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[Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Museums, Not Motor Shows, Take Center Stage In 2012



Two museum exhibitions, one opening and the other just closed, that recognize a pair of leading design houses, Pininfarina and Bertone, are celebrating iconic car designs that have come from their studios. At the same time, these events underscore the uncertain future faced by the independent Italian design community at large.

Pininfarina is being commemorated in an exhibition at Museo Ferrari in Maranello, which runs through next January, while Bertone, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was the subject of a display that closed last month at the Italian National Car Museum in Turin.

These two firms, along with many others including Italdesign Giugiaro, Ghia, Zagato and Touring, were the go-to guys when manufacturers the world over needed design and engineering services to create everything from concept cars to limited production runs. But changes in the industry, including massive consolidation of brands and tough economic times, raise the question of whether these carrozzeria are relevant or not.

It wasn't always so as both the Pininfarina and Bertone museum displays testify.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?

Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecarrozzeriafeaturedghiamatt delorenzopininfarinatouringzagatoTue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/20377418/article-detail.xml 20377418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/museoferrari-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/museoferrari-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept looks Alfa familiar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/touring-superlegerra-disco-volante-concept-alfa-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/touring-superlegerra-disco-volante-concept-alfa-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/touring-superlegerra-disco-volante-concept-alfa-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept live at Geneva

It's been 60 years since the 1952 Alfa Romeo C52 Disco Volante concepts lounged on the stages of the world's auto shows, and Touring Superleggera has taken to marking the occasion with a Disco Volante of its own, a striking coupe that has just debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

The modern flying saucer pays homage to its ancestors with flat-top fenders and a split grille. Even so, it's hard to miss the vehicle's donor. Not surprisingly, the new Disco Volante is built on the bones of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and relies on the same 4.7-liter V8 found in that machine. As such, buyers can look forward to 443 horsepower pumped exclusively to the rear wheels.

That's right. We said "buyers." This Disco Volante will be available in limited quantities (the company isn't saying how limited), though expect to pay a pretty penny for each one. Touring Superleggera says each example will be coachbuilt to order. Look below for the full press release after checking out our high-res gallery.

Continue reading Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept looks Alfa familiar

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Concept looks Alfa familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 disco volante8c competizionealfa romeoalfa romeo 8c competizionedisco volantegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showsuperleggeratouringtouring superleggeratouring superleggera disco volanteTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/touring-superlegerra-disco-volante-concept-alfa-geneva-2012/20186748/article-detail.xml 20186748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/touring-superleggera-disco-volante-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/touring-superleggera-disco-volante-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 3 Series Touring shakes its roomy rump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/bmw-3-series-touring-shakes-its-roomy-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/bmw-3-series-touring-shakes-its-roomy-rump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/bmw-3-series-touring-shakes-its-roomy-rump/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW F31 3 Series Touring rear three-quarter spy shot

Slowly but surely, we're becoming quite smitten with the F30 BMW 3 Series. The four-cylinder 328i and six-pot 335i sedans have officially launched here in the United States, and now, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the 3er body styles get the F30 treatment. First up is the wagon Touring (F31, internally), which our spies recently caught testing out in the snow.

Let's start with some good news: We have no reason to believe that BMW won't offer its capacious 3 Series here in the United States. The Touring has been a part of the 3's lineup in the U.S. for decades, and BMW executives have already confirmed that the wagon will be offered here in the States.

Like the outgoing 3 Series, expect just a 328i model in rear- and (forthcoming) xDrive all-wheel-drive formats. Of course, other markets will get some tasty diesel options, but since the wagon doesn't account for a huge percentage of 3 Series sales in the U.S., having one engine option will likely have to suffice.

Look for the 3 Series Touring to launch in the near future (Geneva Motor Show?) with the first cars hitting the ground in Europe this fall.

BMW 3 Series Touring shakes its roomy rump originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series3 series touring3 series wagon3-series328i328i touringbmwspy photosspy picsspy shotstouringwagonTue, 21 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/bmw-3-series-touring-shakes-its-roomy-rump/20176048/article-detail.xml 20176048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/06-bmw-3-series-touring-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/06-bmw-3-series-touring-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera preparing new Disco Volante concept for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/carrozzeria-touring-superleggera-preparing-new-disco-volante-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/carrozzeria-touring-superleggera-preparing-new-disco-volante-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/carrozzeria-touring-superleggera-preparing-new-disco-volante-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Disco Volante concept teaser from Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera

Mention the names Disco Volante and Touring to connoisseurs of classic Italian automobiles and you're going to need to start handing out bibs.

The Disco Volante, for the uninitiated, is not a rave held inside a convertible Aston Martin, but one of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos ever made. Officially know as the C52, the 1950s-era Alfa prototype - of which only four were ever made - was named Flying Saucer (in Italian) because of its aerodynamic shape. It was based on the Alfa Romeo 1900 but rebodied to its streamlined shape by - you guessed it - Carrozzeria Touring.

That coachbuilder had long since disappeared into obscurity, but was more recently revived to give us some very alluring designs, from concept cars like the Gumpert Tornante and Maserati A8 GCS to coachbuilt conversions of existing vehicles like the Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback and - perhaps most enticing of all - the Bentley Continental Flying Star.

Now the reborn Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera is preparing to reinterpret the Disco Volante in modern form. The show car set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month is reportedly based on the 8C Competizione (another one of the most beautiful Alfas ever made) so we're expecting the 450 horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 to carry over, though reportedly mated to a paddle-shift transmission.

What we're looking forward to, however, is the form that aims to modernize the design believed by many to have inspired the Jaguar E-Type. All we have to go on for now is the rendering above, but we'll be watching for more.

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera preparing new Disco Volante concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1952 alfa romeo 1900 c52 disco volantealfa romeoalfa romeo 1900 c52 disco volantealfa romeo c52 disco volantecarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring superleggeradisco volantegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showtouringWed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172345/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/15/carrozzeria-touring-superleggera-preparing-new-disco-volante-con/20172345/article-detail.xml 20172345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webcarrozzeriatouringsuperleggeradiscovolante20121_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webcarrozzeriatouringsuperleggeradiscovolante20121.jpg <![CDATA[Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/gooding-rolls-out-the-coachbuilt-classic-ferraris-for-pebble-bea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/gooding-rolls-out-the-coachbuilt-classic-ferraris-for-pebble-bea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/gooding-rolls-out-the-coachbuilt-classic-ferraris-for-pebble-bea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica by Pininfarina
1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica by Pininfarina - Click above for high-res image gallery

Those with the cash are prone to buying Ferraris. Those with lots of cash buy custom coachbuilt Ferraris. It's a tradition that's been revived in recent years with such specials as the Superamerica 45, the P540 Superfast Aperta, the Zagato 575 GTZ and of course the P4/5 Pininfarina. But decades ago, the application of custom coachwork to Ferrari chassis was the thing to do, and with Pebble Beach coming up next month, Gooding & Company has announced the consignment of some very unique examples.

Among the fifteen classic Ferraris that Gooding will be putting under the hammer in Monterey will be a Vignale-bodied '53 Ferrari 375 America, a Touring-bodied 195 Inter from 1950 and a 410 Superamerica (1957), 400 Superamerica Aerodinamica (1963, pictured above) and 250 GT (1955) with coachwork by Pininfarina.

All five were displayed at major auto shows of their day - Turin '53, Turin '51, Paris '57, Geneva '63 and Geneva '56, respectively - with prices expected to reach well into seven figures when the gavel drops at the Pebble next month. Follow the jump for more details and in the press release and check out the glory in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction

Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrozzeria touringcoachbuiltcoachbuilt ferrariferrarigoodinggooding and companypebble beachpininfarinatouringvignaleWed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19984525/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/gooding-rolls-out-the-coachbuilt-classic-ferraris-for-pebble-bea/19984525/article-detail.xml 19984525 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web1963ferrari400spramrca03_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web1963ferrari400spramrca03.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/lexus-releases-2011-ls-460-touring-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/lexus-releases-2011-ls-460-touring-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/lexus-releases-2011-ls-460-touring-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring
2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition at a less frumpy crowd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier body kit. The Touring Edition goes on sale later this month with a sticker price of $73,000 before destination charges.

To keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint job to the limited-production sedan. The Touring Edition package also features sport seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather upholstery with saddle leather accents.

Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but doesn't say how limited. Want one? Get in line now. Catch the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 lexus ls 460 touring editionlexuslexus lslsls 460ls-460ls460touringtouring editionSun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/19/lexus-releases-2011-ls-460-touring-edition/19970465/article-detail.xml 19970465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011ls460touringlead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2011ls460touringlead.jpg <![CDATA[Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/gumpert-announces-touring-designed-tornante-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/gumpert-announces-touring-designed-tornante-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/gumpert-announces-touring-designed-tornante-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gumpert Apollo
2010 Gumpert Apollo - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are plenty of companies making a single line of supercars. Pagani, Weismann, Spyker, McLaren... we could go on and on. But if you're going to pick a serious fight with established names like Ferrari and Lamborghini, you're going to need a second line. And that's precisely what Gumpert has in store for us at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

You may recognize the name Gumpert as the company behind the Apollo, a ridiculously fast and extreme exotic supercar. It was founded by one Roland Gumpert, former head of the motorsport division at Audi, whose engine powers the Apollo with as much as 800 horsepower.

The Apollo, however, is derided as having been thoroughly worked over by the ugly stick. And that's where Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera comes in. The Milanese coachbuilder has designed a new mid-engined V8 "fast tourer" called the Tortante with a composite shell over a space frame and carbon fiber monocoque. Enticing to be sure, and you can read the full announcement after the jump, but for the moment that's all we have to go by.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Gumpert Apollo


Photos copyright (C)2011 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva

Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 geneva motor showcarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring milanocarrozzeria touring superleggeragenevageneva 2011geneva motor showgumpertgumpert apollogumpert tortantetortantetouringtouring milanotouring superleggeraTue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19812407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/25/gumpert-announces-touring-designed-tornante-for-geneva/19812407/article-detail.xml 19812407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/11gumpertapollofd2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/11gumpertapollofd2010.jpg <![CDATA[Touring Superleggera ramps up production of Bentley Flying Star]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/touring-superleggera-ramps-up-production-of-bentley-flying-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/touring-superleggera-ramps-up-production-of-bentley-flying-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/touring-superleggera-ramps-up-production-of-bentley-flying-star/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Touring Superleggera Flying Star - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley shooting brake, anyone? Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera can hook you up. The Milanese coachbuilder unveiled the Flying Star at last year's Geneva Motor Show, and stole our hearts in the process. But since the shooting brake debuted and its order books opened, Touring has only made three examples of the custom creation.

No wonder, as the coachbuilder says it takes 4,000 man-hours to transform a Continental GTC (still the outgoing model, we gather) into the long-roofed coupe. But thanks to increased investment in the form of new equipment and staff, Touring can now reportedly be working on up to five vehicles at a time.

Each example still takes six months to deliver, with total production limited to 19 examples. Fortunate buyers can specify from a range of customizations, including the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 in states of tune ranging from 552 horsepower (base) to 621 (Supersports).


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Touring Superleggera Flying Star


Live Photos: Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Touring Superleggera ramps up production of Bentley Flying Star originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalbentley continental flying starcarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring superleggeraflying startouringtouring superleggeraTouring Superleggera Flying StarThu, 20 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19807512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/20/touring-superleggera-ramps-up-production-of-bentley-flying-star/19807512/article-detail.xml 19807512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-flying-staropt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01-flying-staropt.jpg <![CDATA[1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/1949-ferrari-166-mm-touring-barchetta-up-for-grabs-from-rm-aucti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/1949-ferrari-166-mm-touring-barchetta-up-for-grabs-from-rm-aucti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/1949-ferrari-166-mm-touring-barchetta-up-for-grabs-from-rm-aucti/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta chassis # 0024 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as Ferraris go, it doesn't get more authentic than this. What you're looking at is a 1949 Ferrari 166 MM - the first model made by Enzo Ferrari after setting up shop under his own name - with custom Barchetta coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. And it's going up for auction.

Chassis number 0024 M - the 10th of only 25 examples made - was originally displayed at the 1949 Paris Motor Show in Argentina's official racing colors, yellow and blue, before being sent off to South America to win the 1950 Mar del Plata. True to its name, it was also campaigned in the 1951 Mille Miglia rally, and has since undergone a thorough restoration - including the red paint job you see here.

This authentic piece of Ferrari history is set to cross the block at RM Auctions' event in Arizona on January 20th, where it is expected to fetch upwards of $2 million. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta - chassis # 0024 M


[Source: RM Auctions | Image: Hugh Hamilton/RM Auctions]

Continue reading 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1949 ferrari 166 mm1949 ferrari 166 mm barchetta1949 ferrari 166 mm touring barchettaauctioncarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring superleggeraferrariferrari 166 mmferrari 166 mm touring barchettarm auctionstouringThu, 16 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19757100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/16/1949-ferrari-166-mm-touring-barchetta-up-for-grabs-from-rm-aucti/19757100/article-detail.xml 19757100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-166mm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/web630-166mm.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra Touring going five-door, leaving the wagon train behind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2013-hyundai-elantra-touring-going-five-door-leaving-the-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2013-hyundai-elantra-touring-going-five-door-leaving-the-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2013-hyundai-elantra-touring-going-five-door-leaving-the-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Hyundai Elantra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fear not, hatchback fans. According to Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, the next-generation Hyundai Elantra Touring will debut in late 2012 as a 2013 model. Krafcik tells Autoblog that while the Elantra sedan is styled specifically for the American market, the Elantra Touring is being penned with European customers in mind. The company sells a long-roof version of the Elantra in the old country under the i30 banner, but from what we understand, American buyers will get a taste of the next-generation vehicle in about two years.

"We launched the Elantra touring a couple of years after we launched the Elantra and we're going to have the same model cycle for Elantra Touring here," Krafcik said. "We're going to get the next-generation i30 here in the U.S. market in a couple of years."

But don't expect the vehicle to share too much DNA with the old long-roof Elantra. Krafcik tells AB that the new Touring will be significantly different from the model on sale right now: "It's a great design. The Elantra Touring design actually came out of our California studio. We're going to go with the shorter five-door hatchback bodystyle instead of the larger wagon style we have now."

That means that when it debuts, the 2013 Elantra Touring will be squaring off against the likes 2012 Ford Focus and Mazda3 in a big way. While no one at Hyundai was willing to say exactly how much fuel economy we can plan on seeing from the five-door Elantra, we'd be surprised to see the figures slip much below the 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway of the sedan.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra: First Drive

2011 Hyundai Elantra2011 Hyundai Elantra2011 Hyundai Elantra2011 Hyundai Elantra2011 Hyundai Elantra

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

2013 Hyundai Elantra Touring going five-door, leaving the wagon train behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai elantra touringelantraelantra touringhyundaii30krafciktouringMon, 06 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19748086/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/06/2013-hyundai-elantra-touring-going-five-door-leaving-the-wagon/19748086/article-detail.xml 19748086 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/elantra-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/elantra-630.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai of America wants a Sonata Wagon... do you? [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/hyundai-of-america-wants-a-sonata-wagon-do-you-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/hyundai-of-america-wants-a-sonata-wagon-do-you-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/hyundai-of-america-wants-a-sonata-wagon-do-you-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Hyundai Sonata wagon spy shot
2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Hyundai has yet to unveil a wagon derivative of its Sonata/i40 family sedan, copious spy shots have been captured while the car has been undergoing testing around the globe. The load-lugging Korean is a lock for Europe and will doubtlessly surface in other markets, but to date, there has been no word as to whether the wagon will haul itself into U.S. showrooms.

While there's still no official word from Hyundai, Autoblog has learned that American executives definitely want the car and are working to build a business case for it. Further, according to our source:
"We can't comment on future product plans. But we certainly are aware of the upsurge in popularity of well-executed wagons, especially in markets like Europe where consumers demand the high degrees of versatility and fuel economy that wagons deliver. The Elantra Touring has been a terrific addition to our lineup and is a huge hit with its customers. A great wagon can bring in incremental customers who otherwise might not consider a given brand's sedan."
Despite Volvo and Subaru recently giving up the U.S. wagon segment in favor of lifted, more crossover-like two-boxers, we still see a clear area of opportunity for a large, stylish and fuel-efficient wagon. As we've recently proven, hatchbacks and wagons sell in better numbers than many automakers would seem to give the bodystyles credit for, and we suspect that with the new Sonata's rocket-like sales trajectory, adding a second format would help them close the gap with their Japanese rivals. And while we'd love to see an affordable base model, the smart money suggests that Hyundai would have a better chance of profiting from a Sonata wagon if it were to launch with a single, higher-margin upscale model - a loaded 2.0-liter turbo, say.

What do you think - should Hyundai sell a Sonata wagon in the States? Vote in our poll below and then leave your thoughts in Comments.

View Poll



Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai i40 Kombi / Sonata wagon


[Images: CarPix]

Hyundai of America wants a Sonata Wagon... do you? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hyundai sonataestatehyundaihyundai wagoni40i40 kombikombisonatasonata wagontouringyf sonataFri, 29 Oct 2010 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19694975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/29/hyundai-of-america-wants-a-sonata-wagon-do-you-w-poll/19694975/article-detail.xml 19694975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/hy-i40-wagon-4-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/hy-i40-wagon-4-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/officially-official-2011-bmw-5-series-touring-is-too-cool-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/officially-official-2011-bmw-5-series-touring-is-too-cool-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/officially-official-2011-bmw-5-series-touring-is-too-cool-for-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring - click above for high-res image gallery

Yup, even your family, you Yankee wagon-hater you. Sadly, this is not only true, but we've known about it for some time. Americans, it seems, are so in love with all modes of transportation that are slightly raised up off the ground that we have no appetite for station wagons. Even sporty ones. So says BMW. Instead, we get the rather mutated looking Gran Turismo. Just sayin'. With that out of the way, allow us to introduce you to the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, "Touring" being the preferred BMW nomenclature for station wagon and/or station wagon you can't have.

We know, we're bitter and it shows. But listen to how BMW describes the 2011 5 Series Touring, "The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance." We want that, right? After all, there's really nothing new here except the fact that it's a station wagon. One, we might add, that we can't have! Again, there's nothing really new here.

At heart, we're talking about the new BMW F10 5 Series, a car we like very much. And if you click through the gallery of the new Touring, you'll notice just how easy it is to fit your dog into the back of it. Well, not your dog, if you know what we're getting at. Once again, *sigh.* Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families

Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 5 Series2011 5 Series Touring2011 BMW 5 Series Touring20115Series20115SeriesTouring2011Bmw5SeriesTouring5 series5 Series Station Wagon5 Series Wagon5-series5Series5SeriesStationWagon5SeriesWagonBMWBMW 5 Seriesbmw 5 series touringBMW TouringBmw5SeriesBmw5SeriesTouringBmwTouringbreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsF10F10 5 SeriesF105SeriestouringThu, 10 Jun 2010 20:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19511927/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/10/officially-official-2011-bmw-5-series-touring-is-too-cool-for-a/19511927/article-detail.xml 19511927 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bmwtouring630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bmwtouring630.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Panamera touring car headed to Italian series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/porsche-panamera-touring-car-headed-to-italian-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/porsche-panamera-touring-car-headed-to-italian-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/porsche-panamera-touring-car-headed-to-italian-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The cynical among us learned long ago that life just isn't fair. Those still holding out hope, however, can look to the European touring car championships for cold, hard evidence. While Americans are stuck with NASCAR and their "Car of Tomorrow", Europeans get to watch machines like DTM Audis, Belgian Volvos and Italian Maseratis duke it out on some of the world's finest race tracks. (Don't even get us started on Japanese SuperGT and Australian V8 Supercars.)

The latest to join the fold is this Porsche Panamera touring car being prepared by N.Technology. Those familiar may recognize the racing powerhouse for successfully campaigning Alfa Romeo touring cars in the BTCC and WTCC and Abarth S2000s in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, as well as running the International Formula Masters series and for their eventually unsuccessful bid to join the F1 grid for this season. Now they're turning their attention to the native SuperStar Series, but with German machinery.

The Porsche touring car packs the 4.8-liter V8 from the Panamera S, but tuned to 450 horsepower instead of the stock 394 and driving to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. An aggressive race-spec aerodynamics package - incorporating the series standard rear wing - has been developed for the touring car, and weight has been trimmed to 2,910 pounds. Former multi-national touring car champion Fabrizio Giovanardi will be handling driving duties, ensuring that the Panamera will stand a fighting chance against the reigning triple champion, motorcycle scion and former F1 driver Gianni Morbidelli, and the rest of the field when it debuts at the Hockenheimring on June 12.

[Source: N.Technology via JonSibal]

Porsche Panamera touring car headed to Italian series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fabrizion giovanardiFabrizionGiovanardiitalian touring carItalianTouringCaritalymsc organizationmsc organization ltdMscOrganizationMscOrganizationLtdn technologyn.technologyNTechnologyporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerasuperstars seriesSuperstarsSeriestouringtouring cartouring car championshipTouringCarTouringCarChampionshipThu, 03 Jun 2010 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19501672/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/03/porsche-panamera-touring-car-headed-to-italian-series/19501672/article-detail.xml 19501672 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ntpan5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ntpan5.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar XF touring car headed for Belgian series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/jaguar-xf-touring-car-headed-for-belgian-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/jaguar-xf-touring-car-headed-for-belgian-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/jaguar-xf-touring-car-headed-for-belgian-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Sometimes we can't help but lament the relative lack of touring car racing in North America. Sure, there are a handful of series, but they don't enjoy nearly the popularity that they do overseas, including in England (BTCC), Europe (WTCC) and Australia (V8 Supercars). Even the Belgian Touring Car Series is looking increasingly appetizing with some of the latest entries to join the field.

Following the release of the recent release of the Volvo S60 touring car, we've just received word of a purpose-built tin-top Jaguar XF, also destined for the Belgian series. The XF Silhouette racer is based on the same frame that underpinned the previous X-Type touring car, but reportedly benefits from some major upgrades, including (obviously) updated bodywork and a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. Driving duties will reportedly be undertaken by Albert Thirty, who debuted in the series earlier this year behind the wheel of the Kia Pro_Cee'd Silhouette racer. Thanks for tip, Bastien!

[Source: Turbo Magazine]

Jaguar XF touring car headed for Belgian series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgian touring car seriesBelgianTouringCarSeriesbelgiumbtcsjaguarjaguar xfJaguarXfsilhouettetouringtouring carTouringCarFri, 14 May 2010 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19475925/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/14/jaguar-xf-touring-car-headed-for-belgian-series/19475925/article-detail.xml 19475925 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/xf-btcs-rend_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/xf-btcs-rend.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2012 BMW M5 Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/rendered-speculation-2012-bmw-m5-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/rendered-speculation-2012-bmw-m5-touring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/rendered-speculation-2012-bmw-m5-touring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 BMW M5 Touring - Click above for high-res image

Master photochopper Jon Sibal has put digital pen to virtual paper to render up the next BMW M5, but unlike his previous F11 'chops, he's applying his skills to the yet-to-be-confirmed Touring version of the mid-size bahn-burner.

As Sibal points out in his post, BMW has an on-again, off-again history when it comes to five-door versions of the M5, with the E28 and E39 only available sans-hatch, while the E34 and outgoing E60 have been available in five-door form.

There's a good chance that the F11 version will be made, nixing the current model's V10 powerplant in favor of a 570-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 pulled from the X6 M. However, the chances of the hi-po hatch making it to the States is virtually nill, as the 5 Series Gran Turismo is set to take the standard Touring's place in the U.S. market. So does that mean a M5 GT could be in the works? Here's hoping, and maybe Sibal will render one up in the meantime.


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring


[Source: JonSibal]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 BMW M5 Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley Continental GTZ by Zagato - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were enticed by Zagato's take on the Bentley Continental GT (pictured above), rumor has it Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has a version of its own in the works.

Anticipated to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in two months' time, Touring's coachbuilt Bentley is slated to be based on the convertible Continental GTC, and could borrow its underpinnings from the upcoming GTC SuperSports.

Like Zagato's Continental GTZ, the second coachbuilt Continental reportedly received support from Crewe. Since its revival, the Carrozzeria gave us such Maserati-based creations as the A8 GCS and Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback, and was recently rumored to be working on a custom Ferrari design as well.


Gallery: Geneva 2008: Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato


[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Carrozzeria Touring reportedly to unveil coachbuilt Bentley Continental GTC in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 geneva motor show2010GenevaMotorShowbentleybentley continentalbentley continental gtcBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtccarrozzeriacarrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring bentley continental gtccarrozzeria touring superleggeraCarrozzeriaTouringCarrozzeriaTouringBentleyContinentalGtcCarrozzeriaTouringSuperleggeracontinentalgeneva 2010geneva motor showGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowtouringtouring bentleyTouringBentleyTue, 02 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19340211/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/02/carrozzeria-touring-reportedly-to-unveil-coachbuilt-bentley-cont/19340211/article-detail.xml 19340211 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/bentley-continental-gtzweb630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/bentley-continental-gtzweb630.jpg <![CDATA[Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car


[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferlitoferlito jaguar xf superstars touring carferlito motorsFerlitoJaguarXfSuperstarsTouringCarFerlitoMotorsitalyjaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf touring carJaguarXfJaguarXfTouringCarkyalamisuperstarssuperstars seriesSuperstarsSeriestouringtouring cartouring carsTouringCarTouringCarsxfMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19277709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/19277709/article-detail.xml 19277709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/web_03-xf-superstars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/web_03-xf-superstars.jpg <![CDATA[Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/baby-got-back-hsv-launches-clubsport-r8-tourer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/baby-got-back-hsv-launches-clubsport-r8-tourer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/baby-got-back-hsv-launches-clubsport-r8-tourer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ClubSport R8 Tourer

HSV's ClubSport R8 Tourer has officially arrived, giving our friends from Down Under the means to haul stuff, ass and any combination thereof as long as they part with $65K AUD. The super-duper Commodore SportWagon has got LS3 V8 power with 425 horses and 405 lb-ft of torque ready to transfer its rear tires to the ozone layer. To further underscore the undeniable awesomeness of this package, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. An automatic is available as an option, as are 20-inch wheels and a full-leather interior. Chances of us seeing this here? Essentially zero, since Pontiac is getting the Ute (G8 ST) instead of the wagon. That's just a shame. Sure, it's no Wagon Queen Family Truckster, but a hypothetical Pontiac G8 Safari GXP would deliver raucous fun for the whole family.

Gallery: HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer


[Source: HSV]

Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clubsportclubsport r8 touringClubsportR8Touringcommodorer8touringTue, 02 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1301839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/09/02/baby-got-back-hsv-launches-clubsport-r8-tourer/1301839/article-detail.xml 1301839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/r8_tourer2_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/r8_tourer2_450.jpg <![CDATA[2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for 40 hi-res images of the freshened 3 series

BMW has unveiled photos and details pertaining to the facelifted, Euro-spec 2009 3 Series sedan and wagon. We touched on the visual updates yesterday, but to recap, the car sports a revised front fascia, a new hood, restyled mirrors, and reshaped taillamps. The changes are subtle, but good. Inside, the new iDrive trickles down to the 3, which also gets BMW ConnectedDrive in-car internet, as well as an 80-gig hard drive. The 3 Series sedans and wagons are available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 7-speed DCT doesn't make it into the four- and five-doors at this time, but it becomes available on the 335i coupe and convertible. Read on after the jump as we run down the model variants and engine offerings.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series


[Source: BMW | Photos: BMW via BMW Blog]

Continue reading 2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click for hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 DTM safety car

Audi has announced that its superlative R8 sportscar will serve as the safety car for the ever-popular DTM touring car championship, having also served in the same capacity for the recently-concluded 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi's performance division quattro GmbH prepared a pair of R8s for the German racing series - with the second serving as a "racing taxi" - but noted that, "because the R8 possesses the genes of a perfect sports car", little in the way of modification for duty was required.

The pair of R8 support vehicles made its debut at the Norisring Speed Weekend yesterday, where Mercedes-Benz beat out the new Audi A4 DTM with a 1-2 finish. Follow the jump for the press release and click on the thumbnails below for our high-resolution image gallery.

Gallery: Audi R8 DTM safety car

[Source: Audi Motorsport]

Continue reading Audi R8 debuts as DTM safety car

Audi R8 debuts as DTM safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi dtmaudi r8audi r8 dtmaudi r8 dtm safety caraudi r8 dtm taxiAudiDtmAudiR8AudiR8DtmAudiR8DtmSafetyCarAudiR8DtmTaxidtmr8touringMon, 30 Jun 2008 18:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1241123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/30/audi-r8-debuts-as-dtm-safety-car/1241123/article-detail.xml 1241123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/web3_r8-dtm-pace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/web3_r8-dtm-pace.jpg -1 2