Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Driving

Click above image for an updated gallery of the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
For the second and final leg of our drive with the Bullitt, we took back roads up from Monterey to San Francisco with some great twisties that really put the new suspension to the test. Read on after the jump for more from Day 2 or click here to read about our adventure on Day 1...
Gallery: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt


Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt - Day 2

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: High-speed camera reveals how exhaust is born

Filed under: Videos


I can remember years ago when my dad sat me down for the talk. "Son," he said. "When a mommy loves a daddy very much, they, uh, well, they buy a car together. Yeah. And in that car is an engine full of pistons." And then he went on to explain how a valve lets in fuel, the piston compresses it, the spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture and another valve lets the exhaust escape.

Of course, I thought it was all a magical process only ever seen in the minds of engineers and physicists. But now, thanks to high-speed video we can actually witness the piston stroking up and down in the chamber, the fuel valve opening to release its fuel, and, in an unimaginably quick instant the spark that sets everything in motion. After the violent, hot climax, the piston retreats, another valve opens with an exhaust-scented sigh and the event repeats itself again and again.

For most the video is perfectly safe for work, but for those who have blood 92 octane or higher, it may be considered a little steamy.

[Source: LiveLeak via Gizmodo]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: eBay Find of the Day: Lindsay Lohan's 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Filed under: Auction Action, Mercedes Benz


Lindsay Lohan's choice of automotive accessory always seemed like the work of a good salesman. Why else would a reckless young woman in need of a transportation appliance choose a twin-turbo 6.0L V12 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG over, say, the perfectly reasonable SL500? They are both convertibles after all, and isn't that all that matters? Regardless, it made for more interesting news when she stuffed the 604-hp beast into a tree. When we last saw Miss Lohan's personal vehicle, she had abandoned it on the side of Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. Apparently the front end has been repaired by a shop in Texas, and they have it up for sale on eBay. Confirmation that the car belonged to LiLo came via comparing the car's license plate to the one on the car captured in papparazi photos, not to mention the parking slip from the Chateau Marmont Hotel.
[Source: eBay]
Gallery: Lindsay Lohan's 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The greening of Jay Leno

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Green, Lifestyle

The LA Times just ran a piece about how car collector extraordinaire and The Tonight Show host Jay Leno is seeing green these days. Not envious in the least, Jay in fact has several warehouses around Burbank that house hundreds of incredible vehicles that would incite lust in just about anyone with a car-loving bone in their bodies. No, the green here is the environmental push that is seemingly sweeping the world over. It seems that after spending more time with fellow celebs and enviro-warriors like Ed Begley, Jr., Jay has become enlightened to the needs of Mother Earth.

It should be pointed out that Jay has always had alternative vehicles in his collection. Most of those are early steam cars, but still, last year at SEMA he introduced the EcoJet powered by biodiesel and this year he rolled out the E85 Corvette C6RS by Pratt & Miller. People see high performance and the green movement as two diametrically opposed concepts, but Leno is one of those people who understands you can have both. Making a high performance vehicle doesn't have to come at the expense of the planet if you choose your motivation carefully. Cars like those mentioned above and Audi's diesel-powered R10 Le Mans racers come to mind. And the greening of Jay extends beyond the vehicles themselves.

Leno is investing in ideas like solar panels, wind turbines and grease-eating microbes, according to the article. He's also gradually making over his Big Dog Garage to incorporate self-generated power, energy-efficient heating and nontoxic cleaners. The article is a pretty good read, so check it out for yourself. The funniest bit in the story is Jay's half-serious, half-joking rationale for getting into the green thing:

"My thing with the green situation is: Even if you don't believe in global warming, don't you want to screw the oil company or gas company or utility company?"

Priceless.

Thanks for the tip Jay!

[Source: LA Times]
Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 11.09.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


If you've ever wondered how to pronounce 2.S.S.I.C., the name of the all-eletric Daytona Coupe that is at home on the race track or cruising around town, just check out the video above. Driver/owner Michael Kadie will tell you all you need to know. For all the rest of your green car news, may we offer this list of yesterday's AutoblogGreen posts:

• Alt Car Expo 2007: Electric car racing with Michael Kadie and 2.S.S.I.C. (VIDEO)
• Tesla's new $5,000 wait list for 2009 Roadster
• Mother Proof website chooses best hybrids for mums
• Toyota to hand over plug-in Priuses to CA Universities at ceremony Friday
• EU and USA to announce agreement on biofuels standards
• VW Jetta CleanTDI pushed back to a summer '08 introduction
• Video: Ballard sells auto fuel cell assets, CEO says fuel cell cars are not dead
• Nissan installs more wind turbines at Sunderland plant
• Study claims air pollution in Toronto causes 440 deaths annually
• ASES Report: 40 Million 'Green Collar Jobs' by 2030
• UK's defense minister quits job to race ethanol car
• Volkswagen teaming with German companies to advance lithium ion technology
• Where is Mazda's new biofabric now? In the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
• Breaking: Daimler and Ford join forces with AFCC to develop automotive fuel cells
• One of the coolest electric bikes yet: the EV-X7 Prototype
• Is Silicon Valley the Detroit of electric cars?
• Ricardo and QinetiQ partner on reducing cost of lithium ion batteries
• Audi CEO wants to bring the A1 to the US market

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Officially Official: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, Cadillac, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image to enlarge

Early details on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid leaked onto the web yesterday morning, and you can read Damon's early rundown on the essentials here. Now that Cadillac has released the full info and tech specs, we can break it down pretty simply. The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid uses the exact same 2-Mode hybrid powertrain as both the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids. Unlike its platform cousins, however, the Escalade does not incorporate any weight-saving measures. It does incorporate Hybrid badges in the fender vents and "H" logos by the rear windows. We're assuming (and hoping) the giant "H Y B R I D" door decals are to make the display car stand out on the floor at the auto show down in Miami this week.

We talked to a Caddy rep who told us that the decision was made not to diminish the Escalade in any way, so the seats retain all their stuffing, the front end gets no aero tweaks, and the bodywork doesn't get any lightweight elements like the Chevy and GMC trucks. Now, according to GM, the use of the hybrid system increases fuel economy by at least 50% anyway. If you figure that the standard 6.2L Escalade is good for 9 or 10 real-world MPG combined, it should be good for at least 18 mpg or so on the highway. We doubt it'll match the 21/22 (2WD) and 20/20 (4WD) city/hwy EPA ratings of the Tahoe Hybrid simply because the 'Slade outweighs it by 110 pounds in 2WD form and 181 when equipped with 4WD.

That said, if the Escalade really can actually get mileage in the mid to upper-teens it's an impressive feat, no matter how you look at it. This is a 3-ton truck after all, and we've driven midsize crossovers that struggle to get that kind of fuel economy. As for the target audience, it's basically Escalade shoppers willing to pony up an additional premium to use less gas or to simply flash some green cred via the Hybrid badges.

GM's full press release is included after the jump.

[Source: GM}Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 BMW 1-Series are special, receive engraved start-stop buttons

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Europeans have been privy to luxury small cars for decades, but since gasoline has always been much cheaper here in the States, we've been stuck with mostly unathletic luxury barges. Three dollar per gallon gasoline is changing that paradigm quickly, and smaller high-end vehicles are finally hitting our shores. Perhaps the most highly anticipated one is the BMW 1-Series, with its well-known brand pedigree and the same engines found in the 3-Series.

BMW is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the 1-Series coupe and cabriolet are successful in the US, and the marketing push reaches all the way to the stop-start button. To commemorate the beginning of the 1-Series, BMW is engraving each and every stop-start button with "Year One of the 1". The phrase pretty much says it all, and enthusiasts waiting in line for the spry little Bimmer are probably already committed to buying the smallest RWD vehicle in America with or without the special message. We're looking forward to taking a 135i out on public roads, and we'll let you know if we actually notice the forgetful little phrase embedded into the overplayed stop-start button.

[Source: CarScoop]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Leakage: '09 Nissan Murano pics hit the forums

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Nissan

Click image for photo gallery

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/design/Leakage_2009_Nissan_Murano_pics_hit_the_web'; Ahead of its planned LA Auto Show debut, Nissan's 2009 Murano is doing the sneak preview thing courtesy of the NICOclub forums where these pics originated. They've since been posted on GM Inside News and FreshAlloy.com, as well. Clearly not wanting to mess with success, the CUV's general overall shape, as well as that of its side glass, is fundamentally the same. The '09 gets more muscular, Rogue-ish wheel flares, taillamps that extend into the rear hatch, and a new front end that makes silver Muranos look kinda like the updated Cylon centurions from Battlestar Galactica. We don't get a good view of the passenger cabin, other than to see a panoramic roof is obviously an option. Hopefully the current car's chintzy-looking gauge cluster got flushed in the revamp, too.

[Source: NICOclub.com]

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First Canadian Magna plant is unionized!

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, UAW/Unions


UAW president Ron Gettelfinger must be drooling right now. While the UAW has reached new labor agreements now with all three of the Detroit automakers (an agreement with Ford is still pending approval), it's been a long time since it made much significant headway in organizing workers at new companies. Now just weeks after the Canadian Autoworkers Union reached a deal with Magna International that would allow them to try and organize Canadian Magna plants, the first plant has signed up. In the deal, Magna agreed to remain neutral as the CAW attempted to organize its plants. In return, the union agreed not to strike and preserve a performance-based pay structure. This week 250 employees at a Windsor, Ontario door trim parts plant voted overwhelmingly to join the union and accept a new contract that gives them a $3 per hour raise and improved benefits. Magna is the fourth largest auto supplier in the world and has 18,000 employees at 43 plants in Canada that all could potentially be unionized.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Bling Maximum: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

Filed under: SUVs, Cadillac, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

The Escalade Hybrid isn't Caddy's only new vehicle intro down at the Miami Beach Convention Center this week. In addition to the enhanced-mileage gigunda-wagon, the General is also rolling out the Platinum edition in both regular and ESV bodystyles. It's powered by the standard-issue 403 horsepower 6.2L V8 and gets the deluxe treatment both inside and out. For an as-yet-undisclosed premium over the regular 'Slade, the Platinum is equipped with exclusive 22-inch wheels, magnetic ride control, LED headlamps, and a new grille that borrows its style from the CTS. The big whip's passenger cabin gets the cut & sew full-leather once-over on the IP, center console and door panels. Oh, and the cupholders are heated and cooled, too. The seats in the Platinum's first two rows are upgraded to aniline leather with contrast-color French stitching on the seams, and the headrests in the front two get fitted with LCD screens for the back seat passengers. That's in addition to the rearward-visibility-hampering flip-down screen in the ceiling, mind you. (Hey, the back-benchers need to have a screen they can see from their non-aniline leather 3rd row chairs.) If you thought that the Escalade had reached bling saturation on the factory level, it is now clear that you were mistaken. If you clock the appropriate number of G's, you can order one up next Spring.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

Continue reading Bling Maximum: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mercury to debut high-end VOGA trim

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Mercury, Misc. Auto Shows
UPDATE 2: Official high-res photos added to gallery
UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump

click above image for more pics of the 2008 Mercury Milan VOGA

The Detroit News is reporting that Mercury will debut a new a upper-level trim line called VOGA today at the South Florida International Auto Show. Debuting on the 2008 Mercury Mariner, the VOGA trim will have its own color scheme, an embroidered leather interior (we wonder how it compares to Cadillac's "Cut and Sew" leather interiors), new five-spoke wheels with "VOGA" center caps and other design cues that take inspiration from the fashion industry.

Last year Mercury unveiled the Milan VOGA Concept at the South Florida International Auto Show. That car was designed by Camilo Pardo, who also designed the Ford GT. It featured a stainless steel roof, tasteful body kit, 20-inch wheels and a gorgeous stainless blue metallic paint job. At the time we remarked that these additions would make a terrific trim package for the Milan, and while Mercury appears to agree, the actual VOGA trim debuting on the Mariner sounds as if it will be much more subdued, which is a shame.

The VOGA trim will be available on the 2008 Mercury Mariner early next year according to The Detroit News. We'll bring you more info and official pics from Ford as soon as they're released, but for now we wonder if you think the VOGA trim is a sign of health for Mercury or a quick and inexpensive way for Ford to capitalize on Mercury's success this year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Gallery: 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA

Continue reading Mercury to debut high-end VOGA trim

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Lotus "Eagle"

Filed under: Spy Photos, Euro, Lotus
Yes, we know it looks like the Esprit. Please don't bombard us with comments about how it looks like the old Esprit. It really is the new GT from Lotus, known for now as the Eagle. It's wearing Esprit body panels, so yes, we know it looks like the old Esprit. Based on a heavily revised Elise structure and powered by a Toyota V6 plunked down in the middle of the chassis and kicking out 300 hp, the coupe will cost about $100,000 (&pound;48,000). Even though Lotus isn't fond of them, the transmission will be a paddle-shift automated manual. Lotus cites market desires for the about-face on the transmission. The Eagle will spawn several different models, including a convertible and a replacement for the reviled Europa. When they're done, the Eagle won't look like the Esprit. Instead, the bodywork will more closely follow the M250. Cramming four seats into a mid-engined chassis takes some cleverness, and who's more clever than Lotus?

[Source: Autocar]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Kia Kee Concept crashes on its way to LA

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupes, Kia


Remember the Kia Kee Concept that made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September? While on its way to California to make its North American debut at the LA Auto Show next week, the car dubbed the "new face of Kia" wriggled out of its cargo restraints and slammed nose first into the front wall of its transporter. Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak said the car has already been sent back to Italy, properly secured this time, and will not make it back for the LA Auto Show. The impromptu bit of rhinoplasty may have improved the Kee Concept's face, which you might recall we weren't particularly impressed with. It does, however, recall the visage of a Cylon Raider from the Battlestar Galactica series. That makes two BS references for us today, and we promise it'll be our last.

[Source: Inside Line]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Hornish officially dropping IRL for NASCAR in 2008

Filed under: Motorsports


When not watching racing buddy Helio Castroneves waltzing for his life on ABC's hit show Dancing with the Stars, Sam Hornish Jr. can be found in all manner of racing cars. Considered one of the Indy Racing League's star drivers, Hornish Jr. also carries around the accolade of being last year's Indianapolis 500. After eight seasons of racing IndyCar, however, Hornish Jr. will be be jumping ship and joining fellow Indy-defects and former Indy 500 winners Dario Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve in the 2008 season of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. He'll be driving the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge for Penske Racing with Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman as teammates.

Hornish Jr. has actually already made his NASCAR debut. Last year he began racing in the NASCAR Busch Series, competing in nine races and finishing as high as 15th. He's attempted to qualify for a Nextel Cup race six times in the past, but hasn't been fast enough. Hornish Jr. will make one last attempt to qualify for a Nextel Cup race this weekend at Phoenix before officially being announced as Penske's third driver.

[Source: Autosport.com, Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Geely unveils new logo in Beijing

Filed under: China, Marketing/Advertising

New Geely logo at left, Toyota on right for comparison

You can exhale now. We know you've been holding your breath waiting for this one. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group finally showed off its new Geely logo (above left) in Beijing a couple of days ago. it chose this new logo following a nearly year-long "global design contest" that used a combination of online voting and a panel of 66 "professional adjudicators."

Hailing it as "a significant milestone for Geely's brand building, but also the maturity of China's self-owned and corporate brands," Geely spokesperson Wang Ziliang said, "China's self-owned brands have come to realize the importance behind having the right auto brand and auto culture when trying to succeed overseas." Now they just have to work on innovative product that doesn't crumple like a beer can in barrier tests. Just kidding.

The logo you see at left above was picked as the best amongst the 27,336 entries submitted. To show how seriously this was taken by the rest of the world, a record was set when more than 100 countries participated, making it the most widely entered corporate logo design contest ever. At least that's what the release says. The winning logo was designed by Yue Xiande from Anhui province, and is clearly not a Toyota ripoff. "The Toyota logo has a whole 'nother ring in it," Geely spokespeople did not say. "While the Toyota is a soulless tin can, Geely has the top popped already, indicating it is much more fun," they did not add.

[Source: Geely]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: F1 espionage, Act II: Renault accused of spying on McLaren

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, Renault


Formula One teams have long tried to glean insight into what their competition is doing, but this year's spying scandals have exploded into all-out espionage. After the whole Stepneygate/Ferrari vs. McLaren thing, we thought that was the last we'd hear of spying until at least next year. But now we have some new accusations of espionage to consider. And in an odd twist of fate, the alleged culprit in the first spying scandal is claimed to be the victim in this most recent one.

According to the AP, the FIA has asked Renault to appear before the World Motor Sport Council on Dec. 6 to face accusations that it had "unauthorized possession of documents and confidential information" of McLaren's (!) cars between September 2006 and October 2007. As tired as we are of this whole spying thing, the result could be that next season is contested with McLaren and Renault unable to earn points. The FIA is still waiting to look at the 2008 McLaren car to see if it can spot any evidence that the team may have learned something useful from the Ferrari technical data it allegedly stole. We don't want to jump to conclusions, but if McLaren and Renault are both found guilty of spying, it could mean Ferrari has a lot less competition next year. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the tip, Devin!

[Source: AP via ESPN, photo by Clive Mason/Getty]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The real scoop on the MINI JCW Stage II Cooper S

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchbacks, MINI


We've covered the JCW kits for the new R56 MINI already, but it seems we may have gotten some of the details wrong. According to our pal Gabe over at MotoringFile who knows what he's talking about concerning all things MINI, the tiniest division of BMW has two different JCW kits in mind for the R56. We already discussed how the US version of the Stage I kit (shown above) is slightly different than the Euro kit because of the already-upgraded exhaust manifold we get in the States, but we've also learned that the Stage I that went on sale last month produces 192 HP and a hefty 199 lb-ft of torque. That makes the Stage I about equal to the previous-gen JCW GP edition because of its increased torque. But some people want to see a higher horsepower number as well, and that's where the Stage II kit comes in.

The Stage II should be able to match the 218 bhp of the JCW GP, as well as adding even more torque to the mix. The Stage II kit includes a larger turbocharger, a new intake and a reprogrammed ECU. MF is also reporting that for the first time ever the new MINI will be wearing multi-piston brake calipers. The Stage II will be sporting 4-piston pots in place of the customary single piston numbers on all other MINIs. While pricing hasn't been set, MF says the decision has been made to NOT include the JCW Sport Suspension, perhaps because of cost. Unique JCW wheels will also be available for ordering separately when the Stage II kit arrives in the second half of 2008.

[Source: MotoringFile]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 Roadster arrives

Filed under: Convertibles, Aston Martin

click above image for more high-res pics of the Aston Martin N400 cars

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 unveiled last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be joined by this roadster. The N400 Roadster was actually announced at the same time as the Coupe, but apparently Aston Martin's creative dept. hadn't gotten around to lopping off the Coupe's roof in Photoshop yet (compare these two pics and you'll see what we mean). The pair are being built to commemorate Aston Martin's participation in the 24 Hours of N&uuml;rburgring, and if you look closely you'll see a map of the track next to the 'Vantage' badge.

Like its closed coupe brother, the N400 Roadster features an upgraded version of the Vantage V8's 4.3L engine producing 400 HP and 309 lb-ft of torque. That's a full 20 horsepower more than what's included in a standard Vantage V8 thanks to a thorough overhaul of the engine's internal components and the addition of a freer flowing exhaust and air intake. Other N400 enhancements include a Sport Pack that dials down the suspension for sharper handling, as well as new side sills, trunk lid, clear rear lamp lenses, mesh for the side strakes and a "bright finish grille".

It's being reported that Aston Martin will only build 240 actual examples of the car, so get in line early.
[Source: Aston Martin, Motor Authority]

Gallery: Aston Martin N400 V8 Vantage


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Will the real Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid MSRP please stand up?

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Hybrid vehicles still don't make much sense for automakers. The cost of the technology is more than what consumers are willing to pay and in many cases the fuel-saving benefits can be achieved with a simple diesel motor (at least in Europe). Because of this, coming up with the right sticker price can be a major stumbling block. Price it too high and no one will want to buy your hybrid, but discount it too much and money will be lost on every model sold.

GM got into a spot of bother recently when alleged prices for its new full-size hybrids SUVs were released on its website last month. The problem was that the listed prices "were too low" according to GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan. The Chevy Tahoe 4-Door two-wheel drive hybrid was listed at $47,915 and the four-wheel drive was listed at $50,720. The GMC Yukon two-wheel drive hybrid came in at $48,370.

The 'correct' prices are scheduled to be announced next week, though Popular Mechanics already have the two listed as $49,270 for the Yukon Hybrid 2WD and $48,815 for the Tahoe Hybrid 2WD. If that's the case, then the prices accidentally released last month weren't off by all that much.

$49,270 and $48,815, respectively

[Source: The Detroit News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chrysler offering new rebates; four defunct models priced to go

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge
It looks like Chrysler is going to give car shoppers a holiday gift as incentive to signing on the dotted line. After a rough year that saw the automaker break away from its Daimler overlords, Chrysler wants to end 2007 on a high note. To that end it will be offering rebates on virtually every vehicle in the lineup during December. Though there's no word on specific amounts, according to The Wall Street Journal the campaign will begin with a series of ads on Nov. 20 and cover Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. The biggest discounts will likely be offered on the four models about to be discontinued: the Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser convertible, Crossfire, and the Dodge Magnum. If any of those has been on your short list, it looks like a great time to get one.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]
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