Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA['Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5

Automotive News Europe reports the new Audi manufacturing facility in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico will increase the automaker's production capacity for the Q5 SUV by 150,000 units per year. While the plant will supply every market with the exception of China, most of the production is slated to head to the US.

While speaking with ANE, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler said, "Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020." So far this year, 40 percent of Audi vehicles sold in the US have been light trucks, with the company's sales in that segment jumping by 53 percent. By comparison, Audi passenger car sales have increased by just one percent.

The first Q5 vehicles from the San Hose Chiapa plant will show up on dealer lots in 2016. Audi of America recently received a larger 9,000-unit allocation of Q5 models after seeing sales increase 36 percent through April compared to the same period in 2012.

'Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi crossoveraudi q5audi suvmexicosuvTue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/20558422/article-detail.xml 20558422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover to offer 16 models by 2020]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/land-rover-to-offer-16-models-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/land-rover-to-offer-16-models-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/land-rover-to-offer-16-models-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



The Range Rover Evoque was a bold new direction for Land Rover that proved successful, but if reports are to be believed, it is only the beginning of an onslaught of new products. According to a report from Autocar, the brand associated with both opulent motoring and rugged off-road capability is embarking on a massive lineup expansion, with the goal of producing 600,000 vehicles annually and 22 million vehicles by 2020.

In order to accomplish this, a flurry of new modes are planned, including the expansion of the Freelander (LR2) lineup and the unveiling of a new Defender family. The former will include five-seat and seven seat models, while the Defender will also roll out five-seat and seven-seat editions, but also a crew-cab pickup model. Consider our interest piqued.

The Evoque family will also grow, including an Evoque XL, Evoque convertible, and a "baby Range Rover" that would slot underneath the Range Rover Sport. This amonts to a goal of expanding the Land Rover lineup to 16 new vehicles.

Jaguar/Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth has claimed "40 new JLR product launches in the next five years," according to the report. To accomplish this, JLR is throwing 2 billion pounds a year behind this expansion. Roughly 1.8 billion pounds will go to a new Chinese production facility capable of producing 130,000 vehicles per year. The strategic location of the plant can feed the Chinese and Russian markets, which have voiced a demand for more specialized, limited edition models.

This all may seem ambitious, and perhaps even present an overlapping of models. However, if the automotive marketplace has taught us anything in the last decade, it is that there really is no such thing as too many CUVs.

Land Rover to offer 16 models by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverdefenderevoquefreelanderland roverland rover range rover evoquerange roverrange rover sportsuvThu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/land-rover-to-offer-16-models-by-2020/20373201/article-detail.xml 20373201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/land-rover-dc100-expedition-concept-new-york-2012_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/land-rover-dc100-expedition-concept-new-york-2012.jpeg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Touring Michigan's Wine Country In The Biggest Of Benzes

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550

Mercedes-Benz builds a beautiful GL-Class SUV with top-spec luxury amenities that is perfectly suited for the daily driving needs of a dad or a mom (68-percent dads, according to 2011 figures) and with what we can only believe is a very nice 362-horsepower V8 engine. What the company sent our way, however, was a heavily blinged, huge-wheeled, 429-horsepower pleasure wagon that is just as well-suited to creating babies as toting them around, should your amorous instincts be triggered by the pimp-level of your whip. The GL550 is the real deal, if the deal you're looking for involves carting kiddies and/or hauling ass. We really only had need of the latter during our one-week loan of the thing, sadly.

And so, while the GL and all seven of its seats is clearly designed for the needs of a family with children, we found ourselves slightly lacking in the kids department for the time of our test. (Your author is not a dad, though he does have a suite of corny jokes stashed away for when the time comes.) What we did have, what we always have, is a load of adult friends who like to be driven around in a big, "sweet" Benz.

In this case the adults numbered a total of six. A full four of them lived about 150 miles from our Metro Detroit base of operations, in the western corner of Michigan called St. Joseph. All of them were interested in finding a sucker buddy to drive them around on a tour of some local wineries. This would also prove an entertaining time to test the performance boasts of this remarkably rapid V8 sport ute, we thought. Plans were made, a weekend was selected and the GL550 showed up just in the nick of time for our fall tour.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz gl550featuredglgl-classgl550mercedesmercedes-benzreviewreviewssuvMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370147/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review/20370147/article-detail.xml 20370147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-mercedes-benz-gl550-review.jpg <![CDATA[Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The São Paulo Motor Show continues to heat up and bring us interesting new vehicle unveilings. Next year, we may have to tough it out and trek down to Brazil for the 28th edition of the auto show. The most recent development from São Paulo is the Renault DCross concept. In what appears to be a gussied-up Dacia Duster, the DCross gets a bright green and matte black paint scheme, a raised ride height, roof racks and a spare tire atop the concept. If off-roading is your thing, the DCross, at the very least, looks the part.

Little else is given in details other than what we can gather from the photos. The concept, which catches the eye far more in the live shots than in the OEM image, was joined on the Renault stand by the Fluence GT, Clio 2013, and Captur concept.

Will this concept predict the future for a Renault SUV/CUV? We're not sure, but its bullish looks seem ready for the Dakar Rally. The 2013 edition of Dakar is not until May of 2013, but the DCross already has us thinking of the grueling endurance race, held Peru, Chile and neighboring Argentina. Read up on Renault's debuts from Brazil in the press release below.

Continue reading Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil

Renault shows DCross Concept in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcrossoverdakardcrossoff-roadrenaultrenault dcrosssao paulo auto showsuvTue, 23 Oct 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/renault-shows-dcross-concept-in-brazil/20357863/article-detail.xml 20357863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/renault-dcross-concept-628-1351002764.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Acura MDX goes for a camouflaged cruise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/2014-acura-mdx-goes-for-a-camouflaged-cruise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/2014-acura-mdx-goes-for-a-camouflaged-cruise/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/2014-acura-mdx-goes-for-a-camouflaged-cruise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While the often misunderstood (and infrequently purchased) Acura ZDX may be going the way of the dinosaur, the company's far more conventional and successful MDX SUV is evolving. In fact, the 2014 MDX seems to be coming along rather nicely, if this latest set of spy images is any indication.

In the camouflaged prototype we see here, it is evident that Acura designers are going for a beefier look for the MDX front end. The current car's pointed and beaked nose are nowhere in evidence on this tester, though some version of Acura's prominent shield grille does seem to remain.

It's a bit difficult to tell if the shape of the glasshouse is much revised on this new car, as the camo is applied in such a fashion as to obscure the post C-pillar design. But it does seem as though, when we look hard at the full-profile shots of the MDX, that the wheel-arch bulges and side character lines of the current vehicle have been replaced with much simpler surfacing.

Under the hood we're told to expect a choice between a conventional V6 powerplant and the hybrid system with SH-AWD that will debut in the upcoming Acura RLX. Surely we'll see and hear more about this new MDX before it makes the scene in the last part of 2013.

2014 Acura MDX goes for a camouflaged cruise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 acura mdxacuramdxsh-awdspy photosspy shotssuvTue, 16 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20351655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/16/2014-acura-mdx-goes-for-a-camouflaged-cruise/20351655/article-detail.xml 20351655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-acura-mdx-spy-shot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-acura-mdx-spy-shot-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GL crowned <i>Motor Trend</i> 2013 SUV of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/mercedes-benz-gl-crowned-motor-trend-2013-suv-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/mercedes-benz-gl-crowned-motor-trend-2013-suv-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/mercedes-benz-gl-crowned-motor-trend-2013-suv-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Motor Trend 2013 SUV of the Year

In the market for a vehicle that can take you, your friends and all their belongings deep into the off-road wilderness as far away from civilization as you can get? There's an SUV for that. Want something that will make you look extra-super-special while dropping Timmy off at the soccer game? Why yes, there's an SUV for that. Several, in fact. And there's an SUV for just about everything in between those extremes, too.

All of this makes picking one single 'ute to rule them all especially difficult. That said, the boys and girls from Motor Trend decided to put the latest crop of SUVs and crossovers against each other in a fight to the death, or at least until the magazine's editors had decided one was better than all the rest. After it was all said and done, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL took home the coveted golden-caliper award as MT's SUV of the Year.

Interestingly enough, for 2013, there wasn't a single body-on-frame machine in the running, nor was a live axle anywhere to be found. Clearly the term Sport Utility Vehicle means something different today than it did when the category was arguably defined in 1984 with the launch of the seminal Jeep Cherokee. Explains Motor Trend: "As this segment keeps redefining itself, we will continue to adjust our evaluation methods and techniques."

Want to know how the GL earned this accolade? Check out the complete story here and here, then scroll down below for some behind-the-scenes footage.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GL crowned Motor Trend 2013 SUV of the Year

Mercedes-Benz GL crowned Motor Trend 2013 SUV of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz gl-class2013 suv of the yearcrossoverglgl-classmercedes-benmotor trendmotor trend suv of the yearsuvMon, 15 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/mercedes-benz-gl-crowned-motor-trend-2013-suv-of-the-year/20350470/article-detail.xml 20350470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mt-suvoty-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mt-suvoty-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Texas road sign damages SUV

A Texas woman recently found herself with no recourse after a large traffic sign fell on her Lexus SUV. Stephanie Hawkins was stopped at a light with her teenage daughter when she felt her vehicle shake violently. Thinking she'd been in an accident, she stepped outside only to find a sign had fallen over onto her vehicle. After taking photos of the incident and receiving a repair estimate of $2,791.25, Hawkins filed a claim with the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT quickly responded by saying the state government was not responsible for the damage and therefore would not pay to fix her vehicle.

How is that possible? According to Texas, government agencies are not liable for damages caused while performing government safety functions. That includes maintaining signs. The ruling is part of the Texas Tort Claims Act and the Doctrine of Government Immunity. In a separate statement, TxDOT said it investigated the claim and found no negligence on its part. Take a look at the local news report on the incident below.

Continue reading Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV

Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdoctrine of government immunityfalling signsuvtexastexas department of transportationtxdotSat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/20334663/article-detail.xml 20334663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628.jpg <![CDATA[Canada's Conquest Vehicles shows off first unarmored vehicle, Evade [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/canadas-conquest-vehicles-shows-off-first-unarmored-vehicle-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/canadas-conquest-vehicles-shows-off-first-unarmored-vehicle-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/canadas-conquest-vehicles-shows-off-first-unarmored-vehicle-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The wheeled bomb shelter known as the Knight XV has been Toronto fabricator Conquest's only vehicle for a few years now. No longer, as the Evade, an unarmored SUV - we use the acronym "SUV" very lightly - becomes the follow-up beast. The family resemblance is obvious, yet the Evade evolves and softens - another word we use lightly - the design language with details like head- and taillight surrounds, and narrower fender flares.

Whereas the Knight XV is built on the Ford F350 Super Duty frame, the Evade's aluminum and mild steel body sits on the F550 Super Duty chassis, so it's even wider. That has only made room for more luxury in the 400-cubic-foot interior for the maximum four passengers, two up front and two in the executive area in the rear. The tourchscreens, laptop trays, three sunroofs, leather and Alcantara inside contrast with protection gear like the 360-degree joystick-controlled searchlights and FLIR night vision front and rear.

Fitted with either a gasoline or diesel engine, the Evade starts at $579,000. There are more details on it, and a teaser video, just below.

Continue reading Canada's Conquest Vehicles shows off first unarmored vehicle, Evade [w/video]

Canada's Conquest Vehicles shows off first unarmored vehicle, Evade [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestconquest vehiclesevadefordknightknight evadesuvvideovideosFri, 10 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/canadas-conquest-vehicles-shows-off-first-unarmored-vehicle-ev/20297957/article-detail.xml 20297957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/conquestevade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/conquestevade.jpg <![CDATA[Mobius Motors plans $6,000 SUV for Africa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/mobius-motors-plans-6-000-suv-for-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/mobius-motors-plans-6-000-suv-for-africa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/mobius-motors-plans-6-000-suv-for-africa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mobius Motors Mobius Two - front three-quarter view

Ultra low-cost transportation doesn't have a particularly successful history in the recent past. Just ask Tata. The company's Nano subcompact was supposed to revolutionize the way low-income families the world over moved themselves, but as it turns out, even those with no money don't want to be seen in a vehicle known primarily for its cheapness. Even so, one company is working to give rural Africans a shot at changing their lives with a new low-cost SUV. Nairobi-based Mobius Motors wants to build an machine capable of handling the inhospitable roads of the continent's interior for just $6,000 - a price it says is similar to the auto rickshaw.

How? Mobius has sacrificed niceties like air conditioning and glass side windows to keep the cost as low as possible. As a result, the company's engineers have managed to craft a machine with nearly 14 inches of ground clearance and beefy skid plates underneath. There's no word on what's under the hood, though the company's first effort, the Mobius One, made use of a Toyota 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Mobius Motors says the interior can be configured to haul either people or 1,100 pounds of cargo. Not too shabby. Look for the Mobius Two to launch this year.

Mobius Motors plans $6,000 SUV for Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6000 carafricaafrican carcheap suvlow cost carmobiusmobius 2mobius motorsmobius motors mobius twomobius twonairobisuvMon, 02 Jul 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/mobius-motors-plans-6-000-suv-for-africa/20270234/article-detail.xml 20270234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mobius-motors-mobius-two-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mobius-motors-mobius-two-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW considering new midsize utility for NA; Polo and Up! still on table]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/vw-considering-new-midsize-utility-for-na-polo-and-up-still-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/vw-considering-new-midsize-utility-for-na-polo-and-up-still-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/vw-considering-new-midsize-utility-for-na-polo-and-up-still-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jonathan Browning - Volkswagen NA CEOWe've already heard word that Volkswagen may be considering a new Alltrack version of its Jetta for the North American Market, but TheDetroitBureau.com reports the automaker is also looking at other high-riding options. Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen Group of America CEO, says a new mid-sized SUV may show up in the lineup alongside the next-generation Tiguan (which itself is likely to get a trio of variants). The unnamed model would fit below the Touareg in size and price and would likely be co-developed engineers in the U.S. and those in another part of the world. So, when can we expect to see the model? Development is currently in its earliest stages, which means we'll have to wait until 2015 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Browning makes it clear Volkswagen is also keen to flesh out its lineup with other new models, including a new mid-sized sedan. A sub-Golf offering may also show up from Europe, which means the automaker may bring over either the Polo or the new Up! micro car. The blossoming stable is part of an effort to keep the company's recent sales growth on track. Volkswagen has made it clear the company wants to triple its companywide sales by 2018.

VW considering new midsize utility for NA; Polo and Up! still on table originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceocrossovercuvjonathan browningsuvtiguantouaregvolkswagenvolkswagen ceovolkswagen tiguanvolkswagen touaregFri, 01 Jun 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248507/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/vw-considering-new-midsize-utility-for-na-polo-and-up-still-on/20248507/article-detail.xml 20248507 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/browning-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/browning-628.jpg <![CDATA[Forget soccer moms, China has tiger moms driving the auto market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/forget-soccer-moms-china-has-tiger-moms-driving-the-auto-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/forget-soccer-moms-china-has-tiger-moms-driving-the-auto-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/forget-soccer-moms-china-has-tiger-moms-driving-the-auto-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeep Wrangler Dragon China

China's middle class is predicted to mint up to 500 million new bourgeois comrades in the next 15 years, and not only will that mean new car owners, but more of those owners will be women. Along with rising incomes, that has put The Middle Kingdom into an SUV-buying boom driven by "tiger moms," similar to the splurge that happened here in the 1990s but with big, striped cats replacing black-spotted white balls.

The trend has enough force already that SUV sales are expected to make up for other slumping segments, which is just about all of them. In addition to mothers wanting an SUV to haul their lone kid around there are other cultural factors at play, one being the fact that car ownership has only recently become a practical aspiration and having an SUV is a way to make a big splash in the new pool.

Carmakers obviously have no intention of denying the Chinese their desires, with Daimler declaring this "the year of the SUV." It's probably no coincidence that Lamborghini showed off its Jota in Geneva and its Urus in Beijing, nor that every other automaker showed up to the Beijing Motor Show with plenty of high-riding hardware (see above). It probably is a coincidence that carmakers dreamed of selling squillions of SUVs just as Earth Day ended.

Forget soccer moms, China has tiger moms driving the auto market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese suvchinese suv salessuvsuv salestiger momsWed, 25 Apr 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221112/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/forget-soccer-moms-china-has-tiger-moms-driving-the-auto-market/20221112/article-detail.xml 20221112 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jeep-dragon-wrangler-china_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jeep-dragon-wrangler-china.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-mercedes-benz-g63-amg-mines-excitement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-mercedes-benz-g63-amg-mines-excitement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-mercedes-benz-g63-amg-mines-excitement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG in a mine

Three screen tests for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG have been completed, and we think it's gonna be a star. As with the G55, we expect the vehicle's reputation to far outshine its sales, but with an exponentially improved interior, 544 horsepower, 560 pound-feet and better gas mileage than its less powerful predecessor, we're talking about a whole lot of shining regardless.

With a base price well into six figures, the videos are the probably the only time you will ever see a G63 anywhere near dirt or kicking up flinty black rocks. If you start saving right now, you might be able to afford to buy one of its wheels when it arrives on our shores in August, or you can check it out for free in the videos after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG mines excitement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz g63 amgg-classg63g63 amgg65 amggelaendenwagenmercedes-benzsuvvideovideosyoutubeTue, 24 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/2013-mercedes-benz-g63-amg-mines-excitement/20221526/article-detail.xml 20221526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mercedesbenzg63amgvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mercedesbenzg63amgvid.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel offers monster torque, 28 MPG HWY]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel-offers-monster-torque-28-mpg-hwy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel-offers-monster-torque-28-mpg-hwy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel-offers-monster-torque-28-mpg-hwy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Porsche is getting in on the diesel craze with its first diesel-powered vehicle ever offered in the U.S. The 2013 Cayenne will be available with a turbo-diesel V6 option pumping out 240 horsepower, permanent all-wheel drive and a staggering 406 lb-ft of trailer-towing torque. That's enough power to propel the super-SUV to 60 in 7.2 seconds and 135 miles per hour on the track. That'll outrun your neighbor's base Cayenne by .2 seconds, but don't try to take on a Cayenne Turbo (0-60 in 4.4 seconds).

Porsche says the diesel's estimated fuel economy numbers are 20 city / 28 highway. The Volkswagen Touareg offers the same diesel engine but with 15 fewer horses and EPA estimates of 19/28 mpg. Bad news, however, for anyone who likes shifting their own gears. Looks like only the 8-speed Tiptronic will be available with the diesel.

While the least-expensive Cayenne will set you back at least $48,850, adding the diesel engine runs the base price up to $55,750. That's not too bad when you consider the platform-sharing Touareg TDI starts at just below $47k and runs all the way up to $59k for the Executive level VW.

Car spotters can ID the latest Cayenne variant by the "Diesel" badges behind the front wheel wells.

Check out the gallery above for more pics and scroll down for the official details from Porsche.

Continue reading 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel offers monster torque, 28 MPG HWY

2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel offers monster torque, 28 MPG HWY originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche cayenne dieselcayennecayenne dieseldieselnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showporschesuvTue, 03 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/2013-porsche-cayenne-diesel-offers-monster-torque-28-mpg-hwy/20206342/article-detail.xml 20206342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/0000079713-cayenne-diesel-front-0opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/0000079713-cayenne-diesel-front-0opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley to unveil plug-in hybrid SUV concept in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/bentley-to-unveil-plug-in-hybrid-suv-concept-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/bentley-to-unveil-plug-in-hybrid-suv-concept-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/bentley-to-unveil-plug-in-hybrid-suv-concept-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wolfgang Durheimer and Franz-Josef Paefgen

The legendary Ettore Bugatti once famously (and derisively) referred to Bentley cars as "the world's fastest lorries" - the British term for heavy trucks. Fast-forward a few decades and Ettore's proclamation is edging toward the truth, as the British brand is rumored to be launching its first-ever SUV - at least in conceptual form - at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

The model - which would expand the Bentley range from two models to three - is earmarked by Bentley/Bugatti Chief Exec Wolfgang Dürheimer (pictured at left with his predecessor, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen) to account for some 3,500 to 5,000 units annually, or a total of about 25,000 units in the vehicle's lifecycle. But the SUV from Crewe isn't just about expanding sales figures, it's also about innovation, as the model is rumored to incorporate what would not only be the company's first hybrid propulsion system, but a plug-in one at that, relegating the engine (which you can bet will still be Bentley big) to also-ran status.

We're eagerly anticipating the results when we get to the Geneva Palexpo, but while the show car is expected to be a concept still several years away from production, one thing's for sure: Bentley won't be alone in jumping from high-end cars to SUVs. It's a path forged by its sister company Porsche (where Dürheimer long served as a senior executive) with the Cayenne, set to be followed by sister marque Lamborghini with a concept car at the Beijing Auto Show in April (not to mention its original SUV, the LM002), and currently being pursued by rival Maserati with the Kubang now being groomed for production.

Bentley to unveil plug-in hybrid SUV concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showbentleybentley crossoverbentley cuvbentley suvcrossovergenevageneva 2012geneva motor showsuvWed, 29 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181164/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/bentley-to-unveil-plug-in-hybrid-suv-concept-in-geneva/20181164/article-detail.xml 20181164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/durheimer-bentley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/durheimer-bentley.jpg <![CDATA[Creative SUV axle repair not MacGyver approved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/creative-suv-axle-repair-not-macgyver-approved/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/creative-suv-axle-repair-not-macgyver-approved/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/14/creative-suv-axle-repair-not-macgyver-approved/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kazakhstan SUV repair

Proving once again that you never know what you're going to come across on the road in Eastern Europe is the video we've pasted after the break. In it, you'll see an old beat-up SUV of unknown origin plodding its way through a residential area in Kazakhstan, a former member of the USSR. Sounds pretty normal, no?

Wait, what's that? Why is the driver-side rear wheel sticking several feet too far out of the wheel well? We have no idea. Whether simply the result of a broken axle or a quick-and-dirty, less-than-ideal roadside repair, the result is predictable.

We don't want to spoil the ending for you, so we suggest you hit the jump to see how it all goes down.

Continue reading Creative SUV axle repair not MacGyver approved

Creative SUV axle repair not MacGyver approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car fail videocar repaircar repair failfailfail videokazakhstanrepairsuvTue, 14 Feb 2012 16:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20171771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/14/creative-suv-axle-repair-not-macgyver-approved/20171771/article-detail.xml 20171771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/kazakhstan-suv-repair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/kazakhstan-suv-repair.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Remember when we said that the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II (worst name ever) shown in Tokyo was basically the next Mitsubishi Outlander? We weren't lying. The 2013 Outlander will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, and Mitsubishi has released the first photo of the new crossover. What's more, the fancy PX-MiEV II concept apparently wasn't a vaporware showcase; Mitsubishi says that a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander will join the roster later in 2012.

The Euro-spec Outlander launches this summer with 2.0-liter gas and 2.2-liter turbodiesel power, three seating rows, and an eco-driving coach feature designed to help drivers eke out the best possible fuel economy. Furthermore, the diesel version will offer an automatic start-stop feature to help maximize efficiency and minimize emissions.

Available driver aids include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems. There's not much else to tell right now, other than that Russia gets the new Outlander first, followed by a global rollout that includes North America. Follow the jump to read the press release, and click the image above to see a larger version.

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013breakingcrossovercuvgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showmitsubishioutlandersuvThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-revealed-will-debut-in-geneva/20168074/article-detail.xml 20168074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/newmitsuoutlandersmall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/newmitsuoutlandersmall.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Xterra to continue as traditional SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Nissan Xterra

Nissan has good news for anyone weeping about the fact that the 2013 Pathfinder has abandoned its body-on-frame ways. The company isn't completely ditching legitimate SUVs for the crossover crowd. According to Car and Driver, the Nissan Xterra will continue to shun a unibody design for the conceivable future. The magazine spoke with engineers familiar with the development of the Xterra who said the vehicle will share its DNA with the Nissan Frontier for years to come.

That means buyers will still be able to enjoy the vehicle's truckish charm and legitimate off-road chops. Those who want something a little softer or smaller can turn to the automaker's Rogue, while the 2013 Pathfinder will now offer mall-goers a suitable alternative to the Ford Explorer. The times may be changing, but for now, the Xterra isn't.

Nissan Xterra to continue as traditional SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body on framecrossovercuvnissansuvxterraThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/nissan-xterra-to-continue-as-traditional-suv/20147579/article-detail.xml 20147579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-nissan-xterra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-nissan-xterra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac is gunning for BMW. The company's recently unveiled ATS is a clear shot across the bow of the German automaker's 3 Series, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports the small sedan may be the first of a larger product offensive. Kurt McNeil, vice president of sales with Cadillac, said the luxury brand is currently looking into the possibility of a small CUV designed to lure in BMW X3 buyers. The vehicle would be smaller than the current Cadillac SRX, which saw an 11 percent increase in sales last year.

The report makes it clear that General Motors hasn't given the go-ahead on the smaller crossover, though the fact that Cadillac is growing its presence globally will likely factor heavily in the final decision on whether or not to bring the vehicle to market. American buyers are always happy to welcome another tall-riding five-door into the fold, but CUVs don't enjoy the same level of prestige in European markets.

Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x3cadillaccadillac srxcadillac suvsrxsuvx3Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/20146499/article-detail.xml 20146499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-cadillac-srx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-cadillac-srx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bentley chief executives

After two consecutive years posting losses in its balance book, Bentley is back in the black as the figures came in for the close of 2011. But don't think for one minute that the ultra-luxe British marque is about to stop there. No, Bentley's new CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer (pictured above, right) has big plans for the company, and having headed product development at Porsche for years, that can only mean one thing: more new vehicles. More types of vehicles, more bodystyles and more derivatives.

The biggest potential item in the pipeline is an SUV, a plan which Bentley has had in the making for some time now and which Dürheimer recently indicated in a conference call will be decided on soon. The Bentley of sport-utes would be significantly more upscale than anything currently offered, with a price tag upwards of $140,000, with underpinnings borrowed from the Porsche Cayenne which Dürheimer helped launch himself.

Beyond the SUV, the Bentley chief executive also hinted at a new sportscar range that would include a two-seat coupe, a hardtop convertible and even a racing version. The model would likely take the fight more directly to Aston Martin, against whose smaller GTs the larger Continental GT range currently competes with.

On the sales front, The Flying B was the first automaker to report its December figures and the 2011 calendar year as a whole, with global sales up 37 percent last year to 7,003 units. Sales for December were also up 69 percent versus 2010 to 1,059 cars, which Bentley claims is its second-best sales month of all time and best since the recession began.

What's more interesting is how Bentley sales break down geographically. The U.S. remains the brand's best-selling market with 2,021 cars sold, but sales in China "virtually doubled" last year to 1,839 units. In fact, the Chinese had already bought more Bentleys by last July than they did in all of 2010. With that kind of momentum, China should easily overtake the U.S. as as the automaker's best customer base in 2012. Even struggling Europeans managed to increase their appetites, buying 53 percent more last year than the year before. Follow the jump for the latest statement on Bentley's financial health.

Continue reading Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability

Bentley coming down to SUV decision as 2011 figures return it to profitability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley earningsbentley profitsbentley suvdürheimersuvwolfgang dürheimerWed, 04 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/bentley-coming-down-to-suv-decision-as-2011-figures-returns-it-t/20139425/article-detail.xml 20139425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/durheimer2.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

People lifting SUV off of child

One little Chinese girl's protest against going to kindergarten very nearly ended in tragedy. While walking with her mother, the girl decided to sit down in the street and pout about being drug into the educational system. Seconds later, a crossover drove over the child at low speed and stopped.

Fortunately, a crowd of 16 bystanders jumped to action and managed to lift the vehicle far enough off of the child for her mother to pull her to safety. The heroics prevented any serious injury, and the girl headed off to school after a brief check up at a local hospital.

It's unclear whether the inattentive driver responsible for parking on top of the child will be charged in the incident. Click past the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China

Watch bystanders lift crossover off girl in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacrossovercrossover drives over girlpeople lift suvpeople lift suv in chinasuvWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/watch-bystanders-lift-crossover-off-girl-in-china/20126989/article-detail.xml 20126989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/people-lifting-suv-628.jpg -1 2