Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: CES 2008: Graham Rahal does donuts in the parking lot

Filed under: Motorsports, CES, BMW

Click the photo for a high-res gallery of Graham Rahal's donuts

Some of the loudest action at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today was actually out in the parking lot. For fans of Formula One, the BMW Pit Lane park in the Gold Lot outside the Convention Center is as close as many will get to an F1 car in the US now that the Grand Prix at Indianapolis is history. BMW has one of their 2007 cars with driver Graham Rahal at the wheel. The course that's set up is a straightaway with a circle at each where Graham gets to demonstrate that traditional driving skill known as the donut. Aside from the ear piercing shriek of an F1 engine, perhaps the most impressive feat here was the way Rahal was able to keep the car off the guard-rails in this confined space. Very cool! Follow the jump for a video of the demonstration.

Gallery: CES 2008: BMW F1 Donuts

Continue reading VIDEO: CES 2008: Graham Rahal does donuts in the parking lot

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: MINE'S GT-R exhaust makes 501 hp at the flywheel

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Nissan


Eric Hsu, one of the many men behind XS Engineering and also a veteran of A'PEXi and Cosworth, got a hold of the February 2008 issue of Japan's Option magazine in which the pub strapped the MINE'S-modified Nissan GT-R to a Dynapack and ripped off a couple of runs. The GT-R was equipped with the prototype catback exhaust we featured a couple of weeks back, and although the design is far from streetable in its current form, it still created just over 20 hp over the stock setup by reducing backpressure and allowing a 1.42 psi increase in boost. Although Hsu maintains that the Dynapack might skew the results by up to five-percent, the 507.9 ps (500.95 hp) rating at the flywheel is still impressive considering that nothing was done to the GT-R's ECU.

[Source: JDM-Insider]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: truTV breaks into an exotic car dealership

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Don't worry, it's not what it sounds like. No laws were broken in the making of this video. Symbolic Motors in La Jolla, CA wanted to test out its security systems and hired the "Tiger Team" to see if they could break into their showroom full of exotic cars. truTV watched on with video cameras in hand to see if they could do it undetected. Despite what seemed like fairly fortified defenses full of alarms, trigger systems, and dozens of security cameras, the team broke into the dealership and drove off in a Lotus Elise without being caught. Click on the image above or on the link below to view the video and see how they did it.

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW's South Carolina plant to boost output, needs more workers

Filed under: Sports/GTs, SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW


Despite slashing some 8,000 jobs worldwide, BMW plans to hire more workers to man its Spartanburg, S.C. production center, while simultaneously upping the night shift from eight hours to ten. The South Carolina plant currently produces the X5 and Z4, but with production of the X6 CUV beginning a few weeks back, BMW is looking to staff an additional 200 jobs to keep the assembly plant on boil. Although Z4 production is going to Regensburg, Germany in 2009, BMW plans to begin building the X3, which is overdue for a refresh, at the plant around the same time. Those of you looking for jobs in the Spartanburg area can apply through MAU Inc., BMW's U.S. staffing firm, and should expect to bring in $12.50 an hour during the day shift and additional buck if you're willing to toil away in the wee hours of the night.

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

Autoblog: CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept revealed!

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, CES, Green, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac

Click on the Cadillac Provoq concept for a high-res image gallery

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Cadillac_Provoq_Concept_debuts_at_CES_2008'; Following the introductions of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Flextreme during 2007 auto show season, Cadillac is bringing forth a third design based on the E-Flex architecture. The Cadillac Provoq concept is intended to help give the brand an image of premium sustainability by updating the fuel cell E-Flex powertrain that was shown in a Chevy Volt at the Shanghai Motor Show last year. The Provoq is a luxury crossover design that's considerably larger than the Volt.

With updated Cadillac styling cues on a 180-inch long CUV body, it's stretched 10 inches longer than a Volt to allow comfortable seating for five passengers. The Provoq is built around GM's fifth-generation fuel cell stack combined with a 9kWh lithium ion battery pack. The electrical energy is used to power a 70kW AC motor driving the front wheels and a pair of 40kW hub motors at each rear corner. Like the other E-Flex vehicles, the Provoq has plug-in capability and the battery has enough capacity for about twenty miles of driving range. Combined with the 6kg of compressed hydrogen gas stored in its two tanks, the Provoq has a total range of about 300 miles. Clay Dean's Cadillac design team incorporated some of the aerodynamic lessons learned by the Volt crew, including thermostatically controlled slats in the grille to minimize drag when cooling air flow isn't needed. Check out AutoblogGreen for more details on the Provoq concept.

[Source: General Motors, AutoblogGreen]
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept

Continue reading CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept revealed!

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit '08 Preview: 2009 Hyundai Genesis shakes things up

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

click above to view more high-res images of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Hyundai_gets_serious_2009_Genesis_sedan_w_avail_368hp_V8'; What you are looking at is the physical representation of Hyundai's will to succeed in the U.S., also known as the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Korean automaker's first attempt at a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan will debut in Detroit next week and arrive on our shores later this year (we think) with a price tag that starts below $30,000. As is Hyundai's way, it will feature power, performance and amenities that belie its little price tag.

First, the design. The Genesis sedan has clean lines and uncluttered surfaces that look detailed and, frankly, expensive. Yes, it's derivative. There's a bit of Lexus LS in the headlights, some Infiniti in the profile and rear... you get the idea and can add your own observations in the comments. It's a criticism that's been lobbed at nearly every recent Hyundai design, but it doesn't stick. The design of the Genesis won't offend and it won't excite, and our only major complaint is the grille, which looks too anonymous without a big Hyundai logo front and center.

The Genesis sedan (don't forget about the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe that's coming next) will be available with three engines including the automaker's familiar 3.3L and 3.8L Lambda V6 engines producing 264 HP/233 lb. ft. and 290 HP/264 lb. ft., respectively. The top-shelf motor will be Hyundai's first V8 in the U.S., the 4.6L Tau V8 that produces a healthy 368 HP and 324 lb. ft. of torque. The Tau V8 also gets paired with a ZF 6-speed automatic rather than the Aisin 6-speed autos that are mated to the V6 engines. The V8 also runs on good old fashioned 87 octane unleaded gas, something not all of its competition can claim. 0-60? Well under 6 seconds says Hyundai.

Follow the jump for more info and pics...
Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Continue reading Detroit '08 Preview: 2009 Hyundai Genesis shakes things up

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 01.08.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


Ahh, the Cadillac Provoq E-Flex fuel cell concept car in all its glory. Read and contemplate if Caddy will be bringing us a hydrogen SUV any time soon. Until they do, we can ride bikes in bike boxes and fold up our electric scooters. Fun, huh?

• Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq E-Flex fuel cell concept
• WSJ: GM making sci-fi cars, Volt is a "moon shot"
• Autonomous vehicles could debut with automatic valets
• Denso expands hybrid parts plant by 25 percent
• VW confirms they applied to Thailand's eco-car program
• Green Zones offers window badges for cars entering environmental zones in Germany
• Austin giving rebates for electric vehicles of all kinds (scooters, electric bikes and more)
• Video: Maher's maple syrup car on Letterman
• Porsche confirms Panamera will be hybridized
• VIDEO: Getting the latest cutting edge tech with Red Green
• Cool videos: air propelled train, personal street car
• VIDEO: Current Eleminator V record setting 7.956sec 1/4 mile run
• "Petroleum-free" Cadillac Provoq will be unveiled at CES tomorrow
• Portland's "bike boxes" make the city even more bike-friendly
• MIT, Sanyang and ITRI collaborate on folding electric scooter
• Green things Ford will do in the next 5 years (and where's my air scoop?)
• Nissan going for a lightweight strategy, looks for 15 percent reduction in 7 years
• Volkswagen delivers 250 bifuel CNG Golfs to Avis in Milan

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit '08 Preview: Saab 9-4X BioPower leaked

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

click above for more images of the Saab 9-4X Concept

You're not supposed to see this vehicle yet, at least not until closer to the start of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this Sunday. It's the Saab BioPower 9-4X, and a Dutch outlet has seen fit to release these lowish-res images of the CUV a bit early. We think it's a CUV because the popularity of the SUV is waning (Ford's switching the Explorer from its body-on-frame SUV roots to a CUV compliant unibody, for Pete's sake), and Saab's done the whole SUV thing already with its rebadged (although nicely) version of the Chevy Trailblazer called the 9-7X. Regardless, the 9-4X is destined for production probably later this year. The Concept is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder enginer, typical Saab fare, that produces 245 HP/260 ft. lb. of torque on gas and 300 HP/295 ft. lb. of torque on ethanol. There's also an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can split power between the front and rear axles, as well as between each side of the rear axle depending on which needs it most. Stay tuned this Sunday when the Detroit Auto Show officially begins for us and we'll find out more.

[Source: World Car Fans]Gallery: Saab 9-4X Concept - leaked photos


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GM reaffirms Chevy Volt on sale by 2010

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors, which has been blasted for having too many fuel-thirsty trucks and SUVs in the past, has recognized that the Chevy Volt has some serious momentum, and the Detroit automaker is redoubling its efforts to make the series hybrid a reality on time. Bob Lutz told us that the Volt would begin production by the end of decade, and despite Rick Wagoner preparing us for a missed deadline, Maximum Bob is reiterating his original 2010 deadline. Lutz points out that 400 advanced fuel scientists, 200 dedicated engineers and 40 designers are pumping heart and soul into the project, and we get the feeling failure is not an option. With skyrocketing fuel prices continuing to gradually increase and real consumer demand for a high mileage production vehicle growing, we're looking forward to Bob being right.

[Source: GM Fast Lane Blog]
Gallery: Chevy Volt


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Dolby surrounds Ford's Flex in sound

Filed under: Audio, CES, Ford


We had the opportunity to sit in a dark maroon Ford Flex at the Dolby booth for a demonstration of their 7.1 Surround Sound system they've developed with the Blue Oval, and the first thing I notice is the super-nice croc-print leather seats beneath me. Michael Becker, Dolby's Global Marketing Director, says something like, "Oh, yeah. This is Funkmaster Flex's Flex." So don't look for the sweet, lizard-like leather on the production version.

But we weren't actually at the Dolby booth to ogle celeb-designed cars, we were there to listen to them.

Becker says one of the premium audio options in the upcoming non-Funkmasterized Flex will be the Sony system we heard with 12 speakers and 7.1 surround sound. With 375 watts it's an awesome-sounding system, especially for what is essentially a station wagon. We can assure you, your parents' Vista Cruiser never sounded this good.

Which brings up the question, "Why put such a high-end sound system in a family car?" So Dolby's Becker demonstrated. If you want to retain some of the premium sound, but still keep the kids asleep in back, use the touch-screen fader to move the sound up front. In most cars, that would have produced sound a little better than a pocket-sized transistor radio. But the Flex's system retains Dolby 5.1 for the front system or the rear if the fader is moved towards the back. This means the sound is still far ahead of that Vista Cruiser, and probably better than what you're driving now.

We can't wait to see how this sounds with real-world noise outside instead of within the crowds of CES-goers. Speaking of which, Becker said the Flex had attracted major attention from show-goers, with one even way overestimating the list price above $100k. It's nice, but not that nice. As if to demonstrate what he meant, while in the car demonstrating the sound system, we had to lock the doors to keep out the curious, even with the car roped off. Possibly a very good sign for Ford's Flex.

Gallery: CES 2008: Dolby surrounds Ford's Flex in sound


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: ALMS or DTM? More images of Lexus IS-F racer surface

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above to view more high-res images of the Team Lexus IS-F

No single car better demonstrates the determination of Lexus to stick it to the Germans than the IS-F. The high-performance sports sedan gives the BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi RS4 a real run for their deutschemarks euros. But Lexus isn't about to let it rest there. That is, not if the rumors are to be believed.
A few days ago we brought you a preview image of the IS-F Racing Concept, which Lexus is bringing to its home-court Tokyo Auto Salon later this week. But while it certainly looks the part, emerging reports now suggest that the concept is no mere concept at all, but that Lexus is actually planning on using it to compete in Germany's domestic (and both highly popular and ultra-competitive) DTM touring car series. The rumors are fueled by the image you see above, posted mysteriously on TeamLexus.com. If the reports turn out to be true, the IS-F could find itself trading paint with race-prepped AMG Mercedes C-Classes and Audi A4s before long.
However a seemingly conflicting report suggests that the racing IS-F pictured above is actually a GT2 car destined to succeed the previous IS300-based racer that Lexus campaigned in the 2006 American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Enough differences exist between the dark concept headed for Tokyo and the orange one in the new images to allow for the possibility that Lexus could be relentlessly pursuing perfection in two distinct classes with racers based on the same sports sedan. Check out the images in the gallery below for more angles.
[Source: IS-F Insider]
Gallery: Team Lexus IS-F



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Ford expands HD radio offering in 2009 to all vehicles

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

In-car technology has exploded over the past few years, with navigation screens, hard drives, iPod connectivity, and satellite radio becoming more and more important to consumers. While Ford was slow to get on the multimedia super highway, the Blue Oval has picked up steam with the introduction of SYNC. Ford also launched HD Radio in fall 2007, and the Dearborn automaker plans to offer the digital music maker in every Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury by 2009

HD radio is gaining in popularity as it offers superior sound quality vs. traditional radio and exclusive content, without the need to pay a monthly subscription. Radio stations are fast-adopting HD Radio as well, with 1500 stations now broadcasting digitally. Over 700 of those stations are now offering H2 and H3 multi-casts, which means that your favorite station can offer multiple genres, or more simultaneous choices of the kinds of music you love. With satellite radio riddled with commercials and still costing $12.95 per month, lets hope that HD Radio can give us what we like, but without the cost. Hit the jump to view the Ford press release.

[Source: Ford]Continue reading CES 2008: Ford expands HD radio offering in 2009 to all vehicles

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Pics Aplenty: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

click above for 34 high-res images of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis

You can read everything there is to know about the 2009 Hyundai Genesis in the post we published late last night, but at the time we only had three images of the Korean automaker's new super sedan to show you. Hyundai released the rest of its images this morning, giving us a complete view of the car's design both inside and out, including shots of what appears to be an uplevel model that's decked out with all the trimmings (see above).

We'll reiterate our concern that many may find the design of the Hyundai Genesis derivative and anonymous. In fact, the only place a Hyundai badge appears on the car is the rear trunk lid. Is that because the company believes a logo on the front grille might deter those who believe that Hyundai can't build a premium car? And as for its derivative elements, we mentioned the Lexus-like headlights and Infiniti-inspired profile, but we just figured out where we've seen those taillights before: on the rear of a BMW 3-Series sedan. Regardless, the overall design is, as we said before, clean and rich looking. Our first glimpse of the back seat also reveals prodigious amounts of rear leg room. So we again leave the 2009 Hyundai Genesis in your hands, dear readers, to judge as you will.

[Source: Hyundai]
Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Compressed air car on track for production this year

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Plants/Manufacturing


Guy Negre's compressed air vision has crossed our desks before. The vehicle, which uses a motor powered by 4,000 psi of compressed air stored in carbon fiber tanks, will actually start production in India soon after 15 years of development thanks to some help from India's biggest automaker, Tata. The MDI Citycat and Minicat are built from lightweight materials and offer large passenger and luggage space while emitting no emissions. The energy required to refill the compressed air tanks reportedly equals about $2.00, and there are optional propulsion units to extend the roughly 90-mile (at speeds of 40mph or below) range of the vehicle so you aren't stuck if your air car runs out of breath.

We wonder if the MDI Citycat and Minicat might actually increase the demand for compressed air. We can just imagine someone finding a way to make money selling high-octane squeezed atmosphere. Regardless, 100 miles of zero emissions sounds good to us, and MDI is also considered setting up local factories in various markets to virtually eliminate transport costs and pollution, too. With Tata's large resources and the insatiable demand of the burgeoning Indian market, these clever cars stand a good chance of success.

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

Autoblog: LEAKED! Audi TT-S breaks cover

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Audi

click above for 20 more high-res images of the Audi TT-S

Spanish website Motorpasion somehow got its hands on 20 official-looking images of the soon-to-be-debuted Audi TT-S that some are guessing will be revealed next week at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. They say it will be sporting a 272-hp version of Audi's 2.0 TFSI engine and be available as both a coupe and convertible. Other features include LED daytime running lights and brushed nickel sideview mirrors like on other S models (the S5, S6, S8, etc.), quad exhaust tips and special TT-S badging. In these pictures (sorry about the obnoxious watermarks) we can clearly make out a revised front fascia with larger air inlets, a sharp chin spoiler and more polished accents on the vertical elements of the grille. The wheels, which must be at least 18-inches in diameter, fill out the wheel wells with little room to spare.

Rumor has it that the TT-S will be the production car that Audi has promised to debut in Detroit next week, while the "something stunning" is pegged to be a version of the Audi R8 powered by V12 diesel TDI engine.

[Source: Motorpasion]
Gallery: Audi TT-S - leaked photos


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6

Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, GM, Holden


GM's Australian subsidiary Holden has recalled 86,000 rear-wheel-drive Zeta cars with the V6 engine to correct a potential fuel leak that could lead to fires. The CNN Money article says that the recall doesn't impact the Pontiac G8, GM's North American Zeta variant, because that car's underhood layout is different. We should also mention that the G8 is not even on sale yet, so there are none in customer hands to recall.

VE and WM Commodores in Australia and New Zealand, Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice models in the Middle East, as well as the Chevrolet Omega in Brazil are all affected. When a clip chafes on the fuel line, it can apparently cause a leak with nasty results if the gasoline ignites. The risk is low, says GM's John Lindsay, but they're calling the cars back, nearly all of the Zetas with V6 engines sold since the car's redesign, and fixing them free of charge just to be on the safe side.

[Source: CNN]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: REPORT: Lincoln MKT may be unveiled at Detroit show

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

Click image for a gallery of the suspected Lincoln MKT mule

According to an LA Times piece on the silliness that is modern vehicle naming, the paper appears to have flubbed a little bit revealing that Ford will introduce the 2009 Lincoln MKT at the Detroit Auto Show next week. What's the MKT? Well, the conventional wisdom suggests that it's a large 3-row crossover based on the Ford Flex architecture. We expect to see it wearing Lincoln's new, more dramatic styling language as introduced on the MKS along with a more upmarket interior in terms of look and feel. Looks like the spy shots that came out last week were timelier than we thought. While the mule pictured is disguised with Taurus X bodywork, not even that black mask can hide the new-look baleen whale grille that Lincoln has adopted. We won't need to wait much longer to see how this ultimately plays out, so as soon as we know the full skinny, you'll know, too.

[Source: Los Angeles Times via Inside Line]
Gallery: Lincoln MKT Flex-based CUV - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Sirius and Ford present Travel Link for your factory nav

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Ford


As Ford, Lincoln and Mercury roll out their 2009 models, customers who opt for Ford's advanced GPS get six months of Sirius Travel Link service. Larry Pesce, senior VP of media services for Sirius (seen above) demonstrated Travel Link for us at CES on Monday night. We got to see how the system provides drivers and passengers with information about traffic, weather, entertainment, fuel prices and sports.

It's a slick system, that, at least in the demo we saw, responds quickly to touches of the screen and was impressive with how smoothly it worked.

Follow the jump to read more about how each feature of Travel Link works, as well as the company's official press release.Continue reading CES 2008: Sirius and Ford present Travel Link for your factory nav

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mazda RX-8 Convertible rolled out at shipment ceremony

Filed under: Convertibles, Japan, Mazda

click above image to enlarge

Mazda held a traditional sending off ceremony yesterday for its first shipment of vehicles to leave its headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan in the new year. This is done at the beginning of every year and all the big execs come out to watch new vehicles like the Mazda2 and CX-7 get loaded onto a shipping vessel and whisked away to markets abroad. Rotarynews.com, however, noticed something particularly interesting in the photos of the event that Mazda released. Decorated in balloons and streamers is a Mazda RX-8 Convertible, a version of the RX-8 that doesn't technically exist and which we've never seen before. Its duties appear to be parade-like in nature, slowly transporting two execs around a parking lot who are seen standing up on the back seat and holding onto a crossbar. It's probably just a one-off vehicle that was made for occasions like this, but at least you now know that an RX-8 Convertible does exist and that it can be done. Thanks for the tip, Walter!

[Source: Mazda, Rotarynews.com]
Gallery: Mazda RX-8 Convertible


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Subaru

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Nissan_Altima_boots_Accord_as_Consumer_Reports_top_sedan'; The Nissan Altima narrowly beat out the Honda Accord for the coveted Consumer Reports Top-Ranked, Mid-priced Sedan, which is revealed in the February 2008 issue. The V6 Accord lost to the V6-powered Altima by a scant one-point, followed by the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.

Consumer Reports tested a number of family sedans for its February issue, ranging from the base four-cylinder models and up to the range-topping V6s. The selected vehicles, which also included the Ford Taurus, Dodge Avenger, Kia Amanti and Subaru Legacy, were broken down into three categories: "Affordable," "Mid-priced" and "Large" family sedans.

The four-cylinder Altima took the top spot in the "Affordable" category, leading by six points over the Accord, with the Kia Optima EX and Passat 2.0T coming in third and fourth, respectively.

Consumer Reports is quick to point out that the Accord, which has won the publications Top Pick for five years, outperformed the majority of the players, but in the end, the Altima proved to be the best value overall.

[Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

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