Autoblog

New York 2010: Volkswagen Mid-Size Sedan to launch with TDI in 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen New Mid-Size Sedan - Click above for high-res image

During yesterday's North American debut of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid at the New York Auto Show, VW's North American CEO, Stefan Jacoby, let slip that the yet-to-be-named Passat replacement - currently known as the "New Mid-Size Sedan" (NMS) - will be available with a diesel in both the U.S. and Canada when it goes on sale in 2011.

Production of the NMS is set to begin within the next year at the automaker's new Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, and it's all but assured that the mill will be the same 2.0-liter diesel four-pot currently outputting 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque in the Jetta TDI.

Details on the sedan are scant, but Jacoby reiterated that the NMS will be Volkswagen's most focused push into the mid-size segment, where it is set to do battle with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. With a launch this important, it's no wonder that the company is still debating names.

New York 2010: Volkswagen Mid-Size Sedan to launch with TDI in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.D. Power data suggests January U.S. new-vehicle retail sales decline from last month

Michael Harley — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:16:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

After gathering real-time transaction data from 8,900 automotive franchisees across the U.S., J.D. Power and Associates predicts new-vehicle retail sales will have declined for January 2010 compared to one year ago. January's new-vehicle sales are expected to come in at 500,900 units, which represents a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 7.9 million units. In January of 2009, the SAAR was 8.8 million units. December 2009 was a particularly strong sales month - thanks to heavy marketing and aggressive incentive programs - making it a tough act to follow. To wit:

"January is typically a weak selling month, but this month is particularly impacted by December's strong close and extra selling weekend," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, the sales pace has been improving as January continues, which is an encouraging sign for the recovering industry."

Not to be confused with new-vehicle retail sales, fleet sales are expected to increase significantly when compared to the same slow period last year. When fleet- and new-vehicle units are combined, the month's outlook is more promising. According to J.D. Power, total sales for January 2010 are projected at 659,000 units, up nine percent from the same month last year. Carried forward, the global marketing firm is predicting 2010 total vehicles sales at 11.5 million - and these numbers may be even higher as the industry recovers, thereby loosening credit and improving leasing availability. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Continue reading J.D. Power data suggests January U.S. new-vehicle retail sales decline from last month

J.D. Power data suggests January U.S. new-vehicle retail sales decline from last month originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 3 Series leaks out ahead of Detroit - special U.S. market performance model mooted

Michael Harley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

Don't expect an official confirmation from BMW for another week, but some of the automaker's anticipated updates to its 2011 E92/E93 (3 Series Coupe/3 Series Convertible) have already leaked into cyberspace. The team over at Bimmerfile is reporting that the exterior of both models will receive revised "sporty" front fascias, complete with LED lights and minor tweaks to the interior. Turbocharged 335i models optioned with either the M Sport Package or the standard Sport Package will be fitted with 19-inch alloys (a bump up from the current 18-inch offerings). Anthracite Bamboo trim will reportedly be a new interior option that will be joined by a new exterior color, and paddle shifters will be standard fare for vehicles without manual transmissions.

Keeping enthusiasts smiling, BMW will reportedly offer an "is" version of the refreshed two-door models. Exclusive to the U.S. market, the special variants are expected to be configured with either DCT or a Sport Automatic transmission. In addition, unique styling and special aerodynamic bits will differentiate them from the standard models. As expected, the interiors will be fitted with M Sport equipment as well. Best of all, the twin-turbocharged N54 under the hood will likely receive its own set of horsepower-boosting enhancements, much like those found on the recently announced Z4 sDrive35is.

[Source: BimmerFile]

2011 BMW 3 Series leaks out ahead of Detroit - special U.S. market performance model mooted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto Expo 2010: Honda New Small Concept unveiled at New Delhi show

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, India

Honda New Small Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

India's Auto Expo 2010 kicked off this week and the first major concept to come out of New Delhi is this: the Honda New Small Concept.

Befitting its name, the New Small Concept is both compact and rather bland - particularly when compared to Honda's recent stylistic endeavors - but the five-door hatch is sure to find budget-minded buyers when it arrives in both India and Thailand in 2011.

Unfortunately, details on the proposed powertrain and interior are all but nonexistent, with Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (Honda's Indian arm) simply stating that the HSC can fit five people and benefits from an "Efficient Energetic Exterior." For an inexpensive runabout, the HSC has potential to be a hit in emerging markets, but don't expect it to hit U.S. or European shores anytime soon. Make a break for the brief press release after the jump.

UPDATE: Live pics added to the gallery below thanks to Indianautosblog.com.
UPDATE 2: Reports indicate (Automotive News - Sub. Req.) that Honda will sell the compact hatch for around 500,000 rupees (a little over $10,000) and power will be provided by a range of engines, maxing out at 1.2-liters.

Gallery: Honda Small Car Concept Live

Gallery: Honda New Small Concept

Continue reading Auto Expo 2010: Honda New Small Concept unveiled at New Delhi show

Auto Expo 2010: Honda New Small Concept unveiled at New Delhi show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Michael Harley — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, New Car Reviews

2009 Nissan 370Z - Click above for high-res gallery

The first Datsun 240Z rolled into American showrooms in 1969. Four decades later, we've got our hands wrapped around the thick, leather, multi-function steering wheel of its direct descendant, the all-new 370Z. With a 332 hp V6 and a six-speed manual transmission directing power to the rear wheels, our outlook is decidedly positive as we head out on the street (our First Drive on the track was back in December). Is all of the hype surrounding this new coupe justified? How does it compare to the GT-R? Just how did the all-new Z-car fare after a week in our garage? Find out after the jump...

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Review: 2009 Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought

Michael Harley — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Honda

There is nothing better than finding a few stray horses that were previously unaccounted for. Honda engineers were running tests on the Accord's 3.5L V6 engine when they realized it was spinning the dyno with more horsepower and torque than originally thought. It caught the Honda team off guard, as the powerplant has received no design changes to warrant the extra power. Regardless, the marketing folks have been quick to update the power ratings of the 3.5-liter 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC powerplant. Here are the new numbers for 2009: 271 hp replaces 268 hp on all V6 models, 254 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on automatic transmission models and 251 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on manual transmission models. One would have to assume that the 2008 model made the same power, it just wasn't noticed... Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought

Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover developing new 5.0-liter V8

Dan Roth — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jaguar, Land Rover

Land Rovers have run Jaguar's rorty AJ V8 engine since Ford got tired of sourcing engines from BMW. CAR magazine has dug up information on some mules running around in Finland with a new 4997cc engine underhood. Their photographers also caught the vehicles while they hung out in a parking lot full of tantalizing 2 and 7 series Volvos. While the AJ is a great motor, it's well into its design life. Range Rover's new engine is being developed with Bosch, and sports direct fuel injection to boost efficiency while keeping power up and emissions down. Output is rumored at 350 horsepower in naturally aspirated form and 460 ponies come to the party when a supercharger pressurizes the intake. The new engine will wind up in the engine compartment of Land Rovers, Range Rovers, and Jaguars, and will be part of a freshening of Landies and Rangies expected to drop soon.

[Source: CAR]

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2007 Range Rover Supercharged

Land Rover developing new 5.0-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Spyker

The current standard-wheelbase Spyker C8 Laviolette

Spyker may be down, but it's not out. The Dutch exotic automaker has fallen on some hard times, but that's not going to stop it from moving forward with at least some of its plans. The C12 Zagato has been postponed indefinitely, but at the upcoming Geneva auto show in March, Spyker is expected to unveil an improved version of its existing C8 Laviolette.

As wonderfully quirky as the current C8 is, owners complain of constricted space. In response Spyker has stretched the wheelbase, giving more space in the cabin while improving the vehicles proportions. The C8 Laviolette LWB will feature an elongated version of the current model's glass roofline. A long wheelbase Spyder version is expected to follow sometime thereafter, benefiting from a proper motorized convertible roof instead of the largely useless folding rag on the current short-wheelbase model. It's a small step forward for the ailing company, but a step forward nonetheless.

Follow the jump for a video rendering of the upcoming C8 Spyder LWB doin' the turntable thing.

[Source: Spyker Owner Forum]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

It seems that the Impala's replacement has found its way onto the auto pages of a newspaper in much the same way that the Cadillac CTS Coupe did a while back. You could argue that there's no way this is anything but a calculated effort on GMs part. There's really no way to be sure, but with our local dealers still still using images of the DN101 Taurus when advertising the '08, the suspicion might be warranted. Think about it for a second and you realize that dealers don't just get this stuff by mistake. That's our conspiracy theory, and we're sticking with it.

Why would the General toss images of cars yet to be announced out there so publicly? We don't know, but perhaps it's a way to test styling or generate buzz. Or, maybe GM had nothing to do with it and the dealer found this rendering in a year-old issue of Motor Trend, which is probably the most likely scenario. Either way, we like the swoopy Volt-ish lines of the whateveritis. Our current Impala is rather anonymous, though it is the best Lumina ever made. If this car really is what it's masquerading as, we're excited to see it in four color instead of grayscale half-toning.

Thanks for the tip, Jacob!

Dealer ad shows 2008/09 Chevy Impala originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

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.

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Rumormill: Bugatti developing $3m uber-Veyron track car

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Bugatti

Speculation over a potential second model from Bugatti has been a colossal roller-coaster. There were rumors of a super-luxury sedan, an entry-level roadster and a targa variant of the existing Veyron.

The Veyron was a pet project of former VW Group CEO Ferdinand Piech, who remains chairman of the VW supervisory board and is said to be keen on moving ahead with a follow-up to the Veyron. When Martin Winterkorn took over, however, he was reported to have shelved any plans for an additional model, prompting Bugatti CEO Thomas Bscher to resign. Bugatti then shifted to the control of Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen, who, after shoehorning the Veyron's engine into a Bentley Arnage luxury sedan, revealed last September that there would be an additional Bugatti coming.

Reports are now surfacing which indicate that the new model could be an even more expensive, even faster supercar than the Veyron. Whereas the Veyron, for all its enormous, time-bending power and speed, was designed as a comfortable grant tourer, the new model would be a tighter, more track-focused supercar. Power would likely come from a retuned version of the Veyron's 8-liter quad-turbo W16, which was long reported to be under-rated in its power production of 1000 hp, and is tipped to produce 1175 hp in the new version. Artistic renderings from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport depict the car with styling more akin to a Le Mans racer, with a protruding front splitter and an enormous rear wing.

The vehicle, currently rumored to be code-named "Project Lydia" after Ettore Bugatti's wife, would exceed the 400km/h top speed of the Veyron in pursuit of a Nurburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. While these reports could very well turn out to be no more substantial than previous ones, if Bugatti did built Project Lydia in a reported run of 70 examples for a whopping ?2.5 million apiece, it would easily eclipse anything else out there.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Bugatti developing $3m uber-Veyron track car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: streamlined new Renault Megane

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

With the Clio and Laguna having recently undergone complete replacement, Renault is now turning its attention to its middle range, and the automotive paparazzi have caught camouflaged mules undergoing testing on the open road.

Scheduled to bow at next September's Paris show, the third-generation Megane is expected to do away with the current model's sharp creases in favor of a smoother silhouette. The spy shots show that the current Megane's distinctive upright curved rear glass will give way to a more streamlined greenhouse, drawing on the lines of the new Laguna sedan. The range is anticipated to include three-door and five-door hatches, an estate wagon, a two-door coupe and a hardtop convertible. The new Megane's normally-aspirated 1.4-liter base engine is expected to be replaced by the Clio's 1.2-liter turbo, but otherwise the engines should carry over from the current model's, ranging all the way to the 225-horsepower turbo Renaultsport version.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: streamlined new Renault Megane originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics from the set of Knight Rider TV show

Dan Roth — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Pontiac

While it might be a dubious pursuit to rehash old B-level (or lower) TV series for a new generation, the possibility of a crap product has never stood in the way before. Indeed, the retreading of Knight Rider is underway, with shoots already taking place. Love it or hate it, it will hit the small screen, and if you can get over the fact that it's not the original, it might be fun. If it's rotten, it won't hang around long anyhow. It's not like the original series was Citizen Kane, so let's just be thankful that there's a new shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist.

Hollywood blog The ODI managed to finagle some time on a location shoot for the new series and snapped some stills. There's no shots of the new KITT, but our old pal the Knight Industries Two Thousand is there in this garage scene. The premise apparently is that the old KITT is being rebuilt in a garage/lab after being totaled. The shop is set up with automotive parts and tools, as well as much-later F-Body than the original (check out the taillights). We would have imagined that KITT's powerplant was something more exotic than a carbureted small block with an Eaton-style supercharger. Maybe that's the engine they removed to put in the exotic hydrogen turbine, or nuclear reactor, or whatever. Can we get a rewrite?

[Source: The ODI via SpoilerTV, Photos: The ODI]

Gallery: Knight Rider set pics

Pics from the set of Knight Rider TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan

Dan Roth — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

UPDATE: 60+ images added to the gallery.

Click the image above for more high-res images.

The second-generation Honda Fit drops in Japan on October 26th. The new Fit refines the basic recipe of the current car, marrying innovative packaging and a carved-out interior with efficient mechanicals. Honda has also added a sportier "Road Sailing" trim level that adds a larger engine. The A-pillar has moved forward and stretched the wheelbase two inches, utilizing that space to add four-mode "Ultra Seats" that flip and fold in a variety of ways to increase cargo capacity, or even create a bed when set to "Refresh mode." They've also found room for ten (!) cupholders in there somehow, but Honda swears that the interior volume is equivalent to one of its mid-size sedans.

Five new exterior colors bring the available hues to a total of 12, and the exterior design has evolved into something more handsome than the current Fit. It's still not terribly stylish, but for its homeliness, but we doubt that anyone would argue that the outgoing Fit looks better. A 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine is the base powerplant, upgradeable to a 1.5-liter unit, and both powerplants are available with an all-wheel-drive system when mated to a 5-speed automatic. There's also a CVT and a five-speed manual available to transmit twist to the road. Prices start at about $9,800 (1.14 million Yen) and go up to about $14,600 (1.7 million Yen).

Honda's full press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Fit (JDM)

Continue reading 2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan

2008 Honda Fit bows in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda

Acura's sales are down, and rather than try to be all cars to all buyers, filling niches is more the game plan. Product planning manager John Watts intimated that Acura's looking at segments with a narrower appeal, such as the now-defunct CL, and the possibility of a retractable hardtop vehicle, too. The MDX does well, and the new RDX is the darling of everyone who drives it, but as far as cars go, Acura's not catching anyone's hair on fire. The top-dog RL sedan is a wonderful car - beautifully drawn, SH-AWD moves, and a powerful V6 make it a very pleasant way to devour miles, but it doesn't offer the flavor du jour for premium sedans with performance leanings. The engine layout is wrong, and it's missing at least two cylinders to truly be taken seriously by some buyers who are looking for a V8 and rear drive as prerequesites.

There's talk of a new 8 or 10 cylinder powerplant in the offing. The NSX is supposedly getting a V10, which could then propagate through to other Acura cars. Analysts have noted that there's a need for a flagship sedan above the RL to offer RWD and larger engines. While Acura gets its act together developing the new NSX and readying the new TL for launch in 2009, dealers are enviously eyeing Lexus and Infiniti stores, wishing they had a big V8 boomer to throw into the fray, as well.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Great Scott! Could new DeLoreans be coming?

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc.

There's still a Delorean Motor Company, but it's not in the business of building new vehicles. At least not yet. The Texas-based firm purchased a lot of the assets of John DeLorean's original entity when it went belly-up, and it, along with its regional affiliates, does a brisk business keeping the dream alive. There are about 6,500 of the 9,000 DeLoreans produced still out there, but stocks of viable restoration candidates are petering out. Every time some child of the 1980s builds a replica of the Back To The Future time machine, we lose another candidate to stupidity. The recreations do serve to keep the popularity of the gullwing GTs up, we suppose, but the modifications required end up making a car that is more conspicuous than a bright red Maybach in Amish country.

My overbearing opinion out of the way, the crux of the biscuit is that DeLorean Motor Company may soon start building new DeLoreans. They'll be produced as kit cars, side-stepping the tighter restrictions placed on truly serial-produced cars. Once DeLorean Motor Company has cleared its plate of restoration work, likely by March or April 2008, it'll start on the new cars. We'll be keeping our eye on what materializes on the DMC front - being old enough to have seen BTF in the theatres, of course we've got a lust to have a DMC-12 sitting in our driveway, whether or not we have the optional Mr. Fusion installed.

Thanks to tipster Doug.

[Source: LA Times]

Great Scott! Could new DeLoreans be coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati GranTurismo: a clearer picture

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati

Click on above image for wallpaper-sized images of the gorgeous GranTurismo

This writer fell in love in Switzerland this past March. It happened at the launch of the new Maserati GranTurismo. The thing is, I wasn't sure if my newfound affection was for the car or for the sassy model standing in front of it. What's more is that I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Thankfully, Maserati has put an end to my sleepless nights, at least, with the release of a new batch of images showing its breathtaking new coupe away from the glitz and glamour of the Geneva auto show floor.

It was tempting to keep the pictures all to myself, but that just wouldn't be fair. Not to you, and not to the car. She does love the spotlight ever so much. So we've added the new batch of images, in all their high-resolution glory, to our gallery below, together with the original stock images, concept sketches and shots from Geneva. Enjoy.

Gallery: 2007 Maserati GranTurismo

[Source: Maserati]

Maserati GranTurismo: a clearer picture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

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.

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Ready for Take 2: Cadillac SRX replacement could go smaller

Noah Joseph — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Cadillac

While Cadillac's latest offerings have been significantly improving the iconic American luxury marque's appeal, the SRX, despite being a very good car, has been a bit of thorn in its lineup. Fortunately its replacement, earmarked for a 2011 launch, is shaping up to be a car-length or two in the right direction.

Instead of the rather van-like current model, the replacement is reportedly taking a smaller form to target the likes of the BMW X3, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK and company, which may come as a shock for American buyers who are more attuned to Cadillac SUVs of Escalade proportions. Although designed with the European market in mind, unlike the BLS sedan, the new crossover will be offered in the US.

Although the new crossover will share in Cadillac's current "Art & Science" design language, with a sharp crease running up the hood flanked by vertical headlights and slab-sided flanks et al, the SRX replacement is expected to have a more rounded greenhouse.

Sharing its platform with Saab's upcoming 9-4 crossover (itself a replacement for the likewise larger 9-7x) and some mechanicals from the General's latest and versatile Epsilon platform, insiders predict a range of engines including GM's latest direct-injection 3.6-liter V6, a new six-cylinder diesel, and the possibility of hybrid and ethanol power alternatives.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ready for Take 2: Cadillac SRX replacement could go smaller originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manhattan Project: Proposal seeks to shut down NYC traffic

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, First Drives

Anyone who's ever driven into or through Manhattan knows what a nightmarish experience it can be, with gridlock congestion and a lack of available parking spaces. Jim Gehr wants to make it even tougher in the hope of drastically reducing traffic altogether by further reducing parking, shutting down the biggest intersection, and increasing green space.

Gehr is the urban planning consultant whose plans have already been famously (or infamously, depending on your perspective) imposed in London, as well as Copenhagen, and he's proposed similar policies for Stockholm, Oslo, Edinburgh, Cape Town, Zurich and Melbourne. His plans for Manhattan would include shutting down Times Square to almost all traffic, while eliminating parking on some avenues in favor of wider sidewalks to accommodate park benches and sidewalk cafes. The result would be a more pedestrian, cyclist and public transit-oriented Manhattan.

While some elements in the city are opposed to the idea, he appears to have the ear of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the municipal transportation department wants to hire him as a consultant, and several prominent civic and commercial organizations have his support, as well. If Gehr gets his way, Project Gotham Racing might be the closest we'll ever get to driving Manhattan's streets ever again.

[Source: NY Daily News via Kicking Tires]

Manhattan Project: Proposal seeks to shut down NYC traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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