Autoblog

VW looks out its back door, prices 2013 CC R-Edition at $32,195

George Kennedy — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen

Sorry, we had to. How many times can you reference Creedence Clearwater Revival in a story about a Volkswagen? For some Fortunate Son or daughter looking to get behind the wheel of the 2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line, we now know how much you'll have to pay the Penthouse Pauper. (Hey, we could do this all day).

MSRP for the R-Line edition of the Volkswagen CC is set at $32,195, not including a destination charge of $795. For that, buyers get unique R-Line visuals including a more sporting grille, projector-style fog lights, along with revised lower front fascia and side skirts. The R-Line also receives 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, while the cabin is fitted with a navigation system and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters augmenting the DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The CC R-Line debuted at Germany's Auto Mobil International show, and it comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four sending power to the front wheels. In addition to the DSG, a six-speed manual gearbox is available. The rest of the features list is essentially that of the CC's Sport Plus trim.

You can expect to see the CC R-Line Up Around the Bend or Down On the Corner at your local Volkswagen dealer in the near future (okay, enough) or you can check out our gallery and the official press release below.

Continue reading VW looks out its back door, prices 2013 CC R-Edition at $32,195

VW looks out its back door, prices 2013 CC R-Edition at $32,195 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque

George Kennedy — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

Few cars stir up the rumormill quite like the next BMW M3. To that end, BMW fan-site BimmerPost was able to track down a source, apparently tied to the development of the next M3 (and M4), who divulged a few juicy bits on power, weight and timing.

Horsepower in the F80 M3 and F82 M4 is said to be close to that of the E90/E92, which was rated at 414 hp. This contrasts with previous reports that had horsepower pegged closer to 450. It should also be noted that BMW has been known to underrate the horsepower values for its engines. That said, the new turbocharged straight-six will supposedly develop 100 more pound-feet of torque over the current generation, too. The 4.0-liter S65 V8 found in the E90/E92 M3 developed 295 lb-ft, putting the new engine's torque in the 395 lb-ft neighborhood. We can live with that.

An equally interesting development regards the proposed weight of the new Ultimate Driving Machine. Apparently BMW is targeting the curb weight of the E46 M3. That older-generation Bimmer clocked in at about 3,400 pounds, while the E90/E92 M3 had grown to over 3,700 pounds. The 300-pound weight savings should come as welcome news to M3 purists, critical of the progressive weight gains from generation to generation.

For those interested in the aesthetic of the next performance-Bimmer, the F80/F82 update of the M3 is claimed to feature a more aggressive look, highlighted by a power bulge hood and larger fenders. That styling direction should not come as much of a surprise, as the more aggressive appearance is customary to the M3 by now and matches what we've seen in spy shots.

According to source, the F80 M3 sedan will debut first and come to market in early 2014. It will be followed by the M4 coupe, though exact timing was not revealed.

Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

George Kennedy — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Alas, of all the not-for-U.S. models we see every year, some sting more than others. While the Volkswagen GTI may define 'hot-hatch' stateside, the 2013 Audi S3 ups the ante, and it looks even tastier and forbidden up close.

The centerpiece of the A3 is the new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-4. The turbocharged mill generates a whopping 300 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual transmission or optional S-Tronic gearbox to quattro full-time all-wheel drive. With a curb weight that is 132 pounds lower than its predecessor, the S3 is able to get from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 6.9-liters per 100 kilometers, which converts to just over 34 miles per gallon, though the EPA testing cycle differs.

A lot of the luxury and safety tech found in the S3 comes from its larger stablemates. Adaptive cruise control, MMI user interface, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system all put the 'premium' in 'premium performance compact.'

If you're one of the lucky European hooligans with €38,900 ($50,699) to plunk down, the S3 could be yours. You'll have to wait a few months, though, as it doesn't land in dealerships until early 2013. Audi's PR blast is posted below.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to exceed EcoBoost target by 100,000 units

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Ford, Lincoln

Like almost every other automaker these days, Ford is having a tough time in Europe right now, and here in the States, its per-share stock price is lagging, but that isn't stopping the automaker from exceeding some of its goals. The Detroit Free Press reports that sales of the company's EcoBoost turbocharged and direct-injected engines are going beyond expectations. The Blue Oval's signature powerplants have made it to a wide variety of Ford and Lincoln products, from larger vehicles like the Explorer, Taurus and MKT to smaller models like the new Escape and Focus ST.

In fact, Ford is reportedly on track to sell 1.6 million of these forced-induction vehicles in 2013 - a full 100,000 units more than it had previously estimated.

The smaller, more efficient EcoBoost powerplants will make the Ford lineup more efficient and a program to cut down the amount of platforms the automaker uses globally is helping to trim costs. Ford product development chief Raj Nair claims that the automaker is on track to clip its platforms from 22 in 2011 to 10 by 2017. The move should save Ford hundreds of millions of dollars as platform costs drop as scale increases.

Ford to exceed EcoBoost target by 100,000 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

It's been a while since Ferrari used turbochargers, but we would think long and hard before dismissing the spools as uncharacteristic of the marque. After all, the iconic and important F40 was turbocharged, as was the 288 GTO that preceeded it. But those were made decades ago. Could Ferrari be going back to forced induction?

If this spy video is anything to go by, we'd say almost definitely so. The footage shot at the company's private Fiorano test track in Maranello shows a California test mule lapping the circuit, but the sound is what gives it away: the prototype is emitting a pronounced turbo whine.

Of course, Ferrari engineers could be using the California to test out the turbocharged engines it is said to be developing for Maserati. Or the automaker could be preparing to use them in its own sports cars as well. The final outcome remains a mystery, but for now you can watch the video clip below and see - or more importantly, listen - for yourselves.

Continue reading This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged

This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

The BMW X1 has been leaked ahead of its official announcement at the New York Auto Show, and it seems to boast a fresh face and a reasonable price tag. The smallest of BMW crossovers will feature a revised front fascia that includes tweaked headlights and a new bumper with silver-painted accents. The LED highlights and light rings are available only as part of the optional xenon light package.

More body-color trim pieces are in place for 2013, and BMW has penned new side-view mirrors. The rear also received a revamped bumper, plus fresh taillights. Inside changes include a shallower center console that has been tilted towards the driver, while chrome touches have been added for a more premium feel.

Under the hood, U.S. buyers will have a choice of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The X1 28i will feature the powerful 2.0-liter turbo four, boasting 240 horsepower. The X1 xDrive35i will up the ante with BMW's tried-and-true turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which will be good for 300 horsepower.

Those well-regarded powertrains should provide enough punch to make the X1 a blast to drive, and luckily we won't have to wait long to find out for sure. The X1 28i will arrive Stateside beginning in September with a palatable $31,545 price tag that includes the $895 destination charge. The xDrive28i tips the sales at $33,245 and the xDrive35i can be had for as little as $39,345. Not bad for an attractive little BMW, though we're sure a few options will send the MSRP to $50,000 and beyond. Hit the jump to read over the BMW press release.

Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why did Honda kill its best performance engine?

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Acura, Honda, Luxury

The performance profile of the turbo four may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history.

When the 2013 Acura RDX launches this spring, Honda will quietly close down a spur line of its Anna, OH, plant. Since 2006, it had been building the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine used in the first-generation RDX there. These engines were unique, the company's first to be fitted with a turbocharger from the factory. But the redesigned 2013 RDX will be available only with a V6, and with no other application for the turbo four, Honda's most impressive performance engine will die an ignoble death.

The 2.3-liter turbo was a variation of the 2.4-liter four used in the Honda Accord and the Acura TSX. Rated at 240 horsepower, it was the 260 lb-ft of torque that made things special. Honda's traditional approach to engine design had favored high-revving, small displacement engines that made generous power thanks to variable valve timing technologies - but at the expense of torque output. So when Honda announced that it would be producing a turbocharged engine for the first time, it seemed to herald the next wave of Honda performance. Finally, some torque to match the howling VTEC power. But sadly, it was the performance profile of the turbo four that may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history.

Continue reading Why did Honda kill its best performance engine?

Why did Honda kill its best performance engine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to TheDetroitBureau.com, General Motors is planning to alter its strategy with the next-generation Corvette to appeal to a wider range of customers. Traditionally, the Corvette has always been offered with high-displacement eight-cylinder powertrains, but according to sources within GM, the C7 Corvette may also offer a small, turbocharged V8.

Just how small, exactly? TDB reports that the next Corvette's European-style V8 could measure in at just over 3.0 liters, using an overhead-cam setup and dry sump oil system. With the aid of turbocharging, unnamed GM sources expect that this engine will deliver "in excess of 400 horsepower," or about 125 hp per liter. What's more, the smaller V8 could be of the extremely high-revving nature, with TDB citing that engine revs could handle up to 10,000 RPM.

GM's North American president, Mark Reuss, previously told The Bureau that the C7 Corvette will "target a very different sort of buyer."

However, traditional V8 enthusiasts need not worry, as the story states that a full range of engines will be available, including the classic larger displacement units that have traditionally found a home in the Corvette.

Of course, the rumormill about exactly what's in store for the C7 Corvette continues to swirl. We've heard everything from a mid-engine layout to a split rear window design that pays tribute to the 1963 'Vette. Whatever the case, GM just invested $131 million in the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds the Corvette and the all-new model is expected to arrive within the next two to three years.

Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Current generation BMW M3 to be last naturally aspirated M car

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, BMW

BMW M3 Competition Package - Click above for high-res image gallery

The writing's been on the wall for some time, but the fate of naturally aspirated M cars from BMW is all but sealed: forced induction is the future and the next M3 will come equipped with a turbocharged engine.

With next year's new emissions standards looming on the horizon, every automaker is looking to improve its fleet-wide fuel economy, and that means performance vehicles will be some of the first to undergo an EPA-mandated makeover.

For BMW, that means turbocharging and start-stop systems, two technologies that will boost the fuel economy of the all-new M5 by up to 25 percent when it goes on sale next spring.

Looking over BMW's current crop of M products, one vehicle stands alone in the induction department, and a source within BMW has told us that the E90/E92 M3's V8 will be the last naturally aspirated engine fitted to an M vehicle. While nearly every automaker has made tremendous strides to nearly eliminate turbo lag, the linear, low-end grunt of a turbo can't compare to the high-revving thrills of an NA powerplant. But the future is here and the future is forced induction.

Gallery: BMW M3 Competition Package

Current generation BMW M3 to be last naturally aspirated M car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW's four-cylinder turbocharged engine - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has been teasing us with little factoids here and there about its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and we finally have official confirmation that it will, in fact, be coming to the United States later this year.

This new four-cylinder engine uses the same twin-scroll turbo technology found in the larger N55 3.0-liter engine. Maximum power is rated at 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and peak torque - all 260 pound-feet of it - is delivered at 1,250 rpm. By switching to a smaller-displacement, turbocharged, direct-injected engine, we can expect that cars with this new 2.0-liter four will get a healthy bump in fuel economy over the current six-cylinder models.

BMW has yet to point out which models will be getting the new 2.0-liter turbo, but since the automaker specifically mentions that it offers more power and torque than the current naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six, we wouldn't be shocked to learn that all cars with a 28i or 30i at the end of the name will now be powered by this four-pot mill. Earlier reports have suggested that the Z4 sDrive30i will now use four-cylinder power, and we're betting both the 1 and 3 Series, as well as X1, will get the turbo-four treatment. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: BMW X1 2.0 Turbocharged Four Cylinder

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S.

Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-gen Mini Cooper to match diesel efficiency with turbo DI inline-three

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mini

It's no secret that BMW, like many other automakers, is working on smaller three cylinder engines for its future products to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Some of those engines will go into the next generation of Mini products and the goal is to provide a significant improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

The new Mini engines will incorporate much of the same technology that exists today in the high performance John Cooper Works edition. The 208 horsepower JCW uses direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger to extra extra power from the 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The three-cylinder will likely have a 1.2-liters of displacement with 120 and 180 hp for the Cooper and Cooper S. The next-gen Cooper which will probably arrive in 2012 and will likely be rated around 50 mpg on the highway, similar to the current Mini Cooper D available in Europe.

[Source: Motoring File]

Report: Next-gen Mini Cooper to match diesel efficiency with turbo DI inline-three originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Peugeot, Citroën

PSA Peugeot Citroën have announced that it will spend €175 Million to tool up one of its engine plants to build a new turbocharged inline-three cylinder engine. The Douvrin engine plant will have a capacity of 320,000 powerplants per year starting in early in 2013. The 1.2-liter engines will join a normally aspirated version that debuts one year earlier.

While PSA is one of the world leaders in diesel engine technology, this new engine is a gasoline-fueled unit. The high-volume commitment to a downsized gasoline engine is a sign of the increasing difficulty of meeting both new carbon dioxide emissions standards and nitrogen oxide standards that are part of the Euro VI package.

While PSA has no current plans to sell either Peugeot or Citroën vehicles in the United States, we are likely to see some three cylinder units coming from other automakers in the next few years including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and possibly Ford with a rumored 1.2-liter Ecoboost.

[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroën]

Continue reading PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013

PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

According the slinky sleuths at InsideLine, the 2011 Infiniti G series will be available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 from the JDM-only Skyline 250GT (known as the Infiniti G in the States). But something's amiss...

Infiniti informed IL that the small V6 will be sold beneath the G37 as an entry-level alternative (think BMW 328i versus 335i), although we're a bit confused about the quoted power outputs. Nissan fitted its naturally aspirated, 210 hp 2.5-liter V6 (VQ25DD) to the Skyline through 2006, but the automaker's turbocharged variant (VQ25DET) puts out 280 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The report doesn't clarify which mill is on the way. Regardless, the 2011 Infiniti G25 will only be available as a sedan, so if you have dreams of a budget coupe or convertible, well, get comfortable with the ideas of four doors.

Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37

[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart - Click above for high-res gallery

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall of potentially 6,903 Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart vehicles fitted with 2.0-liter turbocharged engines falling between model year 2008 and 2009. According to the report, running the engine at certain speeds over time may cause a damaging vibration that could lead to a stress crack in the fuel pipe (the fuel return pipe is apparently improperly attached to the engine). If a crack does develop, the resulting fuel leakage could cause a fire.

Dealers will be instructed to replace the fuel pipe with a new component and add two new additional attachment brackets to lessen the effects of vibration. Of course, all of this work will be performed free of charge. Owners of the recalled Mitsubishi vehicles may contact the manufacturer at 1-888-648-7820, contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov regarding campaign ID 09V349000.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns

Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Saab

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe's entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker's newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn't exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks - if not bright - at least markedly less dim.

If we sound like we're damning the 2010 9-5 with faint praise, we're not - after sitting in the car today at the Frankfurt Motor Show and talking extensively with members of Saab's team, we're actually rather optimistic that the perennially underweight automaker may yet emerge from its funk and put some rouge back in the 'ol Griffin. But until we drive it, we're going to reserve judgment before we break out the akvavit and reindeer steaks - we've been here before.

One thing's for sure - this new, larger 9-5 looks incredibly crisp in the metal. With clean flanks, a distinctive, cantilevered roofline paired with wraparound-look glass and handsome head- and tail lamp detailing, this is an attractive, cohesive design sans adornment - no gaping ducts, fender vents, or protruding aero addenda are in evidence anywhere. Very much in the Scandinavian mold, the 9-5 pulls design elements from the showstopping Saab Aero-X concept coupe and puts them in a real-world package. Similarly, like Scandinavian furniture, the design won't be to everyone's tastes.

Inside, there's gobs more space than in the outgoing car both front and rear, and the design has been tastefully updated in a driver-centric way that honors the marque's quirkiness (Night Panel button, eggcrate grid air vents, etc.) without becoming a caricature of Saabs past. Reinforcing the aeronautically-minded "Born From Jets" theme that had become something of a punchline with distractions like the 9-7x SUV, Saab has adopted new features like an optional heads-up display and a novel altimeter-like digital speedometer readout in case you aren't interested making use of the clear analogue gauges.

Click on the jump for more impressions and the official press release.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, First Drives

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just a year after the Ford Flex first appeared, the Blue Oval has revamped its lineup in ways that make the 2010 model quite different from its forebearer. First among the changes is the Blue Oval's EcoBoost engine, which packs 3.5 liters of displacement and a duo of turbochargers to produce V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Autoblog went to the Colorado hinterlands to spend some with with the Flex and its new powerplant, and as we found out, there's more to Ford's boxy crossover than boosted performance and fuel economy.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

We've known for almost a year that Ford's EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines would proliferate through the Blue Oval's lineup, beginning with the 3.5-liter V6 and then moving downward in displacement to include turbocharged 2.0- and 1.4-liter inline fours. When the wraps came off the 2010 Ford Fusion in LA, we were disappointed that Ford hadn't announced the availability of the 2.0-liter turbo, with horsepower and torque output similar to the blown four-pot offered by GM (260 hp, 260 lb-ft). We would've been happy to see the turbo'd 1.4-liter that our own John McElroy had the chance to sample in May, but alas, nothing.

Now, the Detroit News reports that a four-cylinder EcoBoost is likely to be available in the Fusion sometime in 2010, but Ford spokesperson Said Deep says it's too early to speculate on displacements. Offering the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in both the Fusion and possibly the next evolution of the Explorer would do wonders for Ford's CAFE ratings, but according to our own sources, don't expect the new mill to make it to market until 2011.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz to introduce fully turbocharged lineup by 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

When it comes to increasing fuel economy, turbochargers are the replacement for displacement. The combination of highly efficient snails and smaller engines provides the power people expect, while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Like other automakers that have realized that forced induction is a suitable stop-gap for improving fuel economy, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of developing turbo'd engines that will proliferate throughout its lineup in the next two and a half years.

Thomas Weber, a Daimler board member in charge of research and development told Automotive News, "All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest."

Mercedes is joining BMW and Audi by investing heavily into forced induction, primarily to cope with new fuel economy standards in the U.S. and Europe. But turbos are only going to take them so far. Mercedes plans to introduce hybrids into its lineup towards the close of the decade, beginning with the S-class sedan in 2009. According to Weber, zero-emission vehicles are the automaker's long-term goal and Daimler intends to push heavily towards fuel-cells and electric-powered vehicle in the future, including an electric smart fortwo which will go into production sometime in 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz to introduce fully turbocharged lineup by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford considering four-cylinder EcoBoost for F150

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

According to sources speaking with Pickuptrucks.com, Ford is considering offering an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine on its F-150 pickup in 2013. The boosted mill is expected to displace around 2.5-liters, produce 260 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, and would only be available on the two-door Regular Cab F-150 4x2 and 4x4.

Ford's rationale for equipping its workaday pickup with a turbo'd four is partially due to the rising cost of gasoline, but is primarily fueled by new CAFE regulations that will require light trucks to average 28.6 mpg by 2015. Ford has already decided to drop its 4.2-liter V6 for the 2009 model year, only offering the 4.6-liter V8, which produces more power and more torque, while still offering similar fuel economy.

The EcoBoost range of engines are likely to find their way into several different models across Ford's line up, and according to Ford's director of powertrain research, Dan Kapp, EcoBoost engines could allow the automaker to reduce engine sizes by between 40- and 50-percent, so 3.0-liter V6s could be replaced by two-liter fours and a 2.5-liter four cylinder could be reduced to 1.5-liters.

Before the EcoBoost four-pot debuts on the 2013 F-150, Ford will launch a turbocharged V6 in the pickup in 2010. Displacement is expected to be around 3.5-liters, with output estimated at around 350 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Partnered with a new six-speed transmission, fuel economy should be around 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

And what of the rumored F-100 pick-up? It's conceivable that the range-topping version of the compact truck could be packing the same turbo'd four as its big brother, while a naturally aspirated version would power the entry level model.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Ford considering four-cylinder EcoBoost for F150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Commodore hybrid and turbo'd four under consideration

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, GM, Holden, Australia

Two separate reports out of Australia say that Holden is looking to maximize the Commodore's fuel efficiency in an effort to stoke sales. Both stories quote General Motor's Asia-Pacific vice president, Nick Reilly, but the separate reports, while sharing a common theme, come to decidedly different conclusions about how the General plans to proceed.

The first story from the Sydney Morning Herald (thanks Patrick!) cites Reilly as saying that Holden is looking into hybrid technology to power the Commodore. "[It] could be one of the first hybrids that you will see," but Reilly insists that a gasoline-electric Commodore is still a few years out.

The second report comes courtesy of Drive.com.au, who also spoke with Reilly and asked if a four-cylinder version of the Commodore was in the cards. "It makes a lot of sense," Reilly said, "and therefore we're probably looking at it, but I can't tell you when." While that's far from a confirmation that a turbocharged four is on the way, it coincides with earlier reports that the new Camaro, which shares its platform with the Commodore, might benefit from the same 260 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline.

Both stories are somewhat devoid of hard details, but despite that, it may be proof that General Motors' operations Down Under are willing to look at a variety of solutions to address the Commodore's slipping sales.

[Sources: SMH, Drive.com.au]

Holden Commodore hybrid and turbo'd four under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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