Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Alpina teases with sketch of next B7 sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/alpina-teases-with-sketch-of-next-b7-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/alpina-teases-with-sketch-of-next-b7-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/alpina-teases-with-sketch-of-next-b7-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This is a sketch of the coming Alpina B7, to be based on the new BMW 750i. Outside, there won't be much happening -- nor necessary -- beyond Alpina's new front lip, rear wing and trademark wheels. Inside, Alpina might have some minor cluster mods in store, but we wouldn't expect too much change there, either. As with the 2007 B7 and its 500 hp and 4.8-second 0-60 time, we figure the engine and suspension will be heavily redressed on this next version. Alpina could opt for the centrifugal supercharger routine again, but whatever they do will surely put healthy distance between the B7 and the 400 hp of the donor car's 4.4-liter V8. The B7 might also get BMW's rumored 8-speed transmission. It will definitely get a stratospheric price tag.

[Source: Next Autos]

Alpina teases with sketch of next B7 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>650ialpinaalpina b7AlpinaB7b7bmwbmw 750iBmw750isedanssports sedanSportsSedantunersMon, 22 Dec 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Are reports of the BMW CS' demise exaggerated?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/spy-shots-are-reports-of-the-bmw-cs-demise-exaggerated/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/spy-shots-are-reports-of-the-bmw-cs-demise-exaggerated/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/spy-shots-are-reports-of-the-bmw-cs-demise-exaggerated/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The unadulterated beauty that is the BMW CS Concept cannot decide whether it wants to be built. A little more than a year ago the CS Concept was going to be the basis for a new flagship sedan. A month ago, BMW turned heel and walked away from a production version, running instead into the arms of smaller vehicles and EfficientDynamics. Now, Evo claims it has caught BMW testing a CS mule near BMW's headquarters. What is actually pictured, however, is a 7 Series with a CS-style nose and headlights. While a production CS would be based on the 7 Series, this is a long way from BMW actually building the CS. We aren't saying they won't, since every car has to start somewhere... but we are saying be skeptical.

Gallery: BMW Concept CS


[Source: Evo]

Spy Shots: Are reports of the BMW CS' demise exaggerated? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw concept csbmw cs conceptBmwConceptCsBmwCsConceptcs conceptCsConceptmulessedansspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 16 Dec 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi A7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/14/spy-shots-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/14/spy-shots-audi-a7/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/14/spy-shots-audi-a7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi recently released sketches of upcoming product, and included was a slick drawing of the coming A7. That exact vehicle is plying the roads of Finland right now, and based on the few photos (and our non-existent Finnish) we can only hope that the rear of the car is buried in cladding. For the moment, it brings to mind words like "hunchback" and "what?" There is still time, and with the A5 still fresh in the design mind, we hope the A7 will come out better in the final flesh. If not, and if the home of the four rings keepw the next A8 closer to its line drawings, we will happily stick with that.

Thanks for the tip, Misha.

[Source: Ilta Sanomat]

Spy Shots: Audi A7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4 door coupe4DoorCoupea7audiaudi a7AudiA7sedansspy shotsSpyShotsSun, 14 Dec 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[No, really: Toyota won't create seperate Prius brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/no-really-toyota-wont-create-seperate-prius-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/no-really-toyota-wont-create-seperate-prius-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/no-really-toyota-wont-create-seperate-prius-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The idea of a separate brand for the Toyota Prius has gone from "seriously considering" to "not a 'go'" to, now, "Um, no." That's the word from Miguel Fonseca, Toyota's managing director in the UK, who says that there won't be a Prius sub-brand.

However, Fonseca did say that the stork would be visiting the Prius factory to drop off other body styles, making a Prius family of vehicles. He wouldn't say what the body types were, but AutoCar speculation centers on an estate and an MPV to be unveiled in 2010, along with a coupe debuting the following year. As reported before, when the larger, frugal-er next gen Prius sedan arrives in about a year, it won't be packing lithium-ion batteries -- Toyota engineers say they're still not yet ready for prime-time.

[Source: AutoCar]

No, really: Toyota won't create seperate Prius brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativehybridspriusprius brandprius sub brandPriusBrandPriusSubBrandsedanstoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusWed, 26 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-nissan-unleashes-the-slightly-less-cube-y-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-nissan-unleashes-the-slightly-less-cube-y-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-nissan-unleashes-the-slightly-less-cube-y-cube/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube

The Cube is ready for America, and it's coming in three flavors just to make sure it has all... sides... covered. Each of them gets the 1.8-liter engine good for 122 hp and 127 lb-ft., with trim levels being just 1.8, 1.8 S, and 1.8 SL. The little box with the slightly droopy rear end is packed with goodies including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VDC, TCS, TMPS, and six airbags, and you can get it with Nissan's CVT or a six-speed manual. Opt for the CVT, and it will return something beyond 30 mpg. When it comes to accessorizing, there are 20 colors on offer, illuminated kick plates, a rear cargo organizer, and, um, pet blankets. Follow the jump to watch the video and read all about it, and check out the high-res photos of the "bulldog in sunglasses" below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Nissan Cube


Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk, Jonathon Ramsey, Frank Fillipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economy carsEconomyCarshatchbacksla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008nissannissan cubeNissanCubesedansWed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-super-cc-performance-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-super-cc-performance-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-super-cc-performance-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Super CC Performance Concept

The year's SEMA is as much about economical performance as it is about out-and-out performance. VW threw its hat Passat CC in the latter ring with the Super CC Performance Concept, created by the VW Design Center with the aid of APR, Recaro, H&R, and Brembo. The Super CC gets a grey pearl coat and blacked-out chrome, and pinstripe graphics from the hood to the rear spoiler that actually looks tasty in person.

Under the hood is the 2.0-liter TSI with a 3-stage APR turbo delivering Eco Mode (222 hp, 236 lb-ft.), GT Mode (252 hp, 268 lb-ft.) and Full Power Mode (311 hp, 313 lb-ft.). In Eco Mode, the car still get 33 mpg on the autoroute and 27 in the city. Inside, you sit on black Recaros with white piping. The car sits on wheels we're going to call Walter Paytons, because they are pure sweetness. Hiding behind those wheels are white Brembo calipers that will be torturous to keep clean, but they'll look the business after a wash. And those door handles, mounted low on the door of a dropped car, come up to our knees. Check it all out in the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-res images below.

UPDATE: Gallery of official high-res pics added.


Gallery: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept

SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprconcept carsConceptCarspassat cc conceptPassatCcConceptsedanssemasema 2008Sema2008volkswagenvolkswagen passat ccvolkswagen super cc performance conceptVolkswagenPassatCcVolkswagenSuperCcPerformanceConceptWed, 05 Nov 2008 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept so close to production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-edition-street-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-edition-street-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-edition-street-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Jetta TDI Edition Street Concept

The Jetta TDI Cup Series did so well this year that Volkswagen is expanding the series from eight to ten races next year. And now non-racers may have a chance to live the diesel racing dream, and if they do, it will look very similar to the Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today. The diesel-powered sport sedan gets upgraded sway bars and brakes from the Euro-spec Jetta GLI and a "European sport-tuned suspension", along with some cosmetic enhancements like a three-spoke steering wheel, sill plates, and Interlagos sport seats. This is one of those, "If we get the right response we'll might make it" deals, but VW is so open to producing this sport version of the Jetta TDI that it even has a price point already established: under $30,000. So have look at the high-res gallery of images below and let VW know what you think. We say build it.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept so close to production

SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept so close to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Civic HFP Concept

Honda's F1 team might not be about winning, but it is all about green and dreams of the Earth. In another triumph of race tech trickling down to the masses, Honda unveiled the Civic HFP Concept to show regular folks like you and me that we can have performance and good gas mileage. Developed by Honda Access America, the automaker's in-house factory accessories maker, the Civic HFP is based on the Civic Si Sedan and features a next-generation HFP body kit with additional aero enhancements, super light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a super light HFP exhaust and upgraded HFP suspension. Honda doesn't mention what gas mileage you might expect from the HFP Concept, but we'd venture a guess that it's more fuel efficient than a stock Civic Si Sedan. You can read the press release after the jump and check out the gallery of live and official high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: 2009 Honda Civic HFP Concept


Continue reading SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan

SEMA 2008: Honda Civic HFP Concept adds enviro to Si Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not too long ago, Hyundai didn't compete directly with anything coming out of Germany (or perhaps that's the other way around). Now Hyundai is determined not to let up on its recently-made foes. Today it unveiled the R-Engine, a new diesel in two capacities that the company says "can comfortably beat the power outputs of all German and French competitors." So there.

The Euro-V compliant, common-rail lumps come in 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter flavors, each with piezo-electric fuel injectors and electronic variable geometry turbos. Refinement comes via an internal, silent steel timing chain and a lower balance shaft housed in a stiffened ladder-frame housing. Weight has also been reduced thanks to a head cover, intake manifold and oil filter housing all made from plastic.

The 2.0-liter R-Engine puts out 181 hp and 289 lb-ft. That compares to 170 hp and 258 lb-ft for Audi's 2.0-liter TDI. The 2.2 liter Hyundai diesel pushes 197 hp and 321 lb-ft. , which compares with 215 hp and 398 lb.-ft. for Mecedes' 3.2-liter BLUETEC CDI.

Hyundai says the first vehicles to get the new diesel R engine will be SUVs and large sedans sold in Europe. Unfortunately, there appear to be no plans to bring it to the U.S. where our diesel emissions standards are higher than the Old Country's, at least for now.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine

Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel enginesDieselEnginesengineshyundaihyundai r-engineHyundaiR-enginekorear-enginesedanssuvsTue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



What you're looking at is a Porsche Panamera key. Arguably, it's better looking than the Panamera prototypes currently racking up more frequent flier miles than the Travelocity gnome. But we think it will take up all kinds of awkward space in your pocket and won't play nice with other keys. Perhaps Porsche should offer a man bag with every Panamera purchase.

However, we are in love with the Panamera interior. In. Love. Click here to check out new pics of it over at TeamSpeed. Yes, there are a lot of buttons, but that shouldn't surprise anyone who's been in a Porsche lately. And the buttons are caliente. We'd also prefer a gate instead of the shifter on a moonball, which reminds us of a Volvo, but so what? That's the kind of interior we've been waiting for in a Porsche since the 993. So Porsche, you can put us on the list for a Panamera, because we don't have to see the outside from the inside. We'll just need to get pants with bigger pockets. Thanks for the tip, DJ.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera - spy shots


[Source: TeamSpeed]

Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interiorpanamara interiorPanamaraInteriorpanamerapanamera keypanamera spy shotsPanameraKeyPanameraSpyShotsporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerasedanssports carsSportsCarsspy shotsSpyShotsThu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Panamera mule close-ups... still looks... hmmm...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/spy-shots-panamera-mule-close-ups-still-looks-hmmm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/spy-shots-panamera-mule-close-ups-still-looks-hmmm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/spy-shots-panamera-mule-close-ups-still-looks-hmmm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At last count, there were 13 Porsche Panameras winding their way up and down San Francisco streets. We don't know what could be so challenging in the city by the bay that Porsche would take a huge mule fleet to a crowded city center, but needless to say there have been a lot of pictures taken. This particular lensman was even able to spend enough close up time with a curbside model that he got tire sizes (F: 255/40 R20, R: 285/40 R20), a description of the dash, and pictures of the ceramic brakes. We won't even say anything about how the car looks. Have a look at the 15 shots for yourself and see if you feel any differently about it. Thanks to everyone who sent in tips!

[Source: Roadfly]

Spy Shots: Panamera mule close-ups... still looks... hmmm... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch video after the jump


The Panamera is doing development time in Seoul, South Korea. In a city where it seems everyone has a cell phone camera, it's no wonder that someone caught it on film. This time it appears to be wearing nothing more than a blue paint job and some pre-production panel gaps while filling up at a gas station. We know our opinion has swung on this car - first we didn't like it, and then we kinda did - but for now we're holding steady. It still looks better from the front than the rear, but this car is going to sell. Follow the jump to watch the video, and to our South Korean readers, there is a blue intruder among you, so please get him on video again and report to us... Thanks for the tip, Gabriel!

[Source: BobaeDream]

Continue reading Camo-less Panamera has Seoul, caught in Korea

Camo-less Panamera has Seoul, caught in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>panameraporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerasedanssports carsSportsCarsspy shotsSpyShotsvideoWed, 15 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/10/aston-martins-lagonda-s-class-fighter-coming-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Aston Martin has stepped in to clarify recent rumors of its Lagonda revival. We know that a Lagonda concept is due to be shown at next year's Geneva Motor Show, and of late it was speculated to be something SUV-ish. An Aston spokesperson has laid out the plan, and this time neglected to mention the acronym "SUV" at all.

Two upcoming Lagondas will probably be sedans and use Aston's VH platform, tending to the luxury side of sporting while Aston solidifies its grip on the sporting side of luxury. An upscale and up-priced version of the Rapide will come in 2011, followed by a $100,000-or-so S-Class challenger in 2012. Now that we've got the SUV thing out of the way, let's hope Aston stays on the right course and creates cars that don't look anything like more DB9 clones.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Aston Martin's Lagonda S-class fighter coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 geneva motor show2009GenevaMotorShowaston martinaston martin lagondaAstonMartinAstonMartinLagondagenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowlagondalagonda product plansLagondaProductPlansproduct plansProductPlanssedanssports carsSportsCarsFri, 10 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Bugatti and Bentley join forces to battle Rolls-Royce]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/rumormill-bugatti-and-bentley-join-forces-to-battle-rolls-royce/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/rumormill-bugatti-and-bentley-join-forces-to-battle-rolls-royce/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/rumormill-bugatti-and-bentley-join-forces-to-battle-rolls-royce/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The whisperers have it that Bugatti may be borrowing from Bentley for a new sedan. What they can't seem to pinpoint is exactly what kind of sharing the two marques will be doing, and whether or not the resulting super Bug will be a supremely high-powered four-door to compete with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. If the two brands do indeed share something, like the next Arnage's platform, for instance, that might make sense. But just a few months ago, Bugatti said that its next product would be even more expensive than the Veyron, and lead man Josef Paefgen has also said that there will be no inexpensive Bugatti.

A $400,000 sedan wouldn't be inexpensive, true, but compared to $1.6 million for a Veyron, it's a flat-out bargain. Besides, the $242,000 Arnage T, after all the bespoke options, would come perilously close to a $400K Bugatti in price, and the next Bentley Arnage is growing in order to fight the Phantom. So if a Bugatti sedan with Bentley underpinnings were that close in price to a Rolls Phantom... then who's Bentley meant to get in the ring with?

[Source: TopSpeed via German Car Blog]

Rumormill: Bugatti and Bentley join forces to battle Rolls-Royce originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley arnageBentleyArnagebugattibugatti sedanbugatti successorBugattiSedanBugattiSuccessorphantomplatformplatform sharingPlatformSharingrolls-royce phantomRolls-roycePhantomsedansThu, 09 Oct 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S

Maserati is on a bit of a tear, and if things keep going its way, the Trident will turn that into a full-on ripper. The Gran Turismo S and Quattroporte S have secured the right kind of buzz, a Gran Turismo convertible - said to feature a cloth top, not a folding steel unit - is on the way, and there's always that Gran Turismo MC Corse Concept to hope for. If additional models get to wear the badge, they will come via Alfa. Fiat underlings Maser and Alfa have pledged to share technologies, so if Alfa picks up a RWD platform from someone else, that's an opportunity for Maserati to create a small sedan and coupe to fit underneath the GT and the Quattroporte. What Maserati will definitely not be creating, however, is a wagon: the Kuban GT has been taken off the menu. You'll hear no complaints from us about that, for while there can't be too many Maseratis, there can certainly be the wrong kind of Maserati.

Gallery: First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoAlfaRomeocoupesfuturefuture plansfuture productFuturePlansFutureProductgran turismogran turismo sGranTurismoGranTurismoSmaseratiquattroportequattroporte sQuattroporteSsedanssmall maseratiSmallMaseratiTue, 07 Oct 2008 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: <strike>Previous Gen Audi A4</strike> Seat Exeo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-strike-previous-gen-audi-a4-strike-seat-exeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-strike-previous-gen-audi-a4-strike-seat-exeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-strike-previous-gen-audi-a4-strike-seat-exeo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Seat Exeo

Our Spanish colleagues tell us that the Iberians are none too happy about SEAT grabbing a previous generation A4 out of the garbage bin to make a new sedan. Never mind the opportunity to make an easy(-ier) profit - something that would have any automaker quaking with giddyness right now - the word "Exeo" right now translates as "It just ain't right!" Those of you who have seen the previous A4 won't be surprised by anything here, except perhaps the richness and quality of the suede interior. We can assure you it was impressive. The mirror housings are neat, too, but standard fare for SEAT. Based on the approval ratings of the old A4 by the time it retired, our guess is that new customers the Exeo is meant to attract won't be disappointed that they found their way to SEAT through these four doors. Check out the press release that makes the old new again after the jump, and our gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: SEAT Exeo


Gallery: SEAT Exeo

Continue reading Paris 2008: Previous Gen Audi A4 Seat Exeo

Paris 2008: Previous Gen Audi A4 Seat Exeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Cruze LT

The Chevrolet Cruze is three kinds of car: small, American and important. And with the state of General Motors, it isn't even the individual words that mean the most: it's whether The General can combine them into a reliable, fuel efficient and cost effective package. True, we don't get to drive these things while they're parked under the lights, but to have a seat in the Cruze is to imagine a GM that begs the question, "Where was all this before the meltdown?" The studio imagery we've seen so far translates nicely into real life, and the center console looks and feels substantial - in fact, it looks like it could be foreign - even if the silver mesh treatment in the show car was a bit much. The car has a compact yet full-bodied stance, and will probably look even better on the road in a color other than scarlet, and not under klieg lights. Spring of '09 will welcome this first Cruze variant to Europe, after which other regions will get it, as well as a probable hatchback and wagon. It will be powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that charts up to 140 hp and is said to return 40 mpg. Have a look at the high-res gallery of live shots below to get a better idea of what to expect when the Cruze goes on sale here in a couple years.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Cruze LT LIVE


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze

Paris 2008: Chevrolet Cruze meets an eager Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of live Lamborghini Estoque shots from Paris

You've seen the whole Estoque shebang in Lamborghini's words, pictures, and videos. Let us add our own word to it: hmmm. It's a Lamborghini, so it's hard not to like it. And we hate to tread out the refrain, but it's much nicer in person. It feels, though, like they wanted to get this thing done in time for the show, and it needs a couple more drafts. The front aspect is spot on -- not a tough feat since it's Lamborghini's language. From the side, the it looks a little too stretched forward of the A-pillar, and there's more than one personality fighting for attention if you follow the car from snout to rear. And the back, while beautiful, is... yes... Challenger-esque... But don't take our words for it -- have a look at the high-res gallery below and give us yours.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for gallery of reader-submitted Panamera spy shots

We know when it happened, we just don't know why it happened. Autoblog reader Joshua Silverman sent in some cellphone pictures of a Panamera he drove by in Denver, Colorado. And all of a sudden -- like the Grinch's heart growing three sizes -- we liked it. Or at least, we got it.

Just to make sure, we had a look at the last set of Panamera spy shots, the ones that this very blogger lambasted as "still ugly," and, well, we kinda liked those, too. We could see possibilities. When the car is given the S and Turbo treatment, we could even imagine, incredibly, beauty. Have a look at the photos below for yourself, and tell us if we should take a bow for discovering the vision, or take a nap. Thanks for the tip, Joshua!

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera

Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera suddenly not so bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you're Mercedes-Benz, then what you have here is a failure to keep your photo shoots under wraps. First Autobild came out with bare naked shots of the 2009 E-Class, and now German magazine Auto Zeitung has more shots of the car getting some fresh air.

With a minimal front end and a profile that rises seemingly without arc to a chunky back end, the car is reminiscent of a stretched Alfa Romeo Milano. We aren't sure how big these wheels are, but the car's increased upright stance makes them look exceptionally small. As usual with the launch of revolutionary E-Class designs, the car could take some time to get used to, but by the time E-Classes are clogging roads worldwide they will look perfectly natural.

There will be some excitement in the engine choices, including a 204 hp turbodiesel Bluetec, a BlueHybrid lump shared with the S400, and a 550 hp V8 in the AMG. The new E will also benefit from closer association with its spin-offs. Now that the CLK is no more, the E sedan will receive more of the spotlight that shines on its coupe and convertible siblings. If Mercedes doesn't get tired of the clandestine attention, we'll see the sedan for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, with the other variants to follow at Frankfurt that same year.

[Source: Auto Zeitung]

Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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