Autoblog

Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis

George Kennedy — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi, Porsche, Rumormill, Luxury

Just because the current Audi A8 is about to get a little update for 2013 doesn't mean we can't talk about the German automaker's next generation flagship sedan.

According to a new report from Car and Driver, the next A8 is targeted for 2016 or 2017. Part of the next design will most likely employ some form of "aluminum hybrid" structure, meaning a combination of aluminum and high strength steel as well as other composite materials (the current A8 rides on an aluminum spaceframe). Porsche is working on new modular architecture to underpin the next Panamera as well as the next round of Bentley sedans, and according to the report, the A8's successor is likely to be based on this architecture as well.

Though a plan for the next A8 has not been finalized, there is good reason to believe this transition to the Porsche-developed platform may take place. Wolfgang Durheimer, the new head of research and development at Audi, came over from his previous post as Porsche's R&D chief, so he is already familiar with the Porsche architecture. This shift would mean that the next A8 would be based on a rear-wheel drive platform. Even though all U.S. A8 models rout power through Quattro all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive models are available elsewhere in the world, as the chassis is FWD-based. C/D notes that this move would make the A8 the first RWD-based Audi passenger car since WWII.

Even if Audi did market a rear-drive A8, we suspect the lion's share of them would still rely on Quattro, particularly here in North America.

Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai working on 3 Series-fighter for 2015

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai

According to Automotive News, Hyundai is working on a smaller rear-wheel-drive car aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series. Reportedly dubbed "RK" internally, this new model will not launch until 2015 at the earliest, according to the report.

Details on this new entry-level performance sedan are slim, with Automotive News only reporting that the new model will use a version of the rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins the Genesis Coupe.

In other RWD Hyundai news, AN states that the larger Genesis sedan is still on track for a complete refresh, with the new model expected to arrive by the end of 2013 at the earliest as a 2014 model. As we've reported before, the next-generation Genesis will also likely benefit from optional all-wheel drive. Hyundai's Equus flagship is also scheduled to get a slight refresh in the near term, debuting next summer for the 2014 model year.

Hyundai working on 3 Series-fighter for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln pushing for access to next-gen Ford Mustang platform

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln

Don't get ahead of yourselves: This is not yet another Lincoln-badged Mustang rumor post, the likes of which seem to crop up every few years. Instead, Ford's wayward luxury division is reportedly hoping to gain access to the bits and pieces that will underpin the next-generation pony car - specifically, the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension setup.

Having this rear-wheel-drive platform could do a number of good things for Lincoln. For example, it could finally give the brand a proper entry-level luxury fighter for the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G and so on, though brand officials will still insist that the all-wheel-drive MKZ suits this need just fine.

According to Car and Driver, this forthcoming rear-wheel-drive architecture could be used to better place the awkward MKS in its mid-size luxury segment. Rather than being simply a more expensive Ford Taurus, the MKS could transform itself into a genuine 5 Series or CTS fighter. Perhaps it could even look something like Lincoln's 2007 MKR concept shown above. Furthermore, a proper rear-wheel-drive flagship could be in the cards for Lincoln, though the Mustang's platform would need to be seriously overhauled and stretched to handle such a task.

But for Ford, as C/D points out, would it really make sense to go through all the trouble of creating a bona fide rear-wheel-drive sedan and not just slap a Blue Oval badge on it? If the automaker truly wants Lincoln to survive, then many pundits would say yes.

Lincoln pushing for access to next-gen Ford Mustang platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Subaru went with rear-wheel drive for its BRZ coupe

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Subaru

Some of the Subaru faithful are up in arms over the automaker's decision to go with a rear-wheel-drive setup for the upcoming BRZ. Why did the engineers opt to send power out back when they could have utilized the company's signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system? You would expect the answer to lie firmly on the backs of Toyota, which is the other half of this joint venture. MotorAuthority looked into it, and according to them, that's not exactly the case.

Toyota has been adamant that a rear-wheel drive sports car was to be the ultimate product of this sports coupe joint-venture. More surprisingly, Subaru officials say they were interested in creating just such a vehicle from the very beginning. To hear them tell it, they aren't just all-wheel drive experts. Subaru produces front-wheel drive vehicles for markets outside of the States, and rear-wheel drive allows them to show off just how far Subaru engineers can push handling and traction levels regardless of which wheels drive the car.

Be it the front wheels, rear wheels or all four wheels, Subaru engineers are clearly eager to prove that they're accomplished at making grippy cars. So... do you buy the explanation, or do you think it's just spin? More importantly, do you think a RWD Subaru is a good idea? Have your say in Comments.

Why Subaru went with rear-wheel drive for its BRZ coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: AMG pondering RWD performance version of small FWD Benz

Chris Shunk — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

When we think of AMG, the first thing that comes to mind is a herculean 6.3-liter V8 engine that delivers hellacious thrust. We don't give rear-wheel drive much think time because with Mercedes-Benz and AMG, it's a given. That will change for Mercedes in the next couple years with the introduction of a new family of small, premium front-wheel-drive vehicles.

A report from Motor Trend claims that the next Mercedes A-Class and B-Class are reportedly among five new FWD vehicles based on the German automaker's forthcoming MFA platform. But while FWD platforms may be essential to Mercedes-Benz's goal of 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2015, MT tells us that AMG wants nothing of it. AMG will reportedly re-engineer the MFA platform for rear-wheel drive for future performance applications. That's right, you've read that correctly-re-engineer a front-wheel-drive platform for rear-wheel-drive fun. That sounds expensive and a bit impractical to us, but apparently the idea has legs within the hallowed halls of Mercedes' performance unit.

We figure the 6.3-liter is out of the question too, and MT says insiders at AMG insist that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine could be tuned to deliver the over the top torque and horsepower that customers have come to expect. Word is that a decision to modify the MFA platform for RWD is due by the end of the month, and we know what we're hoping for.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: AMG pondering RWD performance version of small FWD Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 - click above image for hi-res gallery

In news that will only shock those that haven't been paying attention, Toyota has reportedly confirmed that if the market demands it, there will be a convertible version of the new FT-86. Though Toyota still hasn't settled on a name for the upcoming budget rear-drive sports car, the announcement of a drop-top option lends a bit more credence to the rumor that the Celica nameplate might be brought back from the dead.

Now, the notion of a convertible Celica really shouldn't shock anyone. However, what should shock you (at least a little) is the possibility of convertible Subaru. Because, besides a few one-offs and at least one was-never-going-to-see-the-light-of-day concept, Subaru has never built a convertible. And of course, this means that the very real possibility of an all-wheel drive, 300+ horsepower, 300+ lb-ft. of torque, six-speed manual Subaru roadster exists. Where do we sign up? Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

REPORT: Convertible Toyobaru FT-86 in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when Toyota actually offered rear-wheel drive cars? Sure, a production version of the FT-86 concept is on the way, and yes, you can get a Toyota-branded truck or plump for a Lexus that routes its power out back - but when was the last time Americans could get a proper rear-driver from the Japanese automaker? It had to be back in 2005 when the third-generation MR2 petered out. And for something with four doors? Let's just say it's been a lot longer.

For Japan's Toyota faithful, however, the rear-drive picture has stayed altogether brighter. Since 2004, the brand has offered the Mark X, a sedan that has shared much of its architecture with the Lexus GS and IS - including its rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. For 2010, the Mark X has come in for a freshening, and the conservatively handsome model has us wishing that Toyota would reconsider offering the model Stateside more than ever.

Sadly, we can't get too excited just yet, because Toyota isn't exactly coughing up all of the key dynamic details. Oh, we know that the second-generation Mark X will be available with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. But Toyota isn't talking much in the way of power or performance metrics, although it does admit that the smaller-engined model will still hit 62 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Further changes beneath the reworked skin include a tweaked suspension with lower-friction parts and beefed-up locating arms. An optional "sports type model" also adds a computer-controlled suspension, different power delivery settings (Sport, Snow, and Eco modes), paddle shifters, as well as variable-ratio electric power steering - a feature we don't normally associate with this class of vehicle. Did we mention the tinted head- and tail-lamps for added sports aggression?

Of course, it wouldn't be a JDM press introduction without some suitably improbable press release verbiage, and the Mark X doesn't disappoint. Toyota's design theme for the new model is "glam tech" which duals "the visual glamour conveyed by the vehicle with the 'high-tech' expression of its modern and precise feel." Not ambitious enough? The lux-oriented "Premium type" model features "refined velour-moquette seat covers... treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity."

"Mite-suppressing agent?" Toyota, even after all these years, you still know the way to our hearts...

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Mark X

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan

2010 Nissan Fuga - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.

Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin - especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.

Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.

Check out the Infiniti M Fuga's newly voluptuous curves in our high-res gallery below and the official release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept, keeps mum on details

Drew Phillips — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We got a sneak peak of the FT-86 earlier this month, and now Toyota has just officially revealed its new 2+2 concept here at the Tokyo Motor Show. It's been a while since the Japanese automaker has offered anything resembling a sports car - especially one with rear-wheel drive - so there was plenty of excitement when the covers were pulled off the FT-86. The coupe looks stunning in person, and we particularly like the details like the carbon-fiber rear diffuser and the stunning white leather seats.

We were hoping for more information about the FT-86 at its debut, but Toyota is still keeping quiet about the specific details of the car that is tipped for production in late 2011. Rumor has it that a Subaru 2.0-liter flat-four will be sending power to the rear wheels, and that keeping weight down to a minimum will be a top priority. We'll be sure to bring you more details as we get them, but until then check out our high-res gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept, keeps mum on details originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Purported renderings of Subaru's FT-86 Sports Coupe emerge

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Subaru, Toyota

It's only been a couple of days since Toyota released initial details and photos of its TF-86 coupe concept scheduled for debut at the upcoming Tokyo show, but we've already been waiting for the other shoe to drop. The project nicknamed "Toyobaru" by the media and fansites is to be a test case for future cooperation between Toyota and Subaru, and the TF-86 is based largely on Scooby mechanicals. A Subaru-branded version of the coupe is expected to follow, and now sketches outlining the design have emerged courtesy of the blokes at Autocar.

Sources indicate, however, that Subaru's executives are far from sold on the project. The Toyota-designed platform may not be able to accommodate all-wheel-drive, a signature Subaru feature. And parent company Fuji Heavy is reportedly hesitant to share its technologies with rival Toyota. However, the counterpoint is that the coupe's inclusion in the company's lineup could attract a new demographic, and that sharing components with Toyota would help mitigate costs and reduce overhead.

[Source: Autocar]

Purported renderings of Subaru's FT-86 Sports Coupe emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: New Honda president says we don't need V8s, rear-wheel drive

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Honda

2009 Acura TL - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda Motor Co.'s new president, Takanubo Ito, has said in no uncertain terms that V8 power and rear-wheel drive motivation aren't in the automaker's future.

Ito, who took the reigns from Takeo Fukui last month, said during his first press conference, "I don't think we need a classic front-engine, rear-drive car. It would be meaningless to emulate what other companies have done for more than five decades."

Honda's new president went on to say that, "We are considering incorporating new engines, motors, transmissions and chassis into mid- to large-sized hybrid vehicles," and confirmed that his predecessor's plan to create a V8 and a new rear-wheel drive architecture have been killed after Honda reassessed its priorities amidst the tanking economy. Instead, expect Honda's future premium offerings - primarily those from Acura - to adopt fuel-efficient inline-four and V6 engines, equipped with hybrid motors, and all-wheel drive.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: New Honda president says we don't need V8s, rear-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Kia Amanti making switch to Genesis RWD platform?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Rumormill, South Korea

From its divisive baroque styling to its status as the court jester of the rental car circuit, the Kia Amanti has so far lived a less than charmed life. The Amanti's tough luck story could change in a big hurry, however, if a new story from Motor Trend is true. MT is reporting that the Amanti is will be going rear-wheel drive as soon as late 2011 on a smaller version of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan platform.

Since Kia is more value-oriented as a brand than Hyundai, most expect the new Amanti to be a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Genesis Sedan. The current Amanti has a lofty starting price of $26,045, but boatloads of incentives are needed to move them off dealer lots.

Motor Trend speculates that the 375-hp Tau V8 engine probably won't make its way under the hood of the next Amanti, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.8-liter V6 being the more likely powertrains. We're thinking that a range of four- and six-cylinder engines would be sufficient, especially when considering tough new fuel economy laws scheduled for 2011 and beyond.

We do have one question, however. With such a radical rethink apparently in store and not having a great deal of brand equity tied up in the Amanti brand, wouldn't Kia be better off finding a new name? They haven't seemed too reluctant to change model names in recent years when bringing out new models, so perhaps they'll consider a change in designations.

Either way, with its hip and stylish Soul, the surprisingly competent Optima, along with the pretty new Forte and Koup models, Kia's lineup has gotten a radical overhaul for the better. If the next-gen Amanti is anywhere near as good as Hyundai's Genesis Sedan, the competition should keep a very close eye on boys from South Korea.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Kia Amanti making switch to Genesis RWD platform? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

As recently as February, the Toyota/Subaru sports car was declared dead, a week later it was back on, a few weeks after that there were rumblings that it would be at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Japan's Best Car magazine is apparently reporting that the little car will definitely be revealed in Japan. The news makes some sense, as this year's show will be well down on foreign automaker participation, so it's reasonable that local makers will want to take advantage of the dedicated attention to their wares.

Assuming the Toyobaru does show up, it will supposedly sit alongside the production Lexus LF-A and the hybrid 2011 Toyota Supra concept. Now if we could just make sure there's a new NSX there...

[Source: 4WheelsNews | Image: Best Car]

Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

Alex Nunez — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Lamborghini

2010 Lamborghini LP550-2 - Click above for hi-res photo gallery

Oh baby. The cat would appear to be out of the bag for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2, as what certainly look to be official photos of the newest bull have hit the web. Details are sketchy, but Lamborghini's naming scheme keeps no secrets. Assuming this is all on the level, expect 550 horsepower from the V10 mounted aft of the cockpit, with that power going to the rear wheels exclusively. The lack of AWD should also result in some weight loss, a welcome addition in any sports car, much less a Lamborghini making this kind of power. And yes, that's a ball-topped gated shifter in the interior photo featured in the gallery. Glorious. A very serious car for very serious drivers. We're dying to hear the official details.

UPDATE: It's now official. The car is named the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, in honor of Lambo's legendary test driver. Only 250 cars will be made.

Gallery: 2010 Lamborghini LP550-2

[Source: Net Car Show]

Leaked: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Cadillac, GM, GMC, Australia

Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Pontiac's death official, Holden stands to lose around $1 billion annually with the demise of the Pontiac G8. However, Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night. The Aussie automaker has drawn up plans to offer the rear-wheel drive Commodore platform to Cadillac and GMC.

Although GM's CEO, Fritz Henderson, has confirmed that the G8 won't live on, there's a chance it could be used by law enforcement in the States, and with Cadillac's recent attempts to inject more RWD models into the mix (save the Epsilon II-based sub-CTS), the Zeta architecture could be used for a new line of Caddies.

More interestingly, with GMC safe - for now - from sharing a grave with Pontiac (not to mention the inevitable liquidation of Hummer, Saab and Saturn), Holden could make a case for importing the stillborn G8 ST 'ute to the U.S. as a fuel-efficient alternative to GMC's otherwise big and thirsty pick-ups. Where there's a niche, GM normally likes to fill it, and while the case for the Zeta-based Cadillacs could be made -- particularly as GM seeks to downsize the platform to aid its survival -- the G8 ST's revival seems far less plausible.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REMINDER: Hyundai Genesis Coupe press intro live streaming webcast at 11am EDT

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res gallery

In just a little bit, Hyundai will be allowing fans and gawkers the rare opportunity to participate in the official press introduction of its new 2010 Genesis Coupe. When new models come to market, automakers typically invite members of the media to some location where they get to listen a presentation on the technical details and marketing plans before going out for a first drive. The information shared during these events eventually gets passed on to you, the readers. Hyundai is holding its Genesis Coupe launch event as this you read this, and now you can join in by tuning in to a live streaming feed right here on the internet.

Those of you looking for insights on the Genny Coupe can head over to http://genesispresspass.com/live/ at 11am EDT. You can even still submit your questions now to the Hyundai executives via a form on the site, and they may be answered live during the Q&A part of the event. Those of you watching online will obviously have to wait for an opportunity to drive the Coupe, but you might learn something new when you tune in.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

REMINDER: Hyundai Genesis Coupe press intro live streaming webcast at 11am EDT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Again: Toyota/Subaru RWD cars reportedly put on indefinite hold

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Subaru, Toyota

Like a schizophrenic love affair, the on-again, off-again Subaru/Toyota rear-wheel drive coupe is apparently off again. That morsel of sobering news comes via Detroit Free Press columnist Mark Phelan, who says that both automakers now admit that the project has been put on hold. The inexpensive 2+2 sports coupes had been the subject of much speculation and a seemingly infinite number of renderings, and in fact what looked to be an early prototype had been spotted last year.

Many enthusiasts were hoping that the car would signal Toyota's intent to return to the performance heritage of the AE86 Corolla, while Subaru stood to benefit from having a sportier-bodied, less expensive coupe than the WRX (although the car's RWD configuration was seemingly at odds with the company's all-wheel drive ethos).

In any case, the goal of a pair of 2011 sports coupes has evidently fallen by the wayside as yet another victim of the global financial crisis. Despite this development, Toyota maintains its small stake in Subaru, and the two automakers will continue joint production of the Camry in Subaru's Lafeyette, Indiana facility.

Toyobaru, we hardly knew ye.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Dead Again: Toyota/Subaru RWD cars reportedly put on indefinite hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

***UPDATE - Live photo gallery of the production Genesis Coupe added***

Click to view a high-resolution gallery of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

We've known rough performance numbers on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe for some time now: 0-60 in under six seconds, up to 30 mpg with the 2.0T, and so on. But one set of key numbers has eluded us until now: price. Hyundai's rear-drive performance hopeful will weigh in at $22,000 for the base 210-hp 2.0L turbo model, and the 306-hp 3.8L V6 will start at $25,000.

Despite being the price leader, the 2.0T still piles on a lot of kit including a six-speed manual transmission, a full compliment of brake-related electronics (ABS, traction control, brake force distribution, and brake assist) and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas. Standard creature comforts include keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, leather wrapped wheel and shifter, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with USB port and steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth.

Tuner types and gearheads will probably be most interested in the newly announced mid-priced 2.0T R-Spec model ($23,750). Hyundai has chosen not to make the R-Spec a stripped-out lightweight performance model. As such, the model still includes things like the aforementioned six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning and remote keyless entry, but the 137-mph coupe also gets Hyundai's full compliment of performance hardware, including uprated Brembo brakes, stiffened suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and 19-inch gunmetal alloys wrapped with summer tires.

Follow the jump for more including details on the 3.8L V6 model, Hyundai's official press release and a full model-by-model pricing matrix.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Production Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Surprise: Ford halts RWD programs

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Interceptor concept

Ebb and flow. That's the way the petroleum market works, and if history holds true - and it normally does - then fuel prices are set to go up... again... and then some. So it's no surprise that Ford, GM and Chrysler - not to mention its competitors from across the Pacific - all brought out plenty of fuel-sipping models at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Nor is it surprising that J Mays, Ford's design chief, is telling the world that FoMoCo's rear-wheel-drive plans have been nixed.

"We've got other priorities," Mays told Automotive News/Autoweek, referring to both Ford and Lincoln's plans for a RWD sedan. "We're going down a path right now that is all about fuel efficiency."

The original plan - which began a year ago and was already under review in the middle of 2008 when gas prices were peaking - was to work with Ford's Australian arm to develop a new, large RWD platform that would be shared with the U.S. market. The new sedan was due in 2013, but as the landscape changed, Ford decided to eliminate the plan altogether. Mays says he was looking forward to the project, but he seems resolute with the shift to efficiency. We say: now's the time to start working on a small, RWD shooting brake with a 1.4-liter EcoBoost four.

Gallery: Ford Interceptor Concept

[Source: Autoweek]

No Surprise: Ford halts RWD programs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Acura, Honda

Just two weeks after we learned that Honda had suspended plans to introduce a new V10 NSX sports car in 2010 comes word that we may see the car anyway. Sort of. The production program is still dead, but it is being reported that the previously scheduled "concept" will appear at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

In typical Honda fashion, a concept version of a new model appears a few months for the street edition. In this case, the NSX was set to debut next fall at the Tokyo Motor Show with the conceptual preview at the Detroit auto show. Since the concept was already prepared before Honda made the decision to scrap the program, they will show it anyway. Honda's presence in Cobo will still be low-key however, with its press conference having been canceled. The NSX and the production Insight will simply appear on the show floor.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: AutoTeleGraaf.nl]

Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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