New Car Buying Tip: AutoblogGreen for 10.31.08

click to visit AutoblogGreen

Whatever it looks like on the outside (like it?) the hybrid versions of the new 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan should get 38 mpg, and that's always attractive. Speaking of which, how 'bout that Hilary Swank and her BMW Hydrogen 7? If you're curious about how a fuel cell vehicle drives, we can tell you all about it.

AutoblogGreen for 10.31.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments

Gordon Murray's T25 could come to the U.S. in 2014

Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green

The microcar concept has been around for a long time, but Daimler kick-started its redevelopment with the original smart fortwo. Now, that model's success in the marketplace (if not financially) has prompted such big name players as Toyota and Volkswagen to step up to the plate with innovative new city cars of their own. Toyota's iQ is set to take on the fortwo in Europe any day now and will likely hit the States next year. The next player is coming from engineering icon Gordon Murray and his Design team in the form of the unique T25.

Expected to measure in at just over 94-inches long (2.4-meters) and weigh just 1,200-pounds, this is one seriously small car. Many different body styles, primarily made of plastic, are expected to fit on the same basic chassis, including a mini-MPV, pickup truck and convertible. A small, three-cylinder engine is expected to deliver downright amazing fuel economy and low emissions. Murray currently expects the T25 to go on sale in Europe in 2012, with U.S. sales following in as little as two more years. Even if you care nothing of small city cars, you may want to mark that date. And Murray's next project will be an "everyday supercar" that will be sold at a very low price. We can't wait.

Gallery: Gordon Murray T.25 teasers

[Source: CAR]

Gordon Murray's T25 could come to the U.S. in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments

Audi TT-S starts at $45,500

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi TT-S

Audi announced today that pricing for its U.S.-spec TT-S will begin at $45,500 for the Coupe model and $47,500 for the open-air Roadster. The TT-S joins the TT 2.0T and TT 3.2 in Audi's lineup, settling atop the range with a turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L TFSI engine producing 265 hp @ 6,000 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's 15 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the TT with Audi's 3.2L V6. The TT-S Coupe also manages to hit in an impressive 4.9 seconds while achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg. Top speed for both the Coupe and Roadster, however, will be electronically limited to 155 mph. For their money, buyers will also get Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission, magnetic ride suspension and the brand's trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system.

If the TT-S is still not fast enough for you, the TT-RS is on its way. While it may not make it to U.S. shores, the TT-RS will pack a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder producing 340 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, which will be mated to a six-speed manual and quattro all-wheel-drive. 0-60 times for the TT-RS are expected to drop even further down to 4.5 seconds. Expect the price to also go up even further in turn.

Gallery: Audi TT-S

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi TT-S starts at $45,500

Audi TT-S starts at $45,500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments

Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S.

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Nissan

Nissan has announced a new version of its Versa sedan today, which it claims is now the lowest-priced car in the U.S. For a base MSRP of $9,990 (excluding a $695 destination and handling charge) you can get your hands on the new Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6, which includes a standard 1.6L four-cylinder producing 107 horsepower. It's smaller in displacement than the Versa's other 1.8L engine that produces 122 hp, but is also more efficient returning 26 mpg city/34 highway with a five-speed manual and 26 city/33 highway with a four-speed automatic. The larger 1.8L achieves 26 city/31 highway with a manual, 24 city/32 highway with an automatic and 27 city/33 highway with Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission. So the new Versa Sedan 1.6 will be slightly more frugal with fuel, but we also expect it will include less standard features in order to keep the starting price below $10,000. The new lowest-priced car in the U.S. will go on sale November 18th.

In the meantime, Nissan has another plan to ease the financial burden of its customers in these tough economic times. The Japanese automaker has announced 0% financing for 36 months (for well-qualified buyers) on the Murano, Sentra, Altima, Versa and Rogue, as well as a $199/month lease for the 2009 Altima and Rogue. Leasing a Rogue for less $200/month will require a hefty down payment of $2,754, while the Altima commands an even more steep $2,759 before you can drive it off the lot. The question is whether or not a sub-$10k Versa and new financing and lease deals will move cash crunched consumers to act.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S.

Nissan Versa 1.6 becomes lowest-priced car in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments