Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lincoln MKZ Concept live in Detroit

Lincoln isn't inspiring many purchase decisions these days, as the luxury make sits in dead last in sales. That could change with the introduction of a few key products, starting with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Ford marketing boss Jim Farley introduced the MKZ Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, and we very much like what we see. The concept, which should look a whole lot like the production model that goes on sale later this year, really pops on the elevated turn table. The rakish, full-length glass roof retracts so all four passengers can enjoy open air. We heard the word "bespoke" a few too many times during the presentation, but Lincoln promises a more individualized purchase and ownership experience.

Lead designer Max Wolff poured over the details of the luxurious interior, including unique stitching, individualized seating for four, push-button gear selector and a floating center stack that was inspired by modern suspension bridges. Wolff also pointed out that future Lincoln models will be designed at the automaker's new design studio in Dearborn, which employs 180 dedicated designers and engineers.

We don't have any information on powertrains, but we're expecting the production car to be released with all the info at the New York Auto Show. Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and feel free to peruse the high-resolution images from the Detroit Auto Show.

Continue reading Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance

Lincoln MKZ Concept looks to kickstart brand renaissance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showlincolnmkzmkz conceptsedanTue, 10 Jan 2012 09:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit-2012/20144928/article-detail.xml 20144928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lincoln-mkz-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M3 Sedan being worked out on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/bmw-m3-sedan-being-worked-out-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/bmw-m3-sedan-being-worked-out-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/bmw-m3-sedan-being-worked-out-on-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Now that we have a clear glimpse of the 2012 BMW 328i and 335i, it's time for us to set our sights on the next chapter of the 3 Series story: the M3. Our trusty spy photographers caught this prototype doing its thing on the Nürburgring, and though there's still lots of swirly camouflage, it's pretty easy to see how the new 3 Series' design will adapt to the bulgier M shape.

What's still unknown, however, is exactly what's powering the next M3. It's no secret that BMW will be dropping the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 in favor of a turbocharged six-cylinder setup, but we've heard reports that the automaker's traditional inline-six may be nixed in favor of a brand new V6 configuration. Either way, expect the new M hotness to pack somewhere around 450 horsepower, and by using a forced induction setup, there should be substantially more torque on tap than the current car's seemingly puny 295 pound-feet.

BMW M3 Sedan being worked out on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwm3sedanspy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 19 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085755/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/bmw-m3-sedan-being-worked-out-on-the-ring/20085755/article-detail.xml 20085755 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-bmw-m3-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-bmw-m3-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Decent Fuel Economy, Better Looks, Solid Value

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The auto show transition seemed to happen in a flash. One year, automakers were jockeying for dealer traffic with high horsepower, rear-wheel-drive retro rides, and the next year, each one of them ushered in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The paradigm shift was a welcome sight for car buyers wanting to shrink their carbon footprint and save money on fuel, but the majority of those products were years from production. Fast-forward to 2011, and the variety of fuel efficient transportation on offer in the industry has improved quite a bit, including this sleekly styled mid-size offering from Hyundai.

The Sonata Hybrid may have taken longer than expected to hit the market, but its lithium-polymer battery pack and host of fuel-saving features have given Hyundai 35 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy numbers to flash before consumers. And the Sonata Hybrid isn't battling the competition on fuel economy alone. It also features attractive styling that sharply differentiates it from non-hybrid Sonata models, while also carrying an MSRP thousands of dollars less than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.

We spent a week with a modestly equipped Sonata Hybrid, but rather than going light on the pedal to gather up as many Eco points as possible, we drove it like we would any mid-sized sedan to see if it could hang with the daily drudgery of suburban life.

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai sonata hybridautoblog garageblue motionfeaturedhybridhyundailithium ionreviewreviewssedansonatasonata hybridWed, 05 Oct 2011 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20073828/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review/20073828/article-detail.xml 20073828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan, Mitsubishi confirm plans to share Fuga sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/nissan-mitsubishi-confirm-plans-to-share-fuga-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/nissan-mitsubishi-confirm-plans-to-share-fuga-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/nissan-mitsubishi-confirm-plans-to-share-fuga-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earlier this week, reports out of Japan stated that Nissan would be lending a version of its Fuga sedan to Mitsubishi. The Fuga, better known in the United States as the Infiniti M, would serve as Mitsubishi's new flagship sedan in the Japanese market. Now, the two automakers have released a statement confirming plans for Nissan to supply the Fuga to Mitsubishi, beginning in the summer of 2012. At this time, it is still unclear whether or not we'll see a Mitsubishi-baged Fuga here in the U.S. Hit the jump for the official release.

Continue reading Nissan, Mitsubishi confirm plans to share Fuga sedan

Nissan, Mitsubishi confirm plans to share Fuga sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fugainfinitimmitsubishinissansedanFri, 23 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20051030/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/nissan-mitsubishi-confirm-plans-to-share-fuga-sedan/20051030/article-detail.xml 20051030 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-nissan-fuga-hybrid-press-1316806323_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/02-nissan-fuga-hybrid-press-1316806323.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Infiniti is using its presence here at the Frankfurt Motor Show to not only show off its newest goodness (more on that later today), but to give us a glimpse of what's to come. The Japanese automaker released this sketch of what we're told is a five-seat zero-emissions vehicle set to launch sometime in 2014.

Those are the only details we have about the EV sedan as of this writing, but Infiniti promises us that it will stand true to the brand's promise of "inspired performance." Infiniti's incredibly brief, official statement is yours for the reading after the jump.

Continue reading Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan

Infiniti releases sketch of upcoming EV sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtconceptevfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showinfinitisedanTue, 13 Sep 2011 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/infiniti-releases-sketch-of-upcoming-ev-sedan/20041331/article-detail.xml 20041331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/infiniti628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/infiniti628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Altima taking shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/2013-nissan-altima-taking-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/2013-nissan-altima-taking-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/2013-nissan-altima-taking-shape/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Altima Spy Shots

Now that we've seen the updated Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu, not to mention the already-on-fire Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, it's time for the rest of the mid-size sedan players to freshen up their offerings. Nissan looks to follow suit later this year with the all-new 2013 Altima, which our spy photographers recently caught testing with a very revealing camouflage treatment.

Up front, the new headlights and grille take a swoopier shape, as do the foglights below. (Squint, and you may see a bit of Hyundai Genesis in that front end - just sayin'.) Out back, the taillights get a similar dose of rakishness, probably akin to what we've been seeing on Nissan's latest designs - the Maxima, 370Z and Juke.

Reports have indicated that Nissan will offer a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Altima, and if so, it's unclear whether or not the older, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four will stick around. Expect the 3.5-liter V6 to still be the range-topping powerplant, with six-speed transmissions (manual and CVT) to be offered throughout the range.

2013 Nissan Altima taking shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimanissansedanspy photosspy picsspy shotsThu, 25 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20026732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/25/2013-nissan-altima-taking-shape/20026732/article-detail.xml 20026732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-2013-nissan-altima630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-2013-nissan-altima630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan details 2012 Altima pricing and package tweaks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/nissan-details-2012-altima-pricing-and-package-tweaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/nissan-details-2012-altima-pricing-and-package-tweaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/nissan-details-2012-altima-pricing-and-package-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Nissan Altima Sedan
2012 Nissan Altima Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The fourth-generation Nissan Altima continues to sell moderately well after five years of production, and Nissan is hoping that will hold true for 2012. This sixth year of existence will come with few changes, except for a slightly higher MSRP and one very affordable technology package.

Nissan says that the new Altima Sedan 2.5 CVT will now start at $20,410 plus destination, up $140 from 2011 numbers. The 2.5 S CVT is also up $140 with a base price of $22,570, while the top trim 3.5 SR CVT will now set you back $25,430, or $320 more than the 2011 model.

The Altima Coupe also received new pricing: $30,760 for the Altima Coupe 3.5 SR with a six-speed manual transmission. That's $210 more than 2011, and $2,330 more than the Altima Coupe 3.5 SR with CVT transmission. That's right, you'll be paying up for a stick-shift.

That new tech pack we were telling you about? The appropriately named Value Package costs $490, and includes Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and auto headlights. Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release.

Continue reading Nissan details 2012 Altima pricing and package tweaks

Nissan details 2012 Altima pricing and package tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan altimaaltimacoupenissanpricingsedanThu, 23 Jun 2011 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19974145/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/23/nissan-details-2012-altima-pricing-and-package-tweaks/19974145/article-detail.xml 19974145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/v22012nissanaltima13630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/v22012nissanaltima13630opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Passat configurator powers up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-configurator-powers-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-configurator-powers-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-configurator-powers-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 passat configurator

The Volkswagen Passat has gotten a big makeover for 2012, with all-new styling and a lower price tag starting at $19,995. Now we know exactly what to expect for under $20k, thanks to VW's the new online configurator. For starters, the base Passat has the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual. It also gets an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control.

Move up to the Passat TDI and the price of entry jumps to $25,995. The big pull is, of course, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel, which is rated at 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. The range-topper is the Passat V6, which produces 280 horsepower and has a six-speed DSG. The $3,955 V6 SEL package adds navigation, a 30GB hard drive, leather seats with Dynamica inserts and Autumn Nut Burl interior trim, bringing the MSRP to $32,950.

The Passat configurator site is maddeningly confusing and not at all intuitive, but if you click the right buttons you may actually build the Passat of your dreams. Pick the wrong selection, like when you choose the "no cost leatherette" on a base Passat, and you'll be asked to upgrade to the 2.5 SEL 2 model for another $9,900. Because why wouldn't pleather seatsalso necessitate adding nav and a Fender sound system?

2012 Volkswagen Passat configurator powers up originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen passatclean dieselconfiguratorsedantdi dieselvolkswagenSat, 11 Jun 2011 14:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963432/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-configurator-powers-up/19963432/article-detail.xml 19963432 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-vw-passat-configurator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-vw-passat-configurator.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Kia Rio sedan confirmed for New York Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/2012-kia-rio-sedan-confirmed-for-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/2012-kia-rio-sedan-confirmed-for-new-york-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/2012-kia-rio-sedan-confirmed-for-new-york-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Kia Rio
2012 Kia Rio - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our man Jeremy Korzeniewski is attending a Kia event in Phoenix, Arizona this week, and during a press briefing this morning, JK learned that the Korean automaker will be unveiling its 2012 Rio sedan at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The four-door Rio will complement the hatchback bodystyle that bowed at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Four powertrains will be available on the Rio overseas - two gas and two diesel - and while mum's the word on which engine(s) will be available here in the United States, we're putting our money on the 1.4-liter gasoline four. This mill produces 108 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed(!) automatic transmission.

In other news, Kia also let slip that the KV7 concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show previews what's in store for the next-generation Sedona minivan. We hinted at this after a conversation with Michael Sprague, Kia's vice president of marketing, though it's still unclear exactly what elements from the KV7 will be incorporated into the next-gen Sedona. The concept focused on a more traditional conversion van setup rather than the family-centric Sedona that currently graces our streets.


Gallery: 2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio sedan confirmed for New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2012 kia riokiakia+rio+2011kia+rio+2012kiario2011kiario2012new yorknew york auto showriorio sedansedanThu, 31 Mar 2011 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19898980/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/31/2012-kia-rio-sedan-confirmed-for-new-york-auto-show/19898980/article-detail.xml 19898980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/rio34frontbstatic-1301593737_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/rio34frontbstatic-1301593737.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/2012-ford-focus-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/2012-ford-focus-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/2012-ford-focus-first-drive-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Proves It Can Build A Compact With A Pulse

2012 Ford Focus2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

We should no longer be surprised by the notion of a compact car with big-sedan features and eye-popping fuel economy. New creations like the Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze have gone about making the compact segment one of the most hotly contested arenas in the market, rankling the chains of long-time fighters like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the process. But while the Cruze and Elantra have proven that big content can come in small packages with smaller price tags, there's a growing sense that the fun-to-fling small car may be on its way out in favor of commuters that have inherited the soft-riding genes of their bigger brethren.

In a way, the change was all but inevitable. Whereas the compact segment once served up a cornucopia of rides that were low on power but big on handling, the market has proven that above all else, buyers in this neck of the woods want value. In an effort to pinch every last copper cent, both Hyundai and Chevrolet have scrapped the independent rear suspension in their respective compacts in favor of the considerably cheaper torsion-beam design.

So when Ford announced that American buyers would finally be able to get their hands on the global Focus, our ears perked up. The last Euro-Focus had built a reputation for being a smart handler, and if this latest version could make it across the pond without becoming too watered down in the process, compact buyers would once again have a vehicle that's as fun to drive as it is responsible to own. Now we get to find out if Ford pulled it off.

Continue reading...


Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus: First Drive

2012 Ford Focus2012 Ford Focus2012 Ford Focus2012 Ford Focus2012 Ford Focus

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus

First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 focus2012 ford focusfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefocusfocus hatchbackfocus sedanfordhatchbacksedanMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19821235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/31/2012-ford-focus-first-drive-review-road-test/19821235/article-detail.xml 19821235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2012-ford-focus-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2012-ford-focus-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/two-millionth-mazda6-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/two-millionth-mazda6-rolls-off-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/two-millionth-mazda6-rolls-off-the-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Mazda Mazda6
2011 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Milestones and goals are great things to strive for in life. Mazda just reached a pretty impressive one with their mid-size Mazda6. The two millionth example has just rolled off the assembly line. It took the Japanese automaker eight years and six months to get here.

Production began on the first generation Mazda6 back in 2002 and it served to give the Zoom-Zoom campaign a major push. That first-gen car was redesigned in 2007 (the changes arrived in the US in 2009) and a third generation will be arriving soon.

Take a look at the gallery and you can see that the why-so-serious mug has been toned down. The style is more mature without losing the subtle aggressiveness found in the rest of the lineup. The future looks bright for the Mazda6. Now if we can just get them to bring over the wagon and the Mazdaspeed6 we could push them to three million units even faster.


Gallery: 2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line

Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mazda66atenzamazdamazda 6mazda sedanMazda6MazdaSpeedmazdaspeed6sedanwagonZoom-ZoomFri, 10 Sep 2010 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19627038/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/10/two-millionth-mazda6-rolls-off-the-line/19627038/article-detail.xml 19627038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-2011-mazda-atenza-mazda6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-2011-mazda-atenza-mazda6.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Toyota working on FT-86 sedan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/rumormill-toyota-working-on-ft-86-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/rumormill-toyota-working-on-ft-86-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/rumormill-toyota-working-on-ft-86-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 SedanThat's what the crew at Car Guide would have us all believe. According to the website, Toyota is looking to hedge its bets by producing a second model on the same platform as the upcoming FT-86. As the theory goes, If the two-door doesn't find the kind of favor the company is hoping for, it will at least have a four-door version to pick up a few sales. The site points to a shadowy Toyota executive as the source of the information, and it's even worked up a rendering to show the world exactly what the sports sedan could look like.

That all sounds reasonable and all, but we're still having a hard time swallowing this one. Toyota isn't exactly the kind of company to take huge manufacturing risks. With the development costs of the FT-86 shared with partner Subaru, Toyota would be looking at shoving quite a bit of extra money toward coming up with a proprietary four-door variant of the car. We just don't see that happening, even if we do like the idea of a more affordable rear-wheel drive Japanese four-door. Head over to Car Guide to have a look at the full rendering.

[Source: Car Guide]

Rumormill: Toyota working on FT-86 sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FT-86FT-86 SedanFt-86SedanFt86SedantoyobaruToyotaToyota FT-86Toyota FT-86 SedanToyotaFt-86ToyotaFt-86SedanFri, 03 Sep 2010 12:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19620292/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/03/rumormill-toyota-working-on-ft-86-sedan/19620292/article-detail.xml 19620292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ft-86-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ft-86-250.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-cls-revealed-before-pari/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-cls-revealed-before-pari/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-cls-revealed-before-pari/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like every automaker wants to have a "four-door coupe" in its lineup these days. Hyundai has its rakish new Sonata, Volkswagen has the stylish CC and BMW has reportedly given its Gran Coupe concept the go-ahead for production. This is certainly one of the hottest automotive design trends of recent memory, but we must remember that it all started with the Mercedes-Benz CLS back in 2004. The folks from Stuttgart told us that coupes can have more than two doors (though we're still not 100 percent behind that idea), and the CLS quickly became one of the most stylish four-door vehicles on the market. Even today, the original CLS bodystyle still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Recently, we came across some leaked shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS, showing the stylish new design that will be unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show. Now we have the official images direct from the manufacturer, and this car is even more beautiful in full high-res glory. The new headlight design is quite striking, and the CLS uses a full-LED setup, with a total of 71 bulbs making up the main headlamps, running lamps, turn signals and side lamps. We're really anxious to see what this looks like in person with the sun below the horizon.
Even today, the original CLS still looks fresh, modern and sexy.

Inside, a new three-spoke sport steering wheel is on hand, and the CLS now uses a column-mounted gear selector similar to that in the higher-end CL and S-Class cars. The rest of the interior mixes luxurious appointments with modern style, and the end result is something that not only looks sporty and elegant, but immensely comfortable and cozy.

We don't have official word about powertrains, but expect the CLS to be offered with two different gas engines when it goes on sale in North America in mid-2011. An all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 is anticipated to be the base engine in the CLS350, while CLS550 models will reportedly receive a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, a CLS AMG will come shortly thereafter, packing lordly amounts of power.

We'll have the official specs closer to the car's scheduled unveiling in Paris, but for now, you can read what Mercedes-Benz has to say about the CLS in the press release after the jump and scroll through the gallery below for a few high-res shots of the svelte new Benz.


Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS revealed before Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 paris motor show2010ParisMotorShow2012 CLS2012 CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012Cls2012Cls-class2012Mercedes-benzCls2012Mercedes-benzCls-classAMGCLScls classcls-classClsClassfour door coupefour-door coupeFour-doorCoupeFourDoorCoupeluxurymercedesMercedes Benzmercedes clsmercedes cls-classmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz CLSmercedes-benz cls-classMercedes-benzClsMercedes-benzCls-classMercedesBenzMercedesClsMercedesCls-classparisparis 2010paris motor showparis motor show 2010Paris2010ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2010sedanSun, 22 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19601775/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/22/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-cls-revealed-before-pari/19601775/article-detail.xml 19601775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/2012mercedesclsclass000630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/2012mercedesclsclass000630opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/bmw-reportedly-green-lights-6-series-gran-coupe-concept-for-prod/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/bmw-reportedly-green-lights-6-series-gran-coupe-concept-for-prod/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/bmw-reportedly-green-lights-6-series-gran-coupe-concept-for-prod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé concept - Click above to watch video walkaround after the jump

As a testament to its success in starting the four-door coupe movement, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is nigh on its second version, yet competitors have only recently begun to crowd the room. With the Audi A7 about to gain membership in the club, BMW couldn't hang back, so it has reportedly slapped a sales date on the 6 Series Gran Coupe concept: it'll be here in 2012.

Rumored for the summer of 2012 by German publication Automobilwoche, that puts its introduction a year behind the next-generation 6 Series. Engines are said to be a mix of gas and diesel, and BMW evidently spoke of a potential hybrid application. Perhaps most importantly, design cues such as the frameless doors and LED lighting will be carried into production. Those trick exhaust tips, however, not likely. Follow the jump for a video walkaround of the exterior and check out our high-res gallery below for a refresher.


Gallery: Beijing 2010: BMW Concept Gran Coupe


[Sources: Automobilwoche (translated), BMW Blog]

Continue reading BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production

BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6 series6Seriesbmw 6 seriesBMW 6 Series Gran Coupébmw gran coupéBmw6SeriesBmw6SeriesGranCoupéBmwGranCoupéGran CoupéGranCoupésedanMon, 26 Jul 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19568085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/26/bmw-reportedly-green-lights-6-series-gran-coupe-concept-for-prod/19568085/article-detail.xml 19568085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/bmwgrancoupego_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/bmwgrancoupego.jpg <![CDATA[Heico Sportiv previews 330-hp tuned 2011 Volvo S60]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/heico-sportiv-previews-330-hp-tuned-2011-volvo-s60/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/heico-sportiv-previews-330-hp-tuned-2011-volvo-s60/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/24/heico-sportiv-previews-330-hp-tuned-2011-volvo-s60/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Heico S60
Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're all pretty excited about the launch of the 2011 Volvo S60 - the sedan that could make or break Volvo's worldwide appeal. We haven't driven it yet, but the shapely new S60 certainly looks like it means business. We hope that it retains that solid "Volvo-ness" that we've come to love, while adding a welcome dose of driver involvement.

Even though the S60 hasn't quite hit the road yet, Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv already has plans for its first modified version of the new sedan. These renderings show an S60 with sharper, more aggressive design elements, including hot new wheels, a revised front fascia, and a rear diffuser that encompasses quad tailpipes. Mechanically, Heico plans to rework the suspension and exhaust, as well as boosting output to around 330 horsepower - 30 more ponies than the standard S60 T6. We'll take one in matte black, please.


Gallery: Heico Sportiv Volvo S60


[Source: Heico Sportiv]

Heico Sportiv previews 330-hp tuned 2011 Volvo S60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 heico sportiv S602011 s602011 volvo s602011 Volvo S60 sedan2011HeicoSportivS602011S602011VolvoS602011VolvoS60SedanHEICOheico S60Heico Sportivheico sportiv S60heico sportiv S60 2011heico sportiv volvoHeicoS60HeicoSportivHeicoSportivS60HeicoSportivS602011HeicoSportivVolvosedanVolvoVolvo S60volvo s60 t6VolvoS60VolvoS60T6Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19566076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/24/heico-sportiv-previews-330-hp-tuned-2011-volvo-s60/19566076/article-detail.xml 19566076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/heico630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/heico630.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-first-drive-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery

By most accounts, something went awry while Subaru was baking the last generation Impreza WRX STI. Maybe someone slipped in an extra cup of civility or forgot to add enough dashes of hardcore, but what was once little more than a thinly-disguised rally stage escapee had come out of the oven a little weaker than its predecessor. Subaru itself diplomatically admits that the priorities for the last generation STI were somewhat different from the 2011 model. The company stripped the line down to just the five-door hatchback in 2008, stressing functionality over style, and the whole recipe simply felt less focused than what we had come to expect from Japan's all-wheel drive hero.

But that was then, and this is now. The company assures us that for 2011, we can expect a return to the fundamentals that helped establish the STI as a force to be reckoned with. Though the drivetrain remains unchanged, a slew of suspension adjustments and a lower stance have given the STI the ability to hoover up tarmac and gravel stages indiscriminately once again. It isn't a completely new generation - more like a much needed do-over - but the changes are enough to make the 2011 model instantly recognizable from behind the wheel.

If that's not enough to convince you, allow us to direct your attention to the rear of the resurrected four-door body style, dominated once again by the kind of spoiler that could double as a civil engineering exercise. Yeah, baby. The STI is back, and on more than just a wing and a prayer.


Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive


Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Subaru WRX STI2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan2011SubaruWrxSti2011SubaruWrxStiSedanfeaturedSedanSTISTI SedanStiSedanSubaru WRX STI SedanSubaruWrxStiSedanSubaurWRXWRX STI SedanWrxStiSedanMon, 19 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19559079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/19/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-first-drive-review-road-test/19559079/article-detail.xml 19559079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/03wrxstifd2011opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/03wrxstifd2011opt.jpg <![CDATA[New York 2010: Volkswagen Mid-Size Sedan to launch with TDI in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-volkswagen-mid-size-sedan-to-launch-with-tdi-in-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-volkswagen-mid-size-sedan-to-launch-with-tdi-in-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-volkswagen-mid-size-sedan-to-launch-with-tdi-in-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chattanoogamid-sizemidsizenewnew yorknew york 2010new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2010NewYorkAutoShowNMSsedanvolkswagenvolkswagen new mid-size sedanvolkswagen new midsize sedanVolkswagenNewMid-sizeSedanVolkswagenNewMidsizeSedanThu, 01 Apr 2010 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19423218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-volkswagen-mid-size-sedan-to-launch-with-tdi-in-2/19423218/article-detail.xml 19423218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/nms-sketchy-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/nms-sketchy-630.jpg <![CDATA[The wing returns! Subaru teases 2011 Impreza WRX STI ahead of NY Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-sti-sedan-ahead-of-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-sti-sedan-ahead-of-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-sti-sedan-ahead-of-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image

The day after mashing around an ice course in Park City, Utah, we sat down with one of Subaru's product planners to discuss what the automaker has in store in the near-term. Our questions ranged from Subaru's thoughts about adopting torque-vectoring all-wheel drive ("We're looking into it.") to what, if any progress was being made on the Toyobaru front ("No comment").

But when asked about a four-door version of the STI, our question was met with a slightly cocked head, a small smirk and a faint glimmer in the exec's eye. Could a sedan be in the cards?

Maybe. But judging by this solitary teaser of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, it appears that the rally-bred hatch is getting an all-new wing inspired by Subaru's dearly-departed WRC contender. We'll know for sure on Thursday when the wraps officially come off at the New York Auto Show.

The wing returns! Subaru teases 2011 Impreza WRX STI ahead of NY Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 sti sedan2011 subaru impreza wrx sti sedan2011 subaru wrx sti sedan2011 wrx sti2011StiSedan2011SubaruImprezaWrxStiSedan2011SubaruWrxStiSedan2011WrxStiimprezanew yorknew york 2010new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2010NewYorkAutoShowsedanstisubaruwrxwrx sti sedanWrxStiSedanMon, 29 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19419121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/29/the-wing-returns-subaru-teases-impreza-wrx-sti-sedan-ahead-of-n/19419121/article-detail.xml 19419121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/100224nyasteaserround2-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/100224nyasteaserround2-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo V60 wagon caught undisguised]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/next-gen-volvo-v60-wagon-caught-undisguised/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/next-gen-volvo-v60-wagon-caught-undisguised/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/next-gen-volvo-v60-wagon-caught-undisguised/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Looks like a few spies were able catch the upcoming Volvo V60 wagon in nothing but the bare sheet metal. The car shares plenty of DNA with the drop-dead sexy S60 sedan the company unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show, including the artfully-styled front fascia. Throw in an extra acre of roof metal, a set of familial brake lights and plenty of cargo room, and you've got a winner all the way around.

So far there's no word on what we can expect to find in the engine bay, but the same 300 horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder found in the S60 sedan wouldn't be a bad guess. Odds are the company will offer both front and all-wheel drive versions of the long-roof whenever it hits the market, too. Expect the V60 to come loaded with plenty of the same safety tech, including the Swedish automaker's new Collision Warning system.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60


[Source: Straightline]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo V60 wagon caught undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Geneva Motor Show2010GenevaMotorShow20112011 Volvo S60 sedan2011VolvoS60SedanGenevaGeneva Motor ShowGenevaMotorShowS60SedanspyshotsV60V60 wagonV60WagonVolvoVolvo S60Volvo S60 sedanVolvo V60 wagonVolvo V60 wagon spyshotsVolvoS60VolvoS60SedanVolvoV60WagonVolvoV60WagonSpyshotswagonMon, 29 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19418596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/29/next-gen-volvo-v60-wagon-caught-undisguised/19418596/article-detail.xml 19418596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/volvo-s60-wagon-r34-1600-thumb-717x477-250op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/volvo-s60-wagon-r34-1600-thumb-717x477-250op.jpg <![CDATA[Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/video-followup-lewis-hamilton-and-his-mercedes-benz-c63-nicked/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/video-followup-lewis-hamilton-and-his-mercedes-benz-c63-nicked/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/video-followup-lewis-hamilton-and-his-mercedes-benz-c63-nicked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Lewis Hamilton's hoonage aftermath - click above to watch the video

Australia's ABC News was on hand to document the aftermath of Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton's "over-exuberant" driving, and has been kind enough to share the video with the rest of the world.

As you may recall, Hamilton had his loaner Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan impounded after lighting up the rear tires on public streets. Since Melbourne has notoriously vitriolic anti-hoon laws, the British driver will be facing a stiff fine on top of doing without his car for two days. Something tells us that even after his sixth-place finish at the Australian GP, Hamilton won't have any trouble finding another set of wheels. Hit the jump to see the action.


[Source: ABC News via YouTube]

Continue reading Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage

Video Followup: Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes-Benz C63 nicked for hoonage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArrestedAustralian Grand PrixAustralianGrandPrixAustrilain GPAustrilainGpE550E550 SedanE550SedanF1Formula OneFormulaOneGrand PrixGrandPrixHoonLewis HamiltonLewisHamiltonMercedes BenzMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz E550 SedanMercedes-benzE550SedanMercedesBenzPoliceReckless DrivingRecklessDrivingSedanMon, 29 Mar 2010 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19417399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/29/video-followup-lewis-hamilton-and-his-mercedes-benz-c63-nicked/19417399/article-detail.xml 19417399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/hamilton-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/hamilton-630.jpg -1 2