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[Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For many auto enthusiasts, the 2009 North American International Auto Show was the official beginning of the US economic downturn. Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche didn't even bother to show up for the once-prestigious event and Honda chose not to unveil any new product. A couple months back, the NAIAS organizers gave us some hope for the 2010 extravaganza when they said that the show would be better attended this time around. Well it appears that the show will at least be marginally better.

NAIAS co-chair Doug Fox has reportedly told the Detroit Free Press that at least 54 automakers will take part in the show this year, up four from 2009. Fox also estimates that a couple more automakers may decide to join in on the fun, but nothing is official at this time. Also exciting is news that both Porsche and Nissan will participate in this year's show, though the extent of their presence isn't very clear. We do know that Nissan will, at the very least, participate in the Detroit show's 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit, which features electric vehicles from 26 automakers. So far Porsche will only participate in a special event called "The Gallery," which will be held for holders of the American Express Centurion card. The invitation-only event will be held at the MGM Grand on January 10.

While it's nice to see that Porsche and Nissan are going to be active at NAIAS 2010, we're a bit disappointed at the level of participation. At least the show will top the down year that was NAIAS 2009, but it looks like we may still be a ways away from the grandeur of shows gone by.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009detroit 2010Detroit2009Detroit2010naiasnissannorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowporscheTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/2010-detroit-auto-show-main-floor-is-full-recession-officially/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/2010-detroit-auto-show-main-floor-is-full-recession-officially/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/2010-detroit-auto-show-main-floor-is-full-recession-officially/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The 2009 North American International Auto Show was a bit of a disaster. The very difficult and uncertain economic conditions resulted in several high-profile automakers dropping out of the exhibition. Among the absent automakers were Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche, and a quick jaunt around Cobo's main floor revealed the empty spaces left by those big-time players. The future of the Detroit Auto Show is already looking brighter, however, with the approval of a much-needed overhaul of Cobo Hall, and more good news is coming in the way of a full main floor.

Detroit show organizers aren't yet ready to tip their hand as to which automakers will be attending the show, but among those likely to return are Nissan and Infiniti, as Japan's number three automaker is just too big to stay out of the North American International Auto Show two years in a row. The Detroit Free Press reports that Porsche has been unhappy with the lack of major media coverage at the L.A. Auto Show, and the German automaker could turn to Detroit to get its media fix. Porsche could also find itself sharing space with its new parent, Volkswagen.

While Detroit looks bring back some automakers that were lost last year, North America's biggest auto show could also bring in some newcomers. Fiat's partnership/ownership of Chrysler could mean that Fiat and Alfa Romeo models wind up parked near the Chrysler booth. India's Mahindra group, which is looking to sell trucks and SUVs here in the States, could be another option, as could China's BYD. We're really looking forward to this year's NAIAS, and it will be nice to once again see a full main floor. Another Detroit January, on the other hand, is something we can do without.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been a long road with more than its fair share of protracted negotiations and questionable decisions along the way, but the Detroit City Council has finally cleared the path for Cobo Hall to get the much-needed expansion, repairs and ongoing maintenance it's deserved for years. By choosing not to vote on the plan at all, the Council will allow Cobo Hall to be turned over on lease to a regional authority that will oversee the building's day-to-day operations. Says Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr.:
I know this has been an emotional issue and a controversial issue. But it's real simple: We don't have the money to do this on our own. This thing is a go, and it's something they should be happy about. It's going to allow us to re-position Cobo to make it competitive, to secure the (North American International) Auto Show and attract other kinds of convention business.
With this potential roadblock out of the way, it now seems likely that the North American International Auto Show will indeed stay in the Detroit - assuming, of course, that the world's collection of automakers is willing to continue making the annual trek to the Motor City in January.

[Source: Detroit News]

Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobo centercobo detroitcobo expansioncobo hallcobo hall expansioncobo renovationsCoboCenterCoboDetroitCoboExpansionCoboHallCoboHallExpansionCoboRenovationsdetroit auto showdetroit city councilDetroitAutoShowDetroitCityCouncilnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowWed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/michigans-oakland-county-to-grab-naias-from-cobo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/michigans-oakland-county-to-grab-naias-from-cobo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/michigans-oakland-county-to-grab-naias-from-cobo/#commentsFiled under: ,



We can't blame Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson one bit for thinking the North American International Auto Show might be better served by moving locations away from Detroit's troubled Cobo Center. The building itself has been in disrepair for years, with a leaky roof and a poor electrical system generally cited as its most urgent needs. When an agreement was finally reached that would have fixed most of Cobo's many woes and expanded it with an additional 166,000 square-feet of floorspace, we all let out a collective sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, in what our own John McElroy called "a stupefying move at the 11th hour," the Detroit City Council voted down the proposed plan by a five-to-three tally, saying that the $20 million the city would be paid to give up power over the dilapidated building wasn't enough. Naturally, this action drew ire from a number of important sources, not the least of which being the automakers who are growing increasingly fed up about the horrid state of affairs at the Detroit Auto Show.

Here's where Patterson comes into play: "If this thing goes down, I'm done," Patterson has told The Detroit News. "I'm not going to go back to Detroit to try to resurrect the deal. Five years is enough." Unfortunately, Patterson's plan to move the annual event to another location in the Detroit area has a few potential snags of its own. The next largest nearby venue is the Pontiac Silverdome, which is about two-thirds the size and has been empty since the Detroit Lions left the stadium in 2002.

And what does the embattled Detroit City Council have to say about Patterson's proclamations? "He's bullying us as usual... he just wants everything on his own terms" says councilwoman Barbara-Rose Collins.

This is one sordid affair that seems likely to drag on for years with no end in sight.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobocobo centercobo hallCoboCenterCoboHallDetroitdetroit auto showdetroit city councilDetroitAutoShowDetroitCityCouncilNAIASNorth American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowOakland CountyOaklandCountyTue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[German brands will attend Detroit Auto Show for at least one more year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/german-brands-will-attend-detroit-auto-show-for-at-least-one-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/german-brands-will-attend-detroit-auto-show-for-at-least-one-mor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/german-brands-will-attend-detroit-auto-show-for-at-least-one-mor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Regardless of their displeasure with the cost, size and quality of Cobo Hall in Detroit, executives from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have committed to at least one more round of exhibits at the annual North American International Auto Show held at the venue each January. The German automakers occupy serious square footage at the show, and the exhibits generate much needed jobs and revenue, so the news was obviously welcomed by show officials.

As automakers scale back and exit auto shows due to the economy, or rethink marketing strategies as new markets in India, Russia, and Brazil open up, the big traditional auto shows (such as those in Detroit and Tokyo) are feeling the pressure. The latest news is that Tokyo's show is now on the verge of cancellation with the departure of Detroit's three automakers. While the Germans returning for NAIAS 2010 is welcomed news, the underlying message is that local officials (and the Detroit city council) are going to have to work even harder to save the show for 2011.

[Source: Freep.com]

German brands will attend Detroit Auto Show for at least one more year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWDetroit Auto ShowDetroit City CounciDetroit City CouncilDetroitAutoShowDetroitCityCounciDetroitCityCouncilmercedes-benzNAIASnorth american inter...north american international auto shownorth american international auto show educationnorth american international auto show education dayNorthAmericanInter...NorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowEducationNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowEducationDayTokyo Auto ShowTokyoAutoShowVolkswagenMon, 02 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

THE AMAZINGLY STUPID DETROIT CITY COUNCIL

Nobody reading this blog needs to be told how much trouble Detroit is in. Whether it's the Detroit Three, the city of Detroit, or the greater Detroit area, the story's the same: we're in trouble!

One of the very few events that provides positive media coverage for Detroit every year is the North American International Auto Show. I'd rate it as one of the top three auto shows in the world. It brings in thousands of members of the media, as well as executives from automakers and suppliers in Europe and Asia. They fill up every hotel for a 40-mile radius. Thanks to the exhibits that get built, the special events that are held, all the restaurant meals that are ordered and all the taxi rides needed to get around, the show brings in a half billion dollars of desperately needed economic activity every year.

The show is held in Cobo Hall, which was built in 1960. Everyone has known for years that it needs to be renovated and expanded, but that's going to take several hundred millions of dollars and the city is broke.

So it's taken years to carefully craft a deal that involves the governor, the state Senate and House, three different county executives, as well as the mayor and the city council of Detroit. But in a stupefying move at the 11th hour, the city council voted 5 to 3 to reject the deal.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolineautoline dailyautoline detroitautoline on autoblogAutolineDailyAutolineDetroitAutolineOnAutoblogcobo hallCoboHalldetroitdetroit auto showdetroit city councilDetroitAutoShowDetroitCityCouncilfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroynorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowFri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/2010-detroit-auto-show-media-days-cut-down-by-one-starts-on-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/2010-detroit-auto-show-media-days-cut-down-by-one-starts-on-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/2010-detroit-auto-show-media-days-cut-down-by-one-starts-on-mon/#commentsFiled under: ,



It looks like we'll have one less day to report on all of the debuts from Detroit next year. According to the Detroit News, the North American International Auto Show's organizers have decided to cut the number of media preview days from three to two for next year's show. The move will bring the show in-line with other domestic shows that typically only have two days of media press conferences.

The 2010 Detroit Auto Show will officially kick off on Monday, rather than on its traditional Sunday launch. There will be about 30 time slots for press conferences during two full days of festivities, eliminating the usual half day on day three. Industry days will continue to be held on Wednesday and Thursday. While this probably means very little to all of you, we're looking forward to sleeping in on Sunday. Hey, if nothing else, we figure to be that much better-rested come Monday so that we can bring you all of the latest news. That said, we don't imagine local hotel and parking lot owners are terribly excited about this development.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Detroit Auto Show2010 NAIAS2010DetroitAutoShow2010NaiasdetroitDetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShownaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowFri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/report-gms-limited-cash-may-keep-cadillac-converj-from-product/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cadillac Converj concept unveiling
Click image above for a gallery of Cadillac Converj live shots

General Motors' increasingly empty coffers could consign the Cadillac Converj show car to 'concept only' status. The Detroit Auto Show coupe has been the subject of production rumors since before it rolled onto the stage in Cobo earlier last week, but now Automotive News is reporting that GM may not have enough money to make Converj a reality.

AN quotes GM vice chairman Bob Lutz as saying that the Converj is far from a done deal:
"Ready to go? Well, first we have to prove to ourselves that we have the money... and then that it's a high enough priority to displace something else, and that we can actually make money on the vehicle, and that there is potential customer interest and so forth. We haven't done any of that work yet."
Our take? The angularly gorgeous Cadillac was designed around the same extended-range Voltec architecture as Chevrolet's forthcoming Volt, itself a spectacularly expensive research and development effort. GM is clearly committed to making the Volt a production reality, and if it ever has hopes of making money on its plug-in hybrid technology, a higher-priced, higher-margin product like from an upper-crust brand like Cadillac would seem like one of the best ways to defray R&D costs. In short, GM may still have to conduct due diligence on the Converj's business case, but if there's any money at all left in the company's bank accounts, we still think the future for the showstopper is a bright one. Given the 2011 date attached to the Volt, we would expect the Caddy to roll into showrooms for 2012.

Let's just hope it arrives in showrooms wearing a new name.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept


[Source: Automotive News: subs. req.]

Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzCadillacConverjGMLutzNAIASNorth American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowMon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[No Spark: What happened to GM's promised 5-door microcar in Detroit?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/no-spark-what-happened-to-gms-promised-5-door-microcar-in-detr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/no-spark-what-happened-to-gms-promised-5-door-microcar-in-detr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/no-spark-what-happened-to-gms-promised-5-door-microcar-in-detr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Beat Groundhog Day edition

Earlier this week, when General Motors rolled out the very same 3-door Chevrolet Beat concept that it showed back in 2007, we were a bit confused. After all, GM's Ed Welburn teased all of America when he pulled back the tarp on a related (but clearly different) subcompact during NBC's Today Show (video here), only to trot out the same vivid green three-door that has been steadily making the show circuit rounds for some time now.

Well, Kicking Tires has unearthed the back story, and evidently the tarp-pulling session with Matt Lauer revealed a foam model of the production Spark five-door. Understandably, GM couldn't very well drive a foam block up the ramp and onto the stage, so it simply left it out of its press conference and substituted the old concept. We thought GM might quietly put the five-door out on the floor later, so we checked back at their display during yesterday's supplier days, and unfortunately Chevrolet's stand never did get the mockup.

Kicking Tires evidently had to place repeated calls to GM's communications team in order to get them to admit that they had pulled a switcheroo. Eventually, GM's Klaus-Peter Martin noted that: "...any misunderstanding was unintentional, and that the company had always intended to reveal the production Spark in Geneva." That may be true, but we have trouble understanding why the car was teased on national television and a press shot of the five-door was circulated with the Detroit Auto Show press release.

Regardless of GM's intent, we look forward to seeing the production Spark in March, and eagerly await its arrival on America's roads in 2011.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark, aka Beat


[Source: Kicking Tires]

No Spark: What happened to GM's promised 5-door microcar in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CoboCobo CenterCobo hallCoboCenterCoboHallGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMNAIASNorth American International Auto ShowNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowFri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Motor City guys and dolls....but mostly dolls]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-motor-city-guys-and-dolls-but-mostly-dolls/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-motor-city-guys-and-dolls-but-mostly-dolls/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-motor-city-guys-and-dolls-but-mostly-dolls/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of high-res pics of some of the faces from Detroit '09
There are lots of people here in Detroit for the NAIAS, and there are lots of moments that have little to do with the cars themselves. So we figured we'd do a roundup gallery to show you some of the personal moments from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Some of the faces you'll undoubtedly recognize, while others you'll probably hope to get to know better. Check out the gallery and you'll see sports announcers, execs, kids, even a model or two. As always, we appreciate the tireless work of the booth professionals who have to stand in heels all day and pretend to be happy to see another camera shoved in their faces. Many have mentioned that they are fans of Autoblog, but we suspect they say that to everyone. Still, we know some will be viewing this post so please be civil and keep your comments clean.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Detroit people gallery


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2009: Motor City guys and dolls....but mostly dolls originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been snowy. We have day jobs. We're feverishly preparing for Detroit. All excuses, as none will mask the fact that Episode #110 of the Autoblog Podcast is a couple days late. It's a pre-Detroit extravaganza, as Chris and Sam discuss what's going to be worth seeing at the recession-quieted North American International Auto Show. After that's all done, we actually answer some questions from listeners, and we plan on doing an all-question show soon, so keep those questions/comments/suggestions rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com.

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Autoblog Podcast #110 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShownaiasnaias 2009Naias2009north american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowFri, 09 Jan 2009 10:42:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #110Autoblog68:00<![CDATA[Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/event-alert-january-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/event-alert-january-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/event-alert-january-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This year's Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) should be even bigger than last year despite dropouts
Thanks to your suggestions, last month we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts.

Highlights for January include the North American International Auto Show, which we will be covering extensively from Detroit; the Arizona collectible car auctions featuring Barrett-Jackson, RM Auctions, Russo and Steele and others; the La Jolla Motorcar Classic at The Cove; the Cavallino Classic from The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida; and the kickoff of the 2009 motorsports season with the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

As always, we want to give a shoutout to our two favorite sources; The New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave's photographic coverage of these local events is fantastic. So check out the January event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. Happy New Year, everyone!

Continue reading Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The future is looking bleak for the North American International Auto Show, with automakers dropping out like hippies. Nissan and Infiniti were just two among the hoards of car manufacturers - including Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover and Ferrari as well as Porsche - that have recently announced their withdrawal from the Detroit show. But that's not stopping the show coordinators from continuing their campaign to have Motown's convention center updated as they see the show making a comeback within a few years.

According to show chairman Joe Serra, the downturn in participation for this year's show is just a reflection of the current economic climate. "It would be foolish for us to think this is how the future is going to look." Foolish or not, we can't imagine the Detroit 3 using much of their Congressional bailout cash on convention center renovations while they're trying to stay on their feet and in the black.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Dropouts be Damned: NAIAS insists Cobo expansion still needed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobocobo centercobo detroitcobo expansioncobo renovationsCoboCenterCoboDetroitCoboExpansionCoboRenovationsdetroitdetroit auto showdetroit motor showdetroit showDetroitAutoShowDetroitMotorShowDetroitShownaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowWed, 26 Nov 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoweek-picks-best-of-show-and-honors-others-from-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoweek-picks-best-of-show-and-honors-others-from-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoweek-picks-best-of-show-and-honors-others-from-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Here's a way to create content long after an auto show has ended, dream up a list of editorial favorite picks. Well, what the hell, we might as well be meta and report on the anti-news. Here we go blithely. AutoWeek handed out its Editors' Choice awards for the North American International Auto Show at its Design Forum on Wednesday. We can debate the relevance, but we'd rather just talk about the cars. The four vehicles that AutoWeek thought were the bee's knees are as follows:

As Linda Richman would say: discuss.

[Source: AutoWeek]

AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009audiautoauto showAutoShowautoweekawardscadillacchevroletchevycorvettecoupectscts coupeCtsCoupedetroitf150fordnaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowr8showtdiv12zr-1zr1Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: The Final Wrap-Up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under:

The 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview has drawn to a close, and now it's time for the public to have its turn in Cobo. As they throw open the doors to the masses, we wanted to give you another opportunity to check out all the concepts and production vehicles that debuted over the past three days. Everything we've covered is listed and linked below along with a corresponding gallery, and at the bottom you'll find the most intriguing, strange and (gasp) educational posts from the show. Enjoy.

Business will be back to normal in the next hour, with the comprehensive - okay, obsessive - coverage of the auto industry you've come to expect. And to those of you that have been following the happenings in Detroit for the last few days, all of us at Autoblog extend our heartfelt thanks. You've helped to make this site what it is: one of the leading automotive resources on the web. And we're not forced to subsist off ramen noodles anymore... so that's a plus.


The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery
Fresh Faces in Detroit - Gallery

Audi R8 V12 TDI - Gallery
Deciphering the Audi V12 TDI - Gallery
Audi TT-S - Gallery
Bentley Factory Artisans Demonstrate Their Craft - Gallery
BMW 1-series convertible - Gallery
BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d - Gallery
BMW production X6 - Gallery
Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Gallery
Cadillac CTS-V - Gallery
Cadillac's Provoq - Gallery
ChangFeng - Gallery
Chrysler Concepts - Gallery
Up Close and Personal with the ZR-1 - Gallery
Corvette ZR1 Chassis Display - Gallery
Corvette ZR-1 Engine Cutaway Display - Gallery
2009 Dodge Ram - Gallery - Watch the Rampede here!
Dodge Caravan R/T Concept - Gallery
Ferrari F430 Spider Bio Fuel - Gallery
2009 Ford F150 - Gallery
Ford Glass Roof Mustang - Gallery
Ford Explorer America concept - Gallery
Ford Verve Sedan concept - Gallery
Fisker Karma - Gallery
Geely FC - Gallery
Honda Pilot Prototype - Gallery
Honda i-DTEC clean diesel - Gallery
HUMMER HX concept - Gallery
2009 Hyundai Genesis - Gallery
Lamborghini Ad Personum - Gallery
Land Rover LRX - Gallery
Lexus LF-A Roadster in detail - Gallery
Lincoln MKT Concept - Gallery
Kia Borrego - Gallery
Maserati Quattroporte Collezione Cento - Gallery
Maybach Landaulet - Gallery
Mazda Furai concept - Gallery
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - Gallery
Mercedes-Benz GLKs - Gallery
Mercedes-Benz SLK - Gallery
MINI Cooper S Clubman - Gallery
Mitsubishi Concept-RA - Gallery
2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart - Gallery
Saab 9-4X BioPower concept - Gallery
Saturn Vue Hybrids - Gallery
2009 Subaru Forester - Gallery
Tang Hau - Gallery
Toyota Venza - Gallery
Volkswagen Passat CC - Gallery

Michelin Challenge Design winners - Gallery
Mitsubishi Brings Retro to D-Town - Gallery

Detroit Auto Show: The Final Wrap-Up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2008detroit auto showdetroit auto show 2008Detroit2008DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2008naiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowWed, 16 Jan 2008 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show 2008: What's happened so far... part deux]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-auto-show-2008-whats-happened-so-far-part-deux/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-auto-show-2008-whats-happened-so-far-part-deux/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-auto-show-2008-whats-happened-so-far-part-deux/#commentsFiled under:

Monday has come and gone at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and while it wasn't quite as big a showing as the kickoff on Sunday, there were still plenty of things to love and loathe here in Detroit. We've assembled all of the reveals and their associate galleries below, plus all the links from Monday are available after the jump.

Audi TT-S - Gallery
Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Gallery
Cadillac CTS-V - Gallery
Cadillac's Provoq - Gallery
ChangFeng - Gallery
Chrysler Concepts - Gallery
Corvette ZR1 Chassis Display - Gallery
Dodge Caravan R/T Concept - Gallery
Ferrari F430 Spider Bio Fuel - Gallery
Fisker Karma - Gallery
Honda i-DTEC clean diesel - Gallery
Lexus LF-A Roadster in detail - Gallery
Lincoln MKT Concept - Gallery
Kia Borrego - Gallery
Maserati Quattroporte Collezione Cento - Gallery
Maybach Landaulet - Gallery
MINI Cooper S Clubman - Gallery
Saturn Vue Hybrids - Gallery
Toyota Venza - Gallery

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show 2008: What's happened so far... part deux

Detroit Auto Show 2008: What's happened so far... part deux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 detroit auto show2008 north american international auto show2008DetroitAutoShow2008NorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShownaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowTue, 15 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: BMW announces M3 pricing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-m3-pricing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-m3-pricing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-bmw-announces-m3-pricing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the image above for plenty of high-res pics.

If you've got a hankering for a V8-powered, carbon fiber-roofed über 3-series, BMW has finally named its price for the M3 coupe and sedan. $57,275 will buy you entry into the M3 Coupe, and bargain hunters willing to settle for an extra pair of doors can get the M3 Sedan in their driveway for $54,575. The M3's come a long way since it's E30 homologation-special roots. The cylinder count has now doubled from that original car, the long serving six cylinders having been jettisoned in favor of a 414 horsepower V8. The interior of the new M3s is a level of luxury unknown to the E30, too. The optional wheel-mounted M-Drive control will allow the driver to customize engine and chassis responses, and iDrive shuffles media and navigation chores. These prices will likely be less than what typical M3s roll off the lot for, as most buyers will want to add some options, and in the world of BMW, options cost.

Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW announces M3 pricing

Detroit 2008: BMW announces M3 pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbmwcoupedetroitdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowe92m3m3 pricingM3Pricingnaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowpricingsedanMon, 14 Jan 2008 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Kia Borrego arrives at the wrong time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-kia-borrego-arrives-at-the-wrong-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-kia-borrego-arrives-at-the-wrong-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-kia-borrego-arrives-at-the-wrong-tim/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res live shots of the 2009 Kia Borrego

Perhaps the biggest news about the Kia Borrego is that it marks the introduction of a V8 to the Korean automaker's powertrain arsenal. On the other hand, maybe we're just power-addled. Lobbing an entry into the midsize-SUV arena, Kia has stuck with the traditional body-on-frame strategy that many other automakers are abandoning. Styling wise, the Borrego is familial with the Kia Sorento, and neither 'Ute is bad looking. Even when blinged out with the highest trim level, the Borrego will skim along under the radar pretty easily. Those wheels, however, look like they were lifted from an unattended concept car on the show floor. Coil springs hold up all four corners, and stability and traction control are standard. Playing in the dirt will be aided by twin hill-traversing systems; Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC). One's for going down, the other's for going up, we guess.

The aforementioned 4.6L V8 will serve up something north of 300 horsepower and be affixed to Kia's first six-speed autobox. Kia's stalwart snortalicious V6 will likely have to press all of its 264 horsepower into service just to haul the Borrego, but a five-speed automatic will help proceedings. Inside, three rows of seats provide places for seven posteriors, though the third row might be a little snug (aren't they all?). Kia's first navigation system is available, offering customers the option of a rearview camera, as well. In Kia fashion, we expect the equipment list of this 2009 model year offering to be lengthier and the dollar figure smaller than the competition. The Borrego goes on sale as a 2009 model later this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Kia Borrego

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Kia Borrego arrives at the wrong time

Detroit 2008: Kia Borrego arrives at the wrong time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbody on frameBodyOnFrameborregodetroitdetroit 2008detroit auto showDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowkianaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowseven passengerSevenPassengersuvMon, 14 Jan 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #84]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/autoblog-podcast-84/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/autoblog-podcast-84/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/autoblog-podcast-84/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

We're back from the holidays with Autoblog Podcast episode #84. Kicking things off, we review what's been in John, Damon, and Alex's parking spots in the Autoblog Garage. After a Mazda CX7/CX9-Honda Fit-Audi S5-lovefest, we're on to real happenings. Things are ratcheting up as we head into the North American International Auto Show next week, and we'll have coverage from the show starting this weekend. Ahead of the actual show in Detroit, we've been watching as embargoes fall. GM has had all of its secrets revealed with the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, Hummer HX, and Saab 9-4X hitting the internets prior to their official unveilings. Also uncovered, the Hyundai Genesis, which clearly has the Germans in its sights, not to mention Lexus and Infiniti. We're not sure if we're excited or skeptical, but it's hard to argue with the value that the car will likely offer. And Hyundai's not fooling around, so we'll be adding our names to the list when they finally become available for sampling. Thanks for your 51 minutes, let's do this again soon, okay?

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Autoblog Podcast #84 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowcadillacctsdetroitgenesisgmhummerhxhyundainaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowpodcastsaabshowThu, 10 Jan 2008 10:44:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #84Dan Roth50:56autoblog podcast, 84, podcast, detroit, auto show, naias, north american international auto show, auto show, hyundai, gm, cts, cadillac, saab, hummer<![CDATA[Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/30/execs-say-buick-to-get-more-bold-dramatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/30/execs-say-buick-to-get-more-bold-dramatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/30/execs-say-buick-to-get-more-bold-dramatic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Through the success of the Enclave, Buick has discovered that nicely designed, well-built, high content vehicles sell. Being the first Buick in a long time to log advance orders, GM thinks it might be onto something with the Enclave formula. That recipe consists of bolder styling than past Buicks, with cues coming from the Velite and Riviera show cars. Avoiding retro, forthcoming Buicks promise to amp up the curbside drama with unabashed curves, and a lot of chrome. The Enclave has an interior that was obviously fussed over, too. If Buick can turn out a car using the same discipline that guided the successful Enclave launch, it should be exciting to watch the brand reinflate. Both the Riviera and Velite concepts have striking, tight designs that are nothing like the blobby, amorphous Buicks of the recent past. The Lucerne is a stylistic step in the right direction, and with a new LaCrosse due soon, we might start to see the return of stylish GM sedans that people clamor to buy. We'll get some indication soon, when we see what Buick brings to Detroit.

Follow the jump to see the Velite's unveiling at the 2004 New York Auto Show.

[Source: AutoObserver]

Continue reading Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boldbuickconceptdesigndetroitenclavegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlacrosselucernenaiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowrivierastylestylingveliteSun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST