Back In Black: Buick's GNX Goes Out with a Bang

Back In Black: Buick's GNX Goes Out with a BangThe year 1988 would mark the Buick Regal's change from its old rear-drive G-platform to a new front-drive W-platform, but also signaled the end of the Grand National - arguably, one of the sportiest Buicks built since the 1970s.  To celebrate - and go out with a bang - Buick decided to build the ultimate Grand National: the 1987 GNX.GM engineers began work on the project in late 1986, partnering with colleagues at American Sunroof Company and McLaren Engines to develop the program.  Given the budget and time constraints, no party had time to re-work the innards of the Grand National's 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6 - but they could work on external components.The motor was treated to a modified Garrett T-3 turbocharger with a ceramic impeller, revised intake and exhaust systems, a larger intercooler, and a tweaked engine computer.  These changes yielded 276 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque - a significant boost from a base Grand National, which in 1987, delivered only 245 hp.They also yielded some impressive performance figures.  Two GNX prototypes hit a drag strip in 1986, laying down a 0-60 time of 5.38 seconds, and made a quarter-mile sprint in 13.47 seconds at 104 mph - outperforming a naturally-aspirated Porsche 911 and even Chevrolet's own Corvette.Some mild chassis changes (like new rear torque bars and a Panhard rod linkage) helped channel that power to the ground, but the GNX remained a sleeper.  With a monochromatic black exterior, all production cars looked nearly identical to a normal Grand National, save for small emblems, fender portholes, cross-lace alloy wheels and analog gauges for the driver.Such performance didn't come cheaply; the GNX option package ran for nearly $10,000, bringing the total price for a car to a whopping $29,900 (nearly $57,000 in today's economy).  That didn't deter buyers; Buick had to raise production figures from an initial cap of 200 cars to 500 to meet demand.  Ultimately, 547 examples were built, making the 1987 GNX one of the most collectible - if not powerful - Buicks to date.Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

GM recalling over 300,000 vehicles

Filed under: Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

After seeing a variety of reports cropping up this afternoon, we were finally able to get some hard information regarding a recall that's affecting 313,000 passenger vehicles and crossovers from General Motors.

The recall involves a seal on the rear axle pinion that's apparently prone to leaking, which has the possibility of locking the driven wheels and causing a loss of control. GM will be recalling 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS models, STS sedans and SRX crossovers, as well as the 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and it's platform sibling the 2007 Saturn Sky. All told, that's 275,936 vehicles in the U.S., along with around 38,000 vehicles in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and Asia.

[Source: Business Week]

 

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2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio unveiled! Detroit debut, hits showrooms in March

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Euro, Videos, MINI

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Cabrio

Well, here's one car we'll all be able to cover in Detroit come January. BMW has officially announced that the second-generation MINI Cabrio will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show. No need to wait to place orders; you can do that now. The Cooper ragtop is priced at $24,550 while the Cooper S convertible costs $3,000 more. Customer delivery kicks off on March 28.

So, what's new? Well, for one, the new Cabrio looks like the current-gen Cooper. Likewise, it shares the hardtop cars' 1.6L engines -- 118 hp NA for the Cooper, and 172 hp turbo for the Cooper S. The Euro-market cars get BMW Efficient Dynamics features including brake regeneration and stop/start. The U.S.? Not so much. Out back, the fold-down tailgate's hinges are now internal, giving the car's tush a smoother look. The fixed roll hoops of the current car have been replaced by a pop-up system behind the back seat. This makes for a good-looking, clean top-down profile and should improve rearward visibility for the driver. Speaking of the top, it can be operated at speeds up to 20 mph or so, and it fully disappears in just 15 seconds. The sliding sunroof feature can be utilized at even higher speeds -- up to 60 mph or so. Stability control is standard equipment.

Inside, the current MINI instrument panel is employed, and drivers with a hankering for extraneous gimmickery can order up the "Openometer", a secondary gauge that mounts next to the tach. It monitors how much time you clock with the top down. Yeah, yeah -- useless. You know people are gonna eat it up. Follow the jump for a video and MINI's full PR (now updated with the U.S. version).

Gallery: 2009 MINI Cabrio

[Source: MINI]

Continue reading 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio unveiled! Detroit debut, hits showrooms in March

2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio unveiled! Detroit debut, hits showrooms in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Economy over Excitement

Economy over Excitement How best can you discern Pontiac from Chevrolet?  That's a problem that's staring product planners at GM square in the face.  Aside from the Solstice roadster and the G8 muscle sedan, there's little else in Pontiac's lineup that's unique or exciting.  From what we've heard of Pontiac's future product plans, little will change over the next four years.2009 If you've always wanted a Chevrolet Aveo but couldn't live without a Pontiac-style grille, you'll love the 2009 Pontiac G3.  Little more than a badge-engineered Aveo (itself a badge-engineered Daewoo Gentra), the G3 has been sold in both Canada and Mexico for the past three years, but now finds itself headed to the U.S. in both sedan and hatchback forms. The slinky Solstice roadster gains a removable-hardtop coupe for 2009.  Both may see soon see higher-horsepower engines, but the Solstice's long term future - like other Kappa-platform roadsters - is in doubt. 2010 Along with the G8 ("Don't call it El Camino") ST pickup truck, look for a possible replacement for the slow-selling G5 coupe.  We're told it will, like the G5 itself, will be a rebadged version of another front-wheel-drive Delta platform vehicle - the Chevrolet Cruze.  Look for both coupe and sedan versions to be offered. 2012 Nothing else is on the horizon until 2012, when Pontiac gleans another captive import.  Automotive News claims the car will be a sedan, sized between the G3 and the G5.  We'll go out on a limb and suggest a "G4" nomenclature (although a cable network may not approve), and anticipate yet another front-wheel-drive vehicle built by GM's Daewoo subsidiary. If the planets align just right, we may see a rear-wheel drive G6 in the 2012 model year.  The car was originally supposed to be revised on the next-generation Epsilon platform, leaving it with front-wheel-drive.  However, management then wanted to move the G6 to a new rear-wheel-drive architecture, code-named "Alpha."  Given GM's recent shift away from rear-wheel-drive programs, the entire program may be in limbo. Source: Automotive NewsRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

What's the big deal with private jets?

What's the big deal with private jets?Last week, our duly elected representatives were shocked â€" shocked! â€" to learn GM, Ford, and Chrysler’s CEOs had the nerve â€" the nerve! - to ask them for money after flying on corporate jets. It didn’t take long for the media to smell the blood in the water. “GM has eight jets in its fleet!” sputtered Bill O’Reilly.Here at Automobile we too were taken aback by this show of arrogance. “The greatest PR debacle of the year,” executive editor Joe DeMatio called it. At the same time though, we could not help but wonder if Messrs Wagoner, Mulally, and Nardelli were really the only troubled executives who aren’t worrying whether their suitcases weigh more than fifty pounds. So instead of working on the next print issue looming ever closer to deadline, we did a bit of gumshoeing. Here’s a sampling of what we found:CitigroupUnlike the automakers, Citigroup’s CEO, Vikram Pandit, will not have to come begging to Washington D.C. The troubled bank received a $20 billion injection of taxpayer money over the weekend with nary single testimony.Nevertheless, if Citigroup does suddenly need to come before Congress, let’s say to present a plan for a turnaround (something many analysts call unlikely), it’s safe to assume that Mr. Pandit will be traveling aboard one of the company’s corporate jets. As a matter of fact, Citi maintains a wholly owned subsidiary, called Citiflight, for the purpose of jetting its executives around the world. To Pandit’s credit, he reimburses Citiflight for all private use of the corporate jet.AIGAh, AIG. The erstwhile, recently socialized insurance company has received $85 billion from the government â€" more than triple the automakers’ request. To be fair, it has also gotten its share of negative attention for its ill-advised $500,000 spa getaway.But at least AIG executives â€" or should we call them comrades â€" haven’t been whirling about on their own airplanes, right? Wrong. In fact, AIG required former CEO Martin J. Sullivan and his family to use the corporate jet for their personal business. AIG ousted Sullivan in June (with a healthy severance package), and announced yesterday that its new CEO, Edward M. Liddy, will be working for a $1 salary. Rest assured though, he will not be using that dollar on plane tickets. CongressPerhaps some of the righteous anger from our elected representatives was from withdrawal. They haven’t been allowed to ride aboard corporate jets for years. Well, actually, make that months. The Open Government Act of 2007 banned lawmakers from accepting gifts, including some kinds of private travel, from companies or lobbyists. But before you start donating your frequent flyer miles to them, be aware that they still get plenty of free rides, albeit of the lowly commercial sort.For instance, Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), who found “delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hands,” ironically got a free trip to Hawaii a few months back to attend a seminar on U.S.-China relations.PresidentIt’s safe to say nobody has lost more money in the last eight years than the United States of America, which fell $455 billion short this year. I don’t have to tell you who will be responsible for a government bailout of the government.And yet, President Bush has been jetting around the world in a tricked out Boeing 747. If airport security has really been improved, why don’t we ever see the commander in chief trying to fit his deodorant into a Ziploc bag?So what's the point? The point here is not to embarrass any companies or politicians, although they do make for easy targets. In fact, the flying habits of the named parties all apear completely legal and above board (companies often explain their use of corporate aircraft in yearly statements to the SEC, while Congressmen must disclose all privately funded travel on a publicly accessible website). One of the companies even offered me a cheerful, albeit strictly off the record explanation of why it’s only wise for executives to avoid commercial travel. Was it wise for the heads of the Big Three to take their jets to the capital? Obviously not. They should have taken Northwest - Congressional hearings almost never start on time, anyway. But it also has no real bearing on whether the automakers â€" and their three million employees â€" should receive a bailout. Perhaps the government, and for that matter, the media and the public, should discuss such weighty matters on their real merits, rather than flighty, absurdly selective morality.Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Pontiac's Future Products Focus on FWD Economy

Pontiac's Future Products Focus on FWD Economy How best can you discern Pontiac from Chevrolet?  That's a problem that's staring product planners at GM square in the face.  Aside from the Solstice roadster and the G8 muscle sedan, there's little else in Pontiac's lineup that's unique or exciting.  From what we've heard of Pontiac's future product plans, little will change over the next four years.2009 If you've always wanted a Chevrolet Aveo but couldn't live without a Pontiac-style grille, you'll love the 2009 Pontiac G3.  Little more than a badge-engineered Aveo (itself a badge-engineered Daewoo Gentra), the G3 has been sold in both Canada and Mexico for the past three years, but now finds itself headed to the U.S. in both sedan and hatchback forms. The slinky Solstice roadster gains a removable-hardtop coupe for 2009.  Both may see soon see higher-horsepower engines, but the Solstice's long term future - like other Kappa-platform roadsters - is in doubt. 2010 Along with the G8 ("Don't call it El Camino") ST pickup truck, look for a possible replacement for the slow-selling G5 coupe.  We're told it will, like the G5 itself, will be a rebadged version of another front-wheel-drive Delta platform vehicle - the Chevrolet Cruze.  Look for both coupe and sedan versions to be offered. 2012 Nothing else is on the horizon until 2012, when Pontiac gleans another captive import.  Automotive News claims the car will be a sedan, sized between the G3 and the G5.  We'll go out on a limb and suggest a "G4" nomenclature (although a cable network may not approve), and anticipate yet another front-wheel-drive vehicle built by GM's Daewoo subsidiary. If the planets align just right, we may see a rear-wheel drive G6 in the 2012 model year.  The car was originally supposed to be revised on the next-generation Epsilon platform, leaving it with front-wheel-drive.  However, management then wanted to move the G6 to a new rear-wheel-drive architecture, code-named "Alpha."  Given GM's recent shift away from rear-wheel-drive programs, the entire program may be in limbo. Source: Automotive NewsRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

A Second Chance with the 1948 Tucker

A Second Chance with the 1948 TuckerI was happy enough to have sat - or even moved ever so slightly - within a 1948 Tucker the other week, but the folks at RM Auctions called me back for more.After their mechanics jumped upon the shapely sedan following last week's event, the issue (a brake-adjusting starwheel was stuck) was resolved, and the Torpedo was once again ready to roll.That's not to say this car wasn't well-sorted to start.  This is the fourth Tucker to have been completely restored by RM's team in Canada.  It's safe to say they know their Tucker, for car #38 is absolutely immaculate.But as gorgeous as the car may be, I wasn't there just for its looks - I was there for a quick ride.  The ride around Oakland University's campus was, as an enthusiast, painfully short, but it was a thrill to be up and moving within Preston Tucker's dream machine.That big 5.5-liter flat-six out back only makes 160 hp, but it was rather big on torque - enough so that the 4200-lb Tucker moved quite well through first and second gears, and could reportedly hit a top-end of 120 mph.  The Cord-based pre-selector gearbox functions well today - so long as you're not hoping to power-shift the car.  One doesn't 'row' through the gears per se; instead, you're relegated to shift and wait for your desired cog to engage.But the ride is quite comfortable - as previously noted, passengers have hordes of space within the car, and thanks to some oft-overlooked ingenuities.  Controls are all placed within easy reach of the driver's left hand, allowing the typical cross-car dashboard to be eliminated in favor of extra legroom.That also perpetuated Preston Tucker's call for the car to be safe, eliminating the deadly impact surface of a solid-steel dashboard.  Other features - including a pop-out windshield and the famed pivoting center headlamp - also placed the Tucker ahead of its competitors.Those competitors may have outlived the Tucker, but even today, few have truly offered automobiles anywhere as innovative.Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

AutoblogGreen for 11.25.08

AutoblogGreen for 11.25.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

click to visit AutoblogGreen

Wanna know what's it's like to drive the a.) new Tesla Roadster b.) 2009 BMW 335d or c.) MINI-E? Just click and learn.

• AutoblogGreen visits our founder to try out his Tesla Roadster [w/VIDEO]
• ABG First Drive: 2009 BMW 335d
• LA 2008: A GEM with a fireball and official custom line
• LA 2008: CSULA's Super Eagle II gets 853 mpg
• Dean Kamen going mad in seclusion?
• New Hyundai America CEO discusses new hybrid system
• VW Touareg TDI Trophy Truck finishes Baja in 13th place
• SoCal Edison gets its Mitsubishi i MiEV
• ABG Quick Drive: Battery-powered MINI-E w/VIDEO
• Detroit Auto Show losing luster...Mitsubishi abandons ship
• Mercedes-Benz C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY coming to UK with no price increase
• Bill Ford to turn automaker into "Green Oval"?
• China's Geely working on low-speed electric Panda
• EU CO₂ limits close to final agreement
• Hyundai to offset CO₂ emissions of 2009 Genesis sedans

AutoblogGreen for 11.25.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ride in a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

First Ride in a 2010 Hyundai Genesis CoupeHyundai generously offered up a quick ride (not drive) in a pre-production Genesis coupe during an event for the Genesis sedan, and I jumped at the chance. The quick ride didn't exactly show off the coupe's dynamics since five of us were crammed in there and we pretty much rode on the bumpstops the entire trip, but I was able to learn a few things:The Genesis coupe is indeed a different car from the Tiburon it replaces. Some media members speculated that we were simply riding in a Tiburon with the seats turned around. One particularly critical, hard-driving journalist crawled under the car to verify that it did, in fact, have a drive shaft connecting the front-mounted engine and transmission to the rear wheels. It turns out John Krafcik, Hyundai's vice president of product development and strategic planning, brought the real deal for us to ogle.With a rumored 310-horsepower V-6, this coupe should be pretty hot. Still, it lost a little of the purported zippiness when we clearly overloaded the car. That just gave us ample opportunities to listen to the exhaust note. Krafcik told us the exhaust isn't fully tuned yet, but we all agreed it sounded pretty good. When properly (read: legally) loaded, I expect the experience to improve dramatically.The design of the Genesis coupe turns lots of heads. Or at least the sight of five people squeezed into a Genesis coupe cruising through Santa Barbara does. I was stuck (literally) in the back seat and the headroom was severely lacking for someone more than six-feet tall. There was an amazing amount of leg room though. I think anyone up to 5'9" would fit comfortably back there with a reasonably sized driver or passenger in front. Or maybe I have a freakishly long torso. The Genesis coupe certainly has better leg room than something like a Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang.The Genesis coupe may not be out until the 2010 model year, but if it packs the same bang-for-your-buck as the Genesis sedan it will be worth the wait. Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

AutoblogGreen for 11.24.08

AutoblogGreen for 11.24.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

click to visit AutoblogGreen

Three ideas to reduce gasoline use/miles driven/etc: First, from funnyman Conan: walk (if you're not famous). Second, this simple plan. Third, get yourself a 39 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid for $27,270. What's your pick?

• Conan O'Brien: Walk if you're not famous (VIDEO)
• Editorial: A simple way to reduce SoCal pollution and fuel consumption
• Ford Fusion Hybrid to start $27,270, 39 mpg city!
• Audi likely to launch A3 TDI in US
• BMW may build hybrid Z2 compact roadster
• Aptera adds side mirrors, reduces number of back-up cameras
• Lithium ion battery easily achieves 180,000 miles in testing
• PGO Hemera is unveiled in all its classically-styled glory
• Chevy's Volt mules have moved to Cruze mode; Lutz drives one
• Bentley boss gets over-ruled, diesel possible
• Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four
• LA 2008: smart madness bring you butterfly door fortwos
• LA 2008: HH2 display is downstairs, folks
• LA 2008: Intimate electric vehicle is "the quiet car"
• LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard

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AutoblogGreen for 11.24.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 smart fortwo

2008 smart fortwoPreparing for the release of the 2008 fortwo, smart is offering a $99 Reservation Program, rolling over the fee toward the purchase the vehicle.About smart:Part of DaimlerChrysler, smart has partnered up with Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group to bring the fortwo to the US market beginning in the first quarter of 2008. About the fortwo:Since its introduction, over 750,000 of these compact two-seaters have been sold. Although exact specifications are limited, smart claims the fortwo achieves a top speed of approximately 90 mph and gets over 40 miles per gallon under normal driving conditions. Measuring 8.8 feet long by 5.1 feet tall by 5.1 feet wide, this economical car also offers easy parking and maneuverability.All 2008 smart fortwos will come with protective steel reinforcements, aka "tridion safety cell," electronic stability program (esp), anti-lock braking system (abs), and four airbags. Three models will be up for grabs:Starting under $12,000*, the smart fortwo pure will come standard with a 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. Air conditioning, power windows, and alloy wheels are optional. Starting under $14,000*, the smart fortwo passion will include all the features offered with the pure, plus a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player.Starting under $17,000*, smart fortwo passion cabrio offers all the features of the passion coupe plus an upgraded radio and sound system that includes an mp3 compatible in-dash 6 CD changer. Additionally, the fully automatic soft top can be infinitely adjusted to any position even while the vehicle is in motion.  With higher gas prices and the rising popularity of micro-compact autos (think in terms of the Fit, Versa, and Yaris), US consumers eagerly anticipate the upcoming release of the fortwo. However, as much as this unique little car uses steel reinforcements for safety, the thought of driving one of these cars alongside distracted SUV drivers might be enough to keep many buyers away. * Excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and options.Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

PGO Hemera, because classic good looks never go out of style

Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Euro, Green

Click above for more shots of the PGO Hemera

PGO, a French automaker that many have likely never heard of, has spilled the beans on its latest new car, which actually looks a lot like an old car. In this case, though, we'll forgive PGO for copying another automaker's styling, as the Porsche Speedster that the Hemera gets its good looks from happens to be one of the most classic and perfect designs ever. To our eyes, the Hemera looks more like a modernized 356 than any current Porsche does, and that's not a bad thing. The \Hemera has another thing in common with the classic Porsche: light weight. Coming in at just 2,160 pounds, the Hemera achieves its sporty performance in much the same way that Lotus does, meaning that the Hemera's natural gas-fed, Peugeot-sourced, mid-mounted powerplant that makes all of 140 horsepower is sufficient to accelerate the car to 60 in under 7 seconds and up to a top speed of 124 miles per hour. Sure, it's not going to break any records, but that's plenty to have some fun with. Pity us here in the States - this one's a Euro-market car only and will go on sale early next year.

Gallery: PGO Hemera

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

PGO Hemera, because classic good looks never go out of style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Los Angeles Auto Show with no politics.

The Los Angeles Auto Show with no politics.We've all been glued to CNN, watching the Big Three Bosses being grilled after asking for $25 billion in bailouts. Their reactions are, in part, as painful as Governor Palin's Katie Couric interview. And let's face it-nobody knows the future of the automobile industry, so rather than pretend we do, let's talk about some cars for once. In case you hadn't noticed, the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show just happened.If you have gear oil running through your veins, the LA Show is a pretty good place to go this year-the biggest debuts seem to be either sports cars or convertibles. The most dramatic of those debuts is the new Nissan 370Z. It's so much smaller and tighter-looking that it almost deserves a name far more different than that of the outgoing 350Z. Then again, its compact, racy dimensions actually put it closer to the Zs of yore-especially the oldest ones, which were lean, mean, and gorgeous. I haven't personally gotten behind the wheel of the new Z yet, but if it drives half as good as it looks (and I'm confident it will), Nissan will have a hit on its hands, economic crisis or not. And if the rumors I've heard are true that Nissan's GT-R won't be available with launch control for 2010, then the Z just might be the company's fastest stoplight dragster.   Nissan's other sporty debut is the Infiniti G37 convertible, which isn't just drop-top, it's drop-dead gorgeous, too. It looks surprisingly similar to the Lexus IS Convertible (which is strange because the IS and G sedans don't resemble one another in the least) but it's more successful at hiding the mass of the folding hard top. In fact, of the trio of rear-wheel drive, four-seater hardtops (the two Japanese cars plus the BMW 3-series), Infiniti is the most successful at keeping the beltline and trunkline low.   And speaking of hard-top convertibles, how about a convertible that's no longer a convertible-the $300,000 Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series. Mercedes showed the carbon-fiber beast wrapped in a big transparent Christmas present box, from which its bulging body looks like it's threatening to escape If you want a DTM car for the street, the SL certainly looks the part. And with 661 horsepower, it's faster in a straight line than the DTM cars are, too. Seriously.   The Mercedes' top speed is limited to 199 mph, which means that the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder not only undercuts the SL's price by more than $80,000, it outruns it with a 201-mph top speed. And when you're not trying to break the sound barrier, the Lamborghini's top folds down for a nice sunburn thanks to the hole in the ozone layer it creates. Fabulous stuff indeed.   And yet, despite all this hot new metal, the sports car I'd buy-convertible or not-is the plain, barely-different-looking Porsche Cayman or Boxster. Sure, they don't look new and totally different like the 370Z, they don't have 661 horsepower like the SL, and they don't seat four like the Lexus or Infiniti, but they've just received some updates that make them even better than their predecessors. And we always thought that couldn't be done.   With direct-injection engines, they're both more efficient and more powerful than last year's models. With an available 7-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission, they finally appeal to buyers who live in places like Los Angeles where you're stuck in traffic all the time. And with the latest version of PCM (Porsche Communications Management), they finally have an easy-to-use touch-screen navigation and infotainment system. New wheels and lights round out the changes, but that's irrelevant-the entry-level Porsches have always been about how they make their driver feel, not the people they're passing by.   Which leads me to the most frustrating part of auto shows. It's not the crowds; it's not the hot, dry halls. It's not the lack of decent food. It's that I can only look at these awesome cars and can't drive the damn things. Yet.Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2009 Audi A4 Fuel Economy and Pricing Announced

2009 Audi A4 Fuel Economy and Pricing AnnouncedAudi's new A4 offers more space and more power in a package that weighs more, yet focusing on efficiency has allowed the company to deliver slightly improved fuel economy in every powertrain combination it offers.In these fuel-conscious times, Audi is eager to point out that it is the only automaker among its chief German rivals to offer a four-cylinder in the mid-size luxury segment. The company's turbocharged, direct injection four-cylinder formula has always been well respected, and in its latest take, Audi gives buyers even more reason to pass on the optional six-cylinder engine. The 211-hp, 258 lb-ft turbo four makes 15 more pound-feet of torque than the V-6 and the run to 60 mph is just 0.2 seconds slower. When paired with a six-speed automatic, four-cylinder sedan and Avant models return fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.The 3.2-liter V-6 (available only with the six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive) will deliver 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Both four- and six-cylinder engines make use of Audi's new variable valve lift system, but the V-6 uses the feature on the intake valves, while the four-cylinder utilizes the technology on the exhaust side.The best fuel economy comes from the front-wheel drive, four-cylinder A4 mated to a CVT gearbox, turning out 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Despite being the least thirsty powertrain combination, Audi expects most buyers will opt for a model equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. The current take rate for the front-wheel drive/CVT car is about 20 percent.But Audi's not just relying on technology to increase fuel economy. The company also hopes it can train drivers to squeeze more miles out of a gallon of gas. Opting for a six-speed manual transmission (only available on four-cylinder models) will also equip your A4 with a shift indicator light to encourage shifting at lower engine speeds. That car is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.A4s will begin arriving in dealerships in September, with sedans starting at $32,700 and Avant models beginning at $34,500. - Eric Tingwall, Editorial InternRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, I.C.E., GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive has apparently decided that 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque should be plenty of power to recharge some batteries. Those 260 galloping ponies will come courtesy of the General in the form of its 2.0L direct injected and turbocharged Ecotec four banger, an engine that we've sampled ourselves plenty of times. We feel well qualified, therefore, to suggest that this is an excellent motor, but it really sounds like a major case of overkill for this particular application. Perhaps that's better than "underkill" (if such a word actually existed) as that powerful engine ought to be able to recharge the Fisker Karma's on-board lithium ion batteries at an extremely brisk pace. The faster the internal combustion engine can charge up the battery pack, the quicker the car can revert back to its native electric-only operation. Plus, that engine is a relatively light chunk of alloy, so the Karma's motor shouldn't be burdened by the gasoline-fed boat anchor too horribly under electric power.

We also find it a bit interesting that Fisker chose GM as its powertrain supplier, which means that the Karma and GM's own Chevy Volt are now even closer cousins than before. Both vehicles will sport four doors, lithium ion batteries and an extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain; and with this announcement, both are now slated to share four cylinder engines from GM. This kinda makes 'em second-cousins through marriage, no?

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Continue reading Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four

Fisker Karma to use GM's 2.0-liter turbo'd four originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

There are three main obstacles to making electric cars a viable alternative to those powered by internal combustion engines: the weight, cost and range of the batteries. Internal combustion engines have range limits based on the size of their fuel tank, but it only takes a few minutes to dump 10-15 gallons of liquid fuel in the tank and be on your way. It takes hours to recharge a battery. Fast charging systems are being developed, but they will require new infrastructure for the high currents and voltages required. The cost issue also works against range. You can reduce cost with a smaller battery, but you know what happens then. A battery with more range is both heavier and more expensive. How about a smaller swappable battery? That's one of the possible alternatives that Tesla is considering for the Model S sedan. This brings a whole different set of problems with it. Even smaller batteries will weigh several hundred pounds, making them difficult to handle. There are also safety issues with handling high voltage batteries. You also need a distribution infrastructure for the batteries and automakers have to standardize on common pack formats to make the whole idea viable. It's not like popping into a drug store for a set of AAs for you camera. Tesla's bright idea just goes to show that electric cars have a long way to go before they can replace internal combustion engines completely.

[Source: Inside Line]

Tesla Model S sedan could have swappable battery pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Hatchbacks, Toyota

Click above to watch video after the jump

Toyota's irritatingly slow leak of seemingly insignificant 2010 Prius teasers has shown us such riveting details as the hybrid car's startup screen, power seat switch and some sort of all-knowing seeing-eye camera. A much more interesting set of leaks has also granted us an early but pixelated peek at the car's external shape, along with detail shots like the rear LED tail lamp assembly and a few different looks at the interior. Now, we've discovered a set of YouTube videos that definitely don't seem to have come from Toyota itself.

In the videos after the jump we see the new 2010 Prius spinning on a rotating stage, we see buttons on the steering wheel that change the digital readouts on the central dash and we see a brief glimpse of the car's generous storage capacity via its hatchback body style - all of it set to wonderfully numbing elevator music. There is one interesting bit that we've recently seen: an air conditioning button on an old-school key fob that allows the climate control to run via rooftop solar panels even while the car itself isn't running. Fortunately, we only have about two more months to wait for the car's official debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. Thank God for small miracles. Check out both videos for yourself after the jump. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: Confirmed: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Prius Chat]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Prius revealed more in YouTube video

2010 Toyota Prius revealed more in YouTube video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tuners, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, SMART

Click above for high-res image gallery of the smart fortwo BRABUS

The BRABUS edition of smart's diminutive little fortwo is, as we like to say, officially official as of yesterday when the brand pulled the wraps off the new-for-USA model. Unlike the Europeans who have had access to BRABUS smarts for the last few years, we won't be getting the force-fed 112-horsepower three-cylinder engine here in the States, but that means we get to keep the 41 miles per gallon efficiency of the standard smart fortwo. You win some, you lose some, right? It's a nice package that definitely stands apart from other fortwo models thanks to its unique alloy wheels, monochromatic paint in either black or silver and numerous BRABUS emblems inside and out. Want one? It'll cost you $17,990 for the coupe or $20,990 for the cabriolet, which initially strikes us as a fairly steep sum considering it comes with the same 70 horsepower engine of the standard smart. As of right now, only those with fortwo reservations are eligible for the new BRABUS, but that seems likely to change in the near future if the model continues to prove as popular as smart claims it has.

Gallery: LA 2008: Barbus smart fortwo revealed

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco and Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: U.S. smart fortwo BRABUS is officially official

LA 2008: U.S. smart fortwo BRABUS is officially official originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

Perhaps, with all of the unveilings going on at the LA Convention Center, Miles EV felt they wanted to make a bit of news over in Santa Monica. That's where AutoblogGreen got our hands on the first-ever rendering of the company's new highway speed electric sedan. Grill-free is the way to be, apparently.

• Miles EV highway speed sedan, first official rendering
• LA 2008: Green Car of the Year is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI
• LA 2008: Nate Holden's electric car non-conference
• LA 2008: Kia's offers ex-Scion buyers a Soulful alternative
• LA 2008: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, 25 mpg highway
• LA 2008: AFS Trinity booth
• LA 2008: Nissan unboxes its Cube
• LA 2008: Porsche RS Spyder all boxed up
• LA 2008: smart officially announces 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS coupe and cabriolet
• LA 2008: Brabus smart fortwo revealed
• Zap! runs out of juice in Kentucky
• Volvo announces Greenline initiative: Refurbished with a warranty
• Porsche officially announces diesel Cayenne for Europe
• smart enthusiast drives his two seater to Italy for charity
• VIDEO: Zero Carbonista wind car update
• VIDEO: Renault's new diesel V6

AutoblogGreen for 11.21.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High-mileage Loremo convertible in the works

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Green

The Loremo sedan (LOw REsistance MObile) isn't even here yet -- it's slated for 2009 -- and already the convertible has been announced. The coupe made its debut last year at the Geneva Motor Show, and the claims were grand: 20-HP in the 2-cylinder turbodiesel LS version, 0-60 in 9 seconds, a top speed of 122-MPH, a weight of 990 pounds, a Cd of .20, and 150-computer-simulated-MPG.

Of course the Loremo -- coupe or convertible -- isn't for everyone. The point of the car is to offer style (take that any way you wish), a modicum of luxury, and fuel-sipping economy at a prices between $13,000 and $18,000. The convertible would probably have a slightly higher Cd and therefore slightly worse gas mileage, but if you just get 100-MPG, that'd be all right, no? The convertible version would also probably be easier to get into than sliding over the fenders of the tilt-forward-canopy coupe. The Loremo Cabrio is expected to bow at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: World Car Fans]

 

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Jaguar tops JD Power customer sales satisfaction survey

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Jaguar

The results are in from J.D. Power and Associates' latest annual Sales Satisfaction Index Study, and Jaguar has leapt back up to the top position that it occupied for three of the four past years before dropping last year to third. The study surveyed some 36,000 buyers and leasers of new cars on their dealership experience, taking into account the dealership's facility, the individual salesperson, the paperwork and finance process, vehicle delivery process and price as criteria for their overall satisfaction. Jaguar dealers scored particularly high in the delivery, paperwork and price categories by properly explaining their vehicle's features, delivering the vehicles in excellent condition and offering good value compared to its competitors.

Not surprisingly, premium brands scored highest on the list, with HUMMER, Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes joining Jaguar in the top five. More surprisingly, however, is that Asian brands scored particularly low in the study. Along with Chrysler LLC brands Dodge and Jeep, Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi were among the bottom five, with Honda, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Hyundai also coming in below the industry average. Overall, however, overall customer satisfaction in the dealership experience rose again this year, indicating a concerted effort by automakers to make their customers happy right out of the gate. As well they should be, as JD Power reports that customers faced with an unsatisfactory sales experience are three times less likely to service their new car at the dealership where it was purchased and are likely to dissuade an average of six people from buying their new car there. For more details, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Continue reading Jaguar tops JD Power customer sales satisfaction survey

Jaguar tops JD Power customer sales satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

click to visit AutoblogGreen

Joining in the massive Autoblog crew at the LA Auto Show, AutoblogGreen saw the show through our green-tinted glasses. The big surprise, natch, was the FC Sport concept but we also oohed and ahhed over the 2010 Lexus RX 450h and the Ford Fusion hybrid. And all these:

• LA 2008: Honda pulls a surprise with FC Sport concept
• LA 2008: Volkswagen's imposing Touareg TDI Trophy Truck
• LA 2008: Hyundai rolls out HED-5 i-Mode for first time on U.S. soil
• LA 2008: Ford Fusion hybrid, and its Mercury Milan cousin, unveiled
• LA 2008: 2010 Lexus RX 450h live unveiling
• LA 2008: Confirmed - AC Propulsion provided the electric drive systems for the MINI E
• LA 2008: Hyundai announces production approval for HED-5 i-Mode
• LA 2008: BMW 7-series ActiveHybrid
• LA 2008: Hyundai announces Blue Drive efficiency strategy, 2010 Sonata hybrid
• LA 2008: Nissan Altima Hot Rod hybrid
• LA 2008: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid
• LA 2008: Nissan announces electric car partnership with Oregon
• LA 2008 anticipation: Which debut are you most excited about (POLL)
• First 22 officially registered X-Prize teams announced
• LA 2008: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid Concept gets early reveal
• Nissan Cube makes an early appearance
• More shots of the 2010 Prius leak out
• Ford ekes out more mileage and lower CO₂ from European models
• Huh, so that's what a million dollar moped looks like...
• ZAP report 52% revenue increase for third quarter of '08
• Toyota Auris gets stop/start in U.K., introduces Optimal Drive
• Micro hybrid drive (mhd) smart fortwo gets upgraded
• SolarWorld offers to purchase Opel, kind of
• Three wheels + 60 Mpg = EMC³

AutoblogGreen for 11.20.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Time Warp, Etc.

300 horsepower. Not too long ago, that was a number to brag about. Nowadays, minivans edge close to that number, making 500 or even 600 horsepower the new 300. While the proliferation of big horsepower might scare the beejeezus out of average drivers, car lovers see it as an opportunity to get a musclebound automobile at a fire sale price. If you've got a need to have the latest, best stuff, then the idea of picking up 300 still-exciting horsepower under the hood of something interesting from the last two decades might not do it for you, but the idea that you can get 300 horsepower for less money than an Aveo has a real appeal to us. Next Autos has whipped up a list of what they think are some of the better options in the sub-10K marketplace that pack the magic triple-hundred rating. We agree with some of the picks, one we've even singled out in the past as a Future Classic, but as is the case with any list, opinions will vary. One thing to bear in mind when contemplating the purchase of some of these cars is that while the price of entry might be pleasant, service costs can add up to monumental sums. Not that maintenance costs would stop us from being suckers for the roar of enraged pistons and the firm shove of hundreds of horsepower. Hit the link to see if the list is right on or full of beans.

[Source: Next Autos/Winding Road, Photo: Edmunds]

Such a deal: Ten 300-hp used cars under $10K originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Honda

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Honda Insight Eco Assist dashboard

There's more to driving green than just the car you choose. The way you pilot the vehicle makes a huge impact on your fuel mileage, and automakers are now beginning to endow their new wares with technology that teaches you how to drive green. Honda's upcoming Insight is a perfect example, with its new Eco Assist dashboard that keeps tabs on the driver's right foot and relays information back via a color-changing speedometer and and "economy scoring function." Honda aims to make "the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding" with these technologies -- kinda like a video game -- that are activated by a green ECON button on the dash. When pressed, the CVT transmission changes modes and computers adjust the operation of the A/C, stop the engine from idling sooner and increases regenerative braking capabilities.

With this announcement, Honda joins Ford in the eco-dash wars. The Blue Oval recently revealed its LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which will debut in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. The tech wars are heating up fast and new innovations such as these green gauge clusters may make driving a rewarding experience for a completely new reason. Progress?

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda Insight Eco Assist

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard

LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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