General Motors' truck and SUV marque, but the brand could break new ground if it decides to build a small urban vehicle based on the Granite concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Granite would likely be smaller and less rough-and-tumble than any other vehicle in the GMC lineup while also carrying a lower base price tag. If GM's "Professional Grade" brand builds a Granite-like vehicle it could take the marketing road less traveled; television-less advertising.

Buick-GMC advertising director Steve Rosenblum has reportedly told Automotive News that the next step for GMC could be a four-passenger vehicle that slots below the Terrain, and the Granite certainly fits that bill. Rosenblum went on to hypothesize that a Granite-sized vehicle would be heavily marketed to car buyers under age 35, and that its marketing campaign could be focused almost entirely on the Internet. And the tried-and-true "Professional Grade" tagline? GMC could exclude it from Granite ads, says Rosenblum. Hmmm...

GMC could also focus its marketing dollars on "smart phone" advertising. Rosenblum says that by 2011, two-thirds of cell phone users under age 40 will own a smart phone. One application the ad team designed is a brochure for the Granite with bar code designs that can be read by smart phones. The codes would then lead interested parties to a website with features about the Granite, along with a social networking site where interested parties could chat with designers.

Is the Granite a smart direction for GM to be taking with GMC, or is it a bridge too far? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

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

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. 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 #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Celebrities, Humor

Bob Lutz has been an important guy in the auto industry since before most of us were born. Elon Musk is the reason your eBay transactions go so smoothly (he was the co-creator of PayPal). Together, they don't seem to make much of a team. Well, they wouldn't make much of a match if Musk weren't the CEO of Tesla Motors. Elon makes electric cars. Bob wants to make electric cars. Both are (*ahem*) outspoken and give good soundbites. Upon further review, it makes perfect sense that the two men were hanging out at the Detroit Auto Show. But what were they talking about?

We have some ideas, but they probably aren't as creative as yours. We'll get you started with some appetizers, but we're really just looking for you to provide the main course:

Lutz to Musk: "You think you're nervous right now, but you really just have range anxiety"
Musk to Lutz: "We have more batteries in one car than you have in 500 Volts"
Lutz to Musk: "$500 million? $50 billion!"

Help us out with some better captions by leaving some tender verbal vittles in Comments.

Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good

Drew Phillips — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder - Click above for high-res gallery

The V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI is a fantastic car, whether in coupe or convertible form. Heck, it's even great in brown, as proven by the pair of cars on the show floor. It might not be our first color choice for the German supercar, although it was a nice change from the usual white, silver, and gray cars that usually are strewn about the Audi stand.

Not that it matters, of course. A look on Audi USA's web site reveals that the color isn't available here in the States. Neither are the carbon ceramic brakes that are hiding behind the 19-inch wheels. A sign of things to come? Perhaps, and we wouldn't be too heartbroken if they came up as future options. Check out the gallery below and decide for yourself whether the color suits the R8.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder

Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this morning's XTS Platinum and CTS-V Coupe debut here at the Detroit Motor Show, newly appointed brand manager Bryan Nesbitt announced to the media that that all Cadillac models will receive V-Series and Platinum models. However, during the media scrum that followed the conference, we sought clarification from Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell, and he stated that future Cadillacs will receive a V-Series or a Platinum model. Thus, if you had visions of an Escalade-V dancing in your head, well... don't.

The prevailing logic behind which models will get a V or a P will depend on the model's market segment and inherent sportiness. As Caldwell explained it to us, a model like the CTS has a foot in both worlds (and could probably pull off both), but models like the SRX or Escalade lend themselves more to the heightened creature comforts of the Platinum experience. Some Autobloggers remain a bit foggy on why General Motors' luxury brand needs what is effectively a double-prestige trim level (shouldn't all Cadillacs be posh by definition?), but we do appreciate the added accouterments all the same.

And as to the possibility of a CTS-V Sport Wagon? Well, we got a wink-wink, nudge-nudge when we suggested to Cadillac that we'd like to see it, and judging by the smiles all 'round, it's all but certain that we'll be seeing its debut on the show circuit later this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not sure why BMW is reticent to put forth a new Motorsports model of its Z4 folding hardtop convertible, but it has effectively introduced such a model in all but name here at the Detroit Auto Show. Inscrutably dubbed Z4 sDrive35is (we're guessing you can hit extralegal speeds by the time you successfully spit out its name), the new model features a revised twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that spits out 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function capable of a momentary bump up to 369 torques. Paired with BMW's seven-speed Sport Automatic dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is good for 0-62 miles-per-hour in in 4.8 seconds.

Additional alterations include a ride height that's lowered by 10 millimeters thanks to the adaptive M suspension, a revamped front fascia with matte aluminum trim bars, Oxide Silver mirror caps, and 19-inch alloys among other niceties - you can check out the complete roster of changes by checking out the press release after the jump.

M badges or no, we want one.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is at Detroit Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name

Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Design/Style

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yup, we just saw the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe in the flesh and... do want. Let's make that double do want. Why? We think it's glorious looking, and with the possible exception of the Pontiac Solstice, the CTS Coupe is among the best looking American cars in a very long time. That said, while the "base" coupe is a stunner, it's the V-job that really gets our juices flowing.

If you don't know, the V-Series gets the same 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 as the sedan with sir's choice of a quick-witted six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, magnetic ride control suspension and honkin' Brembo brakes. General Motors has declined to get specific about how much lighter the CTS-V Coupe will be compared to its more family-minded stablemate, but officials have confirmed that it will be marginally lighter on the scales (we're guessing less than 100 pounds).

Changes from the sedan? Well, aside the obvious lack of rear doors, a B-pillar-ectomy and much faster windshield and backlight angles, not too much. Okay, so there's a slightly wider rear track and an available Saffron interior color (a coupe exclusive), but that's about it. All that is fine by us, because the CTS-V Coupe is all kinds of muscular, angular gorgeousness. Besides, amidst the Detroit Auto Show and its burgeoning sea of feel-good treehugging solutions, the CTS-V stands alone as a beacon of tire-smokin' glory. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

Update: Cadillac is claiming the CTS-V can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Dude...

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Anti-Tea Party Protesters make their voices heard in the cold

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

While sucking down one of our favorite stimulants in the frigid air outside Cobo Hall, we heard a lone voice across the street scream, "Screw the tea-baggers!" Naturally, we had to investigate.

Unlike the Tea Party protesters assembling outside General Motors' Renaissance Center to voice their criticisms about the government's bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, this ragtag militia of union officials and automaker employees assembled to support the Fed's financial infusion.

"We're here to thank Barack Obama for his support of the automakers," George Hardy, the vice president of UAW Local 174 told us, going on to say that the cash injection has helped him and his members retain their jobs in one of the worst employment environments in 30 years.

Hardy was adamant that the government's detractors refused to see the benefits of the bailouts, simply saying "The Tea Party has it wrong."

Detroit 2010: Anti-Tea Party Protesters make their voices heard in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: GMC Acadia Denali piles on the frosting

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, GM, GMC

2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nearly lost in the hubbub at this morning's GMC-Buick press conference here at the Detroit Auto Show was GMC's new-for-2011 Acadia Denali. This is the first time that GMC has extended its upscale Denali trim to a crossover, but they haven't changed the formula just because the designation is no longer exclusive to body-on-frame. As ever, Denali equates to a modestly swankier interior (mahogany trim, perforated leather heated and cooled seats, additional ambient lighting), along with seemingly every other option, including sat-nav, Bluetooth, three-zone automatic HVAC, heads-up display and the obligatory gigantic sunroof.

On the outside, trainspotters will be able to spot the Denali by its monotone paint (Summer White as seen here, Quicksilver Metallic, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat or White Diamond Tricoat), honeychrome grille (yeah, we said honeychrome), along with model-specific fascias and polished six-spoke 20-inch wheels.

Subtle it isn't, but if it's your thing, keep an eye out for it in GMC showrooms beginning in the third quarter of this year.

Gallery: GMC Acadia Denali

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

Live Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: GMC]

Detroit 2010: GMC Acadia Denali piles on the frosting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Regal GS concept seeks to reignite Buick's performance fire [w/video]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Buick, GM

Buick Regal GS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the Buick Regal GS the most important "maybe" of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show? It's been more than two decades since performance enthusiasts cared about Buick in any meaningful way. The car at that time was the now legendary Buick GNX. Even if the proposed Regal GS makes production - a big if - it's not going to be a GNX replacement, at least not in the hearts and minds of power-mad Buick enthusiasts. However, at this chapter in Buick's story, every little performance bit counts.

That stated, here's what we might get: Power comes from a beefed-up version of the direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and a walloping 295 pound-feet or torque. Compare that to the regular 2.0-liter DI Ecotec that we know and love in cars like the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Chevrolet Cobalt SS: 260 hp, 260 lb-ft of twist. Five horsepower less, sure (your lawnmower makes five horsepower), but we'll gladly trade those ponies for the 35 extra torques. All that grunt gets routed through a six-speed manual before being kicked out to all four wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Regal GS rides on gorgeous 20-inch alloys that are hauled to a halt by big Brembos squeezing 14-inch cross-drilled and vented rotors.

One of the more interesting aspects of the Regal GS is its traction control system that Buick has dubbed "Interactive Drive Control." There's a Normal mode, a Sport mode and most enticing, a GS mode. That final setting changes the default torque split, routing most of the power to the rear wheels. Color us curious, excitedly so. The Regal GS also sits 10mm lower than the standard car and is further visually differentiated by twin intakes on the front clip and two through-fascia tailpipes. It's even got sporty Recaros and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Are they going to build it? Our gut says "yes," or something very close to it. As a brand, Buick needs a shot in the arm of something hot and bothered. Why not a hopped-up Regal? And will we eventually see an even more muscular version of the Regal GS, fitted with a 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 from the Opel Insignia OPC, possibly called the Regal GSX? Maybe GNX fans will have something to look forward to after all. High-res shots below, official press release with full specs and video of the live reveal after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Buick Regal GS

Gallery: Buick Regal GS Concept

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Regal GS concept seeks to reignite Buick's performance fire [w/video]

Detroit 2010: Regal GS concept seeks to reignite Buick's performance fire [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: LaHood says Volt "obviously the kind of green car Americans are looking for"

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

The 2010 Detroit Auto Show kicked off this morning with a positive little speech by United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Speaking about the coming electrification of the automobile, he said that "this is what the American people want." When asked how much money the government would pay over the next decade for a plug-in vehicle infrastructure, all he would say is that the costs would be shared between industry and government.

LaHood also praised the assistance that Obama gave to the domestic automakers, especially General Motors and Chrysler, calling it a lifeline that was very much needed. When LaHood visited Detroit last October, he spend half-days with each of the Big Three, and came away from GM with the impression that the Chevrolet "Volt is obviously the kind of green car Americans are looking for." So says the guy who works for the government that owns 60 percent of the company that will sell the Volt.

The new CAFE standards were a major achievement for the Obama Administration, especially since they came so early in the administration. LaHood said he doesn't expect any push back from the automakers on higher standards in the future, since they were present with Obama when he made the announcement and worked together on the details. That initial agreement also began what LaHood called a "special relationship" between the government and the auto industry, one that he promised would be "long lasting."

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Detroit 2010: LaHood says Volt "obviously the kind of green car Americans are looking for" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Truck, Work, Ford

Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, accepts the hardware from Tony Swan of Car and Driver

For just the third time in the 17-year history of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, one manufacturer has taken home both pieces of etched glass. Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect have yielded the hardware for the Dearborn automaker here at the Detroit Auto Show, with the Fusion emerging victorious over the shortlisted Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf, and the Transit Connect besting the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.

The last time a single manufacturer won both the Car and Truck of the Year awards was back in 2006, when Honda did double duty with its Civic compact and Ridgeline pickup. In total, a U.S. automaker has won the car award nine times, and the truck award, 11 times. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Ford]

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybrid

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:42:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Volkswagen

New Compact Coupe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Touareg hybrid is now just a few months away from production, but the crew in Wolfsburg are staying busy by cranking out small concept vehicles with hybrid powertrains. The latest that debuts here at the Detroit Auto Show this morning is called the New Compact Coupe (NCC), a handsome hybrid coupe that looks remarkably production-ready. Designed to slot globally between the not-for-North-America Scirocco and the rakish CC, we could see a serial version of the NCC competing well here in the States with coupes like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

In showcar guise, the NCC features Volkswagen's 1.4-liter TSI inline-four with 148 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system uses the same basic architecture (if not dimensions) as the recent L1 and Up-Lite concepts from Frankfurt and Los Angeles. In this case, a 20-kilowatt electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the seven-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. A 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery in the back of the car provides electrical energy storage for electric drive, electric boost and regenerative braking. The system also allows for the complete decoupling of the transmission for enhanced coasting even at highway speeds, although it isn't immediately clear from the press release if the electric motor will push the NCC along for extended periods as it does with Volkswagen Audi Group's Porsche Cayenne Hybrid system. Either way, VW is estimating the NCC's mileage at 45 miles per gallon based on EPA test procedures with the EU numbers coming in at 56 mpg (U.S.) and 98 g/km of CO2. Acceleration to 60 mph is ballparked at 8.1 seconds and top speed is pegged at 141 mph.

The car itself is virtually the same size as the current Jetta except for wheelbase length and overall height (the concept has three more inches between the axles and the roof is two inches lower), and it may well be a preview of what to expect from the next-generation Jetta. Recently there have been rumors circulating that VW plans to revive the Jetta coupe, a model that hasn't been in the lineup since the late '80s. A production version of this poor-man's Audi A5 could well be that car, although VW officials aren't talking. Similarly, the forthcoming Tennessee-built New Medium Sedan is expected with both diesel and hybrid powertrains and the same could be the case for the next Jetta. While you wait, you can check out our high-res gallery below and VW's official press verbiage available after the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe

[Source: Volkswagen via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Volkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybrid

Volkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge special edition models - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago, everyone, including us, was wondering when The Chrysler Group was going to have anything new to show us at next week's Detroit Auto Show. You can look at the latest news about potential Ram models, Chrysler's special editions and Dodge's just-unveiled offerings either as wheezing gasps, or signs of pointing in the right direction. Since it's a new year, we're going to give Chrysler (and Fiat) the benefit of the doubt... for now.

Dodge says it "has taken 'base model' out of its vocabulary" by moving heaps of kit from the Options column to the Standard column on cars like the Journey, which for 2010 will automatically receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. It has also added "Heat," "Hero," "Crew," and "Uptown" packages to the Journey's options list for those who like trim names that sound like they came from an SNL skit.

To match its Chrysler 300 siblings, the Dodge Caliber gets a restyled interior "executed with premium materials and detailed craftsmanship" alongside its new instrument panel. Not left out of the marketing brainstorm, the Caliber wears a number of new trim monikers as well, including "Express," "Mainstreet," "Heat," "Uptown" and "Rush."

Four of Dodge's other models - the Nitro, Avenger, Challenger, and Viper SRT10 - get their loving spoonfuls as well. You can read all about them in the Pasternak-length press release after the jump, and check out the Nitro Detonator and Viper ACR in the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge special edition line-up

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Canada, Luxury

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Early next Tuesday morning, Cadillac will unveil a concept version of its new XTS flagship at the Detroit Auto Show. A report from Canada's CTV now says that production of the XTS will begin at General Motors' Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant in early 2012. Rumors of a Cadillac to be produced at the plant east of Toronto first began circulating last July. The XTS will join the Chevrolet Impala and Camaro as well as the new Buick Regal at the facility. The XTS is expected to be based on the Epsilon II platform but with all-wheel-drive.

The addition of the Cadillac and the Buick could necessitate an extra shift at the factory which would likely result in 750-1,000 of GM's previously laid-off workers being recalled. Last year, GM closed an adjacent Oshawa factory that had been building full-size pickup trucks.

[Source: CTV]

Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roll Up the Red Carpet: Obama reportedly not attending NAIAS after all

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

When word got out that the amount of high ranking government officials requesting access passes for the 2010 North American International Auto Show doubled versus last year's numbers, we were less than surprised. After all, General Motors and Chrysler have received billions in bailout funds from Uncle Sam and we could understand (kind of) why officials would want to check on the progress of the American public's investment. NAIAS chairman Doug Fox reportedly intimated that President Obama could attend North America's biggest auto show.

While we're sure the President would love to check out the latest sheetmetal from Motown and around the world, Leader One will not be stopping by Cobo Hall for this year's show. Detroit News reports that White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage confirmed that President Obama would not be attending the event. DN did confirm that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be among several members of Congress to attend the show. We're trying to contain our excitement.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Roll Up the Red Carpet: Obama reportedly not attending NAIAS after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #160 - Analyst Jim Hall raises the Podcast IQ

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Fiat, Electric, Luxury, Lancia

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

Rapier-witted analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics joins Chris, Sam, and Dan for Episode #160 of the Autoblog Podcast. Announcements and news have heated up after taking a holiday break, and we jump right in. First up, it's the speculation that four million fewer car sales might signal the end of days for the automobile. Once that's thoroughly mulled over, we move on to the Mercedes S400 Hybrid before talking about new engines that would bolster Porsche's efficiency, and discuss a turbocharged four-cylinder Mercedes C-Class coupe. Ford's VEBA payment is next before we touch on what's coming in Detroit. We wrap it all up by listing our #1 vehicle of the decade in a variety of categories. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording. See you next week!

Until next time, quality podcasting exists at Joystiq and Engadget. 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 #160 - Analyst Jim Hall raises the Podcast IQ

Autoblog Podcast #160 - Analyst Jim Hall raises the Podcast IQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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