Autoblog

Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Devon Brozek — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST

2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shoppers at Harley-Davidson dealers across North America will be faced with the choice of three new models this year, as the 2011 lineup marks the release of the Sportster SuperLow, XR1200X and Road Glide Ultra. This hat trick of new releases increases Milwaukee's total offerings to an impressive 32 unique (that is... as long as you want a V-twin and two or three wheels) models.

If your confidence is in need of inspiration, as H-D words it, than the new SuperLow may be just what you're looking for. Sporting a design and build that highlight ease of handling and a low stand-over height, the SuperLow may drag pegs through the turns, but it should also help keep confidence high at stoplights. The second model, named the XR1200X (which we previously covered here) claims to "hone Sportster performance to its very limit" offering standard adjustable suspension, floating front brake rotors, and a high compression version of the 1200cc Evo engine packaged in the XR chassis. The matte-black finish of the engine and drive components complete the no-nonsense look of the XR1200X.

Rounding out the new releases is the Road Glide Ultra, which has its sights set further on the horizon while wielding a frame-mounted fairing. The new cockpit encases a four-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio system (with iPod connection), as well as a cruise control feature, amongst other luxuries. More touring amenities include the King Tour Pack, luggage carrier and standard ABS... we expect Route 66 has another thing coming.

Four new CVO variations will be available in limited quantities for the 2011 model year, several of which we recently had an opportunity to put through their paces, so stay tuned for the imminent full ride reports on all the new bacon from ~~hog-central~~ Harley-Davidson. For now, you can see more pictures and read the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011

Michael Harley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG has announced it will be establishing a new manufacturing unit in Osnabrueck, located in VW's home state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, VW will be purchasing the land, equipment, and machinery formerly owned by Karmann -- the coachbuilder and convertible roof specialists who manufactured the classic Beetle-based Karmann Ghia coupe (Karmann filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and has been struggling since).

Production of a new vehicle at the plant is slated to start in 2011. In the meantime, 200 people will be needed to open the plant next year, and VW is estimating more than 1,000 new jobs will be created by 2014. Volkswagen AG has not disclosed which model will be built at the plant, or any financial details.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Skoda reveals facelifted Octavia RS and Scout

Michael Harley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe

2009 Skoda Octavia - Click above for our high-res image gallery

After officially unveiling the Octavia facelift at the Paris Motor Show last fall, the Czech automaker Skoda is revealing its freshened Octavia RS and Octavia Scout models, part of the second-generation Octavia line-up. First introduced in 2004, the Octavia is based on Volkswagen's A5 platform (shared with the Golf/Jetta Mk5). The 2009 model is available in both sedan and wagon (Scout) body styles.

Compared to last year's model, the facelifted Octavia features a redesigned front end with new headlamps (available with an adaptive xenon light system for the first time), new bumpers, and integrated LED daytime driving lights. Sporting new taillamps, the rear bumper has been redesigned as well. The refreshed Octavia rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels and is offered with several new metallic paint colors. According to Skoda, more than 82,000 Octavia RS and Scout models have been sold since 2000. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Skoda Octavia

Continue reading Skoda reveals facelifted Octavia RS and Scout

Skoda reveals facelifted Octavia RS and Scout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EU patent office reveals production Renault Megane Coupe

Michael Harley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Rendered Speculation

Click above for gallery of the 2010 Renault Megan Coupe

Recent snooping at the EU patent office yielded an application revealing the 2010 Renault Megane 3-door Coupe. The images (most likely shot of a clay model) show a much tamer production version when compared to the Renault Megan Coupe concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Sleeker than the 5-door Megane shots leaked a couple weeks ago, the coupe's C-pillar differs most noticeably as the window glass sweeps to a clean point as it meets the rear hatch. The best guess is that the coupe will see a range of engines from 1.4-liters up to 2.0-liters rated between 100 and 160 hp, depending on the model. Look for it on sale next year, but sadly not on our shores.

Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe

[Source: EU Patent Office via Carscoop]

EU patent office reveals production Renault Megane Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille?

Dan Roth — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

Please, let it be so. The current chromed snout on VWs offerings is not only beastly to look at, it doesn't help Audi's cars stand apart, either. We suppose that cuts both ways -- VW probably benefits by a familial resemblance to their cousins. However, the front end on the upcoming Sharan/Touran twins looks to hint at the future face of Volkswagen, we hope.

There's a bumper crop of spiffy van-lets over on the Continent right now, and the Touran/Sharan are latecomers to the party. The vans won't drop until 2010, due to styling tweaks that Martin Winterkorn has reportedly requested.

The Sharan will likely be available with sliding doors, while the Touran will make do with conventional front-hinged points of entry. A healthy selection of powertrain options is expected to be available, from the turbocharged FSI 2.0 liter four cylinder to a 3.2 liter FSI VR6, along with the requesite TDI powerplants. 4Motion will be available, which we'd love to sample hooked up to the gruntiest of the diesels (which will surpass the VR6 in torque output). Being based on the Passat's underpinnings yields a van that's easy to wield while offering great space-efficiency. We like the look of these boxy family haulers, with their crisp edges and large glass areas, but alas, we'll have to take up intercontinental jet-setting if we wish to drive them.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments