Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit '08 Preview: Saab 9-4x could make an appearance at Cobo

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Saab

The 2002 Saab 9-3x concept

We'll be seeing a wide array of vehicles from General Motors at the Detroit Auto Show less than a month from now. According to Bob Lutz, the lineup will include at least the ZR1 'Vette, the CTS-V, Saturn Flextreme, and Two-Mode Saturn Vues in regular and plug-in variants. AutoCar is also reporting that a concept version of Saab's new crossover, the 9-4X, will turn up at Cobo Hall. The 9-4X is expected to share a variation of GM's Theta compact CUV architecture with the new Cadillac BRX and be built in Mexico alongside the Saturn Vue. Perhaps more interesting to true Saab aficionados will be the arrival of a new 9-1 model at the London Motor Show next July. This one will come off the next generation Delta platform along with the Astra and be as close as Trollhatten ever again gets to a "true" Saab.

[Source: AutoCar]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Schumacher to Schumacher: Time for a break, junior

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings

Talk about airing your family's dirty laundry in public. Michael Schumacher has made a public statement to his kid brother Ralf, urging him to consider taking a sabbatical from F1.
The news comes hot on the heels of a less-than-spectacular test Ralf undertook for Force India, the team formerly known as Spyker, which has two of the remaining seats open on the F1 grid for next season. Team owner Vijay Mallya and Schumi Jr. formed close links when the Indian tycoon's Kingfisher Airlines was sponsoring Ralf's Toyota, and the German driver was strongly linked to a potential drive for the new team. Unfortunately for Ralf, the test didn't go so well, prompting him to admit that the session could very well be his last drive in F1.
His considerably more successful brother, meanwhile, urged him to consider taking a sabbatical from Formula One, pointing out that, following his own retirement, it wasn't hard for him to come back for the recent test sessions for Ferrari, in which he posted top lap times. Michael was quick to point out, however, that he himself had no intention of returning to the race seat.
[Source: Autosport]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BREAKING: Jason Vines resigns from Chrysler LLC

Filed under: Hirings/Firings, Chrysler

For as long as this young blog can remember, Jason Vines has been the official voice of Chrysler. Though he began at Chrysler back in 1983, Vines' professional career has seen him receive paychecks at both Nissan and Ford before returning to Chrysler in 2003 to become Vice President-Communications. Little did Vines know that he'd be on the front lines when this whole blog phenomenon hit the big time and the face of automotive journalism began to change. He's had to endure embargo breaks, late night confirmation calls and the unique personalities that exist within our cottage Web 2.0 industry for the past four years. At the end of December, however, Vines will have to deal with it no more as Chrysler has just announced his resignation, effective immediately. It appears as if his parting is on friendly terms, as Vines will stay on through the end of the month to help his replacement, Nancy Rae, formerly Senior Vice President-Human Resources, get settled. We, for one, will miss Vines, as he possessed a shrewdness in his craft that most mouthpieces lack, and proved up to the task of matching wits with us internet folk as we made his life more difficult time and again. There's no word on where Vines is headed next, but we'll try and find out if he's exiting the auto industry stage left or landing in another cubical across town somewhere.

Follow the jump to read Chrysler's official announcement of Vines' resignation.

[Source: Chrysler LLC]Continue reading BREAKING: Jason Vines resigns from Chrysler LLC

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VW's Winterkorn: "We want to be in 2010 where Toyota is now."

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has put a bull's-eye on Toyota. He believes the German automaker can outpace the Japanese company in ten years time, if not sooner. He sites German design aesthetics and meticulous engineering as VW's strong points over Toyota. However, he knows that's not all it takes to win the global battle, as sales in the North American market will be the focus of Winterkorn's plan to grow. Part of VW's sales deficiency is its high market price over its competition. In order to reduce costs, Volkswagen must streamline production and decrease exchange rate losses through new plant locations, such as building a new one in the United States (Auto News, Sub. Req.). With these future goals in mind and the assistance of a 9.5 billion Euro investment. Winterkorn hopes to develop 20 new cars over the next three years. Ultimately, by 2010 Winterkorn would like to see VW where Toyota is today.

It is a bold move by the VW CEO (apparently bold moves aren't just limited to Ford), but it also seems a bit contradictory. Usually designs that are efficient and low cost to produce are not the most detail oriented. Toyota has also demonstrated how high production volumes can lead to reduced overall quality ratings. Let us hope that VW does not lose touch with its heritage while attempting to dethrone the king.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford scaling back production of V8 Mustang

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Ford

Prior to the introduction of the new-for-2004 Mustang, Ford sold about 70-percent of its pony cars with V6s, while the remaining 30-percent came with V8s. That figure shifted when the retro coupe went on sale in late '03 and Ford was forced to bump up the output of its V8-equipped models to keep up with demand.

Over the last few years, 52-percent of 'Stangs came with the 4.6-liter V8, but rising fuel prices and the fact that enthusiasts bought early has brought that number back down to 45-percent, so Ford will be reducing the number of 2008 Mustangs it builds with a V8.

We're sure the excessive amount of special edition models helped fuel the initial fire for the V8, and we expect the eight cylinder engine to comprise over 50-percent of sales once again when a refreshened Mustang hits the market before the end of the decade. That said, we recall that Ford's newish 3.5L V6 is suited to rear-wheel-drive, and expect that engine or a version of it, coupled with a six-speed automatic, to land in the Mustang's engine bay eventually. After all, Ford promised that the 3.5L V6 would power 1 in 5 of its models by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[Stuart]

I think Briatore will make sure that does not happen, even if they have to sabotage the the no. 2 car.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit Preview: Land Rover LXR Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Land Rover

click above image to enlarge

Remember that concept sketch Land Rover released around the time of the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show? It showed a sleek, two-door SUV, but being a teaser contained no additional information about when or where the actual concept would debut. Based on past precedent, we surmised that Land Rover would debut the concept this January at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and based on this single image sent by a reader to Carscoop.com, it appears that might be the case. The reader claims this is an official image of the Land Rover LXR Concept, a two-door concept SUV that precedes a production model to be slotted in below the Freelander and available for sale sometime in 2011. We don't know how the reader obtained the image, and we're not asking.

Land Rover is currently enjoying its best sales year in history, so expanding the lineup with an even more attainable model seems like a bright idea. We'll be on hand in Detroit next month to see if the LXR Concept in fact shows up, and we're inclined to agree with Carscoop that it will.

[Source: Carscoop]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Yet... more... images of the 2009 Subaru Forester

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Subaru

click above image to view more live shots of the 2009 Subaru Forester

Seriously, we're not that interested in the 2009 Subaru Forester that we actually think half a dozen posts on the little CUV is warranted, but Subie's so far been unable to keep a lid on its new design to such an extent that we just have to share each and every new pic that crosses our desk. These new ones appear to be the first live shots of the car, as opposed to the magazine scans and photoshopped official shots we've seen so far. In fact, these new images taken at what appears to be a shipping hub really bring to light how far the Forester has matured compared to the current model. While the current model always looked like nothing more than a tall station wagon with an extra smidge of ground clearance, the new Forester actually looks like a small CUV. The above shot even bears a resemblance to the Land Rover LR2 in some areas. We're sure you can find some more derivative styling on the new Forester as well, but all in all we think its positive progress in the right direction for Subaru.

As always, we'll bring you official news on the new 2009 Subaru Forester as soon as it's released on Christmas Day, and probably some more unofficial news in the meantime.

[Source: Yahoo! blogs via Carscoop]

Gallery: 2009 Subaru Forester - unofficial images


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2007 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes Day 1: Ownersite.com subscriptions

Filed under: Contests

As the holidays descend upon us, we find ourselves in the giving mood. So every day this week we'll be giving away auto-related items, starting with stocking stuffers like today's first prize: 10 1-year subscriptions to Ownersite.com valued at $24.95 apiece. For those of you who don't recall, Ownersite.com describes itself as a comprehensive web-based Vehicle Maintenance Reminder and Expense Tracking System. If you keep every receipt associated with your car in a shoe box, then you'll like Ownersite. If you want to know your car's average miles per gallon over the entire time you've owned it, then Ownersite is for you. If you're concerned about missing that suggested timing belt replacement at 50,000 miles, then you should enter this sweepstakes. Plus, we really like its ability to create a complete window sticker for your car when it comes time to sell your trusty steed.

The prize for 10 people includes a 1-year "Regular Plan" subscription to Ownersite.com, which will let you track and keep tabs on up to four vehicles.

How to Enter: Just leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all will be disqualified).Simple Rules:

• 10 winners will be randomly selected at 12:00PM EST Tuesday, 12/11/07
• You may enter today's sweepstakes only once
• Only residents of the United States are eligible
• You must be at least 18 to enter

Click here to view official rules and come back every day this week around noon to see what else we're giving away. Happy Holidays from your friendly neighborhood Autoblog!
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Sticking to its consonants: Lincoln to continue alphabet soup

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Lincoln, Lifestyle


When the new Lincoln MKS arrives next summer, it will join the MKZ and MKX. And then those three will be joined by another MK-something, perhaps a large Lincoln crossover based on the Ford Flex, to arrive in 2009. More than once we have written MKZ when we were referring to the MKS. More than one Ford rep said MK-Consonant when he meant the other MK-Consonant. More than once we have tried to figure out why Lincoln came up with -- and continues -- this type of nomenclature.

But it isn't going to stop, so we've just got to mind our letters. Mulally, he who brought back "Taurus," opined that "consistency of purpose is important." And Lincoln says this kind of naming system is what other premium automakers do. The difference is, usually those numbers actually mean something. All right, so 'Mark X' could mean crossover -- but then what's the larger crossover going to be called? Mark XL? And what is a 'Mark Z?' And why isn't that beastly truck a MKLT, instead of Mark LT? And does this mean you could order an ATMKSAWDPDQ?

The new names have only been in use for two years, so perhaps they simply need a bit more time to take hold. But we remember the last time Ford tried this kind of alpha/numeric thing State-side, and we're still trying to figure out the riddle of 'Merkur XR4Ti'...

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Toyota needs big December to reach 200k Tundra sales

Filed under: Car Buying, Trucks/Pickups, Toyota


Toyota is selling a heap more Tundra trucks this year than it did last year. It's simply not selling enough -- maybe -- to reach its goal of selling 200,000 units this year, the first year the all-new bigger and badder Tundra has been on sale. As of the end of November, the big T had rolled 177,336 Tundras off dealer lots (no mention of whether or not any of those included the old model), which represents a 58.3-percent jump in sales over last year's numbers.

But the segment overall has taken an 8-percent plunge in the tide of recent economic developments, and November Tundra sales were down almost 17-percent from October: 14,988, compared to October's 17,868. For Toyota to reach its goal, it has to move more than 22,000 Tundras in December. This means it has to post a sales increase of more than 50% in a market looking more and more like... a barren tundra. If it's really serious about making that goal, some of you out there should be licking your chops: there's money on the hoods.

Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager said, "We use incentives tactically to offer reasons to buy Toyotas at certain times of the month." You know the reason, and this is the month. Current model year 2007 Tundras get interest-free financing for five years, while 2008 models will get interest-free financing for three. Come 'n' git it.

[Source: Auto News]

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Tundra


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Saleen creates limited edition Patriot Mustang

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen, Lifestyle

Saleen is saluting our troops with the introduction of a limited edition Patriot Mustang. Yes, another Mustang variant, but this one celebrates military servicemen and women if that makes any difference to you. A total of 24 will be built - eight each in red, white, and blue. Each one includes Saleen's supercharger, which boosts horsepower up to 465 and torque to 425 lb-ft, as well as an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels and tires, and a body kit with a new front and rear fascia and side skirts. Inside, the Patriot gets reupholstered leather seats, new gauges, short throw shifter, and more while pricing is set at $51,295. For active military personnel, Saleen is also offering a $500 cash incentive, as well as one free day at its performance driving school. A short press release and a comprehensive list of specs and features can be seen after the jump.
[Source: MustangBlog.com]
Continue reading Saleen creates limited edition Patriot Mustang

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda RX-8

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Mazda

click above image to view spy shots of the 2010 Mazda RX-8

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/2010_Mazda_RX_8_caught_testing'; Spy photographers for Brenda Priddy & Co. caught this very early development mule for the next-generation Mazda RX-8 testing, and it appears to be wearing a few of the car's new design elements that are obscured by covering. Priddy believes the cosmetic update will be quite extensive, though the basic layout of the car, its 2+2 seating and rear access doors will remain. The front covering is hiding what appears to be the new front end, and doing so very well. The headlights appear to be the same as the current car, though the side markers are also covered up and bulge out, indicating that the new car will likely be wider. Out back, meanwhile, are new taillights, as well. Some diagnostic equipment appears hooked up to one of the tailpipes, which also could indicate a new rotary for the RX-8, most likely the 16X Renesis that first appeared in the Taiki Concept at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. We're just speculating, of course, as the current RX-8 is still scheduled for sales duty up to at least the 2010 model year.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2010 Mazda RX-8 - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Honda


The moral of a certain African tale is: no matter whether you're the lion or the gazelle, when you get up every morning you better be ready to run. That counts for rams, as well. One of Chrysler LLC's most profitable divisions is getting run down in a historically dominant specialty: minivans. The Dodge Caravan (and Grand Caravan), specifically, is in danger of losing its best selling minivan title to the Honda Odyssey.

The Detroit Free Press reports that year-to-date, Dodge has sold 154,824 Caravans, which is a 21.4-percent decline from last year. Part of that has been explained with the arrival of a new model and the elimination of the cheaper, short wheelbase version. Honda meanwhile has sold 158,139 Odysseys so far this year, which is only a 2.3-percent decline from last year. Honda also has a new version of the Odyseey this year, introduced in August, and has outsold Dodge for the past six months -- which means the new model picked up where the old one left its marker.

Follow the jump for more.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Caravan


Gallery: 2008 Honda Odyssey

Continue reading Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Get your Flux Capacitors right here!

Filed under: Gadgets, Time Warp, Etc., Toys
Okay, let's get this straight. Back to the Future movies: cool. Making your DeLorean into a replica of the movie car: incredibly lame. Halfway between would be a reproduction flux capacitor. If you did buy this thing, you could certainly attain full lameness by installing in in your non-DeLorean.

There were talented people working in the entertainment industry to dream up those iconic vehicles of the 1980s like KITT, the BTF DeLorean and the A-Team van. Those cars have staying power with a generation of enthusiasts, but dressing up your car to match a prop is akin to putting on your C-3PO finery to go see Episode III. If you must have it for your '96 Neon, climb the stairs from your basement lair and ask your mom for $220 for what equates to a couple of lights in a box. Hey, Christmas is coming, if you jump up and down and stomp like you did in '85, you'll find this thing under the tree.

[Source: Engadget]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Psychedelic BMW 7-Series

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, BMW
Do you remember the first time you saw your mom wearing a facial mud mask? We had the same reaction when we first saw this spy pic of the new BMW 7-Series that was shot in Munich. While we suppose the psychedelic swirly paint job does obscure the luxury sedan's new lines, it also screams to every passerby for attention. That's not something development mules and prototypes usually do.

World Car Fans says it can make out a new front grille with a wider and lower hood on the car. All we see is a hive of bumblebees being pureed. Regardless, WCF reports the next-gen 7-Series will feature an 8-speed automatic like the Lexus LS, as well as the xDrive system. Power will reportedly come from a range of engines including the 272-hp 3.0L inline six, a new 414-hp V8 sourced from the M3 and possibly a new version of the car's 6.0L V12. BMW will likely debut the new car's shape at one of the big European shows: maybe Geneva in March, but more likely Paris later in the year.

[Source: World Car Fans]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution
How do you top a car like the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster? It's simply one of the most desirable supercars on the market. But while the terms "practicality" and "Lamborghini" don't belong anywhere in the same sentence, the topless Raging Bull's roof is something best considered only for emergencies - just when the contraption's complicated installment procedures prove most frustrating (or so we hear).
Coming to the rescue are the American coachbuilders at Genaddi, who've designed a special roof for the special supercar. If the name rings any bells, Genaddi is responsible for such intriguing open-air conversions as the Corvette LSR Roadster, Maybach 62 cabriolet and the (limited) production version of the Ford GTX1 concept.
Genaddi's design for the Murcielago is far less complicated, but from the description, its simplicity could be its most redeeming quality. Made of carbon fiber, the six panels are designed to fit under the front hood of the roadster so it can be taken along with the car. They can be mounted in different configurations - completely open, completely closed, T-top or targa - and include a rear glass window. Genaddi expects to put the roof into production in May, when it will sell for $26,000.
Yes, that's enough to buy a decent complete car, but it's a small price to pay if it means getting more use out of your Lamborghini. And that's a worthy cause which we here at Autoblog support whole-heartedly.
Check out the press release after the jump and more images in the high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Genaddi Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster


Continue reading Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit Preview: HUMMER HX Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, HUMMER

click above image for more sketches of the HUMMER HX Concept

Talk about a dream job. David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski are three fresh-faced grads of the College for Creative Studies (where many car designers get their schoolin') and recent new-hires of the GM Design division. Their first assignment handed down from on high was this: "provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles." Under the supervision of HUMMER design studio director Carl Zipfel, each young designer was assigned to either the wheelbase, approach and departure angles or stance - three core HUMMER proportions - and otherwise given liberty to design away. Though all three came up with their own visions, the won you see above was chosen by the suits to be transformed into an actual concept to be shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The press release states that the E85 Flex Fuel-capable HX Concept features a pair of removable roof panels, as well as a removable rear roof. The end effect is some serious open air motoring while you're crawling boulders or jumping dunes. The slant back either recalls that particular body style of the original HUMMER H1, or like us you're seeing a lot of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the shape, too (especially from this angle). The doors and fenders can also be removed for off-roading adventures, though it's not like this concept will ever touch a speck of topsoil.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: HUMMER HX Concept

Continue reading Detroit Preview: HUMMER HX Concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BREAKING: First glimpse of the production Chevy Volt!

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Chevrolet, GM

Click to enlarge the teaser shot of the production Chevy Volt

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Production_Chevy_Volt_teaser_image'; The Chevy Volt concept was undoubtedly the star of the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, with most people who saw it clamoring for it to be built. However, it didn't take long for Bob Lutz and other GM officials to make it clear that a production version would have to change. At the LA Auto Show last month, Lutz reiterated that the production version would be different but still recognizable as a Volt. Now in the runup to the Volt's first birthday, GM is giving the world its first glimpse of the production Volt. From this first shot, it looks like the Volt will be keeping it's low roofline proportions, but the main portion of the now-standard Chevy grille is now blanked off and flush to optimize the aerodynamics. Cooling air will now enter through the intake below the bumper. Head on over to AutoblogGreen for the full story by clicking here.

[Source: General Motors, via AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Consumer Reports guides lost GPS shoppers

Filed under: Gadgets
A few weeks ago, Consumer Reports, alerted online readers to some really good GPS Black Friday deals. But which one should you have bought? Do you want one totally portable? Do you need speech to text capability? Should it play mp3s? Will those cool-sounding traffic alerts work in your area? CR helps the lost and confused GPS shopper get back on track with its handy guide to GPS features.

While we think the magazine should have offered this useful guide before Black Friday, those of you who resisted the super-discounted units can take some comfort knowing you thoroughly researched before paying more. Then again, maybe you're just holding out for something rugged, tough and covered in rubber.

[Source: Consumer Reports]
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