Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dodge Journey starts at $19,985

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossovers/CUVs, Dodge

Click the image above for a gallery of the 2009 Dodge Journey.

Dodge's next entrant into the Crossover soirée will come in under $20,000 when sales begin in the first quarter of next year. The base model 2009 Dodge Journey SE will be priced at $19,985 (including the $625 shipping charge), equipped with a 2.4-liter inline four sending power to the front wheels.

The 3.5-liter V6-equipped model with a six-speed automatic is available in SXT or R/T trim and comes in at $22,985 and $26,545 respectively. Both top-end models will be available with all-wheel-drive, with the SXT priced at $25,530 and the R/T coming in at $28,295.

All the pricing and trim details are available after the jump in Dodge's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Journey

Continue reading Dodge Journey starts at $19,985

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VW introduces 7-speed DSG on Euro Golf and Golf Plus

Filed under: Economy, Green, Tech, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

Volkswagen's dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) has proven that a balance can be struck between driver involvement and running the daily slog without a cramped left leg, with a bump in fuel economy to boot. As reported earlier this year, VW has plans to introduce another cog onto its six-speed DSG unit, while at the same time dropping the wet clutch arrangement for a dry-clutch setup. Now it's official: the new seven-speed DSG not only boasts another gear and dry clutches, but it's the first time the DSG transmission is able to be mounted for a front-traverse setup.

The seven-speed 'box will originally be available on the Golf and Golf Plus models abroad, equipped with the 1.4-liter TSI engine and 1.9-liter TDI mill, and the 1,750 euro premium over the base model also includes a hill-start assist system. The next generation, Borg-Warner-developed DSG has the capacity to channel 184 lb.-ft. of torque to the wheels, which should suit both models well, but it will need some beefing up before it becomes standard on more performance-oriented models.Continue reading VW introduces 7-speed DSG on Euro Golf and Golf Plus

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Enter the Rumormill: Spyker D12 to get American muscle

Filed under: Supercars, Spyker


Good news all you power-hungry Spyker fans. Rumors are flying that the newly revived Dutch company is re-thinking the powerplants in its new C12 Zagato and D12 SUV. Instead of using VW's 6.0-liter W12, Spyker may be looking to U.S. manufacturers for its engines.

Three reasons could be driving the company to go American. One is purely financial. With the Euro worth about $1.50 right now, U.S. engines would be much cheaper than German ones. The second reason is output. VW is expected to end production of their W12 soon, and Spyker doesn't want to get caught with nothing under their hoods. The third reason is, again, output. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller has said the Audi V8 his company had once planned for use in the D12 SUV just isn't powerful enough with "only" 400 hp.

So what engines would be appropriate for Spyker? "Beleggers Belangen" quotes Muller as saying, "Look at the block in the General Motors Corvette: thick 500 hp.

​

And from the V10 Dodge Viper: over 600 hp."

Dear Santa: We've been really good this year, but if you bring us a Viper-powered, Dutch-designed supercar with 600 hp we can't make any promises for next year.

[Sources: Autoblog.nl via Motor Authority]

Gallery: pre-production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris


Gallery: Spyker C12 Zagato


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy VIDEO: Car catches Noble's new M15 track testing

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars


Car magazine's Ben Barry had a close encounter of the Noble kind while spending some time at a circuit in the UK, and was smart enough to hit the record button on his video camera to catch the M15 prototype undergoing testing.

According to one of our favorite Brit buff-books, the new model will be motivated by a twin-turbocharged, Volvo-sourced V8 that's currently making 480 hp with plans to add an additional 150 hp once it comes to market, possibly late next year. The new body is considerably more curvaceous than its predecessor; particularly the sloped back end proving that Noble's designers have more than a straight-rule to work with. The new rump benefits from separate wing, versus the M12's integrated aerofoil, along with LED brake lamps and some additional ducting.

As for technical details, Car was able to confirm that AP will be providing the brakes and clutch, and that 20-inch wheels are likely to be fitted to all four corners. Weight should be around 2,400 pounds and with the additional power, 0-60 times should be deep into the 3s.

Barry was tracking his race-prepped M3 while the Noble M15 was testing, so he was able to play a little bit of "cat and mouse" with the mule. He didn't fare to bad in the corners, but once the road opened up, his inline-six didn't stand much of a chance. Exercise your finger to check the video.
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Arden revs up the Range Rover with the AR7

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Euro, Land Rover

Click above for a high-resolution image
German tuner Arden is best known for giving Jaguars sharper claws, but it occasionally takes on Range Rovers, as well. They recently released their AR7 package that includes an understated body kit, larger wheels and tires, new interior appointments and, of course, a boost in power that comes from an increase in displacement of the supercharged V8 to 4.5-liters. The result is 480 horsepower and 422 lb-ft torque with a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The OEM-look body kit includes a wider front fascia with a stainless steel grille that fits nicely with the upper grille, as well as wider wheel arches, side skirts, and a rear fascia. The three-piece forged wheels come in either 22" or 23" sizes, and larger brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pistons on the rear. Finally, the customers have a variety of choices with upgrading the interior, including leather and alcantara seats in any color as well as chrome, carbon fiber, or aluminum accents. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Arden]
Gallery: Arden Range Rover AR7


Continue reading Arden revs up the Range Rover with the AR7

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW planning big layoff in 2008

Filed under: Euro, Hirings/Firings, BMW
We're so used to hearing that either GM, Ford or Chrysler will be laying off a chunk of its workforce that it demands a double-take when another automaker announces cuts. Today BMW has announced that it will cut thousands of jobs in 2008, with some outlets reporting up to 8,000 workers will get the axe. A spokesman for BMW revealed that most of the jobs lost would be in Germany and those leaving the company would predominantly be temporary workers. If the final number does reach 8,000 employees, that means BMW will shed 8% of its global workforce that currently stands at 108,000 employees. The layoffs are, of course, a cost-cutting measure to improve profits, which will likely be down in 2007 compared to the year before because BMW is spending more money than it expected on new models, new technology research and the raw cost of materials it needs to build its Ultimate Driving Machines. Though the news will be painful to hear for the workers that lose their jobs, it came as sweet music to the ears of investors who are currently pushing up the price of BMW shares.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The real reason for traffic jams: us!

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Driving
Finally, there's an explanation for those wasted hours we spent on the MassPike today asking no one in particular "what the (dirty word) is this (dirty word)?" A team of mathemeticians from the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Budapest developed a mathematical model revealing that traffic jams are caused by idiots. Okay, not exactly. The real explanation is that unexpected events, such as being cut off, require slowing below a threshold speed for smooth traffic flow. As we've all observed, when the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you need to brake even harder to compensate for your reaction time; this creates a wave that radiates back through traffic. That "backward-traveling-wave" means that because of one driver's inattention, we all pay for it miles behind.

The results of the study really point up the need to drive smoothly. Roads with heavy traffic volume seem to be more prone to traffic jams, too, but that's not necessarily the case. Heavy volume can proceed smoothly if drivers anticipate and avoid sudden actions. In the end, it appears that the main way to fix traffic jams is driver diligence. The low-tech solution is to pay attention when you're behind the wheel, but we've also now got radar-based cruise control that does this for you, so you can continue blithely on your way. It boils down to common sense; be a smooth driver, expect that everyone around you is a moron, and hopefully you won't be slamming on your brakes, causing a domino reaction.

[Source: physorg.com via Motive Mag, Photo: Ed Edahl/FEMA]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ed Peper to ZR1 detractors: "Bring it."

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM


GM thinks that the Corvette ZR1 is pretty much the baddest machine on four wheels, period. This was driven home today in a post on the Fastlane Blog by Chevy general manager Ed Peper. Seeing him advocate his brand's (and GM's) flagship is far from surprising, and as he rattles off the car's positives, it seems like pretty standard-issue public relations fare. It's only as he wraps up that he seems to get a little exercised over some folks' habit of turning all Corvette-related conversations into pushroad vs. overhead-cam arguments. In response, he namechecks some very heavy hitters -- the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 GTB, and the Lambo LP640 -- as he casually pulls the gloves off, matter-of-factly stating that the ZR1 has a better power-to-weight ratio than all of them. Then, in his parting shot, he dons the brass knuckles and calls out any and all comers who would challenge the Corvette ZR1's abilities with two simple words: "Bring it."

You know what it is when this kind of smack talk starts flying around? It's fun. And we haven't even heard from Lutz yet.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Three bidders remain for Jaguar/Land Rover, no word until next year

Filed under: Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover


Though Ford says no announcement will be made about what company will end up with Jaguar and Land Rover until 2008, Automotive News says that three bidders remain in the running.

India's Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra and U.S. private equity firm One Equity Partners are all still interested, but one, Tata, looks to be the most likely candidate to take home Jaguar and Land Rover.

The Birmingham Post had expected an announcement as early as today saying Tata Motors will pay as much as $2 billion for Jag and Land Rover. But a Ford spokesman tells BusinessWeek that the company won't say anything about a possible deal until after the new year.

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

Autoblog: VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

click above image to view video

Our reaction to the official press shot of the Corvette ZR1 was a little guarded. The bright blue car that accompanied the lifting of the embargo left us thinking a bit more about Hot Import Nights than we were comfortable with. 0-60 Magazine recently had a photo shoot with another ZR1, and this one dressed nice. All the tungsten instruments around 0-60's ZR1 really play up the surface detailing of the C6 Corvette, and the handsome metallic gray hue made this particular ZR1 a stealth bomber. There's the minor detail of that polycarbonate skylight in the hood, and the humongous brake package peeking from behind equally huge rims is far more striking in person than pictures will ever convey, too. So, even in a subdued color, the ZR1 still manages to announce to the world that it's packing something special. There's nothing of any consequence in the video, it's a few walkarounds of one of the hottest cars extant. It's a nice holiday treat, so stop feasting on goodies for a couple minutes and hit the jump for some eye candy instead.

[Source: 0-60]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


Continue reading VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Damage Control: Nardelli clarifies "operational bankruptcy" quote

Filed under: Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

Chrysler LLC CEO Bob Nardelli learned the hard way recently that you never, ever use the term "bankruptcy" in any context whatsoever when in polite company. In a meeting with employees earlier this month, Nardelli was asked if the automaker was bankrupt, to which he replied, "Technically, no. Operationally, yes. The only thing that keeps us from going into bankruptcy is the $10 billion investors entrusted us with." He later confirmed making the comment, adding that he meant to "convey a sense of urgency", i.e. light some fires under a few asses.

Nardelli's comment about the company being operationally bankrupt has taken on a life of its own in the last few days. We even witnessed mainstream media maven Brian Williams report about the quote on NBC Nightly News yesterday evening. This is the first PR faux paus to occur at Chrysler since the departure of ex-VP of Communications Jason Vines, so we weren't sure how the new PR team would respond. Last night they released a statement credited to Bob Nardelli that attempts to mitigate the media frenzy. Nardelli explains in detail how, despite what he told his troops a few weeks ago, Chrysler is doing well and Cerberus is pleased with its performance so far. Is he convincing? Judge for yourself after reading the statement in full after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]Continue reading Damage Control: Nardelli clarifies "operational bankruptcy" quote

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan GT-R recognizes tracks via GPS, removes speed limiter

Filed under: Japan, Tech, Supercars, Nissan


We know that the Nissan GT-R's ECU wizardry is impressive, but this little tidbit left us in awe. According to our friends over at the GTChannel, the GT-R's integrated computer limits the vehicle's speed in Japan to 111 mph (180 km/h), but once the GPS system detects that you've arrived at a domestic circuit, it removes the top speed limiter for all-out track assaults.

In the U.S., they've bumped up the electronically-limited top speed to 156 mph (250 km/h), but there's no integration with the GPS here in the States, meaning that anyone that wants to go faster on track has to have the ECU modifed. Nissan has made several overtures that the GT-R's ECU will be a tough nut to crack, but we're sure that enterprising tuners both here and abroad will be able to coax a few extra ponies out of the twin-turbo'd 3.8-liter mill and remove any electronic nannies that go with it.

[Source: GTChannel]
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[Woppum]

with FI im sure there is alot more to come out of this engine!"

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Land Rover introduces 2008 Range Rover Westminster

Filed under: SUVs, Ford, Land Rover

The Range Rover has long been known as one of the best off-road vehicles on the planet, and it goes about its dirty business in class and style, if not snobbery. The current Rangey isn't getting any younger, so to keep its top dog fresh, Land Rover is offering North Americans 500 of its new Westminster edition models. Equipped with a 400-horsepower supercharged V8, the usual interior appointments, and ten-spoke 20" rims, the Westminster has the niceties its prospective buyers are looking for. Real wood is prevalent, as Land Rover incorporates a 14-piece lined oak extended wood veneer and a lined oak anthracite gear shift knob. The wood trim is further accentuated by special edition "java black" leather seats with tan inserts and tipping.

Of course, all the luxury and exclusivity that accompanies the Westminster comes at a price so steep you practically need another Land Rover to carry the cash you need to pay for it. If you've got $105,600 burning a hole in your pocket and an off-roading fantasy that will likely never be fulfilled, the Range Rover Westminster is in your price range. Unfortunately, we seem to be a little short on both funds and 60 degree grades here in the Detroit-area suburbs.

[Source: Hispanic PR Wire]

Gallery: 2008 Land Rover Westminster


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GM first to sell a million cars in China in one year

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Buick, GM

GM is in a market share dog fight here in the States, but in emerging markets like China, the General is quickly gaining a strong foothold. Rick Wagoner and company are progressing so splendidly in the world's fastest-growing market that the automaker became the first manufacturer to sell one million units within a calender year. That millionth vehicle was a Buick Park Avenue, which is fitting since Buick is hugely popular in the land of the Great Wall. The speed with which the General attained this level of success is impressive as well, as GM sold 100,000 units five years earlier.

With a population of 1.6 billion and an insatiable appetite for automobiles, China seems like as good a place as any for GM to increase its global automotive presence. With more and more automakers turning their attention (and funding) to China, however, GM's exponential growth since 2002 will likely begin to stabilize. For now, however, China is to GM what the US was back in the 60s and 70s.

[Source: GM]Continue reading GM first to sell a million cars in China in one year

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Slighted Unique Performance workers demand wages

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Government/Legal, Ford, Shelby

The effects of the recent collapse of Unique Performance continue to grow, and this time it's the employees who claim they are owed thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. According to CBS 11 News in Dallas, many of the employees were asked to stay on to complete several Foose Stallions that needed to be finished even after the company was raided by police on November 1. Foose, as well as Shelby have since severed official ties with Unique. The employees have yet to be paid for the work, and are owed more than $40,000 in back pay. Mike Luzader, former program manager for Unique Performance, claims that the funds simply need to be cleared and that the wages will be paid on December 26th. We wouldn't hold our breath.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the story is why employees stayed on despite the obvious signs that the end was near. Many of the workers cited their passion and loyalty for the cars, as well as how personal they took their jobs. While we love to see this passion in the automotive industry, it's also sad to see it taken advantage of. We hope for a positive resolution for all involved and will continue to track the story's progress.
[Source: CBS 11 News]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Reader Find: Chevy Impala SS taxi at MIA

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Chevrolet

Click image for gallery of phonecam pics

Reader Ken Gesel did a double-take as he was waiting to pick up a friend at Miami International Airport. Amidst the merry-go-round of Crown Vics snagging fares coming out of Arrivals, there was something different. You can almost hear your favorite Sesame Street personality breaking into "One of these things is not like the others" as your eyes take in the 18-inch alloys, SS badges, and twin exhaust outlets. Yep, it really is an Impala SS taxicab, and Ken snapped off a few phonecam shots for us. Had we been walking out of the terminal, bags in hand, we'd have picked it over one of the garden-variety converted police Vics with black steelies. Next, we would have told the driver that that it was imperative he put that 5.3L V8 to work and get across the MacArthur Causeway as quickly as possible. After all, the sooner you get checked in to your hotel, the sooner you can get yourself to an outdoor table at Larios for some Churrasco and people-watching.

Thanks, Ken!

[Photos: Ken Gesel]

Gallery: Chevy Impala SS Taxi in Miami


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Earnings/Financials

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - it was 2007. Topping the sales figures for the year that almost was are mainly servile vehicles, while the more ostentatious, less useful cars round out the bottom-feeder roster. Family cars at the top and niche cars in the basement doesn't tell the entire story, though.

Yes, there are some cars that you expect would sell in small volumes. Sporty things like the Porsche Boxster, Vette-in-drag Caddy XLR, blob-tacular Lexus SC430, and Audi A8/S8 &uuml;ber-sedan all sold in expected tiny numbers for such specialized machinery. Rounding out the nadir of automotive sales, you'll find nearly every Jaguar model, and some dead-on-the-vine products like the Mazda B-series pickups (Ford Ranger) and Isuzu Ascender (Chevy Trailblazer).

Hit the jump to read more, and see the list

[Source: Motor Authority]Continue reading MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lamborghini celebrates 3000 Murciélagos sold

Filed under: Car Buying, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

During most weeks, Ford will build more than 3,000 F-Series pickups by Wednesday. It has taken more than five years to build 3,000 Lamborghini Murci&eacute;lagos, but in the realm of $300,000 supercars the Italian automaker can consider this level of sales success a very substantial accomplishment. The Lamborghini Murci&eacute;lago replaced the Diablo in 2002, sporting a 6.2L V12 capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. To keep up with the ever-evolving supercar set, Lamborghini unveiled the LP640 model at Geneva in 2006. This upgraded bull sports a larger 6.5L V12, which helps shave .4 off its 0-60 time. Power and style coupled with a renewed appetite for $300,000 sports cars has helped the Murci&eacute;lago surpass sales numbers of the Diablo, its predecessor, in half the production time.

Number 3,000 is headed for the U.S. and it's been equipped with several high-end touches to celebrate its milestone status. The Telesto Grey LP640 has been upgraded with special finishing touches including a black interior contrasted with orange stitching. The success of the Murci&eacute;lago is big news for fans of the Italian bull, so break out the Amaretto (if you're over 21) and check out the full press release from Lambo after the jump.

[Source: Lamborghini]Continue reading Lamborghini celebrates 3000 Murciélagos sold

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness

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

click image above to view video

The BMW 1-Series looks like it's going to be a well-placed shot in the arm for BMW. The sporty coupe will hit the scene in the U.S. just as Americans are becoming more interested in rear-wheel-drive vehicles again. And it's also a small car in a time when buyers are practically abandoning their SUVs on the freeway. BMW faithful are excited too, as the 1-Series seems as if it will channel the much revered 2002 like a long lost loved one. This video shows similarities between the two cars that stretch from the past to the present. It's a kick ass minute of footage filled with everything from 1968 oversteer to 2007 CGI. Check it out after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Jon!

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: More 1-Series goodness

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