Autoblog

LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport

Drew Phillips — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Land Rover

2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't figure out exactly what the name Autobiography is supposed to convey, but Land Rover seems to think it's a fitting name to put on its top-of-the-line Range Rover models. Last year, they pulled the wraps off the Range Rover Autobiography at the British Motor Show, and this week at the LA Auto Show the Range Rover Sport Autobiography has just made its official debut.

Most of the appeal of the package is inside. All of the seating surfaces are covered in beautiful two-tone leather, and the Autobiography logo can be found in the wood door inserts and the embossed headrests. The exterior gets a few special touches as well, including body-colored lower door panels, an extended roof spoiler, and special 20-inch alloy wheels.

Just 250 examples of the Range Rover Sport Autobiography will be built, all in Santorini Black with the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as standard. Pricing is listed as an imposing $88,545, but we can see that in its exclusive circle, enough Land Rover buyers will likely be willing to cough up a $14,000 premium to have their own Autobiography, even if it's only a leather, wheel, and trim package. Hit the jump for full details, or check out our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: 2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography

Continue reading LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport

LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Year Over Year: 2010 Range Rover Sport destroys 2009 model in 0-100-0 dash

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Videos, Land Rover, Luxury

2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged vs. the 2009 model -- Click above to watch video

The 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged is hugely improved over the old model - and we were fans of the old model. When we drove the normally aspirated model in 2008, we dug it except for the idiosyncratic interior. The 2010 Supercharged model not only features a redesigned cabin, but 517 horsepower and a new set of six-piston brakes up front to be sidekick. That's 127 horsepower more than the outgoing model. Add that to a 51 lb-ft torque surplus over the 2009 and you've got an SUV that goes faster and stops quicker.

It's such a big improvement that the 2010 model gets from zero to 100 mph and back to zero before the 2009 model gets to... well, you'll just have to follow the jump to see the video and find out.

Gallery: 2010 Range Rover Sport

[Source: Land Rover via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Year Over Year: 2010 Range Rover Sport destroys 2009 model in 0-100-0 dash

VIDEO: Year Over Year: 2010 Range Rover Sport destroys 2009 model in 0-100-0 dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover, UK, Tata, Luxury, Off-Road

It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.

A report today, however, says that because of "forecasts of strong demand" for the refreshed Land Rover Discover and Range Rover Sport, the Solihull plant will increase production. Workers who've been on shortened hours since the spring will now go back to a five-day work week. That's good news for the employees and hopefully for Tata. Worker at Land Rover's Halewood plant don't fare so well: the Freelander factory will be shut down intermittently because of low demand.

[Source: What Car?]

Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 510-hp Range Rover Sport emphasizes the "S" in SUV

John Neff — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:37:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Land Rover

2010 Range Rover Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like the new LR4 and classic Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport also gets plenty of upgrades for the 2010 model year. Like the regular RR, the Sport gets the same 5.0L direct-inject V8s from Jaguar in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise plus a new six-speed automatic transmission. The NA puts out 375 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque while the force fed mill creates 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, the latter good for 5.9-second sprints to 60 mph. The Sport's exterior has also been tweaked with a new two-bar grille centered in the revised front end and new rear tail-lamps nestled above a redesigned rear bumper. The interior has also been redone with higher quality materials and a new steering wheel that includes paddle shifters on the supercharged model. Throw in enough electronic nannies to make even the Queen look like a good driver and you've got an eminently more capable sports SUV than the one it replaces.

Gallery: 2010 Range Rover Sport

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading New York Preview: 510-hp Range Rover Sport emphasizes the "S" in SUV

New York Preview: 510-hp Range Rover Sport emphasizes the "S" in SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: updated Range Rover Sport to join facelifted, Jag-engined Landies

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Land Rover

Reports indicate that Land Rover is planning to facelift nearly its entire range later this year, including refreshed versions of the LR3, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Spy shots of the latter's test mules indicate that the updated luxury off-roaders will be distinguished by modest revisions to the bumpers, grille and headlamps, in addition to refreshed interiors.

The juicy news, however, is under the bonnet, where sources suggest the latest Jaguar engines will find their new home. In addition to Jaguar's 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that is already confirmed to migrate to the Land Rovers, reports now indicate that the XF's 5.0-liter V8 will feature in the update SUVs, including a torque-tuned take on the supercharged version from the XFR for the most powerful Range Rovers. Considering that the engine propelled the XFR to a top speed of 225 mph at Bonneville, we could be looking at one wickedly fast Range Rover when all is said and done.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: updated Range Rover Sport to join facelifted, Jag-engined Landies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Land Rover

Land Rover first clambered onto our shores in March, 1987. It took almost ten-and-a-half years to sell the first 100,000 vehicles in the U.S., but it took only five more to move the next 150,000. And now with an expanded lineup and the Range Rover still stalking the countryside as the king of the luxury SUV pride, Land Rover North America has taken just two-and-a-half years to sell another 100,000 units. When a Range Rover Sport left the lot in Cerritos, California this month, that totaled 500,000 Land Rovers bought and paid for. And so to you Land Rover, on your 60th birthday, a tip of the hat and half a million kudos. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S.

Land Rover celebrates 500,000 sales in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover to borrow one of Jag's diesels

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, I.C.E., Jaguar, Land Rover

When the facelifted Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery 3 (LR3 in the U.S.) take their bows later this year, in addition to the new faces they'll also be showing off new engines. The 2.7-liter TDV6 currently used is good for 190 hp and 324 lb-ft. The new engine will be Jaguar's 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 diesel and will come in two flavors: one with 237 hp for the Discovery 3, and one with 272 hp and 420 lb-ft for the Range Rover Sport.

Those numbers are down on the figures achieved by the same lump in the Jaguar, at 275 hp and 443 lb-ft, but even the 237 hp variant should give the 190 hp 2.7-liter a proper shellacking. Even though the 2.7-liter, might remain as an option, the same engine swap yielded a 12% increase in gas mileage in the Jaguar. With the 3.0-liter providing more power on less fuel, it makes us think the 2.7-liter will be shown the door either by Land Rover or its customers.

[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover to borrow one of Jag's diesels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, First Drive

2008 Range Rover Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving a Range Rover Sport is like wearing an Izod circa 1980-anything: everybody immediately knows what you're about. And that's not a bad thing. We never wore Izods, but we'd drive this thing all day long -- and in fact, we did. The sport is supposedly the Range Rover for people who just want to go from work to the golf course to the watering hole, and don't need to traverse the Andes do it. Turns out, though, that it's suitably equipped for both. Follow the jump for the rest of the Rover story, and check out the gallery of hi-res shots below.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport

First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The fate of a Range Rover is in your hands, people

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Contests, Green, Land Rover, Carsumer Advocacy

Click above to watch Ryan's call to action

Ryan Mickle, seen above and apparently afraid of no ghosts, has had a change of heart since purchasing his Range Rover Sport new in 2006. Since then, gas prices have shot through the roof and fighting climate change has become a favorite global pastime. Seeing that his SUV gets about 13 mpg, Ryan doesn't want to drive it, doesn't want to sell it and doesn't want anyone else to get behind the wheel -- ever. Trouble is, he's not quite sure how to go about it just yet. So, he wants you to help him decide the fate of his SUV. A few initial ideas: catapult it into the Pacific Ocean, blow it up or convert it to a run on either electrons or biodiesel.

We're hoping that common sense wins out here and the vehicle is somehow saved from such an inauspicious fate as being merely blown to shreds -- after all, that's not very eco-friendly either. While a biodiesel conversion might be fun, we'll put our official vote on the EV idea. Yank the engine, drop in a nice electric motor and some decent batteries in the rear cargo area... presto-chango, problem solved. Well, maybe it's a bit more complicated than that. Watch Ryan's video after the break. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: One Fewer]

The fate of a Range Rover is in your hands, people originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First (hopefully last) images: Cosworth/Kahn Range Rover Sport

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Etc., Land Rover

Here's the four wheeled bearded lady of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, courtesy of Kahn Design and (God help us) Cosworth. To us, spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle, then affixing a bodykit to it that would make an '88 Grand Am sneer seems a bit nonsensical. Then again, being of means doesn't always translate into having sense. As if that wasn't enough, even Cosworth hasn't coaxed much out of this abomination. The 3.6-liter diesel V8 gets an extra 30 horsepower, for an even 300. We're not likely to see that powertrain in US-bound Range Rovers any time soon, but it'd be a lot easier to stomach if it were wrapped in the Sport's sheetmetal. We can only hope that this kit isn't glued on that well - from the looks of that front bumper, it's not - and we're guessing that it ends up as tire fodder on the Earl's driveway.

Gallery: A Kahn/Cosworth Range Rover

[Source: AutoTrader UK]

First (hopefully last) images: Cosworth/Kahn Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Range Rover Sport gets a nose job

Alex Nunez — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST

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

Click above for more high-res spy shots of the 2009 Range Rover Sport

The 2009 Range Rover Sport looks like it's getting a slightly revised face. After undergoing minor cosmetic surgery, the Sport comes out with grillework that's reminiscent of the Land Rover LR2's as well as a new front bumper. Out back and along the sides, the SUV seems to be unchanged compared to the current model. One of Brenda Priddy's clandestine operatives snagged the freshened Ranger Rover Sport frolicking undisguised somewhere in Europe where it looks cold and snowy. As for when it'll be shown to the public, who knows? Geneva's just around the corner, though, so we'll have our gang keep an eye out for it when they're not eyeballing Renaults or noshing on good chocolate and tasty Lake Geneva perch filets.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Range Rover Sport

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: 2009 Range Rover Sport gets a nose job originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport

Alex Nunez — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, UK

Click images for hi-res

UK customers who want a more muscled-up appearance for the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport are in luck. LR has unveiled the HST trim level, which adds a full body kit, new wheels, and updated grille, will serve as the range-topper for the Freelander 2 (that's LR2 for us Yanks).

Similarly, the Range Rover Sport also gets the HST treatment, with "Stormer" dubs in the wheel wells, updated bodywork, and some associated interior upgrades. There are no associated power upgrades, so think of HST as a "more show, same go" deal, much like the Ford Edge Sport that was unveiled for our market last night. Both vehicles go on sale this March. Press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Land Rover]

Gallery: 2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 HST

Continue reading UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport

UK: Land Rover intros HST trim for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HAMANN Range Rover Sport Conquerer ready to pillage the suburbs

Alex Nunez — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Europe, Land Rover

Click image for gallery

HAMANN, which has yet to find a car or truck it's not willing to make faster, look wilder, and fit scissor doors to, has turned its attention to the Range Rover Sport. And while Lambo doors are (thankfully) left off here, the rest of the HAMANN formula is applied. The result has been dubbed the Conqueror, and it's ready to lay waste to expensive tires and capture the hearts of lead-footed country club valets.

Power upgrades are made available for all the SUV's engine offerings. The blown unit from the Range Rover Sport Supercharged goes in for a spa treatment and deep tissue massage that leaves it feeling invigorated and renewed to the tune of 475 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Refreshing, indeed. The added zip underhood is complemented by a new widebody aero kit that emphasizes the "Sport" in the truck's moniker. In the process, the Rover also undergoes bling reduction surgery, sporting a darkened grille, black headlamp bezels, and carbon fiver trim on the side extractor and door handles. 23" EDITION RACE wheels fill out the bulging, flared fenders and also hide upgraded brakes.

Inside, HAMANN will do whatever the customer wants, as evidenced by the snakeskin-covered seats. Unless you're an 80s rocker like Kip Winger or Brett Michaels, we'd advise against ordering those, as they only conquer good taste. The rest of it -- custom leather trim, suede-wrapped dash, etc. -- is fine with us.

Follow the jump for HAMANN's full press release.

[Source: HAMANN]

Gallery: HAMANN Range Rover Sport Conquerer

Continue reading HAMANN Range Rover Sport Conquerer ready to pillage the suburbs

HAMANN Range Rover Sport Conquerer ready to pillage the suburbs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Jaguar, Land Rover

Hopefully the potential dispersal of the Ford Premier Group won't affect this wonderful Jaguar/Land Rover collaboration that is being rumored. By borrowing aluminum (aluminium?) expertise from Jaguar, future Land Rovers could be as much as 1,000 pounds lighter than current models. Utilizing Jaguar's rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque body design, Land Rover could continue to build large luxury SUVs that are lighter and return even better fuel economy.

According to What Car's inside source, the new Range Rover will be the first all-alloy, monocoque-bodied 4x4 when it debuts in 2010. "There's no decision yet, and we don't have to decide for a couple of years, but it seems a logical step to investigate," said their source.

As they further point out, the Discovery and Range Rover Sport are both due for replacement a couple of years after the Range Rover, and it would make economic sense to share the technology across as many models as possible to exact the best economies of scale for L-R. It was expected that the new RR might switch to Land Rover's semi-monocoque steel T5 platform, which underpins the Discovery and the Range Rover Sport, but this makes a whole lot more sense.

Curb weight for the current Range Rover is about 6,000 pounds, but with a similar 15% weight savings as Jag has witnessed, Land Rover could get that down to less than 5,000 while maintaining the off-road toughness for which its vehicles are known. The boost in fuel economy and performance wouldn't hurt either.

[Source: What Car?]

Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Torqualicious Range Rover Sport TDV8

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Land Rover

This November, Land Rover will begin the sale of an updated Range Rover Sport that will come equipped with either a 2.7-liter, turbo-diesel V6, or a new TDV8 that produces 40-percent more power and torque than its six-cylinder brethren. Only you can't have either, because they'll only be available in Europe.

While covering all the goings on in Paris last week, the Range Rover press event didn't make it on our short list and that's when news of the new diesel debuted. With a price tag just shy of $100,000, all the luxury accoutrements you'd expect are included, along with some newly developed/acquired technology in the form of adaptive cruise control, dual alarms, voice recognition and an adaptive automatic transmission.

The revised Range Rover Sport we get stateside will hopefully benefit from some of these new features, just don't expect the diesel version to make it over anytime soon.

[Source: Pistonheads]

Torqualicious Range Rover Sport TDV8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Z06 big winner as Spike TV's AutoRox rocks Vegas

Chris Paukert — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

We've been too busy throwing down new posts to attend Spike TV's second annual AutoRox awards, but apparently that didn't stop the cable network from going on with the show at Fremont Experience in Las Vegas. Hosted by rapper/actor Ice Cube and featuring a variety of performances and celebrities, the show is America's only nationwide televised automobile awards ceremony. Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 came away the big winner, netting the night's top honor for "Car of the Year," as well as taking home the "Best Sports Car" and "Deal of the Year" awards.

Other big winners included former Chrysler Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca, who took home the "Icon Award". Sadly, Snoop Dogg was apparently unable to deliver the award to his golfing buddy, so 24's Kiefer Sutherland stepped in on his behalf.

Other winners include:

BEST TRUCK - Honda Ridgeline
BEST LUXURY CAR - Audi A8
BEST SUV - Land Rover Range Rover Sport
HOTTEST EXOTIC - Bugatti Veyron
BEST TUNER - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
BEST CONCEPT CAR - Chevrolet Camaro
BEST MUSCLE CAR (viewers' choice) - Dodge Charger SRT8

Catch the delayed broadcast on Tuesday, April 18th on Spike TV, when it airs from 10pm-11:30pm Eastern.

[Source: Spike TV via PRNewswire.com]

Corvette Z06 big winner as Spike TV's AutoRox rocks Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover intros HST at Goodwood Festival

John Neff — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Europe, Land Rover, Misc. Auto Shows

Dubbed the closest thing to the company's first ever concept, the Range Stormer, that money can buy, the HST is a blinged out version of Land Rover's Range Rover Sport that was debuted recently during the press day of the Goodwood Festival. The HST features identical mechanicals as the S/C Range Rover Sport but sports an electric sunroof, electronic locking rear differential and privacy glass. The exterior gets a treatment that West Coast Customs would be proud of, which includes flush fitting front and rear bumpers and a larger grille. The lower cladding all around is body-colored and there's a new tail spoiler and rectangular exhaust pipes out back. The "Stormer" alloy wheels are 20 inches large and chromed for good measure. Performance should be identical to the supercharged Range Rover Sport, though its price will grow to £63,000 ($109,790 US).

[Source: Classic Driver]

Land Rover intros HST at Goodwood Festival originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Mar 2006 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, SUV

May I have the envelope, please? Not quite yet.

However... the finalists are:

BMW 3-Series
Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus IS
Mazda MX-5
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Porsche Cayman S
Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Passat

The finalists were selected by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists in a secret ballot. To pick the winner, the jury will rate each finalist in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April. (Last year's winner was the Audi A6.)

Three specialty awards will also be handed out by the WCOTY program: World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year. (Finalists in these categories are selected separately from the WCOTY finalists.) Check out the WCOTY website for details.

Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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