Autoblog

REPORT: Porsche readying Carrera 4-based super 911 for 2010 intro?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche is hard at work at things other than trying to get into bed with Volkswagen. The mill of rumors is abuzz with word that Porsche is preparing a 911 Carrera Supersport (or Sport Classic in America perhaps), a throwback to the 1984 911 Carrera Supersport. The original Supersport was a regular 911 with some of the 911 Turbo model's cosmetic and performance enhancements, such as the Turbo tail, suspension, and brakes.

The one supposedly being readied for next year will take a current 2S model wearing the 4S widebody flanks, GT3-style front and rear bumpers, a double-bubble roof, and supposedly a ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the 2.7 RS. The engine will get Porsche's factory powerkit that boosts horsepower and top speed, the wheels will be up-to-date variations on the classic Fuchs units, and the interior will be rendered in brown leather. Price for the "very limited edition" model is expected to be in the neighborhood of £135K ($220k U.S.).

[Source: Jalopnik | Image: Sloan Cars]

REPORT: Porsche readying Carrera 4-based super 911 for 2010 intro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 1-Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.

To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.

On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.

The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer. Hit the jump for more info from BMW's painfully detailed press release.

Gallery: 2010 1-Series Sport, Lifestyle

Continue reading 2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's a Good Sport: Ford offers sport package on European Fiesta

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford Fiesta Sport - Click above to view in high resolution

After having driven Ford's latest Fiesta both in Europe and in North America, we came away duly impressed. The only tangible thing we longed for was a more sport-oriented chassis. And while we may have to wait a little longer to receive the diminutive hatchback on this side of the Atlantic altogether, at least European customers have received what we wished for.

While sport packages offered on competing products tend to be little more than cosmetics, the new Sport trim level on the Ford Fiesta incorporates a tighter suspension, dropped by 9 milimeters. Visually the Sport model is distinguished by a different grille, ground effects package (including front and rear aprons, side skirts and diffuser), 16" wheels and darkened headlamps. Among the bundled options found inside the cabin are leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and shifter, plus the key inclusion of an ESP Off switch for more spirited, less restricted driving. The package is available to European customers with either of three engines: the 96hp 1.4-liter four, 120hp 1.6-liter four or 90hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel. And while that may not amount to a proper ST or RS hot hatch, it's not a bad start.

[Source: CarScoop]

That's a Good Sport: Ford offers sport package on European Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Honda, Reviews

2009 Honda Fit Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

Evolution's a funny thing. We like our thumbs, enjoy walking upright and are thankful Ivanka Trump doesn't have a tail (although there's some debate about where she hides her horns), but when adaptation turns to automobiles, Darwin's dictum occasionally goes astray. There's a long list of vehicles we would love to see stay the same, but we understand that consumer demand and government regulation forces automakers to add amenities and tack on the pounds. The 2009 Honda Fit Sport is a perfect case-study.

Compared to the original Fit that landed on our shores in 2006, Honda's sophomore effort is larger, more spacious and marginally more powerful. But when you sit down with the spec sheet there are only a few "improvements" worth getting excited about. After spending a week with the 2009 model, we found that while evolution is good, some things need to stay the same. Make the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun

Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport is still frugal, slightly less fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR concept

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Mitsubishi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of i MiEV Sport Air renderings

In March at the Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi will unveil the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, which refines the ideas first displayed in the Tokyo 2007 i MIEV Sport show car.

Details are thin at the moment, but the styling has obviously been tweaked, there's a "clear cutaway" roof, and power comes from a stronger electric motor. The focus with the i MiEV SPORT AIR, as with the preceding i MiEV Sport, is on a more dynamic driving experience.The official press release talks of a low center of gravity and "instant torque" almost as much as it does zero emissions motoring. One wonders whether Mitsubishi has a production version in the pipeline, ready to follow the regular i MiEV. After all, why else would they make a second, more refined-looking version of a 2007 concept?

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport Air

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster Sport

Tesla hasn't released any more details on the Roadster Sport, but it has released a handful of renderings depicting what the Elise-based EV will look like when it goes on sale in June.

As a refresher, the Tesla Roadster Sport is an upgrade package that includes a new hand-wound stator that increases torque, resulting in a claimed 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. Adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars are fitted underneath and a set of grippy Yokohama Advan A048s - the same tires mounted on the Elise/Exige - are wrapped around dark finish Tesla wheels. Tesla includes unique "sport" badging to the Roadster and pricing has been set at $128,500 in the U.S. Customers that have already placed an order for the standard Roadster can upgrade to Sport trim, but until we hear some revised skid pad numbers, get an independent confirmation on the 0-60 time and go for a drive, we'll keep our opinions about the validity of the Sport model to ourselves.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport

Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Green

With 150 Roadsters delivered to customers and another 1,100 people on the waiting list, Tesla decided now's the time to release a more performance-oriented version its Elise-based EV. The Tesla Roadster Sport features a hand-wound stator that increases winding density to help eliminate resistance while increasing peak torque. In conjunction with a set of Yokohama Ultra High Performance tires (likely the same Advan A048s fitted to the Elise/Exige), Tesla claims a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2-seconds faster than the standard Roadster. The Roadster Sport also benefits from a few other Lotus-derived components, including adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that can be tweaked to suit the driver's tastes.

Deliveries of the Roadster Sport will begin in late June, with a starting price of $128,500 in the US and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Customers on the waiting list for their "base" Roadster have the option to upgrade to the Sport model, but if you're looking for more stick, a nice set of Ohlins, some aftermarket sway bars and a new set of tires could be had for considerably less than the $28,000 premium of the Sport model.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

Continue reading Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550

Michael Harley — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Honda

Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Honda has announced that its all-new 2009 Fit, which we just drove for the first time, will go on sale next week with a MSRP starting at $14,550 (plus $670 destination), while the more premium Honda Fit Sport will start at $16,060 (plus destination). The standard powerplant will be a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder rated at 117 hp mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Fit Sport). The five-passenger Fit also earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 28/35 (city/highway) with the automatic transmission, and 27/33 with the 5-speed manual or automatic in the Fit Sport. All models feature standard air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, and power door locks. The Fit Sport (shown above) adds alloy wheels, aero kit, alarm, keyless entry, and an upgraded audio system. In fact, the top shelf Fit Sport with navigation and a 5-speed automatic starts at $18,760, which makes it one of the greatest bangs for your buck in our book.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550

All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

The Porsche Cayman is due for a makeover, and to coincide with the automaker's 60th anniversary, Porsche will be offering a Sport version of its mid-engine coupe as a fitting send off before the next generation arrives in 2009.

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Porsche Cayman S

[Source: CarTribe via WCF]

Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Like every other automaker under the sun, Mitsubishi is in the process of expanding its reach into Russia. In 2007, the automaker offloaded over 100,000 vehicles in the world's largest country (size, not population) and is looking to sell approximately 140,000 units this year.

Not surprisingly, it's chosen the Moscow Auto Show in August to unveil the next generation Pajero Sport SUV, before sales begin in South-East Asia, South America, Australia and the Middle East later this year.

The new Pajero Sport (or Challenger, depending on the market) is packing all the "active lifestyle" accoutrements you'd expect, including water-repellent seats, 2- or 3-row seating that can accommodate between five and seven passengers, and a waterproof luggage compartment that will come in handy after you've hiked through the volcanoes of Kamchatka.

Power will be provided by either a 2.5- or 3.2-liter common rail diesel, or if oilburners aren't your taste, a 3.5-liter V6 can send power to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system. However, don't expect to see the Pajero in the U.S. or Europe anytime soon.

The press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Continue reading Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow

Redesigned Mitsubishi Pajero Sport coming to Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi planning TT and R8 lightweight "Sport" models

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Supercars, Audi

There's no denying that Audi is planning more variants of the TT and R8, but most of the speculation revolves around fitting both models with high-output engines to produce RS variants. The TT-RS is expected to house a turbocharged, five-cylinder engine making around 350 hp and the R8 will benefit from some form of forced induction, with either a V8 or V10 mill taking the place of the stock 4.2-liter V8 - not to mention the V12 TDI mill. But what about weight reduction?

According to Inside Line, Audi is considering "Sport" variants of both models, a concept that was executed back in 2005 with the introduction of the TT Quattro Sport, which featured a slight bump in power, revised suspension, Recaro thrones and nixed some of the superfluous material inside. Unfortunately, it never made it Stateside.

The new "Sport" versions of each model would use a similar philosophy, and in the case of the R8, that could mean a boost in power to around 500 hp, limiting some of the creature comforts like heated seats, climate control and stereo, and replacing the hood, engine cover, dash, doors and roof with carbon fiber components. And while Inside Line was speculating, they threw on some carbon ceramic brakes for good measure. All told, that could drop the R8's curb weight by some 200 pounds, dropping its 0-60 time into the high three-second range and paying dividends in the handling department. Inside Line expects both models to make it to production next year as 2010 models, although distribution in the U.S. is still an open question.

[Source: InsideLine]

Audi planning TT and R8 lightweight "Sport" models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Anyone who knows hot hatches knows that Renault is king. While other championship-winning automakers put their racing experience into six-figure supercars, Renaultsport puts its into grocery-haulers to turn out such splendidly chuckable pocket-rockets as the Clio 197 and Megane 225. Evidently firmly entrenched in the belief that good things come in small packages, Renault's performance racing division is turning its attention to the company's latest - and smallest - little Euro-runner, the redesigned Twingo.

These candid spy shots show that the Twingo has clearly been hitting the gym, with flared wheel arches and new bumpers. Power is tipped to come from a reworked version of the Twingo GT's 1.2-liter turbocharged four, massaged to produce 120 hp, 20 more than stock and hitting the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark. That'd be good for a 0-60 run in about 8.5 seconds, and with an anticipated UK price tag of around £12,500 it'd make a solid competitor to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa.

Speculation says it will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva show in March, and based on the apparent readiness seen in the spy shots, we'd call that a good bet and will bring you more from the show floor in three months' time.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Dan Roth — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Toyota, UK

click above for high resolution gallery of the Toyota Auris SR180

The bucket of parts that makes up the Toyota Corolla also gives life to several other vehicles worldwide. In the UK and other parts of the world, they get the Auris, a three- or five-door hatch-type-thing. While Toyotas in the United States are sleepy affairs, the Auris is ringing in 2008 with a sporty, well-equipped SR180 version. Looking great with a lowered suspension from Toyota Motorsport and blacked out rear glass, the Auris appears intimately involved with the pavement. There's a subtle spoiler atop the hatch, which always gives a nice finish to the back end of this style car, and the wheel arches are nicely filled with 17-inch alloy rims. Underhood, Toyota's D-4D Diesel provides 175 horsepower and a whopping 294 ft-lbs of torque through a six-speed manual while returning 38 mpg (US) on a combined cycle.

Equipment levels are up, providing the driver with such goodies as dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, and cruise control. Stability and traction-control systems are standard, too. It all sounds and looks very good until you run the roughly £18,500 price through a currency conversion - coming out the other side at about $37,000 greenbacks. Some people would sell a kidney on eBay for the opportunity to get something like this Stateside, and it certainly is a rare Toyota that makes us say "That's cool." If you're someplace where you can take advantage of it, order yours now for January delivery.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Auris SR180

Continue reading Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Cool Stuff" from Audi coming to the U.S.

Dan Roth — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Audi

Audi's given the A4 an S-Line package for European consumption, and they're pledging that the US won't get stiffed when the fifth-generation A4 lands in America in late 2008. The German word for sport is, uh, sport, and the S-line bits can appease S4 aspirants without the heavy outlay for the über-performing version of the A4. Inside Line has been assured by Audi USA's Christian Bokich that they "won't hold back on the cool stuff from Germany," meaning you won't have to hunt down esoteric Euro part numbers for the bits you really want; nor will you have to go at your Audi with hand tools to get something a little special.

For about $3,000, European buyers will get a lowered suspension by Quattro GmbH, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, sport seats, special perforated Alcantara and leather, and different accents for the leather wrapped sport steering wheel. While the interior execution will be Audi sumptuous, it certainly won't make the car any sportier or faster. The bolsters on the sport seats are likely to be more snug-fitting, but what it sounds like, the main value is in the Quattro GmbH suspension which would probably be hard to duplicate for a mere $3K aftermarket. The extra finery is de rigeur in this segment, lest you forget you're driving an uprated car.

[Source: Inside Line]

"Cool Stuff" from Audi coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: no truck, no V6 from Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ferrari

Like a family of cockroaches living behind your kitchen cabinets, some rumors just won't die. No matter how ridiculous, they just won't go away. And so we waste our cyber-space reassuring our loyal readership of that they're nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Here we're talking about the prospect of a sport-utility vehicle from Ferrari. We've seen different renderings and projections, and although we're not sold, apparently some people still think it could happen. Leave it to the Dutch, then, to get it right from the source. Holland's automotive magazine AutoWeek spoke with Ferrari's general manager Amadeo Felisa, who firmly denied that the company is developing - or even considering - an SUV. And we'll take him at his word, even if we have our doubts when they continue to refute the development of an entry-level model.

On that front, in lieu of the usual mantra that the company is not building a successor to the Dino, Felisa specified that Ferrari was not developing a six-cylinder model, which doesn't rule out the possibility of a new model to slot in below the F430 with any other type of powertrain configuration... say, a V8 for example.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl via Motor Authority]

From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: no truck, no V6 from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Renault hearts 24

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Wagon, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Renault

Jack Bauer is many things to many people. But one thing he is absolutely not is a small French station wagon. In fact, you could make a good case for arguing that he is the very antithesis of a small French station wagon. Although the producers of the popular Fox series 24 announced this past summer that they'd be working towards making the show carbon-neutral in its production, that doesn't mean the show's hero is about to step out of his giant American SUV and into a tiny import econobox. At least, we hope not.

That doesn't seem to have deterred Renault, however, who put together this television advertisement for their new Clio Sport Tourer with a decidedly 24-like flavor. Check out the video after the jump to see what we're rambling about.

[Source: ZerCustoms via YouTube and World Car Fans]

Continue reading VIDEO: Renault hearts 24

VIDEO: Renault hearts 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Subaru

2008 Impreza Outback Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The standard new generation evolution usually goes like this: bigger, roomier, longer, wider. For some models, it's not such a big deal to go fiddling with the specs, on certain cars it's even a welcome improvement. Subaru, however, has a conundrum on their hands when they go messing with the Impreza formulation. There's a loveable quirkiness to the recipe; start tinkering too much, though, and you'll end up with New Coke.

Thus, it's with trepidation that we sampled the 2008 Impreza. It certainly looks different than those which came before. New duds don't mean an expanded waistline here, the 2008 model actually twirls out considerably less measuring tape in several dimensions than its forebear, while gaining inches and tenths where they make the most difference. Better doesn't have enough depth to fully convey the marked improvements Subaru has made in their entry-level model for 2008. Even stretching to "a lot better" leaves more to be said

Gallery: Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Continue reading Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Toyota

2008 Toyota Highlander - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Highlander's undergone a nearly Kafka-esque transformation from its start as essentially a Camry wagon with all-wheel-drive and extra ride height. For 2008, Toyota's middle-child 'ute has been bulked up into more of a maxi-cruiser than previously. At first glance it appears what's emerged from the chrysalis is a grotesquely overinflated Forester, but the new Highlander is more butterfly than cockroach.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, SUV, Volkswagen

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

The new Tiguan cute-ute factored big into Volkswagen's press conference at this year's LA show. And no wonder, as Vee-Dub is hoping its new small sport-ute sells big, especially in the all-important US market, and especially in California where nobody needs a truck yet everybody has one (and parks it next to their Prius).

Volkswagen of America revealed that Tiguan is priced to sell with a starting MSRP of just $22,490. With just two sport-utes in its lineup, that gives VW a huge price-point spread that stretches all the way up to $68,320 for the bigger Touareg 2 with the jumbo-jet-pulling V10 TDI.

Volkswagen is evidently hoping that the Tiguan will become the Golf of the sport-ute market after it hits US dealers this coming summer. Check out our gallery of the US-spec Tiguan below, and VW's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan

Continue reading LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490

LA 2007: Volkswagen Tiguan priced to sell at $22,490 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill run Amok: Ferrari F599 FS Fuoristrada sport-ute

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ferrari

There are some rumors circulating the web that could very well be true, and some you just hope are true. This, however, doesn't fall into either category. The speculation is over a possible Ferrari sport-utility vehicle, and we're not buying.

Our friends at World Car Fans, with which we'll part company on this, call it the Ferrari F599 FS 599 Fuoristrada, and project an unveiling at the 2010 Geneva show. They've even gone so far as to predict its weight (2.2 tons dry), engine (a variation on the 599 GTB's, itself derived from the Enzo) and output (over 600 HP), wheel and tire sizes (22" and 315), four-wheel-drive system (2/3 rearward bias), performance (0-60 in under five, top end around 180mph) and price (over €250k). Those are pretty specific forecasts, but WCF says they have it on good authority.

Never mind that an array of Ferrari execs have repeatedly refuted any such speculation - they've also been saying that about the "Dino" and we've just stopped listening by now - but it would make little sense for the racing-team-turned-sportscar-maker that, a couple of one-offs notwithstanding, has never made anything with more than two doors, let alone five. Sure, Lamborghini made a truck once, but then again that company started out building tractors. And never mind that Porsche has the Cayenne... numbers aside, Ferrari's not about to sell out its customer base with an SUV. (That's what excessive merchandizing is for.) For a company like Ferrari that trades on its heritage and Formula One dominance, a sport-ute would have no connection to either.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Rumormill run Amok: Ferrari F599 FS Fuoristrada sport-ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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