Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rumormill: Mitsubishi Concept-RA may hint at Eclipse for Europe

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Mitsubishi

This is not just rumormill, this is rumors of hints and suggestions made by anonymous people. Just last week we wondered whether Mitsubishi's Concept-RA would lead to a new -- and proper -- Eclipse. What Car? went further, and although citing nothing more than "insiders," said that the red zinger "could be a forerunner for a new Eclipse coupe, which could go on sale in Europe."
True, that's a lot of coulds. But it wasn't so long ago that the Eclipse was an object of desire, and there can't be any doubt that Mitsubishi would love to see those days return -- especially after watching rival Nissan revive brand lust by slowly reinjecting its products with feeling.
Mitsubishi's attempt to mainstream the Eclipse robbed it of the fan base it had and yet didn't grow a new one. We suppose the questions, as always, would be money and the business case, but we for one would love to see Mitsu do that car, right there, in the picture above, as the new Eclipse. If they could get enough other people behind it, we wouldn't be surprised if they did. (Hint: that means it's time to tell them what you think. The comments box is waiting. Europeans are welcome.)
[Source: What Car?]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The rest of the story on the VW Tiguan R-Line

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUVs, Euro, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

So, the Tiguan R-Line we showed you last week has made its debut in Essen as a concept, but a release from Volkswagen UK makes it sound as if the prevailing wisdom is that it'll ultimately be offered as the top-line Tiguan (in the UK, at least). So, now that we have some official info, we can definitively tell you what comprises VW Individual's R-Line package shown above. The body kit includes new front and rear bumpers, color-keyed sill and wheel arch extensions, and a new grille. The extended arches cover 19" wheels, and inside, front passengers get sport seats embossed with the "R" logo, while the driver gets to turn a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Tiguan arrives in Europe in early '08, and hits US showrooms next summer.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: VW Tiguan R-Line

Continue reading The rest of the story on the VW Tiguan R-Line

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tesla Motors founder Martin Eberhard fired!

Filed under: Etc., Green, Hirings/Firings
Late Friday evening, Tesla Motors issued a brief statement that company founder Martin Eberhard was transitioning from his management role as President to the company's advisory board. This announcement came barely a day after the announcement that Ze'ev Drori had been tapped to be the new CEO, taking the reins from interim boss Michael Marks. Drori is now also taking up Eberhard's title as President.

After the announcement it became clear that Eberhard did not relinquish his duties voluntarily. He is no longer even on the board of directors and the advisory board gig is at best ceremonial. The company isn't saying much, but in a posting on the Tesla Motors Club message board, Eberhard made it clear that it wasn't his choice to leave the company. A number of executives have apparently left the company in recent months as engineers have struggled to overcome transmission problems that have delayed the production launch of the Roadster. At the same time that they are trying to get their electric sports car into production, engineers are trying to finalize the specifications of their next product: the "WhiteStar" sedan.

While people are moving in and out of offices in San Carlos, Tesla is planning to have its first media drives with the print publications this week, while us on-line types will have to wait a few more weeks for our turn at the wheel.

[Source: Tesla Motors, Tesla Motors Club, via AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Jeep

Click image for photo gallery

While delta4x4 would like you to think its Grand Cherokee SRT8-based DUNE PROJECT is ready to storm the desert, those 23-inch rims wrapped in 40-series Continentals say otherwise. No matter. We think the DP's cool nonetheless, thanks mostly to the 499 horsepower it dishes out courtesy of a revamped exhaust and reprogrammed engine management system. 62 miles per hour arrives in under five seconds.

Visual changes include a 100 mm lift, a custom front bumper with an integrated Warn winch, and PIAA off-road lighting mounted to the front wheel arches and a stainless roof rack. The matte maroon finish isn't exactly attractive, though, and those bright blue brake calipers don't help matters in that regard, either. Colors, thankfully, can be changed. We'd leave everything else just as is.

[Source: delta4x4]
Gallery: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Continue reading Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Euro, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Continue reading Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton vs The Stig - Who Won?

Filed under: Motorsports, Euro, Videos

click above image to watch video

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/motorsport/VIDEO_Lewis_Hamilton_vs_The_Stig_Who_Won'; We won't spoil it for you, so you can see the results and watch the Top Gear segment with Lewis Hamilton after the jump. (You can also bittorrent the episode already on Final Gear.) Suffice it say, Hamilton did really well and drove the heck out of that Suzuki Liana on a wet and oily Top Gear Test Track. But whatever, you just want to see who won and watch the video, so click here.

[Source: Daily Motion]Continue reading VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton vs The Stig - Who Won?

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.03.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


So, what's up with Tesla Motors? AutoblogGreen is trying to keep on top of the latest on Martin Eberhard's move. Meanwhile, EVS23 is going on right now in Anaheim, and ABG will have all the news from the largest electric vehicle show in the world - and that means hybrids, hydrogen, pure electrics and more.

• Martin Eberhard takes a further step away from Tesla management
• Martin Eberhard comments on his departure from Tesla
• AutoblogGreen Q&A: Jonathan Williams and the hydrogen minibus (EVS23 preview)
• Ferrari CEO: we are considering ethanol
• Ferrari probably won't make a hybrid or electric car
• Roger Smith's green vision for GM
• Congressional leaders reach deal on new fuel economy standard, vote next week
• How long will it take you to recover the extra money you pay for a hybrid?
• VW tackle longest ever Dakar Rally with 4 Race Touareg 2 TDIs
• American Le Mans Series to introduce cellulosic E85 in 2008
• Al Gore drives hybrid Taxi in Futurama movie
• Autoblog Green Podcast #15
• Darth Vader behind the Hummer and the Chevy Volt?

There's more after the jump.Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 12.03.07

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Essen 2007: Carlsson C-Class Estate

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Mercedes Benz

Carlsson, Meister tuners of Mercedes-Benz, have announced their tuning program for the new C-Class Estate. Their C-Tronic performance kit adds some punch to the available diesel diesel motors -- 34 horsepower for the 220 CDI engine, and a total of 42 horsepower for the 320 CDI engine. These upgrades also improve fuel economy and reduce emissions by ten-percent. For the 3.5-liter V6, Carlsson has its CK35 Performance Kit which increases horsepower to 295 and torque to 284 lb-ft. Body modifications are handsome and tasteful, and include a front and rear fascia, side skirts, and a subtle rear spoiler. If that seems a little boring, owners can always go with the polished grille, sport springs, and 11-spoke 19-inch wheels. Get Carlsson's official report from their press release after the jump.
[Source: Carlsson]
Gallery: 2008 Carlsson C-Class Estate


Continue reading Essen 2007: Carlsson C-Class Estate

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Daimler wants to be one of the world's largest turbo suppliers

Filed under: China, Euro, Japan, Tech, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes Benz
Daimler is apparently getting tired of sourcing its turbochargers from outside companies, so it's enacting a three- to five-year plan than will make it one of the top three producers of our favorite power-adder.

The automaker currently gets about 50-percent of its turbos from IHI Charging Systems International in Japan, which produces about seven-percent of snails worldwide. Just Mercedes-Benz diesel models account for over 500,000 turbos used each year, and Daimler is right in thinking that demand for blown engines will continue to grow as consumers look for more fuel-efficient models that create similar power to their naturally aspirated counterparts.

The goal is to produce 600,000 units per year - up from 500,000 in 2006 - in a joint effort with a company based in Italy. The move will solidify Daimler as a leader both in manufacturing and technology that should pay dividends as more consumers look to turbocharged offerings in both North America and Asia.

Follow the jump for a breakdown of the largest turbo producers and their worldwide market share.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Continue reading Daimler wants to be one of the world's largest turbo suppliers

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Cadillac coming Down Under in 2008

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM, Australia

GM believes it has a world-class luxury vehicle in the all-new Cadillac CTS, and the General is shipping the RWD clear across the globe to prove its point. Since 1969, Cadillac has been on the outside of OZ looking in, but an emerging luxury market coupled with part-sharing with Holden makes the CTS a great vehicle to end the 40-year hiatus. The CTS will hit Aussie shores by the end of 2008, with the addition of a 2.9-liter turbo-diesel entering the lineup in 2009. With Australian's love for great-handling RWD sports sedans, the CTS is a no-brainer as the vehicle to bring Cadillac back to OZ. The CTS wagon would likely be a hit down under as well. And if you're reading this GM, we'll take that 2.9L diesel option here in the States, too.

[Source: Drive.com.au]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: New system combines features of OnStar and Sync, coming to Chrysler in 2009

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Chrysler
We're not going out on a limb by saying that the future of in-car technology is connecting all our electronic detritus into a cohesive network. Ford's Sync system has already made that possible on many fronts and GM's OnStar has set a new standard for safety, navigation and communication. Atlanta-based Hughes Telematics is announcing a new system that will fuse both of those systems into a comprehensive whole and selling a subscription service akin to OnStar's arrangement.

The Hughes setup will integrate turn-by-turn navigation, voice commands for phones and iPods, plus provide emergency and roadside assistance. Additionally, it will allow users to purchase certain features - from directions to songs from Sirius - on an ala carte basis, neglecting the need to spend extra cash each month for products you rarely use. The system will also integrate with the vehicle's ECU to allow diagnosis and problem solving that could avoid a trip to the dealer.

Hughes will be releasing all the details on its new system, including a partnership with Chrysler in 2009 and a few choice luxury brands, later this week.

[Source: Freep]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

Filed under: Car Buying

Consumer Reports released its Car Owner Satisfaction Survey results and brands hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun accounted for nearly half of the winners. Toyota took 10 of the top 39 spots, including the Prius, where nine-out-of-ten owners said they'd buy it again given the chance. U.S. automakers didn't fare as well, only taking seven spots, but the addition of the V6-powered Ford Fusion and Saturn Aura proved that Detroit is making inroads in the family car segment. Despite many domestic models getting tagged "least satisfying" there's been a significant up tick in the U.S. automaker's standings.

Also of note, European models made up 12-percent of the list, particularly the BMW 335i and Porsche Boxster, which rivaled the Prius for owner gratification. The Hyundai Azera and Santa Fe also made the "most satisfying" cut, which is determined if 80-percent of owners said they would buy or lease the model again.

Consumer Reports' full press release is available after the jump.Continue reading Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Battle in the Basement: Lincoln may overtake Mercury in 2008

Filed under: Lincoln, Mercury, Earnings/Financials

click above image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Lincoln MKS

Ford is reporting that its Lincoln luxury brand will overtake Mercury in sales sometime in 2008. Now, if you replaced 'Mercury' in that last sentence with a word like 'Cadillac' or 'Lexus', then we might have some news to talk about. Instead, this appears to be further evidence that A) Lincoln's sales are improving, but too slow to overtake any of its competitors, and B) Mercury is destined to remain nothing more than a well-defined trim level for Ford. Don't get us wrong. We're not saying Mercurys are bad vehicles, we're just saying they're Fords.

Nevertheless, Lincoln is building some sales momentum thanks to the fact that it's actually getting new models like the MKX crossover. Next summer the MKS sedan will also go on sale, and Lincoln sales will likely get another shot in the arm. That should do it for Mercury in this bout of sibling rivalry, since it has no new models scheduled, and certainly none exclusive for the brand.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Gallery: 2009 Lincoln MKS


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GM's RWD Alpha platform to underpin new Chevy, not Pontiac

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac


When we first got word earlier this year that GM was working on a new small rear-wheel-drive platform called Alpha, everyone thought that Cadillac and Pontiac would be the first brands to get it. A rear-wheel-drive replacement for the Euro-only BLS was a given, considering that Cadillac has to compete more aggressively with the BMW 3-series over there. The Pontiac model, meanwhile, was expected to replace the front-wheel-drive Epsilon-based G6. Its inclusion in Pontiac's lineup would give the brand two rear-wheel-drive sports sedans, finally offering customers some of that excitement they've been promised for so long.

Motor Trend is now reporting that the high-volume Alpha model will instead be a Chevrolet sedan. Given that Pontiac is supposed to be more of a performance brand with the Solstice and upcoming G8, this move doesn't really make sense if it's in fact true. Chevy already has what appears to be a winner with the new Malibu, and a smaller rear-wheel-drive sedan seems at odds with the brand's current ethos of mainstream, family friendly, versatile and affordable vehicles. We suspect a group of vocal bean counters convinced someone that more Alpha-based sedans would be sold in the U.S. if they wore a bow tie, and perhaps that's true, but if GM really wants a coherent brand strategy among its many marques, then the Alpha should be a Pontiac.

[Source: Motor Trend]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Essen 2007: Phantoms inhabit VW

Filed under: Time Warp, Etc., Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows


Artist William Burge has found a way to artfully reattach all of the little pieces that have fallen off his 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. The results are far more impressive than the Bug's original and once-ubiquitous countenance. Actually, we counted all 21,000 gigashards of metal, and that's more metal than a '68 Type 1 contained, and even the steady diet of replacement parts doesn't account for the amount of cold-rolled whatever comprising this bodyshell. The car's exhibition at the Essen Motor Show is apropos on a whole bunch of levels.

The gargoyle-themed Volkswagen will fit right in among the cathedrals and castles in the city, which is a future European Capital of Culture for 2010. Being a cultural hub, the intricate suit of armor worn by Burge's once-humble Beetle will be understood for the masterpiece that it is, and the painstaking metal work that went into the car will not be lost on the home of the Krupp Iron Works. There's not much information to be found about the car, which Burge has named "Phantoms," though it's been on display in Essen from November 26th, and will be at the Motor Show until the 9th of December. We're dying for details, particularly how it was put together? What's the interior look like? Is it still being pushed around by a 1500? Can I borrow it to discourage parking in front of my house? One of you astute commenters out there must have more information; please share!

[Source: Winding Road, Photo: Martin Meissner/AP]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: More views of the Hennessey Venom GT

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars

click above for more images of the Hennessey Venom GT

We showed you an initial concept sketch of the Hennessey Venom GT last month, and the tuner best known for building ridiculously powerful Dodge Vipers has released another pair of pics, this time showing the mid-engine concept's rear with its retractable spoiler both up and down. In our previous post, we mentioned the undeniable likeness that the Venom GT shares with the Lotus Elise, which is also on display from this angle. We can also see just how extreme the car's design is, with a carbon fiber rear diffuser that we're sure isn't just for show and twin tail pipes that exit up high between the taillights. Carbon fiber skirts also peek out the sides below the massive air intake for the mid-mounted twin-turbo Viper engine and the extra-wide air extractor vents behind the front wheels. It seems clear to us that Hennessey intends to make a go of building its own exotic, just like Saleen did with the S7, and we hear two cars will be built to show potential customers in 2009. With a power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 lbs. per horsepower, a 2,700 lbs. curb weight, and an estimated 0-62 time of 2.5 seconds, we don't expect the Venom GT will be a tough sell.

[Source: Hennessey]

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Designer himself scratches Giugiaro Mustang Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford


Some heralded the 2006 Giugiaro Mustang Concept as a portent of things to come for the Blue Oval's successful pony car. While that may be the case, we hope what happened to the car last Friday is not a bad omen for the next iteration of the Mustang. The Mustang Giugiaro Concept's designer, Fabrizio Giugiaro himself, was driving the car in Sofia, Bulgaria after showing it an exhibition when he scraped one of its concept rims against a concrete curb. While the damage was limited to just the front passenger-side rim, we suspect it will cost more to fix than buying a new Mustang outright.

Though over a year old since it was introduced at the L.A. Auto Show in 2006, the Guigiaro Mustang still managed to impress the Bulgarians, who said of the car, "words simply fail to describe the interpretation of the world-class coachbuilder." We agree, though we could come up with a few words to describe his parking abilities.

[Source: Novinite.com via Winding Road]

Gallery: Giugiaro Mustang at NAIAS 2007


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Scans aplenty of 2009 Subaru Forester

Filed under: SUVs, Japan, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki

Click image for a gallery of more scans

As is always the case, there'll be little left to talk about regarding the new 2009 Forester when Subaru officially pulls the wraps off its overhauled compact SUV on Christmas day. Japan's scoop-crazed magazine culture has rewarded us with a slew of new scans showing the '09 Forester in a variety of trim levels. Bigger in every dimension, it's definitely got a more traditional SUV look to it, with a view from the front that's quite reminiscent of the current Mitsubishi Outlander. The two launch engines in Japan will be a NA 2.0 boxer with 148 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged version generating 230 horsepower and 234 lb-ft. Also revealed is news that seven JDM trim levels will be offered -- four with normally-aspirated engines and three with the turbo mill (and none of them bearing the STi moniker). While we all watch the days count down to the new Forester, we're sure that many more photos and specifications will be leaked. We'll bring them to you, and we'll also have the "real" photos and info when it all becomes officially official later this month. Our first in-person look at the car will also come in mid-January at the Detroit Auto Show.

Thanks for the tip, Vlad!

[Source: Drom.ru]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester JDM Scans


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Volvo C30 wagon confirmed by PR spokesperson

Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Volvo, Misc. Auto Shows
Our friends from World Car Fans sat down with a Volvo PR person last week at the Helsinki Motor Show and after a suitable amount of poking and prodding, they got the skinny on Volvo's plans to offer a wagon version of its C30 hatch.

The five-door version would be based off the same Mazda3 platform as its three-door sibling, and is aimed to be a direct competitor to the Audi A3 Sportback just as the C30 seeks to compete with the standard A3. There's no word on names, but we're still partial to slapping a C50 badge on the back and calling it done.

World Car Fans' graphics ninja attempted to render the five-door Volvo and you can check out his photochopped work by clicking the pic above.

[Source: World Car Fans]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Acura NSX gets whacked with a shovel

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Videos

Despite it being a blatant advertisement, we couldn't help but show you this video of a guy hitting an Acura NSX with a shovel at full swing. Three times. The amazing part? It doesn't leave a mark because of a product called "DoorPal", which somehow protects the aluminum-bodied NSX from any harm. The company's web site doesn't list exactly what the DoorPal is made from, but it looks like a heavy duty version of those floaty toys you lay on while sipping a drink at the pool. We're not about to see if one of those works just as well, but you're welcome to try. Check out the NSX narrowly escaping a beat-down after the jump.
Continue reading VIDEO: Acura NSX gets whacked with a shovel

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