RSS Daily Cars

GM comes out in support of black box legislation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

As of today, when incidents like sudden acceleration happen, it's extremely difficult to diagnose conclusively what the cause was. Without a mechanism to track exactly what the driver did, what the vehicle sensors detected and how the vehicle responded, it usually ends up being a he said/she said situation.

Thus, in the wake of recent allegations of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles, a movement has begun to equip all cars with black box data recorders.
Representative Gene Green (D-TX) has already introduced legislation that would mandate the installation of such event data recorders, or black boxes, in all new vehicles.

General Motors has now come out publicly in favor of the proposal. GM has been installing event data recorders in its cars since 1995 as part of the air bag system. In accidents where the airbags are triggered, GM can use the data stored in the EDR for diagnostic purposes to improve the function of its safety systems. The recorders save the last few seconds of data before a crash from a number of sensors. GM is not only supporting the installation of these recorders in all vehicles, but also supports making the data accessible so that accident causes can be more accurately determined.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM comes out in support of black box legislation

GM comes out in support of black box legislation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 MercedesBenz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 55liter biturbo V8

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 showcar - Click above for image gallery

We're here in Affalterbach, Germany this morning for a Mercedes-Benz AMG tech day ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, and while we have yet to get a tour of the facilities, we already have some news - the 2011 S63 AMG will receive the company's all-new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 engine, as well as the SpeedShift MCT seven-speed gearbox already on offer in the E63 and SL63.

Even though it's down on displacement compared to the outgoing 6.2-liter engine, the M 157 generates more power (544 horsepower in 'standard' mode, 571 with the optional performance package) and more torque (586 pound-feet or 660 lb-ft. with the optional performance pack). And despite the change in engine size, the big sedan's S63 moniker will remain.

MB chairman of the board Volker Mornhinweg has also confirmed to Autoblog that the U.S. market will indeed receive start-stop technology despite the fact that its efficiency gains aren't really recognized by the EPA's fuel economy testing methodology. Even so, the user-defeatable fuel-saving measure ought to pay dividends in city traffic, which is important because cities like Los Angeles and New York are prominent AMG markets.

Despite offering an embarrassment of performance, the S63 will also cut fuel consumption by an astonishing 25 percent, thanks in part to clever programming of its SpeedShift gearbox and a driver-selectable 'Controlled Efficiency' program, an eco-mode that, among other things, instructs the transmission to always start in second gear, shift up as quickly as possible, and remain in higher gears whenever possible. In addition, the Intelligent Generator Management System employed on the E63 is also used to funnel kinetic energy back into the battery, and there is a new generation of cylinder deactivation technology at work as well. All-in, the still-massive motor will turn in an impressive 23.5 miles-per U.S. gallon on the EU cycle and Morninweg pledges that the car will skirt U.S. gas guzzler taxes.

The 'standard' S63 will run to a governed 155 mile-per-hour top end, while the performance package model has been let out to 186 mph. The new car is slated to go on sale in the second half of the year, and the 5.5-liter engine is expected to supplant the 6.2-liter in other AMG offerings over the next several years. We'll see the new engine tomorrow in person at the Geneva Motor Show, where it will reside in the engine bay of a special S63 showcar. The showcar (above) pays tribute to an early AMG-powered 300 SEL that won its class and finished second overall at the 1971 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 showcar

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 Showcar Live

Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 gets smaller but more powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford is Hiring! 37liter V6 for Mustang means 60 new jobs in Cleveland

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time in the illustrious history of the Ford Mustang when having an engine from the Cleveland Engine Plant meant that you were sporting a 351 cubic-inch V8 underhood. Times have changed quite a bit over the past 35 years, as Ohio's newest Mustang engine contains but six cylinders yet produces an impressive 305 horsepower and an even more brow-raising 30 miles per gallon highway.

Ford expects the 3.7-liter-powered Stang to account for two thirds of Mustang sales, and The Blue Oval is so confident in customer demand for its six-cylinder offering that it's hiring 60 new workers to assist production. To prep the Cleveland plant for its newest engine, Ford is also investing an additional $155 million to bring the plant up to speed.

Ford Powertrain Manufacturing Director Bill Russo appears to be pretty high on the Cleveland facility, adding that it is "not only building fuel-efficient engines for some of our most popular Ford products, it's becoming a hub for the future of Ford powertrains." A hub with a Help Wanted poster on the front door, no less.

While the news at Cleveland appears to be very good, the state of powertrains at Ford is even better. The Oval reportedly pumped a staggering $1.8 billion into powertrains for the 2011 model year, and has nine total new engines on the way. Three of those new powertrains will find their way under the hood of the Mustang, as the 3.7-liter, 5.0-liter and supercharged aluminum 5.4-liter powerplants are all new for 2011. Pony car powertrain fans can revel in the fun by pouring over the horsepower-centric press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford is Hiring! 3.7-liter V6 for Mustang means 60 new jobs in Cleveland

Ford is Hiring! 3.7-liter V6 for Mustang means 60 new jobs in Cleveland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gale Banks shooting for 200 mph in dieselpowered Sidewinder dragster

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Motorsports, Diesel, Racing

We saw Gale Banks' diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster at SEMA back in 2008, but that stationary display is not how the vehicle is meant to be experienced. No, this beast wants to move, and that's just what it'll do Saturday, March 6th at the Speedworld Dragstrip for NHRDA's Desert Diesel Nationals in Wittmann, AZ. There, the dragster is going to try and run the quarter-mile in the low-mid 6's "while emitting none of the black clouds of soot normally associated with diesel racing."

With 1,200 horsepower rumbling from its 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 from General Motors (or maybe something more powerful?) rocketing the Sidewinder down the track, we admit this isn't the greenest of vehicles - but if you can go 200 miles per hour, you might be able to change some minds about just what diesel is capable of. Banks said in a statement that this is his goal: "Diesel has cleaned up its act, and we're out to prove speed can come without the price of black smoke."

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Gale Banks diesel dragster

[Source: Gale Banks]

Continue reading Gale Banks shooting for 200 mph in diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster

Gale Banks shooting for 200 mph in diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutoblogGreen for 030110

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

	Pike Research predicts 2.8 million fuel cell vehicles sold by 2020 Who's buying?		eBay find of the day: 2001 Chrysler Sebring EV conversion Caveat emptor.
	Volkswagen Touareg hybrid costs almost €23K more than diesel in Germany That's a lot of diesel fuel.	Other news: Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? VW asks us to "Think Blue" now that we're done with "Think Small" Senate passes HIRE Act, which could bode well for cleaner transportation bills down the road

AutoblogGreen for 03.01.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Refreshed Skoda Fabia and Roomster revealed ahead of Geneva

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Skoda

Facelifted 2010 Škoka Fabia and Roomster - Click above for high-res image gallery

In just a little bit now there's going to be a party in Switzerland called the Geneva Motor Show, and Škoda is in on the BYOB action. The Czech brand will show off the facelifted Fabia, Fabia Estate and Roomster, along with their new engines. Both models get new grilles and so-called "3D-shaped headlamps" for "a more dynamic look" and to emphasize the width of the cars.

The power behind those new horizontals will be a new engine portfolio of four gas-powered units and two diesels that start at 60 horsepower and top out at 105. One of those gas engines, the 1.2-liter TSI with 105 hp, runs through a 7-speed DSG 'box and returns 53.3 imperial miles per gallon (44.4 U.S. mpg). Follow the jump for the complete specs, and have a look at the two cars in the photos below.

Gallery: Facelifted Skoda Fabia and Roomster for Geneva 2010

[Source: Škoda]

Continue reading Refreshed Skoda Fabia and Roomster revealed ahead of Geneva

Refreshed Skoda Fabia and Roomster revealed ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video Monster truck backflip a first for the sport

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you watched the Winter Olympics over the past few weeks, you likely witnessed some amazing flips and tricks by skiers and snowboarders alike. Pretty impressive, right? We think so, but if you're a monster truck fan you might be even more awestruck by what we have post-jump.

You may remember last year when Travis Pastrana tried unsuccessfully to do a backflip in the Nitro Circus monster truck. Fast forward one year and Pastrana's buddy Cam McQueen has succeeded where the famous daredevil has failed. Hit the jump to watch video proof of McQueen's accomplishment. The video is only 18 seconds long and it's short on production skills, but it ends with a bang as the multi-ton truck nails a near perfect backflip in front of thousands of monster truck fans.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Monster truck backflip a first for the sport

Video: Monster truck backflip a first for the sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Block Rockin Beat 100 Acre Woods rally results

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru, Off-Road, Racing

Ken Block wins 100 Acre Wood Rally in Ford Fiesta shown in testing above

He did it. Ken Block made it five-in-a-row at the 100 Acre Wood Rally, showing that his new Ford Fiesta is doing just as good for him as his old Subaru. Block and Alex Gelsomino were the overall winners of the Open Class in their Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta, but it wasn't easy for them. Block started the second leg more than a minute behind Subaru Rally Team USA's Travis Pastrana after having a bit of trouble on stage one. Although the Ford was pretty quick, Pastrana was quicker, as was Antoine L'Estage, the Rockstar Mitsubishi Evo driver who now leads the Rally America championship race with 34 points.

Pastrana was leading until he broke his left rear control arm on the Super Special Stage in Potosi. That put Block into the lead with L'Estage barreling down on him - that is until L'Estage also hit some bad luck, getting a flat on the second stage and battling low visibility conditions at a water crossing. Block charged on and never looked back, crossing the finish some 20 seconds ahead of the Evo. Privateer Bill Bacon grabbed the last step on the podium in his last-gen 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX. Despite some difficulties this year, Bacon has at least been consistent, and finds himself in second place in the championship standings with 28 points. Dave Mirra nabbed 4th, his best finish yet in Subaru Rally Team USA's 2010 STi.

Next up for Rally America will be the Olympus Rally in Olympia, Washington on April 24-25. Full results in the official press release after the jump. Hat tip to Jason!

[Source: Rally America]

Continue reading Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results

Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview Audi A1 etron is extendedrange EV with Wankel rotary generator

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Electric

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi still hasn't released any images of its new electric A1 e-tron concept, but it has revealed some details of the car. Unlike the two previous e-tron sports car concepts that were both pure battery electric models, this one is a range-extended EV. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the A1 e-tron uses a smaller battery pack that allows it to go up to 31 miles on a single charge with no emissions.

Once the battery is depleted, an internal combustion engine kicks in to drive a 15-kilowatt generator and keep the A1 going. However, unlike the Volt or Fisker Karma, the A1 is using a single-rotor Wankel engine to drive the generator. While Wankels are not renowned for their fuel efficiency (much the opposite in fact), in this application it could work well thanks to its high power density.

The range with the Wankel running is bumped up by another 124 miles to a total of 155. With only a 15kW generator available to sustain the battery, it will be interesting to see how much performance is degraded in that mode. Audi claims the A1 e-tron achieves 123.8 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the draft EU standard for ER-EVs. We should have more details tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator

Geneva Preview: Audi A1 e-tron is extended-range EV with Wankel rotary generator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots 2012 MercedesBenz AMG SLS roadster spotted in Affalterbach

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our man Chris Paukert had a layover in Germany this weekend on his way to the Geneva Motor Show that included a visit to the headquarters of AMG in Affalterbach. While there, a prototype SLS AMG Roadster made a suspiciously timed pass and pause while he and other journalists were walking around the compound. No matter the motivation, our man Paukert snagged a brace of shots and says that the droptop is expected to arrive as a 2012 model.

Aside from the folding top in place of the upward swinging gullwing doors, not much else is expected to change. Paukert got off-the-record confirmation from a company official, however, that the roadster will not immediately receive the new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that is going into the 2011 S63 sedan. Instead, it will carry over the 563-horsepower, normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 already on sale in the coupe.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS roadster spotted in Affalterbach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, First Drive, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M56S - Click above for high-res image gallery

What is an Infiniti? That's a pretty harsh question to be asking 20 years after the brand's debut, but sadly, it's pertinent. To be fair, the possible answers to this question got much narrower in 2003 when Infiniti introduced a legitimate BMW 3 Series competitor, the G35 (now G37). The situation further clarified that same year when the "Bionic Cheetah," known to the rest of us as the FX showed its (then) quite handsome face. But it was the 2005 introduction of the second generation M sedan that announced most loudly Infiniti's luxury-performance aspirations: to kick BMW in the back of the pants.

When it debuted, the M (specifically M45S) was a better sporting sedan than the BMW 545i. It had more power, it arguably handled better, and the heavily larded-on high-tech gizmos were worlds more user-friendly than BMW's first-generation iDrive (two minutes to tune in a radio station sucks). Only problem was father time, who simply wasn't kind to the ultimately frumpy looking M. While the rest of the world's sporting, mid-size sedans evolved into better, sharper, faster machines (see the astonishingly good Mercedes-Benz E-Class), the Infiniti M languished on the vine. A good car? Yes, for sure, but by its less-than-notable refresh in 2008, the M had became an also-ran. All it really had going for it was a lower price than the competition, which isn't exactly a strong selling point in such a cachet-conscious segment.

Recently, Infiniti invited the U.S. motoring press down to mostly-sunny San Diego to meet and drive its new 2011 M cars. Lo and behold, we think we may now know what an Infiniti is.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EuroFords first to get fourcylinder EcoBoost this summer

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Ford

Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine strategy to Europe this summer with the introduction of 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines. The EcoBoost range of turbocharged and direct injected gasoline engines debuted last summer here in North America with the launch of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Ford Taurus SHO, Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT.

Ford will debut refreshed versions of its S-Max and Galaxy minivans this summer, both of which will use the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that will also be available in the updated Edge later this year. In the European van applications, the 2.0-liter will be rated at 200 horsepower, which is on the low end for an engine of this type and displacement. Power numbers for the four-cylinder turbo in U.S. applications haven't yet been announced but will likely be in the 230-240 hp range to match the current 3.0-liter V6 used in the Fusion and Escape.

The smaller C-Max and Grand C-Max will be the first vehicles to use a 1.6-liter EcoBoost when they go on sale in the fall. The 1.6-liter will be offered in two power levels, 148 hp and 177 hp. For now Ford is only committing to installing the 1.6-liter in the two MPV variants. However, when we got our first preview of the Focus models that debuted in Detroit, Ford officials acknowledged that an EcoBoost-powered Focus would eventually join the 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine in North America.

American enthusiasts hoping for a chance to buy Ford's raucous 300-hp Focus RS that launched in Europe last year won't be getting that particular car. However, Ford is confirming this week at the Geneva Motor Show that a global performance car based on the new Focus is definitely coming with EcoBoost power. When the Explorer America Concept was unveiled in Detroit two years ago, Ford also talked about a 275-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which would certainly be plenty in the Focus, especially if it stays front-wheel drive.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer

Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

2012 Ford Focus wagon - Click above for high res-image gallery

With the debut of the 2012 Focus Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford has reached the halfway point in the roll-out of its new C-segment platform. When Ford first announced the new C-Max and Grand C-Max at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, it said the C platform would eventually spawn at least 10 different variants. The two MPVs were joined by the four- and five-door Focus at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The new station wagon is number five and we expect it to be joined by a three-door hatch and coupe-convertible in the coming months. Ford also revealed that a small SUV will join the C-segment lineup soon.

While the new wagon will likely be a popular configuration on the continent, there are currently no plans to make the estate available in North America. Frank Davis, executive director of North American product programs at Ford, told Autoblog that when a wagon was last offered as part of the U.S. Focus lineup, the market share never got over 14 percent and only hit four percent in the final year of availability.

Davis wouldn't rule out offering a wagon in the U.S. at some point if it were justified by market demand. Since Ford will be using common manufacturing processes for the new Focus globally and the lines are flexible, it would not be difficult to add production at the Michigan Assembly Plant where the North American Focus will be built. Davis emphasized that over 80 percent of the parts on the new Focus are common globally, considerably more than the 60 percent commonality on the new Fiesta.

Design-wise the new Focus wagon differs little from the sedan and five-door hatch. It is identical back to the B-pillars with only the extended roof-line and cargo area setting it apart. Ford has integrated the cargo rails into the roof in order to maintain the sleek looks of the latest iteration of its Kinetic design.

Inside the wagon gets the same up-scale interior shown in the sedan and hatch including the first European availability of the new MyFord Touch system as part of the latest generation of Sync technology. Unlike here in the U.S. where we will initially get only one 2.0-liter engine, Europeans will get a range of updated gas and diesel engines to choose from. Production of the Focus starts simultaneously late this year in Europe and the U.S.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva

2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fisker Karmas aluminum space frame digitally revealed

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

Fisker Karma Aluminum Space Frame - Click above for high-res image

Fisker Automotive has finally taken the digital wraps off the advanced aluminum space frame around which the Karma plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be built. In lieu of enjoying a new concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Fisker fans will have to make due with this peek at the bones of the Karma, the part that gives the luxury car its "new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics."

The frame is made with 5,000- and 6,000-series aluminum alloys. The all-knowing Wiki says the 5,000-series are "suitable for cryogenic applications and low temperature work" but are susceptible to corrosion above 60°C. The 6,000-series are made with magnesium and silicon alloys and "are easy to machine, and can be precipitation hardened, but not to the high strengths that 2000, and 7000 can reach. Now you know.

You can read the original press release announcing the aluminum space frame here.

[Source: Fisker]

Fisker Karma's aluminum space frame digitally revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Tesla, Electric

TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've ever wondered whether a Tesla Roadster can really rocket from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds, a new custom collectors edition of the electric sports car could allow you to verify that claim with a certain degree of accuracy. As part of its 150th anniversary commemorations, TAG Heuer has teamed up with Tesla Motors and will present the first fruit of their collaboration at the Geneva Motor Show.

The foucault field gray carbon-fiber shell with branding-appropriate mismatched mirrors houses an interior that has received special treatment from Tesla's chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, incorporating design elements from the Swiss watch maker and making room for both a one-fifth second Heuer limited edition stopwatch and a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone. The center console has been specifically constructed to cradle a "cutting edge concept watch" that will itself only be revealed a few weeks from now at the Baselworld watch and jewelry tradeshow. In a timely manner, please make your way past the break to peruse the press release that details their attempt to bring "technologically advanced art to life through motion."

Gallery: TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion

TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video Audi A1 takes to the test track

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

Click above to view the video after the jump

The relentless run-up to the Audi A1's official introduction at the Geneva Motor Show continues unabated, this time with a video of Markus Winkelhock taking the A1 for a spin around Audi's test track in Neustadt, Germany.

The current DTM pilot for Audi gushes about the A1's communicative steering and compliant suspension, while Dr. Horst Glaser, Audi's Head of Chassis Development, hypes up the lightweight construction and quick 14.8:1 steering ratio. It's not the most compelling video, but it's nice to see the premium hatch finally on the road. And we've got to admit that the A1 looks noticeably better blacked out, without the slightly contrived aluminum roof trim. See for yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A1

Continue reading Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track

Video: Audi A1 takes to the test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Quit pulling my Leggera 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo 5704 Superleggera set for Geneva debut

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo L 570-4 Superleggera - Click above for high-res image gallery

In case you hadn't noticed, the 2010 Geneva Motor Show is about to start and one of the big debuts on day one will be this, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. It's the first successor to the original Gallardo Superleggera ("superlight" in Italian) that debuted in 2007 and will sit atop the Gallardo range as the little Lambo to beat.

Just like the first car, the new 570-4 Superleggera is 70 kilograms, or 154 lbs, lighter than the Gallardo below it, in this case the LP 560-4. Its dry weight is just 2,954 lbs, which itself is far below the last superlight Gallardo at 3,153 lbs. Whereas that car was powered by 5.0 liters of V10 fury producing 530 horsepower, the new 570-4 model is propelled by a direct-injected 5.2-liter V10 of the same origin making its namesake 570 hp. Add the lighter weight to the increased power and you get a 0-62 mile per hour time of 3.4 seconds and top speed of 202 mph.

Lots of carbon fiber help make the light weight possible, while 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber, optional carbon ceramic disc brakes, permanent all-wheel drive (hence the "-4" in its name) and a six-speed e-gear transmission round out the supporting cast of performance hardware.

Follow the jump for Lamborghini's complete (and extremely exhaustive) press release and stay tuned tomorrow for our first live pics of the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera from the show floor.

Gallery: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Quit pulling my Leggera: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera set for Geneva debut

Quit pulling my Leggera: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota Recommended ratings next week

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker's current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.

At the end of January as news was starting to pile up regarding reported cases of unintended acceleration and the subsequent recalls of nine Toyota models (totaling 2.3 million vehicles), CR decided to pull its Recommended rating from the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix (and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe), RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra.

Says Champion, "We're looking at a daily basis at the recalls. We want to be sure that the recalls are being performed." Assuming that Toyota's efforts to repair faulty gas pedals remain on track, it would seem CR has enough faith in the automaker to give back its coveted Recommended ratings.

And what of suggestions that there may be more to Toyota's unintended acceleration woes than faulty floor mats and gas pedals? "We want to see if anything bubbles up from the Senate hearings... A lot of people pointed to the electronics, but I don't see anything at the moment that points to an electronic issue."

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche 918 Spyder plugin hybrid concept gets 78 mpg hits 62 mph in 32 seconds

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here you go, have your cake and eat it too. Porsche is looking to prove that the best of both worlds don't have to be mutually exclusive with the 918 Spyder concept scheduled to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Looking a bit like a Carrera GT evolved, the 918 Spyder is powered by both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) producing an additional 218 hp or 160kW. At full gallop, the concept can theoretically reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and nip 198 mph on the high end. On the flip side, Porsche says it can also achieve 78 miles per gallon and emit just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

How does a supercar have such range? Well, the 918 Spyder concept is a parallel hybrid just like your mom's Prius (well not just like). That means the two powertrains, gas and electric, can operate together or separately to motivate the wheels into motion. There are no less than four modes that configure the powertrains for anything from maximum efficiency to maximum performance and everything in between. The E-Drive mode means pure electric power, and the car can reportedly last up to 16 miles on electrons alone. Next up is Hybrid mode, which is just what it sounds like and would probably be the mode for everyday around town driving. The Sport Hybrid mode again uses both powertrains, but tips the needle a bit more towards performance with most power reaching the rear wheels. Finally, the Race Hybrid mode means all systems are go for the lowest lap times possible (Porsche says it can do the Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes). There's an even a push-to-pass button (if only it were that easy) that adds a bit of E-boost on the straights and, of course, regenerative braking is present and accounted for.

Lastly, take a good look at the interior because Porsche says it offers a glimpse at future interiors from the automaker. Sounds good enough to buy so far, right? Too bad, because it's just a concept. We'll bring you live shots of the 918 Spyder concept tomorrow after it debuts in Geneva, so sit tight.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds

Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report Global highperformance Ford Focus variant to spawn US SVT version?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

Next-gen Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may not be an earth-shattering revelation or anything - Ford's own Jost Capito said about as much a couple weeks back - but Ford has reportedly confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show that it is merging its European and American high-performance divisions into one unit. First up on The Blue Oval's hi-po radar will be a hotted-up version of the new next-gen Focus.

Will the car carry an ST, RS or SVT badge? That we don't yet know. Nor do we know what engine will be powering the hot hatch, though our best guess (which goes along nicely with rumormill fodder) would be a four-cylinder EcoBoost. Perhaps Ford will find a few more ponies lurking within in its new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected mill. We'd also gladly take the Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox.

All-wheel or front-wheel drive? Dunno. Hatchback bodyshell? Probably, and we hope so. Sale date? No clue, but certainly not before 2011 hits and probably well into the year. Price? We'll see. Clearly, there are way more questions than answers at this point, but you can consider our interest officially piqued by the notion of a return to real performance from Ford's neglected (in the U.S. at least) Focus platform.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Global 'high-performance' Ford Focus variant to spawn U.S. SVT version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Now Offical Lexus CT 200h !

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gatewa...

Reader Comments

Mugen new Kit for the Honda CRZ now available!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Honda just announced their CR-Z and proposed a quite elegant Modulo Kit for its new sport Hybrid that is now the time to enjoy Mugen’s kit of the CR-Z.
More aggressive our new kit will either prized or h...

Reader Comments

AllNew CRZ Hybrid Vehicle Introduced in Japan

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I have personally been waiting for some quite some time now to get something amazing exciting to drive from Honda, and now since their latest real sport car, my beloved S2000 has been officially discontinued, I...

Reader Comments

European Premiere for the New Infiniti M Line

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Infiniti, the world’s newest luxury automotive brand, squares up to Europe’s traditional executive car hierarchy for the first time with the global motor show debut in Geneva today of the M Line – a powerful, f...

Reader Comments

Pike Research predicts 28 million fuel cell vehicles sold by 2020

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Hydrogen

Pike Research has read some high-tech tea leaves and thinks that, by the end of 2020, 2.8 million light duty fuel cell vehicle (FCV) sales will have occurred. While we can't say if their FCV prediction (summary in PDF) is more accurate than their short term plug-in prognostication, or their medium-term electric two-wheeler forecasting, they certainly seem to have a firm grip on who the players in the hydrogen space are and have interviewed a good number of people to prepare this report. While some other reports recently have had accusations of bias hurled after them, the company does make a point of saying that they are independently run and have endeavored to produce an impartial look at the unfolding market "unfettered by technology hype, political agendas, or emotional factors that are inherent in cleantech markets."

According to Pike Research, whether the FCV future plays out as predicted will hinge on two things: the growth of hydrogen supply infrastructure and improvements in the "durability and efficiency" of the fuel cell itself. The firm has faith that automakers can meet their targets but is a little less sure whether governments and gas companies will make the investments necessary to grow the segment beyond the niche level in the first years of commercialization. Feel free to unfetter your own feelings about their findings in the comment section after the break.

[Source: Pike Research via Green Car Congress]

Pike Research predicts 2.8 million fuel cell vehicles sold by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Avis will rent out Renault electric vehicles starting in 2011

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault

Renault Fluence ZE concept - click above for high-res image gallery

For those in Europe that want to try out life with a battery electric car but aren't necessarily ready to commit full time, Avis may have just the deal for you. The Renault-Nissan alliance has made the biggest commitment to electric vehicles of any automaker. Starting in 2011, Avis will be making Renault electric vehicles available for rent through its outlets in Europe as part of its green fleet (see more on this green fleet here).

Renault will introduce four electric vehicles between late 2010 and 2012, including the Fluence sedan (above) and Kangoo MPV. Avis has not announced what the pricing model will be for the EVs or even which vehicles will be available. Given the limitations of electric vehicles, renting one for several days would seem like a good way for potential customers to evaluate the option.

Gallery: Renault Fluence ZE concept

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Avis will rent out Renault electric vehicles starting in 2011

Avis will rent out Renault electric vehicles starting in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports releases annual list of American Top Picks Ford Fusion Hybrid the big winner

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Each year that Consumer Reports offers up its annual list of Top American Picks, it seems less and less a consolation bracket and more like a reasonable set of choices. To wit, if you wanted the very best family-sized SUV (Chevrolet Traverse) or fullsize pickup truck (Chevrolet Silverado), Consumer Reports will tell you that you're best off choosing American, regardless of which list its from.

Further, CR has found the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan twins have proven to be more reliable than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Blasphemy, you say? To borrow a marketing phrase from the Blue Oval itself, drive one and find out for yourself. We have, and we found out that it's a great car. Apparently, it's also reliable. Not surprisingly, the Fusion managed to earn two more awards in its hybrid guise, including CR's Best Overall Car.

All told, seven of the 10 awards handed out by CR went to Ford - an impressive performance. Two Top Picks were filled by vehicles from General Motors while Chrysler didn't have a single model on the list, which isn't particularly surprising since the Dodge Ram is the only model from the Pentastar that CR even recommends. Click here to check out the rest of the winners from CR.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports releases annual list of American Top Picks, Ford Fusion Hybrid the big winner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Will there soon be significant overcapacity in global lithiumion battery market?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily

Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are a lot of unknowns concerning the upcoming plug-in vehicle market expansion, but we don't often hear that we might have too many lithium-ion batteries in the coming decade. Nonetheless, that's what a new report from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants called "Powertrain 2020: Li-ion batteries - The next bubble ahead?" suggests. Specifically, RBSC believes that the U.S. and Japan are building so much li-ion battery making capacity that, between 2014 and 2017, we'll see "significant overcapacity" relative to the demand. RBSC writes:

Given the announced investments, capacity in 2015 will already reach 200% of the demand projected for 2016. In addition, not all investments have been announced; as-yet unknown investments by key players will lead to further overcapacity, and national subsidies will stimulate even more investments.

Who'da thunk it?

All of this overcapacity, RBSC says, will severely decrease the number of battery manufacturers that will be able to survive. In fact, RBSC predicts that just six to eight "global battery manufacturers" will survive through that timeframe, out of about 60 today.

[Source: Roland Berger Strategy Consultants via Green Car Congress]

Will there soon be "significant overcapacity" in global lithium-ion battery market? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

UK to give up to £5000 for ultra low carbon vehicles

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Mitsubishi, Tesla Motors, Legislation and Policy, UK

Would-be buyers, both individuals and businesses, of certain low emission vehicles in the UK will be offered a sweet incentive starting in 2011. How does 25 percent off the purchase price, up to £5,000 ($7,618 at today's rates), sound to you? The fiscal inducement will be available for purchases of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), hydrogen-fueled vehicles and battery-powered electrics (BEVs) that meet emissions, performance and safety criteria. The barriers to the bounty include a CO2 output of no more than 75 grams per kilometer. As well, BEVs must have a range of 70 miles (113 kilometers) while PHEVs need to be capable of at least 10 miles (16 km) before the petrol starts burning. All vehicles must be capable of reaching 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour), come with at least a three-year warranty and meet crash standards.

With £230 million ($350.4 million) in the program that runs until 2014, the line-up of people ready to take advantage of extra cash at purchase time may find themselves facing a small choice of vehicles. When things kick off next January, the menu will consist of Mitsubishi i MiEVs and Tesla Roadsters (if there are even Roadsters still available). As the year progresses, the number of choices is expected to expand with the Nissan Leaf becoming available in March and market entrances may be made by the Reva NXR and the Opel Ampera. The program will be reviewed one year after its implementation and any changes deemed necessary will go into effect by April of 2012. Hit the jump for bonus videos of Britain's ITV News' take on electric cars featuring (mostly) Mitsubishi's Japanese jellybean.

[Source: Guardian / Department for Transport]

Continue reading UK to give up to £5000 for ultra low carbon vehicles

UK to give up to £5000 for ultra low carbon vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Senate passes HIRE Act which could bode well for cleaner transportation bills down the road

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

As we said the other day, even with the debate over health care reform sucking the media's attention, the U.S. Senate is busy with a lot of non-HCR items. There's the debate over the EPA's endangerment finding with regards to greenhouse gases, for one. Another bit of transportation-related news is the Senate's passage of the HIRE Act, which Wired considers the Senate's "first major piece of legislation in 2010."

While the bill is most concerned with jobs (HIRE stands for Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act), there are a lot of transportation infrastructure items in the language. Most importantly, the HIRE Act extends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users and recapitalizes the Highway Trust Fund, which means highway funds will keep flowing. Yes, we're still a car-loving nation, but the bill does have a bit of love for cleaner transportation. For example, it says:

The HIRE Act would extend funding for the Metropolitan and Statewide Planning; Urbanized Area Formula Program; Clean Fuels Grant Program; Fixed Guideway Modernization; Bus and Bus-Related Equipment and Facilities; Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities; Other Than Urbanized Area Formula Program; Job Access Reverse Commute; New Freedom; Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program; National Transit Database; Alternatives Analysis; Growing States and High Density States; Over the Road Bus Accessibility Program ; Research Programs, including University Centers at the 2009 authorized levels through December 31, 2010. The HIRE Act would extend Capital Investment Grants and FTA Administration at the FY 2010 appropriated levels through December 31, 2010.

We admit we can't really understand all of that, but any piece of legislation that talks about clean fuels and bus programs can't be all bad, can it? Wired explains that the real benefits of this bill could come a little later this year as a result of the sausage-making that was required to pass the HIRE Act. Get the details here.

[Source: U.S. Senate via Wired | Image: woodleywonderworks - C.C. License 2.0]

Senate passes HIRE Act, which could bode well for cleaner transportation bills down the road originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay find of the day 2001 Chrysler Sebring EV conversion

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler

For those of you who can't wait for a factory-built electric vehicle, and can't swing the cash for a Tesla Roadster, a seller on eBay is offering up a recently converted 2001 Chrysler Sebring. This is the previous-generation Sebring, before the design went from plain to hideous.

As this is written, there are still five day left to bid on this Sebring and the price tag is at $4,276. While this may seem like quite a deal, potential bidders might want to read the whole description before proceeding. The car was converted by ATC of Texas just a few months ago. The current owner has only put 100 miles on the car and blames tough economic times for selling. We can't help but suspect a bit of buyer's remorse as well.

The engine compartment and trunk are stuffed with 24 6-volt flooded lead acid batteries. That is enough to yield about 20-30 miles of realistic range. You can apparently push it 45 miles in some circumstances, but that's not recommended since it shortens the battery life. No trunk space is left and the back end of the car rides pretty low as a result of all that weight. Since it looks like the suspension has not been upgraded to cope with the mass, this thing will probably ride pretty rough. Also, you'll probably want to charge it outdoors since the batteries give off hydrogen gas as they are being stuffed with electrons. If all of those warnings haven't already made you turn away, you can check out the auction here. Thanks to Joe for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

eBay find of the day: 2001 Chrysler Sebring EV conversion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report Audi to unveil A1 based etron concept in Geneva

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Audi, Geneva Motor Show

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi will finally show off the new A1 mini-car this week at the Geneva Motor Show. As usual, it will be available in Europe with an array of gas and diesel engines. In an interesting twist, though, a French web-site is reporting that Audi will also show a third e-tron concept based on the A1. If Audi sticks with the pattern it started at Detroit, this one will be dubbed the e-tron Geneva Concept car. Reports that Audi plans to build a electric version of the A1 for the road have circulated for some time.

While Audi plans to build a limited run of the R8 based e-tron that debuted at Frankfurt, an electric car based on the new A1 is most likely to be the brand's first volume plug-in vehicle. Small, limited-range, urban commuter vehicles like the A1 will probably dominate the electric car arena for the foreseeable future until battery costs come down. A tip of the hat to quattroholic!

[Source: Le Buzz Auto via quattroholic.com]

Report: Audi to unveil A1 based e-tron concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gale Banks Power team shooting for 200 mph in dieselpowered Sidewinder dragster

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Diesel, Racing

We saw Gale Banks' diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster at SEMA back in 2008, but that stationary display is not how the vehicle is meant to be experienced. No, this beast wants to move, and that's just what it'll do Saturday, March 6th at the Speedworld Dragstrip for NHRDA's Desert Diesel Nationals in Wittmann, AZ. There, the dragster is going to try and run the quarter-mile in the low-mid 6's "while emitting none of the black clouds of soot normally associated with diesel racing." With a 1,200 hp General Motors Duramax 6.6L diesel V8 (or maybe something more powerful?) rocketing the Sidewinder down the track, we admit this isn't the greenest of vehicles, but if you can go 200 miles per hour, you might be able to change some minds about just what diesel is capable of. Banks said in a statement that this is his goal: "Diesel has cleaned up its act, and we're out to prove speed can come without the price of black smoke."

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Gale Banks diesel dragster

[Source: Gale Banks]

Continue reading Gale Banks' Power team shooting for 200 mph in diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster

Gale Banks' Power team shooting for 200 mph in diesel-powered Sidewinder dragster originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autocar tries to lay out Toyotas future Prius hybrid path new models coming spring of 2011?

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Toyota will launch its next couple of hybrid vehicles under the Prius banner in the spring of 2011. The two new bodystyles will include a Prius-based wagon and an MPV, or minivan. After that, the Japanese automaker, which is currently embroiled in a number of safety and recall campaigns, will turn its attention to a sporty coupe model that would theoretically go up against the new Honda CR-Z.

Expect that coupe to have a similar look and feel to the FT-CH concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, Toyota is said to be developing a hybrid powertrain for its RAV4 compact SUV. None of this news should come as a surprise, considering Toyota's stated goal of hybridizing its entire model line and the revelation in Detroit that future hybrids would likely fall under a Prius sub-family within Toyota.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW asks us to Think Blue now that were done with Think Small

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Volkswagen

For years, European automakers (mostly) have used the color blue to identify their eco-friendly vehicles and initiatives, forgoing the green emphasis on this side of the pond. We have Hyundai's Blue-Will, Mercedes' Bluetec and so on. Heck, back in 2007, advertising agency JWT predicted a lingo shift from green to blue in 2008. Green still rules the environmental word world, but blue is making its presence known.

Volkswagen has heavily promoted its Bluemotion brand for the past few years and the company is now starting a "Think Blue" campaign tomorrow to show that, "Environmental protection is the top priority for Volkswagen." Conveniently, VW's logo already contains some blue in it, so if you happen to Think VW when you Think Blue, we're sure VW salespeople won't mind.

Back in the 1960's, VW had a "Think Small" campaign to promote the Beetle, and the company sees this new slogan as an evolution of that successful sales push. VW promises the traditional print and TV ads, as well as "web specials and an e-game for iPhone and iPod Touch." We'll think about that what we want to think, thank you very much.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading VW asks us to "Think Blue" now that we're done with "Think Small"

VW asks us to "Think Blue" now that we're done with "Think Small" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche 918 Spyder plugin hybrid concept gets 78 mpg hits 62 mph in 32 seconds

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Porsche 918 Spyder concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here you go, have your cake and eat it too. Porsche is looking to prove that the best of both worlds don't have to be mutually exclusive with the 918 Spyder concept scheduled to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Looking a bit like a Carrera GT evolved, the 918 Spyder is powered by both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) producing an additional 218 horsepower or 160kW. At full gallop, the concept can theoretically reach 62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds and nip 198 mph on the high end. On the flip side, Porsche says it can also achieve 78 miles per gallon and emit just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

How does a supercar have such range? Well, the 918 Spyder concept is a parallel hybrid just like your mom's Prius (well not just like). That means the two powertrains, gas and electric, can operate together or separately to motivate the wheels into motion. There are no less than four modes that configure the powertrains for anything from maximum efficiency to maximum performance and everything in between. The E-Drive mode means pure electric power, and the car can reportedly last up to 16 miles on electrons alone. Next up is Hybrid mode, which is just what it sounds like and would probably be the mode for everyday around town driving. The Sport Hybrid mode again uses both powertrains, but tips the needle a bit more towards performance with most power reaching the rear wheels. Finally, the Race Hybrid mode means all systems are go for the lowest lap times possible (Porsche says it can do the Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes). There's an even a push-to-pass button (if only it were that easy) that adds a bit of E-boost on the straights and, of course, regenerative braking is present and accounted for.

Lastly, take a good look at the interior because Porsche says it offers a glimpse at future interiors from the automaker. Sounds good enough to buy so far, right? Too bad, because it's just a concept. We'll bring you live shots of the 918 Spyder concept tomorrow after it debuts in Geneva, so sit tight.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds

Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2010 Audi says electric mobility is idiotic integral

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Audi, Geneva Motor Show

Audi E-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember when Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said that the Chevy Volt was a car for idiots and that pure electric vehicles were "for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are"? Good times. Unfortunately for de Nysschen, his company is pushing forward with electric mobility in a strong manner, so much so that the company is calling hybrid and plug-in vehicles an "integrated concept."

In Geneva, for example, Audi will unveil the A1 e-tron electric vehicle (EV) with a Wankel range extender for the first time. The company is also unveiling a Q5 hybrid in 2010 and customers can order a A8 hybrid starting in late 2011. The A8 concept has decently low CO2 emissions numbers for a full-size sedan, just 144 grams per kilometer. And Audi hopes to do with e-tron what it did for Quattro.

Whatever de Nysschen's personal feelings are on plug-ins and hybrids, Audi is showing that it does not think that electric vehicles are totally idiotic. In fact, Rupert Stadler, Audi AG's chairman of the board of management, said in a statement that, "We shall offer electric power in the best possible forms for a wide range of mobility needs. The hybrid driveline will be followed by all-electric vehicles." Michael Dick, a member of the Audi AG's board of management for technical development said that plug-in vehicles will certainly play a role for some drivers, "The strength of the electric car clearly lies in the urban mobility area, where the demand for emission-free local transportation will strongly increase." Read more about Audi's "integrated concept" for EVs after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi says electric mobility is ~~idiotic~~ integral

Geneva 2010: Audi says electric mobility is ~~idiotic~~ integral originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen announces electrification plan 500 Golf EVs in 2011

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen

Volkswagen e-up! concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

A day before the opening of the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn has announced a plan for electrifying the brand's model lineup. While the absurdly expensive new Touareg hybrid probably won't make much of a dent in the market, VW plans to move forward quickly with more mass market vehicles. First up will be a test fleet of 500 battery-powered Golfs coming next year.

The Golfs will be followed in 2012 by a production hybrid version of the next-generation Jetta for the U.S. market. It makes sense for VW to launch the Jetta hybrid in the U.S. since this is the largest market for both hybrids and Jettas. The Jetta will be followed by hybrid versions of the Golf and Passat in 2013.

2013 will be a busy year for battery-powered cars at VW. The E-Up! (pictured), which was shown as a concept last fall in Frankfurt, will go into full production in 2013 as VW's first mass produced electric vehicle. That will be followed later the same year by full electric drive versions of the Golf and Jetta. Volkswagen is aiming to be the market leader in electric drive by 2018. Nissan, watch out.

Gallery: Volkswagen e-up! concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen announces electrification plan, 500 Golf EVs in 2011

Volkswagen announces electrification plan, 500 Golf EVs in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva preview Audi A1 etron extended range EV with Wankel rotary

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Audi, Geneva Motor Show

2011 Audi A1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi still hasn't released any photos of its new electric A1 concept but it has revealed some details of the car. Unlike the two previous e-tron sports car concepts that were both pure battery electric models, this one is a range extended electric vehicle (EV). Like the Chevrolet Volt, the A1 e-tron uses a smaller battery pack that allows it to go up to 31 miles on single charge with no emissions.

Once the battery is depleted, an internal combustion engine kicks on to drive a 15 kilowatt generator and keep the A1 going. However, unlike the Volt or Fisker Karma, the A1 is using a single rotor Wankel engine to drive the generator. While Wankels are not renowned for their fuel efficiency (much the opposite in fact) in this application it could work well thanks to its high power density.

The range with the Wankel running is bumped up by another 124 miles to a total of 155. With only a 15 kW generator available to sustain the battery, it will be interesting to see how much performance is degraded in that mode. Audi claims the A1 e-tron achieves 123.8 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the draft EU standard for ER-EVs. We should have more details tomorrow.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Geneva preview: Audi A1 e-tron extended range EV with Wankel rotary

Geneva preview: Audi A1 e-tron extended range EV with Wankel rotary originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EuroFords first to get fourcylinder EcoBoost this summer

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Ford, Geneva Motor Show

Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine strategy to Europe this summer with the introduction of 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engines. The EcoBoost range of turbocharged and direct injected gasoline engines debuted last summer here in North America with the launch of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Ford Taurus SHO, Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT.

Ford will debut refreshed versions of its S-Max and Galaxy minivans this summer, both of which will use the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that will also be available in the updated Edge later this year. In the European van applications, the 2.0-liter will be rated at 200 horsepower, which is on the low end for an engine of this type and displacement. Power numbers for the four-cylinder turbo in U.S. applications haven't yet been announced, but will likely be in the 230-240 horsepower range to match the current 3.0-liter V6 used in the Fusion and Escape.

The smaller C-Max and Grand C-Max will be the first vehicles to use a 1.6-liter EcoBoost when they go on sale in the fall. The 1.6-liter will be offered in two power levels, 148 hp and 177 hp. For now, Ford is only committing to installing the 1.6-liter in the two MPV variants. However, when we got our first preview of the Focus models that debuted in Detroit, Ford officials acknowledged that an EcoBoost-powered Focus would eventually join the 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine in North America.

American enthusiasts hoping for a chance to buy Ford's raucous 300-hp Focus RS that launched in Europe last year won't be getting that particular car. However, Ford is confirming this week at the Geneva Motor Show that a global performance car based on the new Focus is definitely coming with EcoBoost power. When the Explorer America Concept was unveiled in Detroit two years ago, Ford also talked about a 275-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which would certainly be plenty in the Focus, especially if it stays front-wheel drive.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer

Euro-Fords first to get four-cylinder EcoBoost this summer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva preview TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Geneva Motor Show, Europe/EU

TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gallery: TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Geneva preview: TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion

Geneva preview: TAG Heuer teams with Tesla in timely fashion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

A canary? CA electric vehicle dealership closes as market gets tough for NEVs

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

Businesses that have tried to capitalize on a perceived demand for zero emissions cars in the last few years are finding their lot in life to be just as difficult, if not more so, than as those selling traditional vehicles. In 2007 and 2008, as gas prices steadily climbed north of $4 a gallon, numerous entrepreneurs decided to try their hands at selling electric vehicles (EVs), including Marc Korchin who opened Green Motors in Berkeley, California.

Korchin tried to sell the Zenn neighborhood electric vehicle. However, the limitations of these low speed EVs generally only made them suitable as second or third vehicles for private owners. When the economy took a dive in 2008, consumers found it increasingly difficult to justify such an expenditure, no matter what their environmental leanings. Korchin has now lost his investment, as have many others in the same business, including dealers of Zap Xebras and other similar vehicles. Several manufacturers of NEVs have also gone bust or gotten out of the business in the last couple of years in including American Electric Vehicles and Zenn. With full function electrics coming to market later this year, life is going to get even tougher for those selling NEVs.

[Source: San Jose Mercury News]

A canary? CA electric vehicle dealership closes as market gets tough for NEVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report MercedesBenz to launch first diesel hybrid this year

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Mercedes Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It is being reported that Mercedes-Benz will launch its first diesel hybrid vehicle late this year when it kicks off production of the E300 Bluetec hybrid. Until now, automakers have shied away from diesel hybrids because of the high cost of adding electric drive to the existing diesel premium. Instead of using a power-split hybrid like the two-mode system used in the ML450, Mercedes will use the modular mild hybrid system found in the S400 sedan.

The 15 kilowatt electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission while a compact lithium ion battery resides under-hood in place of a lead-acid starter battery. The engine will be the 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel already found in the European-market E250. The diesel hybrid combination could hit 47 mpg (U.S.). There's no indication yet if the diesel hybrid will come to the U.S. market, but we wouldn't hold our breath.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Mercedes-Benz to launch first diesel hybrid this year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview Fisker Karmas aluminum space frame digitally revealed

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Fisker

Fisker Karma Aluminum Space Frame - Click above for high-res image

Fisker Automotive has finally taken the digital wraps off of the advanced aluminum space frame that the Karma plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be built around. In lieu of enjoying a new concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Fisker fans will have to make due with this peek at the bones of the Karma, the part that gives the luxury car its "new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics." The frame is made with 5,000- and 6,000-series aluminum alloys, which the all-knowing Wiki says are "suitable for cryogenic applications and low temperature work. However is susceptible to corrosion above 60°C" (the 5,000-series) and are made with magnesium and silicon alloys, "are easy to machine, and can be precipitation hardened, but not to the high strengths that 2000, and 7000 can reach" (the 6,000-series). Know you know.

You can read the original press release announcing the aluminum space frame here.

[Source: Fisker]

Geneva Preview: Fisker Karma's aluminum space frame digitally revealed originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Look 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche's Contentious SUV Gets Hybrid-ized, Sheds Some Pounds

Go ahead Porsche purists, sigh once again. The controversial Cayenne soldiers on into a second generation thanks in large part to a successful worldwide sales campaign launched in 2002. As one might expect, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne improves on many of the outgoing's traits while getting a boost in fuel economy and in some cases, more power. And of course, the Cayenne lineup is even greener thanks to a new hybrid model.inline_mediumwraptextright26960753/features/news/1002_2011_porsche_cayenne2011-porsche-cayenne-turbo-front.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayenne - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Driven 2010 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Driven: 2010 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

All swan songs should be this good.

You might recall one of the great automotive oddities of the aughts: the Volkswagen Touareg with a 5.0-liter turbo-diesel V-10 engine, one which produced an absurd 553 lb-ft of torque but raised the price of entry for this supposedly mainstream SUV to an equally absurd $70,000. Those who closed their eyes and wrote the check invariably loved their ten-cylinder kid haulers, but you have to admit that it was a bit extreme, and eventually VW dropped the V-10 because it wasn't worth updating it to meet new American emissions regulations.inline_mediumwraptextright28127110/green/reviews/1004_2010_volkswagen_touareg_tdi1004_01_z+2010_volkswagen_touareg_tdi+taillight.jpgTrue

2010 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

For Jeep, this Compass certainly points in the wrong direction.

Jeep wants this Compass to be a small SUV competitor, but I have a hard time seeing it as much more than a Dodge Caliber compact car. It may ride a little taller, drive all four wheels, and offer high-end features like navigation, but there's not much utility here. And as the Compass combines unparalleled levels of ho-hum and ugly, it is certifiable insanity that Jeep would build even one of these cars at a price of $30,130.inline_mediumwraptextright26939030/reviews/editors_notebook/1002_2010_jeep_compass_limited_4x41002_01_z+2010_jeep_compass_limited_4x4+rear_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4 - Jeep Compact SUV Review - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2010 Fiat Abarth 500C

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Fiat Abarth 500C

Good news for those who can’t decide between a Fiat 500C convertible or the hot Abarth 500.

Good news for those who can’t decide between a Fiat 500C convertible or the hot Abarth 500: Fiat’s in-house tuning wing revealed it’s launching a model that combines the two -- the Abarth 500C -- at the 2010 Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright32411229/features/news/1002_2010_fiat_abarth_500c1002_01_z+2010_fiat_abarth_500c+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Fiat Abarth 500C - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

New BMW X3 Flames Final Flicker

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

New BMW X3: Flame's Final Flicker

The next X3 may be the last BMW with "flame surfaces."

This fall at the Paris auto show, we'll see the follow-up to the BMW X3. Its dimensions are very close to those of the first-generation X5, but its sheetmetal is adorned with a farewell selection of "flame surfaces" one can attribute only to recently departed chief designer Chris Bangle.

Inside, we're promised a major cabin upgrade. Look for an integrated, rather than pop-up, navigation screen, BMW's joystick transmission lever, and the latest iDrive controller. New options will include active steering, radar-based cruise control, a head-up display, night vision, and lane-departure warning. The cargo volume increases only marginally, from 55.1 to 56.5 cubic feet, but that's enough to keep rivals such as the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK at bay. What about the X3's greatest current weakness, its subpar ride quality? Klaus Draeger, board member in charge of research and development, responds: "Although the new X3 is even more competent and rewarding to drive, we also made sure that the ride comfort is up to scratch. The revised suspension is more progressive, more responsive, and more compliant overall."inline_mediumwraptextright32091177/features/news/1003_new_bmw_x31003_07_z+bMW_x3+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

First Look 2010 Lancia Ypsilon ELLE and Lancia Musa Audrey

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Lancia Ypsilon ELLE and Lancia Musa Audrey

If there’s one synergy we can spot between the Chrysler and Lancia marques, it’s a love for tarted-up special-edition models.

If there’s one synergy we can spot between the Chrysler and Lancia marques, it’s a love for tarted-up special-edition models. Chrysler rolled out a number of such vehicles (the 300 S6 and S8, to name a few) at the Detroit show, and it appears Lancia will do the same during the 2010 Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright26961422/features/news/1002_2010_lancia_ypsilon_elle_musa_audrey1002_03_z+2010_lancia_ypsilon_ELLE+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Lancia Ypsilon ELLE and Lancia Musa Audrey - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Kias Product Portfolio Plans Up From The Bargain Basement

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Kia's Product Portfolio Plans: Up From The Bargain Basement

Fast-growing Kia isn't slowing down this year or next.

Even more stealthily than its sister division, Hyundai, Kia has been climbing the sales charts, growing some eight percent even in disastrous 2009. This year and next will see a major overhaul to Kia's product portfolio, which now spans eleven models.inline_mediumwraptextright32090592/features/news/1003_kias_product_portfolio_plans1003_01_z+2011_kia_+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: Kia's Product Portfolio Plans - Sorento, Sportage, Cadenza, Forte - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2010 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept

While it has long been associated with British Racing Green, Lotus seems to be turning a different shade of green these days.

While it has long been associated with British Racing Green, Lotus seems to be turning a different shade of green these days. After showing us a number of biofuel and eco-friendly Exiges, the automaker teased this image of the Evora 414E, a series hybrid which will debut next week at the 2010 Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright28211980/green/news/1002_2010_lotus_evora_414e_hybrid_concept1002_01_z+2010_lotus_evora_414E_hybrid_concept+engine.jpgTrue

First Look 2010 Hyundai iflow Concept

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Hyundai i-flow Concept

We’ve already seen one teaser image of the Hyundai i-flow HED-7 concept, but the automaker released an image of the front of the show car as well.

We’ve already seen one teaser image of the Hyundai i-flow HED-7 concept, but the automaker released an image of the front of the show car as well.inline_mediumwraptextright26960915/green/news/1002_2010_hyundai_iflow_concept1002_01_z+2010_hyundai_i-flow_concept+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Hyundai i-flow Concept - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Collectible Classic 19841991 Ferrari Testarossa

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Collectible Classic: 1984-1991 Ferrari Testarossa

The world's reddest car.

I was reprimanded within the first few seconds of driving this showroom-perfect 1990 Ferrari Testarossa. "I saw that. You shifted at six grand," said the man in the passenger seat. I gulped. I'm in trouble. "Next time don't let off before seven - let it go deep into the red. Oh, and keep the revs over 3000 at all times."inline_mediumwraptextright32192823/features/collectible_classic/1003_1984_1991_ferrari_testarossa1003_01_z+1990_ferrari_testarossa+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 1984-1991 Ferrari Testarossa - Collectible Classic Car, Vintage Cars - Automobile Magazine

BMW X5 Wallpaper Gallery Namibia Africa

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

BMW X5 Wallpaper Gallery - Namibia, Africa

These images of BMW X5s in Africa are perfect for livening up your desktop.
Photo Gallery: BMW X5 in Namibia, Africa - High Resolution Wallpaper-Quality Photo Gallery - Automobile Magazine

First Look BMW Concept 5series ActiveHybrid

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: BMW Concept 5-series ActiveHybrid

As BMW proliferates its EfficientDynamics hybrid technology throughout its lineup, the next logical choice to receive the treatment has long been the 5-series, of which a new model has just debuted.

As BMW proliferates its EfficientDynamics hybrid technology throughout its lineup, the next logical choice to receive the treatment has long been the 5-series, of which a new model has just debuted. The long-rumored 5-series ActiveHybrid finally steps into the limelight in Geneva.inline_mediumwraptextright28224379/green/news/1002_bmw_5_series_active_hybrid_conceptbmw-concept-5-series-efficientdynamics-side-view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: BMW Concept 5-series ActiveHybrid - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid

We first saw Toyota's Auris Hybrid as a concept at last year's Frankfurt motor show, but the production version - which is a dead ringer for the supposed "show car" - will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

We first saw Toyota's Auris Hybrid as a concept at last year's Frankfurt motor show, but the production version -- which is a dead ringer for the supposed "show car" -- will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright32418588/green/news/1002_2010_toyota_auris_hybrid1002_01_z+2010_toyota_auris_hybrid+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2010 Honda 3RC Concept

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2010 Honda 3R-C Concept

The array of conceptual urban cruisers from Honda continues, as the automaker released photos of its new 3R-C concept, which will debut at next week’s Geneva motor show.

The array of conceptual urban cruisers from Honda continues, as the automaker released photos of its new 3R-C concept, which will debut at next week’s Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright28214311/green/news/1002_2010_honda_3rc_concept1002_03_z+2010_honda_3R-C_concept+profile.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Honda 3R-C Concept - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

By Design Toyota FT86

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

By Design: Toyota FT-86

Back to the future, again.

It's often said "There's nothing new under the sun," and sometimes that's reinforced in surprising ways. At the spavined Tokyo show last fall, Toyota unveiled its FT-86 concept, a curious closed sports car with a water-cooled, flat-four engine sitting ahead of the front axle but driving the rear wheels. The FT-86's Subaru engine is derived from the old German Borgward/Lloyd Arabella. It's an odd layout, but one seen before.inline_mediumwraptextright27884071/features/by_design/1003_toyota_ft86_design_analysis1003_01_z+toyota_fT-86+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Driven 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Driven: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

Luxury goes green.

The 2.0 TDI engine is the new optional powerplant for the A3, Audi's small-car offering that first arrived here for 2006. The TDI certainly makes a lot more sense than the 3.2-liter V-6 (which has been dropped) as the alternative engine offering in this car, particularly as the latest version of the A3's standard, 2.0-liter turbo four boasts the drivability of a V-6. Indeed, only a small fraction of buyers chose the V-6, but Audi expects the TDI -- which just went on sale in December -- to account for 40 percent of A3 sales.inline_mediumwraptextright26938154/green/reviews/1002_2010_audi_a3_tdi1002_02_z+2010_audi_a3_tDI+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Audi A3 TDI - Audi Diesel Luxury Wagon Review - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2011 MercedesBenz S63 AMG

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

A 6.3 in name only.

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division unveiled its new twin-turbo, direct-injection V-8 engine today in the S63 AMG Showcar, at its headquarters in rural Affalterbach, in the hills outside Stuttgart.inline_mediumwraptextright2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Showcar28246171/features/news/1003_2011_mercedes_benz_s63_amg10C178_02.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Rising to the Top 2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Rising to the Top: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Fresh style, undisputable value and proven quality have the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu beating back the Asian imports. With a meticulous cabin, rich features and a dynamic personality, Malibu brings excitement to the typically lackluster mid-size segment.

Click here to view our showcase.inline_mediumwraptextrightChevy Showcase Overview31430475/woamag/chevy_showcaseoverview_large_1.jpgTrue

First Drive 2011 Infiniti M

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M

If you build a car to compete with the very best, it will be compared to the very best.

It might be lacking the stage, the lights, and Simon Cowell’s vee-neck shirts, but the world of automobiles is strangely similar to television’s biggest show. American Idol judges are famous for pointing out that if you sing a Whitney Houston song, you had better, as the saying goes, bring it. Likewise, if you build a car to compete with the very best, it will be compared to the very best.inline_mediumwraptextright28227673/reviews/driven/1002_2011_infiniti_m1002_02_z+2011_infiniti_m37S+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M - Infiniti Luxury Sedan Review - Automobile Magazine

First Drive 2011 MercedesBenz EClass Cabriolet

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Return of the four-seat Mercedes droptop.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-class cabrio is based on the 2010 E-class coupe that debuted last year. Bringing the total Mercedes-Benz E-class family to four members---sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible---it goes on sale in the USA on May 10, 2010, as two well-equipped models: the V-6 E350 and the V-8 E550, which reflect the same powertrains as the coupe. The E350 cabrio is expected to start at about $58,000; since the E550 coupe costs about $7000 more than the E350 coupe, we would expect the same price spread in the E-class convertible, such that the E550 cabrio will likely start at about $65,000.inline_mediumwraptextright26978423/reviews/driven/1002_2011_mercedes_benz_e_class_cabriolet1002_02_z+2011_mercedes_benz_e350_cabriolet+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Mercedes Benz Luxury Convertible Review - Automobile Magazine

2010 Volkswagen GTI Four Seasons Update February 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 Volkswagen GTI - Four Seasons Update - February 2010

Is refinement really a substitute for performance?

Miles: 6951
Months in Fleet: Twoinline_mediumwraptextright28217983/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1002_2010_volkswagen_gti_february_update1002_07_z+2010_volkswagen_gTI+rear_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - February 2010 Four Seasons Update - Automobile Magazine

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Wallpaper Gallery

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Wallpaper Gallery

The most striking member of Cadillac's CTS family.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - High Resolution Wallpaper-Quality Photo Gallery - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP5704 Superleggera

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

How do you make an even more insane Lamborghini? Make it lighter.

Lamborghinis have long stood for sheer, menacing speed, usually courtesy of a monster engine. It's a solid formula, but any engineer will tell you that you eventually reach a point of diminishing returns. How, then, do you make an even more insane Lamborghini? Make it lighter.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2011 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2011 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept

A greener - if not meaner - take on the Carrera GT recipe.

Officially it’s only a concept, but there’s no doubt that project XG10 -- or the 918 Spyder concept -- will pave the way for the next Porsche supercar. And what a supercar it is going to be: in addition to the normally aspirated, high-revving, 3.4-liter V-8 good for 500 hp, the striking 918 Spyder has three electric motors onboard that add another 218 hp to the tally. Says Wolfgang Dürheimer, board member in charge of R&D: “This car can lap the Nürburgring faster than the Carrera GT. At the same time, it averages 78 mpg when driven gently. Are we going to build it? We will definitely bring some blank sales contracts to the Geneva show, but it’s too early to talk pricing, production volumes, and timing.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2011 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

First Look 2012 Ford Focus Wagon

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

First Look: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon

A hauler exclusively crafted for Europe.

When Ford unveiled the much-anticipated 2012 Ford Focus hatchback and sedan at the 2010 Detroit show, it held back the Focus wagon version for Geneva instead. Why wait? It’s no secret wagons are much bigger in Europe, and with roughly a year before the new Focus actually hits the road, Ford needs to keep the hype machine rolling.inline_mediumwraptextright2012 Ford Focus Wagon28245703/features/news/1002_2012_ford_focus_wagon1003_03_z+2012_ford_focus_wagon+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon - 2010 Geneva Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine

Mazda CX7 diesel car review

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Until now the Mazda CX-7 has been available solely with a petrol engine. From this point on this mid-sized 4x4 is offered with a diesel engine only, and with just one level of trim.

Complete guide to the new showroom tax

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

From April 1, 2010 new car buyers are set to be hit by increased costs with the introduction of a one-off first year 'showroom tax'.

Mercedes tops satisfaction survey

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mercedes looks after its drivers better than any other car maker, according to an in-depth survey by Institute of Customer Service.

Complete guide to the new 10 plates

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Confused by all this talk of 10-plate cars in March? We explain how the number plate system works in the new decade.

Manchester United stars Merc for sale

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A Mercedes CL previously owned by Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic is for sale on Auto Trader.

Skoda Superb Estate car review

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Skoda Superb Estate. If anything about it is hopeless, journalists across the world can have a field day with that name.

Preview 2011 Porsche Cayenne Cayenne Hybrid

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The idea of a Porsche SUV may never sit well with some enthusiasts, but they should at least be satisfied knowing that the second generation of the thing will be both sleeker and more powerful than the first.  Set to debut next week at the Geneva Auto Show next week, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne will be greener, too, as Porsche plans to offer a version of the big sport ‘ute ...

Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

Preview Lexus CT 200h Hybrid

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

At next week’s Geneva Auto Show, Lexus will unveil an all-new hybrid hatchback that is expected to be the least expensive vehicle in its showrooms soon.  It’s called the CT 200h, and the automaker has offered a brief preview of the car to journalists. Edmunds Inside Line reports, “The CT 200h is a compact five-door with an ample wheelbase and roomy cabin that has been designed to woo younger buyers ...

Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

Big Dog Motorcycles Announces Debut of Lower Cost Model

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Big Dog Motorcycles has announced today the upcoming introduction of a lower price model based on its popular chopper-style platform.

Photo Credit: Big Dog Motorcycles

With production planned for May, 2010, the new model, simply called the Big Dog Chopper, will provide a high-style, high-quality Big Dog motorcycle experience with an MSRP in the $21,000 range.

Sheldon Coleman, founder and CEO of Big Dog Motorcycles, made the announcement to a select group of dealers at the Big Dog display at the annual Indianapolis-based trade show. “We are excited to participate in this price range with an uncompromised motorcycle of this caliber”, Coleman stated. “The new Big Dog Chopper is loaded with high-quality components and performance specifications, and will appeal to a wide range of riders. Our dealers are very enthusiastic about this strategy”, he continued.

Specifications of the motorcycle include a wide range of upscale components, starting with a 111 cubic inch S&S engine and a six speed transmission. In addition, components include chrome handlebar controls, a new handlebar array, chrome forward controls, the new BDM multifunction speedometer, machined aluminum wheels, a new rear suspension, a 42 degree rake, a beefy 250 mm rear tire and a full line of passenger-friendly accessories.

Source: Big Dog Motorcycles

Toyotas Five Year Future Car Plan

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Toyota's Five Year Future Car Plan

Lexus GS F May Now Get V-10, New SC Also in Pipeline

As the U.S. government continues its investigation into the biggest recall scandal in Toyota's history, the embattled automaker's bosses clearly have plenty to worry about at present. But the world's No. 1 auto manufacturer is still as focused as ever on the business of making cars and has some fascinating sheetmetal in the pipeline to prove it. Just one look at what's coming in the next five years will cement that fact.inline_mediumwraptextright26604428/future/future_vehicles/112_1002_toyota_future_car_plantoyota-FT-86-g-sports-concept-front-three-quarters-view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: Toyota's Five Year Future Car Plan - Motor Trend

Survey Customers Most Satisfied with Lexus Hummer Dealers

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

An interesting by-product of the recession: we’re happier with our car dealers than we used to be.  That’s one conclusion from the most recent edition of J.D. Power and Associates’ annual Customer Service Index study, which looks at how car owners feel about their experience with dealerships’ service departments. Dealerships, having a hard time attracting new customers in the current economy, are working harder to hold onto the ones they ...

Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews