Auto Reviews and News

Honda FCX Clarity, a New Zero-Emission Car

2008-06-17T10:11:00.001-07:00

MSNBC reporting that Honda’s new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car rolled off a Japanese production line Monday and is headed to Southern California, where Hollywood is already abuzz over the latest splash in green motoring.

The picture above is 'HOnda FCX Clarity’ which presented to the media in Tokyo last May.

The FCX Clarity, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water and none of the noxious fumes believed to induce global warming. It is also two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a standard gasoline-powered car, the company says.

Japan’s third biggest automaker expects to lease out a “few dozen” units this year and about 200 units within three years. In California, a three-year lease will run $600 a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage.

The FCX Clarity is an improvement of its previous-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, introduced in 2002.

A breakthrough in the design of the fuel cell stack, which is the unit that powers the car’s motor, allowed engineers to lighten the body, expand the interior and increase efficiency, Honda said.

The fuel cell draws on energy synthesized through a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen in the air, and a lithium-ion battery pack provides supplemental power. The FCX Clarity has a range of about 270-miles per tank with hydrogen consumption equivalent to 74 miles per gallon, according to the carmaker.

The 3,600-pound vehicle can reach speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

John Mendel, executive vice president of America Honda Motor Co., said at a morning ceremony it was “an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars.”

The biggest obstacles standing in the way of wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles are cost and the dearth of hydrogen fuel stations. For the Clarity’s release in California, Honda said it received 50,000 applications through its Web site but could only consider those living near stations in Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine.

Initially, however, the Clarity will go only to a chosen few starting July and then launch in Japan this fall.

Chevrolet Volt launch by 2010-end

2008-06-17T10:06:00.001-07:00

Confirming the 2010 launch plan for the Chevrolet Volt, General Motors has said that everything is on track ahead of the deadline. The company’s board has also approved funding for production of the much anticipated plug-in electric car.

Anticipation is sky-high for the Volt. As gas prices show no sign of coming back down, SUVs are on the backburner, and every auto manufacturer is working on hybrids or electric vehicles.

Chevrolet Volt, unlike the new gas-electric hybrids, will be powered entirely by an electric motor and have a battery that can be charged through an ordinary power socket. The Volt’s on-board engine will be used only to power the battery on longer trips. The gas electric hybrids, as you know, run on a system that twins battery power and a combustion engine.

Approval from the GM management and board reiterates the technical goals and marketing of the Volt. The board felt that the technical targets are not only achievable, but achievable generally within the time frame the company had previously outlined. Volt, which is among the most anticipated electric vehicles worldwide, is likely to see a high profile launch.

Industry observers believe that a successful launch of the Volt would be critical to General Motors Corp as America’s top automaker struggles with a heavy lineup of gas-guzzling trucks. The company has been toiling to claim an edge in fuel-saving technology against Toyota Motor Corp and its market-leading Prius hybrid.

So as plans now having kicked off toward realization, the automaker would see to it that the Volt would be rolled out of its Hamtramck plant in Michigan. There are hassles of course in the form of possible hurdles with regard to parleys with state and local governments for tax sops. All said, General Motors Corp wants to and looks forward to keep its end-of-2010 deadline for the Volt unveiling.

Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name

2008-06-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

First Honda said it was going to press the reset button on its hybrid efforts and come out with something bolder than the Civic Hybrid. Then it laid out plans for a number of hybrids that would be priced considerably more aggressively than the Toyota Prius. One of the concepts, the funky CR-Z, has already got people abuzz.

More details have emerged about the first hybrid to appear, a 5-door hatch with unique styling that's based on the Fit, but three inches taller and one inch wider. It will use the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist technology and mate that car's 1.3-liter engine with 94 hp to a 15kW electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy, according to insider predictions, will be somewhere around 71 - 82 miles per gallon, but that's based on Japanese domestic use. Expect a drop for U.S. comparison.

Honda is considering a return to the name "Insight" for its first new hybrid, which we're all for. The Insight was a brilliant little ride, and we never understood why Honda let it go. Though it was low on practicality with only two seats and not much storage, it was a purpose-built vehicle for big mpg numbers. This potential new Insight will be Honda's global hybrid, and the company expects to sell 100,000 of them in the U.S. annually. Add this to the other three hybrids Honda is planning, and Honda's hybrid future -- assuming it delivers as promised -- looks quite bright.

Official Subaru Exiga photos, info released

2008-06-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

If you want a seven-passenger vehicle in the States, your choices are few. Those of you shopping for just such a vehicle can longingly gaze at the Subaru Exiga. It goes on sale today in Japan, but in the latest press release from Subaru, there are no plans for U.S. export mentioned.

The Exiga's naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine outputs 146 hp, while the sportier GT model with intercooler and turbocharger makes 221 hp. Passengers are treated to a huge panoramic roof that rivals even the new Jetta Sportwagen.

Around the Autoblog office complex, there are several wagon fans who love to get their hands on one of these. But for now, we have no reason to believe Subaru will bring the Exiga over here. Check out our gallery for more high-res shots of the Subaru Exiga and read the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Subaru]

PRESS RELEASE

FHI Unveils New Model Subaru EXIGA, a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

Tokyo, June 17, 2008 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today
announced the debut of its new Subaru EXIGA in Japan. The EXIGA went on sale nationwide
through Subaru dealerships today.

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the
EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on
its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in
creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation
and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru's latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built
on Subaru's strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride -all realized by Subaru's
Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru
DC3).

1. Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

• Seven passengers
Despite a body size that's convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates
up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent
utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility,
ingress/egress, and cargo space.

• Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery
outside. The vehicle's low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.

• Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance
and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent
environmental performance and fuel economy.

2. FHI offers four EXIGA models:

• 2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range

• 2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment

• 2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling
and interior designs

• 2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental
considerations

3. Major Features

• The EXIGA has realized ideal proportions that provide the optimal body size for better handling,
as well as ample interior space through its carefully calculated measurements of the height,
width, length, wheelbase, floor size, and roof design.
• Front and rear visibility is maximized by the creative design and positioning of pillars and
windows.
• The three rows of seats are laid out at three different heights, like gradually elevated theater
seating, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third to allow all passengers
better outside views.
• A large panoramic glass roof fully covers area above the second row of seats and enhances the
openness of the interior. The glass roof is available as an option on all models except the 2.0i.
• Large rear door openings with wide plastic door sills are designed to facilitate ingress and egress,
and the rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees for easy access to the third-row seating.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with reduced projection into the interior makes room for
comfortable third-row seats and a wide luggage compartment.
• The subframe between the rear suspension and the chassis helps to reduce vehicle noise and
absorb vibrations from the road.
• By using the newly designed resin fuel tank and optimizing the body frame structure, the floor
has been made flat to provide spacious legroom for passengers in the third row.

4. Design
• The EXIGA exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant
styling.
• Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models
possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The
design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful
wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.
• Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in
the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.
• Each of the four EXIGA model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually
designed spokes.
• Eight exterior colors are available.

5. Interior design
• Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to
the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design
is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as
by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.
• Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness
and elegance, are available as interior colors.
• The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a
long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide
comfort.
• The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background
faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter,
outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.

6. Utility
• By removing the headrests, the front seatbacks can be tilted back flat to provide room for
occupants to lie down.
• The left and right seats of the second row independently slide back and forth in a range of
180 mm. The seatbacks fold down easily with one-hand operation of the walk-in mechanism,
allowing easy access to the third row seats.
• The third-row seats employ reclining mechanisms for more relaxed travel. The seatbacks fold
down flat with easy operation to provide expanded cargo space in the back of the vehicle.
• Hooks for hanging bags, retractable hooks and 12-volt power outlet are provided in the cargo
area.
• Thanks to reduced projection into the interior of the wheel housing and rear suspension, the
cargo floor has been made flat. The cargo space offers two tiers. There is a layer under the cargo
floor board that offers more space for storing small items. Even tall items like baby strollers can
be placed vertically in that space without the need to fold them and lay them on the floor.
• Courtesy lamps are mounted inside of all doors for better egress/ingress at night.
• Blue lights illuminate the inside of the instrumental panel recesses, the center console, and the
foot of the first and second row seats. They are not only useful at night but serve as elegant and
premium quality décor.

7. Powertrain
(1) 2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)
• The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS)
promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through
adoption of the regular gasoline engine.
• With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the
equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine's intake and exhaust
performance has been elevated.
• Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to
quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on
emission reduction efficiency.
• By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is
reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy
by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.
(2) 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)
• A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth
and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.
• The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the EXIGA. Optimization of its A/R and
compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque
and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.
• Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any
gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is
still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
• Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a
minimum to improve cooling efficiency.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.

8. Drivetrain and Chassis
• Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all
2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through
reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel
economy improved.
• 5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The
down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting
down in manual mode.
6
• The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes
of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.
• The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The
turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute
optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle
stability.
• Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru
DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.
• The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and
resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides
exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.
• All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution)
for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tie-
rod design appropriately maximize braking control.
• Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing
various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage.
(SPORTSHIFT is the trademark of Prodrive Ltd.)

6. Body Construction and Safety
• The EXIGA uses an advanced form of Subaru's proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame
Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile
steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.
• A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive
cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle
stability.
• The EXIGA, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash-
worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-
impact crashes.
• By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the
hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
• The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates
downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.
• Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags
and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer's options.
• All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a
rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.
• A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal
collisions

10. Others
• Ventilation for the rear seats is placed on top of the dashboard, effectively circulating air to the
third row of seats. Standard on all models, the ventilation system is extremely quiet with greatly
reduced operating and airflow noise, yet it efficiently cools the entire cabin.
• The air conditioning system on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0GT models offers a function to allow
temperature adjustments independently on the left and right sides of the seats.
• The combined audio system of CD player and AM/FM tuner, compatible with MP3 and WMA*
formats, and an HDD navigation system with audio capability and a rearview camera
(compatible with Subaru G-Book Alpha telematics service) are optional on all models.
*WMA is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
• A keyless entry system with a push-start button is a manufacturer's option.

2009 Dodge Journey recalled for possible engine fires

2008-06-17T09:49:00.003-07:00

Chrysler is recalling 6,692 Dodge Journey crossover vehicles equipped with its 3.5L V6 engine due to a wiring harness problem that could potentially result in an engine fire. NHTSA says the issue can occur when the wiring harness becomes dislodged and makes contact with the transaxle mount. Effected vehicles need to be checked out at your local Dodge dealer where the wiring harness will be inspected for damage. If the harness is damaged it will be replaced, and all harnesses will be secured with a tie wrap to ensure the issue doesn't reoccur. Chrysler has known about the issue since mid-March, but no actual fires have been reported as of this time.

The Journey recall is the second NHTSA action on a new vehicle this month, the Volkswagen Tiguan being the other, with each model having less than 7,000 units effected. Though nobody wants to see a time-consuming recall, it's good to see that issues are being discovered well in advance of any freeway carbeques.

2009 Corvette ZR1 starts at $103,300

2008-06-17T09:49:00.001-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

General Motors and Chevrolet have just released all their official numbers for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 and... hold on to your butts... its base MSRP (including destination charges) will be $103,300. Add to that a $1,700 Gas guzzler tax, $2,000 for chrome wheels and another $10,000 for the only Option package available that adds upgraded seats, side air bags, Bose audio, a nav system, Bluetooth, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and leather-wrapped interior, and you're looking at a grand total of $117,000. We believe that may make the Corvette ZR1 the most expensive product ever offered by GM, but consider what you get. The ZR1 is a 638-hp supercar that can reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 131 mph (!) and top out at 205 mph, all while returning 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Unfortunately, Chevy didn't hit its target of having the most fuel-efficient supercar on earth with the ZR1, as they admit that the Dodge Viper (13/22) and Porsche GT3 (15/22) are a bit less thirsty. Of course, they're neither as powerful nor as fast, and the Porsche is more expensive. The ZR1 will likely be marked up by dealers far above its $117k asking price, but kudos to General Motors anyway for having the balls to build it.

[Source: Chevy]

PRESS RELEASE

Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers

Chevrolet announces performance results and pricing for the new ultimate-performance Corvette

DETROIT – The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:

$103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."

Performance perspective
The Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."

And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors – it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.

Options
The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1. Detailed pricing noted below.

$103,300 Base MSRP including destination
$1,700 Gas guzzler tax
$10,000 Option package
$2,000 Chrome wheels

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category. Chevy cars and trucks have expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Let there be technology: What's under Hyundai's new Genesis sedan

2008-06-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

The story of what's underneath -- and inside -- the Hyundai Genesis is central to the story of the car and what Hyundai's trying to do with it. The body-in-white of the Genesis has a larger total body area than the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes S-Class. Yet ten years ago, if we had asked you which carmaker would create a rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan with a body structure that is larger, yet stiffer and lighter than the 5-Series or E-Class, would you have guessed it would be Hyundai?

Of course, you probably wouldn't have guessed that BMW would be selling all the MINIs it could make, or that Alfa Romeo would sell out a run of $200K supercars. The lesson: the games -- plural -- have changed for everyone. Follow the jump to find out how the Genesis is the spearhead of change for Hyundai and, if Hyundai gets its wish, the entire luxury segment.

Before we dive inside, we'll start outside with the Genesis' design. We remember seeing the HCD-1 in 1992, and thinking, "Wow, a Hyundai..." The stream of HCDs that followed have had us thinking the same thing -- meanwhile, we saw almost none of their daring on dealer floors. We were showed slides of Genesis concepts during a presentation in Korea, and some were genuinely stunning. When we got the chance to speak briefly to the designer of the HCD-1, our question was why isn't the Genesis a little bit... bolder?

The various answers we got from him and several other designers were that, essentially, the Genesis should be considered a test of the Hyundai Luxury System. They wanted a mainstream design that wasn't extravagant and emphasized proportion, stability and dynamism. Success on all counts. It's a good looking car -- it's simply not memorable. We were, though, told that a more distinct design vocabulary will come. For now, they don't want to crash the party with something that will make people wonder, "Um, who invited that?"

A discussion of design led naturally to the issue of badging. We really like the winged Genesis badges, and couldn't understand why Hyundai didn't call the thing a Genesis instead of a Hyundai. A few readers have asked the same question, with one commenter nailing it when he wrote, "This is one of the best arguments for a separate brand. I think Hyundai really dropped the ball on this one. A Genesis line (Coupe, Sedan, Veracruz SUV) would make a killing." Hyundai had considered that exact proposition.

There are a number of reasons why they didn't follow through. Hyundai hired an outside consultant to estimate the cost of launching a standalone brand, and the number they quoted was $250 million, with a break-even point 13 years hence. For a company focused on delivering a lot for a little, and not selling cars at a loss, that's a large number to spend in the unscientific arena of penetrating brand consciousness, which is what this would come down to. And we assume that is the necessary number only if the brand succeeds as intended; other standalone brands have spent much more than that to launch in the U.S. and, arguably, still haven't met their objectives.

Beyond hard cash is the softer, marketing-driven reason: Hyundai of America's marketing honcho said "We want to use the Genesis to sell 30,000 more Azeras." When looking for the kind of association that will lead to that kind of sales impact, not creating a separate brand makes sense. A Nissan GT-R can be expected to help shift more 350Zs -- certainly far more than the supposed Infiniti version of the GT-R would.

Hyundai wants you to think of the Genesis as a Hyundai, not a Genesis. Initially, in light of the branding, we didn't realize that -- the banners in Korea all read "Genesis by Hyundai," not "Hyundai Genesis." Once we understood the sales aspect, it made sense. The Genesis will be sold in a special area of a dealer's showroom, described at one point as a "well decorated corner." So it won't be quite like the Maybach, but looking in that direction. Dealers are installing touch-screen kiosks called iTubes that will mirror information onto laptops, and getting copious tours and training on the car.

They'll be rehearsing their lines to talk about some of the 20 new technologies that Hyundai created for the Genesis -- things about which the typical Hyundai buyer isn't used to hearing. They'll also be talking up the segment advantages a buyer would get from what is supposedly a non-premium car. Among Hyundai firsts and segment advantages are:

HID headlights with auto-leveling depending on the load, and Active Front Lighting that swivels with the steering wheel.
Navigation with a multimedia controller and MOST fiber optic wiring.
Parking sensors in front and back.
Rear back-up camera.
Brake assist and electronic brake distribution.
Cooled driver's seat.
ZF 6-speed transmission in the V8.
Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) suspension.
Acoustic laminated glass (windshield and front side windows).
Auto windshield defogger with humidity sensor and rain-sensing wipers.
Highest specific output (HP/liter) V8.
Iridium double-tipped spark plugs good for the life of the engine.
5-link suspension with aluminum knuckles, lateral arms, tension arms, and carriers front and rear.
Electronic active head restraints.
Proximity entry with electronic pushbutton start.
Aluminum hood.
Replaceable "crash box" structures to absorb low-speed impacts and reduce repair costs.
Roof and side outer panels fused with a continuous laser weld, not spot welding.
HD radio.
500-watt Lexicon LOGIC7 audio system with 17 speakers, a 12-channel digital amplifier, and available 40GB hard drive.
Three-stage Smart Cruise Control available after a year.

Speaking of that ZF 6-speed, sixth is geared to run laughably low RPMs -- on the test track, the V8 was doing 3,500 RPM at 130 mph.

Otherwise, on the tech front, Hyundai has teamed with Microsoft to work on future car entertainment systems. According to Hyundai, things like voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices will be available in the U.S. from 2010. The Genesis also has a "cluster ionizer" -- but we didn't press that button for fear it would zap us back to the scene of our parents' courtship.

That's a lot of gadgetry for a Hyundai. Or, Hyundai would probably like you to think that used to be a lot of gadgetry for a Hyundai. Some readers have made much of the troubles Hyundai had with the Excel. Yet if things had really been that thoroughly awful, Hyundai wouldn't be here anymore. Forget about Yugo -- anyone remember Renault, Peugeot, and Fiat?

During our time in Korea, we got a kick out of the story of Chung Mong-koo, Hyundai's chairman. He headed Hyundai Motors' after-sales service division for 20 years when the company was focused on volume more than quality. When he took over the company, he had long experience with the company's quality problems and knew just what needed to change in order to make better cars.

Are there going to be issues? It's certainly possible, as with any new car. But Hyundai was hitting the top three in J. D. Powers' Initial Quality Survey back in 2006, and you get that five years of bumper-to-bumper protection with 24-hour roadside assistance, and that 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty... and $33,000 for the V6, come on -- it's a great deal on paper and continues Hyundai's tradition of offering more car for less money. In this case, the Genesis is a lot more car.

Other tidbits from our time in K-town:

The Hyundai Corporation comprises 42 companies, including rolling stock, parts, steel, construction, logistics, finance, R&D, and IT.
The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) is the world's #6 automaker.
Hyundai made its first car, the Pony, in 1967. Before that it built Ford Cortina and Granada kits imported from Europe.
Hyundai motors has 6 R&D centers. It also has a proving ground that it "cribbed" from another automaker by looking at Google maps.
Hyundai's Ulsan, Korea factory is the world's biggest by volume, putting out 1.2 million units annually.
Last year Hyundai sold 1.7 million cars in Korea, 911,000 internationally.
Iran and Egypt are the largest importers of Hyundais (build kits).
In 2009 Hyundai will sell an Elantra that runs on LPG in Korea.
Hyundai plans on having a fuel cell vehicle in production by 2010.
On creating the Genesis: Hyundai got the idea for it five years ago; designing the body took three years; it cost $500 million to develop and included 23 months of development work; reliability testing ran for 800,000 miles.
The Tau engine took 100 engineers four years and $260 million to develop.
Technologies such as direct injection and air suspension were nixed for cost/benefit reasons.
The Genesis is ULEV II compliant.
There is no plan for a diesel Genesis in the near future, nor will the Genesis be going to Europe. The car will go to North America, China, and Russia.
Hyundai is developing paddle shifters, but don't expect them on the sedan any time soon.
There is no 4-wheel-drive version planned.
The guide lines on the reversing camera screen don't turn when you turn the steering wheel.
All workers in the paint, body, assembly, and quality departments of the Genesis factory have at least 19 years of experience.
HKAG has 7 new vehicles planned for the US by 2010.
Now that Hyundai and Kia each have their own designers, Hyundai is planned to be modern and refined, Kia will be sport and dynamic.
In spite of the economic climate, Hyundai plans on adding forty new dealers to its U.S. network.

ROUSH set to unveil RTC Mustang

2008-06-17T09:43:00.001-07:00

This morning we were patiently awaiting our daily news regarding a new version of the Mustang, and ROUSH came through by sending us a sneak peak of its new RTC Mustang that will be officially unveiled this weekend at the National Mustang Show in Dublin, OH. There's no press release available, but from what we can gather it's a coupe version of the aesthetically-pleasing ROUSH Speedster. Standard equipment includes a special red and black two-tone paint scheme, a 4-piece body kit, upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, and more. A supercharger, 14-inch brakes, and a short-throw shifter can also be installed as options. A complete list of features for the RTC package can be found after the jump.

Roush Mustang RTC Package - $13,375.00

- ROUSH 4 Piece Aero body Kit (Front Fascia, Front Chin Spoiler, Hood Scoop, and Rear Wing)
- Lower Valance Fog Lamps
- High Flow Nine Bar Grille
- Two-Tone Paint
- ROUSH Door Sill Plates
- ROUSH 20-Inch Forged Chrome Wheels with High Performance Tires
- ROUSH Fender and Decklid Badges
- ROUSH Front Windshield Banner
- ROUSH Embroidered Floor Mats
- Locking Lug Nuts
- ROUSH Billet Aluminum Shifter Handle w/ Grips (Manual Transmission Only)
- ROUSH Four-Piece Performance Pedals
- ROUSH White Face Electro Luminescent Gauge Cluster
- ROUSH Sport Leather Seating with Suede Inserts
- ROUSH Lowering Springs and Jounce Bumpers
- RTCSerialized Engine Bay Plaque

Options

Chrome ROUSHcharger (430 hp / 400 lb-ft) $6,250.00
Vent Pod w/ Boost Gauge (ROUSHcharger Option Only) $435.00
Interior Dash Trim Kit (Carbon Fiber Design) $350.00
Quarter Window Louvers (Coupe ONLY) $315.00
Short Throw Shifter (can be used with stock shift knob or Roush billet knobs) $340.00
Short Shifter w/ Chrome Shifter Arm and White Ball Knob $445.00
Short Shifter w/ Chrome Shifter Arm and Black Ball Knob $445.00
Trunk Mounted Tool Kit $355.00
ROUSH Exhaust - Dealer Installed (Post Title) $575.00
Sport Brake Kit (slotted rotors and painted calipers) $1,450.00
Strut Tower Brace $220.00

Dodge Ram production idled at Mexico plant

2008-06-12T10:29:00.001-07:00

Another victim of the downturn in sales of full-size pickup trucks was revealed today as Dodge will be closing its Saltillo plant in northern Mexico for a period of two weeks. The plant produced nearly 170,000 Ram trucks last year. Yesterday, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli indicated that Ram production would need to be adjusted to reflect weak customer demand, and this seems to be the adjustment. According to reports, the plant was idled on Monday and its two-thousand workers are set to return to work on June 23. Last month, sales of the Ram fell by an alarming twenty-five percent. We'd imagine that the last thing Chrysler wants is a large stock of unsold 2008 Ram trucks as it readies the 2009 model, which will thankfully get somewhat better fuel mileage.

Dodge is certainly not the only automaker finding it tough to move large pickups off dealer lots. Both Ford and GM have placed large incentives on their pickups and Toyota, Nissan and Honda have or will shift truck production to passenger cars at plants capable of making the switch.

First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

2008-06-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

Those of you who follow the auto industry as obsessively as we do will immediately recognize the all-new 2009 Ford Flex as the production version of the well-received Ford Fairlane "People Mover" concept from the 2005 Chicago Auto Show. The suicide doors are gone and the front has been opened up a bit to allow the engine to breathe... but Ford's execution from concept to production is, for the most part, dead-on. Ford recently gave us the opportunity to drive the new Flex in Southern California, so follow the jump to read our first impressions of the Blue Oval's new people mover.

Ford's Mark Fields calls plug-in hybrids a "national priority"

2008-06-12T10:27:00.003-07:00

In these days of nearly nonexistent profits for every one of Detroit's Big Three automakers, R&D funds must be allocated very carefully. In contrast, Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda have been earning profits on a yearly basis. Not long ago, a mild spat arose regarding whether or not the Japanese government helped fund the development of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even if they didn't do it in the past, Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields indicated that they are doing it now at a conference held today in Washington, D.C. by Brookings and Google.org titled Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008: What Role for Washington?

Fields called on the U.S. government to step up to the plate, mentioning tax breaks and incentives as one option to aid consumers who'd like to purchase these ultimately expensive vehicles one day. On the manufacturing side, Fields suggests that plug-in hybrids should be a "national priority", with Washington needing to allocate funds for research and development. Another area singled out is a domestic supply of batteries, since most of the units used in today's hybrids are being manufactured overseas.

It should be noted that General Motors already has a head start towards PHEVs with its upcoming Chevy Volt. As far as we're aware, the development costs for this vehicle and its batteries has been moving forward without direct assistance from the government. Feel free to read Field's entire speech after the break.

Whoa, says Toyota. Plug-ins won't be that good

2008-06-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

If you read our post yesterday that talked about a lithium Ion-powered plug-in Prius for 2010, thoughts of 100 mpg cars may have danced in your head. Well, take it easy, because the think tank over at Toyota doesn't want you to get your hopes too high. Toyota Advanced Technology manager Bill Reinert spoke in Washington yesterday at a plug-in conference and said that real-world driving conditions will make 100 mpg unattainable for many drivers. While plugging in more powerful batteries will give drivers a full battery and greater EV range, hard acceleration could limit electric-only driving to well under 40 miles.

While it's nice of Toyota to give a plug-in reality check to an efficiency-hungry public, we don't think this message is going to get through to the masses. Besides, if Toyota's next-gen hybrids can reach anything close to 100 mpg, we think shoppers of fuel-efficient vehicles will be too busy foaming at the mouth to even notice.

2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks

2008-06-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

In the magical lands where the Focus looks cool, otherwise known as Europe, new images of the hotrod 2009 Focus RS have had enthusiasts atwitter the last few days. While the images are clearly 'chops - the wheels and backgrounds look like they're in high speed motion, while the tire tread is statue-still - they're reportedly legitimate mockups that were used to illustrate internally how the car might look. Ford confirmed their legitimacy today when it released two more photos of an actual Focus RS prototype along with a press release. The two new pics show the RS prototype racing around the Nurburgring where it's being tested ahead of its launch in 2009. The press release confirms that the RS will be powered by a Duratic 2.5L engine that's turbocharged to produce 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Ford also claims it's got torque steer for this pocket rocket in check with a new front-wheel-drive system and limited-slip differential. As for the design, we'll get to see it for the first time at the 2009 London Motor Show in late July. Check out both the photoshopped pics and Ford's two official pics in our gallery below and read the official press release for yourself after the jump.

Väth V63RS latest tuning option for AMG fans

2008-06-12T10:24:00.001-07:00

There's no shortage of Mercedes-Benz tuners, and we're used to having news tips in our email box regarding BRABUS, Kleemann, Lorinser, Carlsson, etc. That's why we were curious when we received a tip about a company taht we'd never heard of called Väth. The German aftermarket company has products for the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup, the latest of which is the V63RS Clubsport based on the C63 AMG that you see here. Väth essentially leaves the exterior untouched and focuses on the performance including an upgrade of the V8 to 585 bhp and 509 lb-ft torque that will power the car to a top speed of 202 mph. Other upgrades available include a sport suspension, high performance brakes, 19-inch wheels, and sport seats. Complete cars are available at a hefty 125,000 Euros, although components can be purchased individually, as well. Just like the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow we showed yesterday, black seems to be the color of choice.

Is Tesla Motors working with Daimler?

2008-06-12T10:23:00.001-07:00

A few months back, Tesla Motors revealed that its upcoming WhiteStar sedan would be available in two variants, a pure battery electric like the Roadster and a range-extended electric more like the Chevy Volt. We still don't have many details on the car, although we do know that lessons learned while working on the drivetrain for the heavier sedan have been fed back into the Roadster for its updated 2.0 drivetrain.

As a small start-up with limited resources, developing a new engine for the WhiteStar would obviously be problematic. Tesla Chairman Elon Musk let slip in an interview with Fox Business News that the company has reached a technology deal with German giant Daimler (formerly of DaimlerChrysler infamy). Without any official comment from Telsa yet (we'll update you when we here something), one possible scenario for the deal is that Daimler will provide engines for the range extended WhiteStar. Daimler has always struggled to make money from Smart and the micro-car builder has a 1.0L three cylinder engine that might make a good range extender. If Daimler supplied 10,000 or so of those engines to Tesla, it could help drive down Daimler's costs. The other possibility is that Tesla might be licensing battery management technology to Daimler, but that scenario seems less likely.

Update: Tesla VP Darryl Siry declined comment on the matter.

Ford Fiesta snapped in the wild

2008-06-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

For once, we don't have to stare at shots of an attractive compact Ford and wistfully complain that it won't be available here. The production Ford Fiesta hatch has been spotted in the wild, and with Ford's confirmation that we're getting the hatchback and sedan for 2010, the potential is there for this vehicle to be a common sight on U.S. roads. The Fiesta is a stylish domestic offering for a segment where the Fit beats all and the only domestic offering is the Aveo. A bigger choice of small cars is a good thing, and while the Fiesta's backlight looks a little pinched in a function-follows-form kind of way, it's still more handsome than the Yaris. Those hoping for a high performance SVT version should start making noise now. It wouldn't even have to be fast, just make it handle like the original Focus SVT and we'd be happy with that

2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

2008-06-09T23:52:00.001-07:00

Back in April we reported a top Chrysler executive had leaked to The Detroit Free Press that the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE would start at $23,995. Apparently this executive is not very much in the loop, as Dodge officially announced today that the base model Challenger SE would start at just $21,995, which includes $675 for destination charges. Just to refresh your noodle, the Challenger SE is the base model and comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. And for comparison's sake, a 2008 Ford Mustang V6 starts at $19,650, though that's excluding destination charges. The next best Challenger is the R/T model, which Dodge says can be had with a 370-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 starting at $29,995. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that's already been on sale for a year will get a hefty $2,000 bump in its starting price from $37,995 to $39,995. The only new items on the SRT8 for 2009 are a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue paint colors with black hood stripes, and a "pistol-grip" shifter with the Track Pak. Otherwise, the 425-hp muscle car remains largely the same. Does the $2,000 jump in price matter much, though, if you'll never be able to buy the car without a big dealer markup? Regardless, all three models will be available this fall and dealers are already taking orders.

2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

2008-06-09T23:44:00.001-07:00

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saab Turbo X

2008-06-09T23:43:00.001-07:00

Turbocharging has been as much a part of Saab's DNA for the last three decades as jets. Saab didn't invent turbocharging, but the Swedish brand has probably embraced it more completely than other carmaker. With 2008 marking the 30th birthday of the first production Saab 99 Turbo, the gang in Trollhattan decided to celebrate with their meanest and fastest iteration yet. As we close out the 2008 model year, our Swedish friends are now starting to deliver the direct descendant of that first turbo, the 9-3 Turbo X.

Saab Turbos have come a long way over those three decades. The original 99 Turbo extracted 143 horsepower from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine to twist the front wheels. Most Saabs today are still powered by turbo four-cylinder engines driving those same front wheels. The Turbo X, however, adds two more cylinders and two more drive wheels. It also has nearly double the power and torque of that first effort. Fellow Autoblogger Dan Roth spent the day thrashing the Turbo X at a media preview a couple of weeks ago. We've now had the chance to spend a full week with Saab's newest baby in everyday use.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower

2008-06-09T23:42:00.001-07:00

We thought Bentley's announcement earlier today that it's adding a Speed model to the Continental Flying Spur lineup was exciting news for sedan fans. After all, a 600bhp saloon that can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach 200 MPH is pretty exciting, no? Not really when compared to Cadillac's news that the 2009 CTS-V will officially be rated at 556 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. No offense to Bentley, but a sub-3-second sedan is about as exciting as it can get on a Monday. For the record, the Edmunds' Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan's 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That engine is the LSA, derived from the new Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn't detuned too much and the '09 CTS-V should destroy its German competition, specifically the BMW M5 with its - can't believe we're saying this - relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.

2009 Chevy Aveo5 and Aveo sedan to start at $12,120

2008-06-09T23:41:00.001-07:00

While the outward appearance of the Chevy Aveo5 could charitably be described as "polarizing", its recently announced pricing will likely polarize a few people, as well. Currently, the Aveo sedan and Aveo5 hatchback boast the lowest average transaction price in the United States of $12,258 according to J.D. Power and Associates, but the 2009 model might end that trend with a big price bump for the redesigned 2009 Aveo5. The new five-door Aveo5 hatchback comes in with a starting price of $12,120, which is $1,125 more than the 2008 Aveo5 that starts at just $10,895. This increase is partly due to the fact that the Special Value edition has been dropped. We should also note that the Aveo5 is redesigned for 2009 and features a number of upgrades, but the price bump will still be felt hard by those looking for the cheapest Point A-to-Point B transportation. The sedan version, meanwhile, now has the same $12,120 starting price as the Aveo5, which means its MSRP has actually been lowered compared to the 2008 model that starts at $12,830. Stepping up a notch to the LT model, meanwhile, will get you standard air conditioning and a $14,255 starting point.

Desirable safety features such as dual frontal and side-impact air bags, front safety belt pretensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and OnStar come standard on all Aveo models. Available on the up-market LT models are XM Radio, leatherette seating trim, steering wheel audio controls, a power-operated sunroof and power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors. Regardless of what you think of the Aveo's styling (we're not fans), its still relatively low price and decent fuel mileage of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway should yield a good chunk of buyers for GM's entry-level model.

Hertz adding Corvette ZHZ to Fun Collection

2008-06-09T23:40:00.001-07:00

Whenever we rent a car from Hertz, we always peruse the Fun Collection then settle on a cheap economy car that won't break the bank. Today Hertz announced that it's adding a new model to the Fun Collection that may change our renting habits this summer. Just like it did with Ford when the rental company offered the Mustang GT-H, Hertz has teamed with General Motors to offer the Corvette ZHZ, a specially customized model of the famous sports car for rental customers to abuse this summer. The car is finished in Hertz' trademark yellow color with a black stripe that starts around the Corvette emblem on the hood and travels back over the roof. It's basically a run-of-the-mill Corvette Coupe with the optional optional dual-mode exhaust system the gives the standard 430-hp 6.2L LS3 V8 a bump to 436 hp. The only other modification are a set of 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels that are chromed and feature seven spokes apiece, and some special "Hertz" and "ZHZ" badging. Only 500 examples are being added to the Hertz fleet and they will be available in 24 major cities. The first locations to get them will be Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. There's no word on what the rental price will be, but we already know that being part of the Fun Collection comes with a price.

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V

2008-06-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

While Cadillac released information on the freshened XLR roadster last week, all we had to look at was a single photo. Well, now we can see the rest of it. XLR.net has gotten hold of several more shots of the halo Caddy in both the standard Platinum trim and in rodded-up V-Series form (above). We were most curious to see the updated interior, but one look is all it takes to see that it's fundamentally unchanged. The gauges simply trade their rounder, Bulgari-designed numerals for a look that's in keeping with what you'll find in other Caddys. The steering wheel is also switched out, and the XLR gets the same unit you'll find in the current CTS. Everything else? It's pretty much the same -- nice, but not done up to the level of the less expensive CTS. For that, we'll have to wait for the next XLR, assuming there is a next XLR.

We already covered the new grille for the base car in our earlier post, as well as the new side vents. The V-Series, however, retains the mesh look in front, as expected. Out back, the XLR Platinum gets a pair of cartoonishly-wide exhaust outlets that appear to be part of the rear bumper cover. The V soldiers on with its Vette-like quad pipes. The XLR is a nice car that turns heads, and the V-Series absolutely hauls ass and sounds great doing it. But $100K (for the V) is a lot to ask for any Cadillac, especially one that still hosts an interior that, while attractive, doesn't meet the high design standard set by the entry-level CTS.

Skoda's 2009 Superb Coming to India

2008-06-04T22:58:00.001-07:00

The new generation Škoda Superb is most likely to reach Indian shores by early 2009. Longer and wider than the earlier generation Superb , the car features an aggressively styled front end with BMW inspired headlamps and design cues borrowed from the Volkswagen Passat which is already on sale in India . The Superb’s long list of features include adaptive cornering headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, automatic parking assist and nine airbags along with Skoda's new 'Twindoor' design for the boot which offers users the standard boot opening of a saloon or the fully opening rear of a hatch.

It would be interesting to see which engine variants make it to India as the Skoda Superb featues a varied range in international markets which include the 1.9 litre and 2.0 litre turbodiesels , 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol engines, and a 3.6-litre V6 topping the range with standard four-wheel drive and six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The new superb is most likely to be sold alongside the current generation model albeit at a higher price, being Skoda’s latest offering in the luxury D-segment of the Indian car market.

If priced right (Rs. 18-20 lakh) the new Superb could turn out to be more popular alternative to the just launched 2008 Honda Accord which is set to dominate the D segment sales as of now.

New Mercedes C230 'Avantgarde' Coming Soon

2008-06-04T22:57:00.001-07:00

Mercedes in India has been under assualt from BMW's 3 series and the new Audi A4. Never in its history in India has Mercedes faced such stiff competition. The new C class is brilliant and a lot going for it loses out on power and as a result performance which buyers expect by the bucketloads in this segment. The 200K petrol produces a paltry 178 bhp as compared to BMW 325i's 218 bhp and the upcoming Audi A4 3.2's 250 bhp! Mercedes wants to up the game and is launching the C230 'Avantgarde' soon. The C230 produces 200 bhp from its V6 unit and looks sportier thanks to larger wheels, wider tyres, optional AMG parts and a new grille with a large three pointed star in the center. The C230 would come only with an Auto box and woud cost about Rs. 3 lakh more than the C200k.

Ferrari 612 Scagliettis with F1 Transmission Recalled

2008-06-04T22:49:00.001-07:00

Ferrari has announced a US recall of MY 2005 – 2007 612 Scaglietti vehicles equipped with F1 gearbox. Altogether, 366 of the vehicles are being recalled to replace a faulty clutch sensor in the transmission as well as a related cable holder and magnet that might cause problem in gear shifting or even complete inoperation. Only model year 2005-2007 612s are affected.

Recall Summary
Make / Models : Ferrari / 612
Model/Build Years: Scaglietti 2005-2007
Recall Number: 08V214000

Summary:
Ferrai is recalling 366 MY 2005-2007 612 Scaglietti vehicles equipped with F1 transmissions. A nonconforming clutch sensor in the transmission could malfunction under normal operating conditions due to the heat produced by the vehicle. Such sensor malfunction may inhibit the proper function of the clutch assembly making the shifting of the gears very difficult. The vehicle system immediately detects the clutch sensor failure and causes the warning light to illuminate.

Consequence:
This clutch sensor malfunction may render the vehicle inoperable and possibly, resulting in a crash.

Remedy:
Dealers will replace the clutch sensor. In addition, the cable holder and magnet will also be replaced. The recall began On May 19, 2008. Owners may contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.

Hyundai Elantra the best in Consumer Reports 2008

2008-06-04T22:47:00.001-07:00

One more reason why we should be angry with Hyundai India.They are keeping away from us the car which even beat rivals like Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla in the latest ranking by Consumer Reports,USA for the best car in the USA in its segment.

Hyundai have been gaining steadily on the Japanese rivals and there is not much to choose between the two now[an i10 owner could vouch for that].They have come a long way from being the also present to being the best now.The only difference between the Japanese and Hyundai seems to be the time taken,where Hyundai is making progress at a much rapid rate than what the japanese took to achieve its present number one position.Beware Honda,Toyota,Nissan Hyundai is not very far away and its not long before Hyundai could even beat them at their own game.

Skoda to launch C-segment sedan in 2009

2008-06-04T22:44:00.001-07:00

Autocar UK reports that sources in Skoda have revealed that by 2009 end we would see a c-segment sedan from skoda which would compete with the likes of Chevrolet aveo,Honda city,Suzuki sx4 etc..When it would come to India[if at all] is unknown but given the importance skoda is giving to the Indian market this new c-segment saloon is a very likely possibility.This sedan is an all new platform and VW plan to share the platform for its sedan for the US markets.

Remember skoda have talked about launching eight new models in our markets in the next five years and a c segment sedan is a major opportunity for increasing sales especially a diesel.And with Skoda not launching the Fabia sedan version this new C-segment sedan makes all the more sense.

Another car which I am not sure if it would head to the Indian markets is the Sharan seven seater MPV from Skoda which is expected by 2010.But such a vehicle does make sense even for the Indian market.

While I have talked about the Fabia combi in previous posts,there is talk that the skoda yeti could also be in India by 2010.Apart from that there is the new small car[placed lower than the fabia with a price tag between Rs. 3-5 lakhs] and based on the VW Up concept platform also expected in a couple of years[around 2011].

One car which is expected in the Indian markets the skoda roomster is all set for a major makeover in 2011.Hopefully skoda decide to give us the newer version not the two cars fixed together with glue version.

All in all by 2011 Skoda is expected to be a major player in the automobile sector.

2009 Honda Pilot Live @ NAIAS

2008-06-04T22:35:00.001-07:00

Spied! 2009 Acura TSX

2008-06-04T22:33:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Acura TSX was spotted and caught with a cell phone camera.

As you can see in the picture, the car is more rounded and is larger than the previous model. Would this mean the TL and RL will also move and become larger for the 2009/2010 redesign/revisions? Could be.

Although the side looks a lot in favour of a Ford Fusion, the front end has a little in line with the Jaguar XF, although not bad, but this wasn't what I was expecting.

Do you like it? Comment!

Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Acura RL

2008-06-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.

The 2009 RL furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink weather, AcuraLink Traffic Rerouting, XM Note, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of an improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Performance improves with the RL thanks to a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves."RL represents the very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety", said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "It's designed for a new generation of performance-luxury buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them."

For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS. All RL's receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, a Bose Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation with rearview camera, AcuraLink Real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather, Traffic Rerouting, a rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS which also includes Acura's acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim.

The innovation built into the new RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing improved power and torque, the RL engine meets tough CARB ULEV-2 emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL's engine bay appears more upscale thanks to a new surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

To handle the higher power of the 3.7-liter engine, a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2009 RL. Featuring new "smart" F1®-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate console mounted gear selector, the RL driver now has more gear control than ever before.

The RL's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system returns for 2009, but is now quicker responding and better performing.There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems- SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring to increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to help the car turn more effectively while under power. This "yaw" function reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance, and to escalate total cornering grip.

To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).

The 2009 RL's new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL's more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL's shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available-5 of which are new-including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.

Inside, the 2009 RL features a more elegantly styled interior that includes more room for rear seat passengers, easier-to-use front seat belts, door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, larger/clearer lettering for HVAC controls, and easier actuation of climate control functions. A revised steering wheel with available genuine wood trim (included with the CMBS package) and metal-look accents is now fitted to the RL along with a matching wood-trimmed transmission shift knob. Complementing the steering wheel are upgraded gauges that incorporate brushed metal accents for enhanced appearance. For 2009, additional insulation, a more high-tech design of Acura's acoustic glass windshield, and a new Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system team to further reduce the RL's already quiet cabin.

The RL's perforated leather front seats now incorporate six levels of heated/cooled ventilation. Moreover, just like the driver's seat, the passenger front seat now has 10-way power adjustability. For 2009, the center panel controls are now more intuitive and are surrounded by a new background color along with improved quality wood patterned panels. These interior upgrades are complimented by advanced electronics that include a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation along with the innovative AcuraLink satellite communication system with Real-time traffic, AcuraLinkTraffic Rerouting and (new for 2009) AcuraLink weather. The RL is the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated real-time weather information in a single-screen format. The spectacular Acura/Bose 10-speaker Sound System with DVD-Audio returns but is now upgraded to include Bluetooth Audio, even richer audio sound, XM Note, improved button legibility, and a USB connectivity port.

The 2009 RL retains Acura's extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE structure's front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways-and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.

The RL earned 5-star ratings (the best possible) for frontal and side crash tests, and for rollover resistance, from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is the fourth vehicle in the history of the program to earn the top rating of "5-star" in all three test categories. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) along with a GOOD rating for IIHS' frontal offset crash test. With a new Active Head Restraint System for front seat passengers, the 2009 RL is anticipated to receive a GOOD rating in IIHS rear crash protection evaluation.

2009 Euro Honda Accord/US Acura TSX Spotted!

2008-06-04T22:31:00.001-07:00

These 2009 Euro Honda Accords were spotted on a transporter truck. As you can see, they evoke the same front ends as the teaser pictures originally posted by Honda a few weeks ago.

Not bad, it'll do good in the US, but it'll take more than that to budge the more modern-looking sedans in Europe.

Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed

2008-06-01T10:07:00.001-07:00

Honda will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design.Honda developed Minivan Freed with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips. Moreover, for the first time in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat. Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class cargo space. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers

Lithuanian foam sculptor does BMWs too

2008-06-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

Whether or not the foam-skinned car based on a Mercedes-Benz got your motor going yesterday, you have to give the artist credit for painstakingly completing not one, but two of these polyurethane-plated projects. Thanks to a reader's tip, we found this BMW 6 Series-based interpretation wearing the same brilliant red paint, flashy 30-inch dubs, and dual triangulated exhaust tips.

While the sculptor has kept much of the Bangle-butt intact, the overall aesthetics on this execution are much more pleasing to the eye. A glance inside indicates this attempt isn't as thorough as the other (the interior appears merely painted, not sculpted). However, as witnessed by the junk in the door-mounted map pocket, this one is getting some use on the streets too. Thanks for the tip Tarakonaz!

No camera phones allowed! GM plant electrician fired for Camaro pics

2008-06-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

Whenever you walk into an automaker's factory or engineering facility, there are signs prominently displayed letting everyone know that cameras and camera phones are prohibited. Unfortunately for an electrician at the General Motors Assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario where the Camaro is due to begin production late this year he ignored the warning. Worse yet, he took some shots inside the body shop where pilot production units were making their way down the line and then showed them to his kids. The youngsters evidently extracted said photos and shared them with the world.

The electrician with 28 years of seniority has apparently now learned that those signs were not an empty threat. Even though there is nothing particularly secret about how car bodies are welded together or about how the new Camaro looks, GM and other manufacturers are serious about those policies. This employee who apparently just wanted show off a bit for his kids is now unemployed. Was it worth it? If you're going to whip out the camera phone, you might want to be a little more discreet about how you share the pics.

BMW 123d hanging out in Michigan

2008-06-01T09:13:00.001-07:00

Imagine, if you will, a compact rear-wheel-drive hatchback that runs from 0-62mph in a very respectable 6.9 seconds. Not to shabby. Now imagine that this same car could average 45 mpg (US)! Not possible, you say? Au contraire! In other parts of the world where they don't just use gasoline to power cars, this is not an unheard-of possibility. One shining example is the BMW 123d, which was launched in Europe last year. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder diesel cranking out 204hp and 295lb-ft of torque, the 123d scores 45mpg (US) on the EU combined test cycle. For now at least, BMW isn't offering American consumers any of its four cylinder engines, but fuel system supplier Bosch has a fleet of European diesel vehicles that they use for promotional purposes. AutoblogGreen has previously tested the Smart ForTwo, Chrysler 300, and BMW 535d from this fleet and will soon be getting its paws on the three newest additions to the fleet. One of those cars is the 123d that you see above. Reader Typhoon5000 spotted this one in Flint MI the other day and shared some photos with us. Stay tuned for full reviews of this 123d and two other really cool diesels that you (unfortunately) can't buy. Thanks to Typhoon5000 for the tip and photos.

Holden Commodore may get a hybrid drive

2008-06-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

Nick Reilly, GM President Asia-Pacific, has officially confirmed that his company is planning to introduce a gas-electric hybrid vehicle to the Australian market. Looks, like the best candidate to get a hybrid powerplant in the nearest future is current Holden Commodore sedan, which is also available in the U.S. market as the Pontiac G8 and is sharing its platform with the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Camaro.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, GM and Holden will try to talk the federal government "to offer incentives for people to shift to more environmentally-friendly vehicles."

The hybrid-powered Holden Commodore will have to compete against the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which is being manufactured in Melbourne.

Mercedes-Benz CLK Grand Edition: perhaps, the last one?

2008-06-01T09:06:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz is due to start selling the next iteration of its popular CLK coupe-convertible later this year or in the beginning of 2009. So it's absolutely normal that sales are starting to stall and the company just have to offer some special edition version of the car to draw some public attention. Here comes the Mercedes-Benz CLK Grand Edition.

The CLK Grand Edition is just another special trim with no noticeable technical differences comparing to other CLK versions. It comes equipped with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/40 tires in the front and 255/35 tires in the back. There is also an AMG-style body kit with new front and rear bumpers and side skirts and Grand Edition badges on the body.

Inside the car, there is aluminum trim on the dashboard, branded floor mats and either tobacco-brown or black leather upholstery.

The Grand Edition trim may be ordered as an option for all CLK models except for the CLK 63 AMG. Surprisingly enough, the option will cost you only €994.

ACS1 Cabrio tuning program by AC Schnitzer

2008-06-01T09:03:00.001-07:00

AC Schnitzer gives its 2008 BMW 1-Series tuning program yet another go. This time, the German tuner offers an upgrade package for the 2008 BMW 135i, 123d and 120d convertibles increasing their maximum available power to 360 hp, 240 hp and 200 hp respectively.

Needless to say, that the engine upgrade kit comes together with a height-adjustable race suspension and an exhaust silencer with chromed tail-pipes.

The visual part is covered with new body kit consisting of a front skirt with diagonal grille insert, new rear skirt lip and diffuser. The ACS1 Cabrio kit may be supplied with 17, 18 or 19 inch alloy wheels.

Inside the car, there is a set of silver-carbon details and aluminum accessories, new gear knob, pedals and velour floor mats.

2009 Porsche Cayenne gets Hofele GT 500 / 600 body kit

2008-06-01T08:55:00.001-07:00

The German Hofele tuning studio, which is specializing on making appearance kits for vehicles like Audi Q7, and different flavors of VWs, introduced its new GT 500 body kit for the facelifted Porsche Cayenne SUV.

The kit consists of new front bumper with mesh inserts and two additional fog lights, as well as LED daytime driving lights; and a removable diffuser on the rear bumper with twin tailpipes.

The unexpectedly nice-looking widebody Hofele GT 600 styling kit also adds a pair of front fenders with air vent openings and wheel arch extensions.

Turbo 1.4 petrol for the Punto

2008-06-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

The Fiat Punto is slated to get a turbo 1.4 mill producing 155 bhp under its bonnet. The name Punto Turbo is also a clear sign the car is aimed for production. Fiat has always had a tradition of preparing turbo variants of its cars. There also may come an Abarth version in South America, fitted probably with the 1.9-litre engine. Well, we'd love that engine too, to be turbo charged, but that's something that may not actually materialise.

Pagani Zonda Cinque - The next Pagani Supercar

2008-06-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Italian supercar maker, Pagani, is planning to build a race version of the Zonda F called the Zonda R.The Race version of the car will be called the Pagani Zonda Cinque.
The Pagani Zonda Cinque, which translates as Zonda Five because there will be only 5 built ever, takes an already breath-takingly fast car to yet another level. Nothing has been officially revealed yet, but we expect the engine to remain similar to the one in the Zonda F. But how much more power can be extracted of the 6.0 liter, 12 cylinder, 750 bhp engine is something that remains to be seen. Expect a price tag of 1 million Euro!

Tokyo Motor Show: Nissan R.D:B.X Concept

2008-05-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

Click above image for more pictures of the Nissan Round Box

The R.D:B.X... as in Round Box. Could this be a hint of what will replace the (currently) JDM only Nissan Cube? Japan's youth, who are already way too cool for the current model, let alone the Toyota Bb (Scion XB), should certainly hope so.

Check out that amazing interior, complete with a totally digital dash, in our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Tokyo Motor Show: Subaru EXIGA Concept best 7-seat Legacy ever

2008-05-31T10:39:00.003-07:00

click above image to view more high-res pics of the Subaru EXIGA Concept

Subaru has been promising a seven seater for years, but have yet to deliver one to their own home market as the Tribeca isn't sold this side of Pacific. A couple of years ago it was leaning towards a minivan-style MPV, but for this year's show they have chosen to throw a couple of seats in the back of Japan's best selling station wagon, the Legacy, to make the EXIGA Concept.

The designers had a lot of fun inside and out. Enjoy the pics in the gallery below.

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in

2008-05-31T10:39:00.001-07:00

Click the above image for more of the i MIEV Sport

Mitsubishi's has given its cute and funky 'i' minicar a sporty makeover with a coupe-like shape and vents on the side to create the i MIEV Sport. Despite being the sports version, it uses the same electric plug-in technology found in the i MIEV, which means two in-wheel motors driving the front wheels, and one motor for the rear. The cab-forward design does make it look like a bubble car, but having navigated Tokyo's streets for the last few days we can totally see it fitting right in.

Nissan to debut GT-R in Japan's Super GT series

2008-05-31T10:38:00.001-07:00

click above image to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Nissan GT-R

During the live unveiling of the Nissan GT-R, CEO Carlos Ghosn made hints at Nissan running the GT-R in Japan's Super GT series. While it was pretty inevitable the GT-R would eventually be unleashed on the racetrack, it was unknown how long it would take before cars were constructed and tested. Today Nissan announced the NISMO entry of a GT-R in the GT500 class for the upcoming 2008 season. It has been four years since Nissan last ran a GT-R in this series. They have since been running V8 powered 350Zs. The Super GT GT-R's technical details will be released during a NISMO press conference in February. Since the 350Z underwent an incredible transformation when built for Super G it will be very interesting to see how the new GT-R will appear with some added diffusers and canards. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Lightweight Nissan GT-R V-Spec coming in 2010

2008-05-31T10:37:00.001-07:00

Nissan is finally releasing the GT-R fun to the US market next summer, and the Franco-Japanese automaker has no intentions of sticking with only one model. We've heard rumors about a lightweight V-Spec GT-R for a while, and Nissan officials aren't even denying it. Carbon fiber and light-weight aluminum will take a vehicle that has posted a 911 Turbo-beating 7:38 lap at the 'Ring and kick it up a notch. Save 200 lbs. on a 480 HP ball of hell-fire, and an already explosive sports car can turn in some of the best clock times of its day.

While $68,000 will net you a super Nissan that challenges the likes of Porsche, a V-Spec edition will surely cost you quite a bit more. Something tells us there will be plenty of buyers waiting in line with their check books in hand, so Mr. Ghosn and company shouldn't spend much time worrying if they'll attracting enough customers.

VW up! van could come to U.S. because we're fat

2008-05-31T10:36:00.003-07:00

click above image to view more pics of the VW Space up! Concept

That's right, Volkswagen thinks Americans are fat. At least that's what we take away from comments made by executives indicating that the second and larger up! concept that debuted last week at the Tokyo Motor Show could be sold in the U.S. because it's larger than the first one that debuted in Frankfurt. The first up! concept was a small three-door hatch, and by small we mean very small. The Space up! meanwhile is like a small four-door minivan of the concept on a longer chassis. Basically, we hear VW saying that the smaller three-door hatch version just wouldn't play well with our pudgy selves. That said, the up! van isn't a sure thing either, as VW states it will take the next three months to evaluate whether or not to produce a lineup of rear-engine up! vehicles. One last test for the cars will be in mid-November at the LA Auto Show where a third concept will be revealed. This one, likely to have an equally silly name, will be powered entirely by electricity.

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki X-Head

2008-05-31T10:36:00.001-07:00

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show ended last week, but today we're cleaning out our closet of yet-to-be published posts from this biggest of biannual Japanese auto shows.

click above image to view more live pics of the Suzuki X-Head

Remember the Suzuki Samurai, the lightweight 4x4 much maligned for being just as likely to topple over as any other Jeep of its day? Well, it's alive and well and being sold throughout the world as the Jimny. The X-Head just might be its future and we can only hope that Suzuki's notoriously tight bean counters do not savage the functional yet oh so cool interior too badly. Who knows, they may even bring it Stateside. Yeah, right.

Check out our original post on the Suzuki X-Head here and view live pics from last week's Tokyo Motor Show in the gallery below.

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki Pixy & SSC

2008-05-31T10:33:00.003-07:00

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show ended last week, but today we're cleaning out our closet of yet-to-be published posts from this biggest of biannual Japanese auto shows.

There's more than a hint of Toyota's PM, i-Swing and i-REAL series about this concept. But where Toyota admits that the driver may occasionally want to get out of the pod, Suzuki sees no reason for such extravagant use of your legs when operating the PIXY. Leaving the city for a blast down the highway? Just drive your PIXY in to your SSC mothership. Want to go for a thrash though the mountains? Park up in your SSF sports-car unit. There's even a speed boat (SSJ) on the cards, not that you'd be able to smell the sea breeze. Both the PIXY and SSC appear to be hermatically sealed and were unbearably hot under the stage lights. Ideal transportation for a post nuclear war world perhaps?

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki Kizashi 2

2008-05-31T10:33:00.001-07:00

Following the debut of the first Kizashi concept in Frankfurt, the folks at Suzuki's design studios have butched up the concept even more. Check out the Ben Hur/James Bond tire-chewing alloys. Though there may be plans afoot for the Kizashi to see production, those wheels are not included among them.

Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu HSC is one slippery little sucker

2008-05-31T10:31:00.003-07:00

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show ended last week, but today we're cleaning out our closet of yet-to-be published posts from this biggest of biannual Japanese auto shows.
click above image for more live pics of the Daihatsu HSC Concept

We missed the Daihatsu HSC at Frankfurt somehow, but stumbled across the little concept in Tokyo. Its "catamaran-like underbody", a CD value of 0.28, and idling stop function coupled to an advanced CVT all adds up to 60 mpg. Check out those mirrors and the funky interior, too. Looking around the stand here in Tokyo, it strikes us that a lack of B pillars and A pillars that flow into the headlights may well become Daihatsu trademarks over the coming years.

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki Palette vs. Daihatsu Tanto

2008-05-31T10:31:00.001-07:00

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show ended last week, but today we're cleaning out our closet of yet-to-be published posts from this biggest of biannual Japanese auto shows.
click above image to view just how much legroom this truly mini vans have

Pity poor Suzuki. Japan's vast market for mini vehicles has been dominated by the company since the creation of kei cars in the '50s, but ever since the turn of the millennium, Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu has been taking some serious chunks out of Suzuki's market share. The final straw came at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show when Daihatsu premiered the Tanto -- a kei with minivan-style sliding rear doors and simply astounding amounts of leg room and interior space. Suzuki had to react, so at this year's Tokyo Motor Show it unveiled the Palette (shown above), a car strikingly similar to the Tanto in profile, but with a smidge more legroom.

So balance has been restored to the kei car market then? Nope. Daihatsu has upped the ante by removing the B-pillar from the Tanto (shown at right), creating a mammoth hole through which struggling toddlers can be passed. The ball is back in your court Suzuki.

What else is new? Lexus "struggling" to develop LF-A supercar

2008-05-31T10:30:00.001-07:00

Toyota's showing in Tokyo was rife with disappointments, none more so than what was over at the Lexus booth. Beyond its LF-Xh hybrid crossover, rumor had it that a revised version of the LF-A supercar would make an appearance. No such luck. Instead, the same show car we've seen over the last year stood alone, longing for refinement.

According to Winding Road's Japan correspondent, the reason for the dismal showing was a shakeup on the engineering side of Lexus' new halo. A number of "key engineers" have apparently been yanked off the project to work on other programs within Toyota, and that, partnered with problems providing power from both a V10 and a gas-electric hybrid V8, along with reaching the 218 MPH targeted top speed, has caused delays in development.

The business plan for the LF-A includes building 26 units per month, and sources suggest that sales are likely to begin in 2009 – the same year Acura will bring its own supercar to market.

Honda NSX to spearhead RWD model lineup

2008-05-31T10:28:00.001-07:00

Click above for a gallery of the Acura Advanced Sports Car concept.

By most accounts, Honda originally planned to show off the next generation NSX to the seething throngs at last year's Tokyo Motor Show. But due to the less-than-positive reception the Advanced Sports Car concept garnered at the Detroit show, Honda's designers headed back to the drawing board to redesign the front clip housing the 550 hp, 4.5-liter V10.

Now, Autocar has gotten word from a Honda insider that the NSX is bound for the 2009 Tokyo show, sporting a new front end that "has Chevrolet Corvette undertones" and is slated to for production in the fall of 2010.

The new NSX will supposedly kick off Honda's first serious attempt at producing rear-wheel-drive vehicles to rival BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti, including new platforms that will underpin Acura's larger sedan offerings and an S2000-based Acura sports car that takes aim at the Mercedes SLK. The launch of Acura's 7-series fighter isn't due to make an appearance until 2015. For Honda' sake, let's hope they can expedite development to make it happen around the turn of the decade.

Details on Mazda1 revealed

2008-05-31T10:20:00.001-07:00

High energy costs and growth in emerging markets have automakers scrambling to downsize their product plans, and ultra-small transportation like the VW up! is bound to bring low-cost city cars to the masses. Mazda intends to be a serious player in this burgeoning segment and will unveil the Mazda1 concept in Paris this fall, expected to look like the sketch above and influenced by the Nagare design language.

Mazda promises that the production vehicle will be more "radical" in production trim, though it likely won't carry fuel cells and batteries like the concept. The automaker does plan on offering amenities like navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and the micro will have sliding doors and seats to make getting in and out easier. Mazda engineers are also working hard to make sure the Mazda1 is environmentally friendly, which means low emissions, small powertrains, and low weight. Fortunately, those very same attributes will also help keep costs down, which should help Mazda offer the vehicle everywhere from India and China to more developed regions like Europe and the US.

Scarlet Opus: Franco Fontana at the Galleria Ferrari

2008-05-31T10:02:00.001-07:00

We like our jobs here at Autoblog, and we hope that shows. Most of our time is spent in our homes and offices bringing you the latest car news as it comes out, and a few times a year we get to fly around the country and around the world photographing the newest machinery the industry has to offer. It's easy to bring you good photos when the subjects are so artfully beautiful, but while some of us know where to point the glassy end of a camera, our photographs won't be hanging in the Louvre. That's where ordinary people and acclaimed artists like Franco Fontana depart.Fontana's photographs have hung in galleries and museums around the world and have appeared in some of the biggest publications, on some of the most popular album covers and as some of the most inspired advertising campaigns. Fortunately for us, Fontana was born in Modena, Italy, which we know as the capital of the supercar. In the mid 80's, Fontana lived up to his birthplace when the Fondation Cartier commissioned him to pay an "Hommage à Ferrari" to mark the company's fortieth anniversary. Twenty years later, Ferrari has gathered some of the best works from the exposition and is displaying them again at the Galleria Ferrari. The show will be on until June 30

Audi expected to introduce A5/S5 cabrio next year

2008-05-31T09:59:00.001-07:00

Audi is intent on leaving no niche unfilled and the word from Inside Line is that the automaker is planning to unveil a cabrio variant of its A5 and S5 coupes. The convertible versions of the A5 and S5 won't be fitted with the folding hardtops that have become de rigueur among its luxury competitors, so expect a similar soft-top system to that found on the A4/S4/RS4 cabrio and TT roadster. Power will be provided by either the 265-hp, 3.2-liter V6 or the 354-hp 4.2-liter V8 found in the A5 and S5, respectively. Expect the new cabrios to debut later this year or early next, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009.

Ford expected to build North American Fiesta in Mexico

2008-05-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

We still have another year and a half or so before the new Ford Fiesta will be available at North American Ford dealerships but we may know today where the little car will be built. Ford is expected to announce today that Fiestas for the the U.S. and Canadian markets will be built at one of Ford's two Mexican assembly plants. When Ford launched the Fiesta at the Geneva Motor Show, they announced that the cars would be produced in Europe and Asia for those markets but had not yet decided where to source the North American edition.

Also undecided at this point is which body styles we will get here. The four-door sedan will definitely be available, but there is also a great deal of interest in the stylish hatchback model. Ford made a last minute decision to display the hatchback version of the Concept Verve at the Detroit Auto Show this year and it drew a lot of positive response. With stylish, well-equipped hatchbacks like the Honda Fit gaining in popularity, a similar Fiesta is a strong possibility. Now they just need to pull the program forward and bring this car to market as soon as possible. Along with the upcoming Fusion hybrid, the Fiesta could be a major shot in the arm for Ford in North America and they need it now.

Next generation Audi powertrain info comes to light

2008-05-31T09:54:00.001-07:00

Audi looks set to go on a major engine downsizing kick in the next few years in an attempt to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. It doesn't look like Audi plans any significant power reductions, but many of its engine will move smaller displacements and fewer cylinders with boosting. The result is lighter weight, smaller engines with smaller thirst most of the time and power available on demand. Audi's upcoming mini, the A1, will have gas engines ranging from a 1.2L 86hp TFSI to a 170hp 1.4L TFSI along with the usual assortment of diesel engines. In the larger sporting models, like the S5 and S6 and the next generation S4, the current 354hp 4.2L V-8 will be discarded in favor of a new turbocharged 3.0L V6 generating around 330hp. It seems the only Audis that won't be following this path are the top of the line RS models and the R8 which sell in low enough volumes that they don't significantly impact fleet averages. All of this engine shrinking is part of Audi's plans to grow annual sales by more than 50 percent to over 1.5 million in the next decade.

FIM to observe World Environment Day at upcoming Superbike race

2008-05-31T09:52:00.001-07:00

Adding fuel to the fire of whether or not racing activities could ever be considered green at all is the fact that the Federation International De Motocyclisme (FIM) will be observing the United Nations Environment Program's World Environment Day, which is on June 5. Considering all of the carbon emissions that will be taking place at Miller Motorsports Park for the upcoming Superbike World Championship race and AMA Superbike race, the planting of six new trees will not overcome the environmental impact of the event. Add in the preceding helicopter rides and stunt-bike events and the tree planting seems awfully insignificant. Still, the FIM has a goal of furthering its involvement with environmental activities, and perhaps its larger role will be in the advancement of green ideals in the minds of the estimated 120 million people who will be watching the race on television.

We don't necessarily have a problem with racing in general, as it has often resulted in the adoption of high-tecnology fuel savings technologies for our normal vehicles. Hopefully, the FIM's involvement in World Environment Day will raise its awareness to people who otherwise wouldn't know it even existed. Click past the break for all the details.

Toyota denies decision has been made to build Prius in U.S. at joint GM plant

2008-05-31T09:51:00.001-07:00

Responding to a Tokyo Shimbun story that said discussions with GM were underway, Toyota says that no decision has been made about potentially building the Prius at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI), the joint Toyota-GM plant in California. The AP reports that Toyota is stepping back from the rumor that the Prius could be built in North America for the first time. The Prius is currently made in Japan and China. Officially, Toyota's statement said, "We are always considering the best places for production, but nothing has been decided about producing the Prius at NUMMI." We do know that Toyota will build two new hybrid battery plants (and expand a third) in Japan for increased hybrid vehicle production. If the Shimbun story is true, then major components (like those batteries) would be shipped to NUMMI for final assembly. Something tells me we'll hear more about this in the future.

Officially, official: Ford to build Fiesta in Cuautitlán, Mexico, US gets hatch!

2008-05-31T09:48:00.001-07:00

Ford has finally made it official: the upcoming Fiesta for the North American market will be built at the company's assembly plant in Cuautitlán, Mexico. Job 1 for Ford's new B-class car will be coming up in early 2010. The plant near Mexico City currently builds F-Series pickups for the Mexican market and will be re-tooled starting later this year after production of the current generation trucks winds down. Once the revamp of the factory is complete, it will supply Fiestas for all North American markets. As part of the announcement, Ford also confirmed that U.S. customers will also get three body flavors of the Fiesta to choose from. In addition to the originally planned four-door sedan, we will indeed get both the three- and five-door hatchbacks. No word yet on which powertrains we'll get for the Fiesta.

Ford also announced that the Chihuahua Engine Plant that builds four cylinder engines right now will add a new line to produce diesels for the light and medium duty trucks. This would be the 4.4L diesel V8 that is being added to the F-Series lineup next year.

Hole in One this weekend earns LPGA golfer one of first Aspen Hybrids

2008-05-31T09:45:00.003-07:00

Last summer Ichiro Suzuki was selected as the MVP of the baseball All-Star game and got the keys to one of the first Chevy Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrids. At the time, those SUVs were still more than six months away from production. This year, Chrysler is getting ready to launch their own full-size hybrid SUVs and they may be awarding one of the early production Aspen Hybrids to a women golfer at the Ginn Tribute LPGA tournament this weekend. If any of the 144 golfers, including Annika Sorenstarn, shoot a hole-in-one during the tournament they will get one of the first Aspens.

The Aspen and its twin Dodge Durango hybrid don't go on sale until this fall but they are set up very much like the corresponding GM hybrids. The same two-mode hybrid transmission is paired up with a large V8, in Chrysler's case the 5.7L HEMI. The HEMI is also equipped with cylinder deactivation allowing it to run on either four or eight cylinders. The nickel metal hydride battery pack is installed below the second row seat. While GM is offering their hybrids with either rear or all wheel drive, Chrysler is only planning to offer the Aspen/Durango with the latter configuration. The Chrysler press release is after the jump.

A Subaru Outback that gets 40.6mpg? Welcome to diesel Subies!

2008-05-31T09:45:00.001-07:00

Fans of Subarus tend to really love them. Their styling has more often than not been charitably described as quirky. But it's what's under the skin of a Subaru that makes it special. For decades, Subaru has touted the all-weather capability of their full-time all-wheel-drive system. In the past decade, Subaru has also earned something of a performance reputation with their turbocharged boxer engines that have been developed while competing in the World Rally Championship. The one thing these turbocharged traction machines haven't been able to brag about is their fuel efficiency.

No longer is that true. At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Subaru unveiled the first diesel-fueled boxer engine for cars. Earlier this year, diesel-powered Subies started to appear in Europe and SmartPlanet has one of the first reviews of the new diesel powered Outback wagon. In their testing, the site recorded 40.6mpg (U.S.) in all around driving for the 4x4 Outback, a pretty impressive performance. They found the engine to be smooth running quiet, and refined. In fact, their only quibble was the car itself which is nearing the end of its lifecycle and is due for replacement in the next couple of years. We'll be getting the Subaru diesel in the U.S. market in 2010, perhaps just in time for a new Legacy/Outback.

Freed, the Honda Fit-based minivan, released in Japan

2008-05-31T09:42:00.001-07:00

Although it doesn't look as we are going to see it Stateside, Honda has launched a Japanese minivan based on the Honda Fit platform. It's called Freed and in just 4.2 meters (165 inches) we can carry a complete family using a 1.5-liter unit mated to a CVT transmission that manages to get fuel consumption levels of about 6 l/100 km (39 mpg U. S.). The Freed got the fuel tank moved to the vehicle floor to give the interior as much room as possible and the rear doors are electric. Honda expects to sell about 4,000 units per month at a price between ¥1,639,000 and ¥2,215,000. The name comes as an abbreviation of "Freedom to create the perfect lifestyle." But of course.

Rendered Speculation? Is this the new BMW 7-Series?

2008-05-31T09:22:00.003-07:00

Click image to enlarge

We don't know if the shot you see above is an official picture of the new F01 BMW 7 Series or not, but it looks to be a pretty accurate rendition of what we've seen so far in spy shots. The front of the car apes the design language of the BMW CS Concept rather nicely, with dual oversized kidney-shaped grilles dominating the rather sedate-looking headlights. The sides are mostly devoid of flame surfacing, with a high character line drawing the eyes to the rear where the bangle-butt of the old model gets major lipo. We also note that the design mimics the current high-beltline trend, reducing the total surface area of glass considerably.

All-in-all, this appears to be a rather conservative design as compared with the CS Concept, along with BMW's other efforts over the last few years. We'll reserve final judgement for the day we get to see the new 7 Series in the flesh, of course, perhaps in September at the Paris Auto Show. Thanks for the tip, Brett!

More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4

2008-05-31T09:22:00.001-07:00

After a report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.

Renault Megane leaked in French mag

2008-05-31T09:21:00.001-07:00

Click to view more of the upcoming Renault Megane

Renault has been hard at work on the replacement for the current Megane. Following the new Clio, which came out three years ago, the Megane is an important model for the French automaker, designed to face off against volume leaders like the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit and Ford Focus. French magazine Auto Plus has managed to obtain some undisguised shots of the car, presumably obtained from a Renault employee in exchange for a case of wine, a carton of Gauloise and/or a joke about Americans.

As promised, the new Megane will be substantially more subdued in its styling than the love-it-or-hate-it current model, with its curved upright rear window. The front end borrows heavily from the new Laguna, hinting at a common design language for the company. There's certainly some similarity between the production version and the Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the Geneva show this year. Although the production Megane will predictably be considerably more conservative than the show car, the three-door appears further differentiated from its five-door stablemate with more sporting lines. See for yourself in the scanned magazine pages in the gallery below. The car looks just about ready to hit the market, so a debut at Renault's home-turf Paris Auto Salon this fall would be a good bet.

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

2008-05-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

Mazda1 city car coming to Paris Motor Show

2008-05-31T09:18:00.001-07:00

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Taiki concept.

show cars with a supermini concept, due to be unveiled at the Mazda is finally going to employ the styling cues shown on its Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and FuraiParis Motor Show. The concept aims to slot in below the Mazda2 and may be the first production model to benefit from the Nagare design theme. Other models utilizing Laurens van der Acker's swooping and sculpted lines are expected to come to production in 2010, including the redesigned Mazda3.

Mazda also plans to unveil a small crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year, which will likely be based of the Ford Kuga and utilize the same Nagare DNA. This new CUV will be specifically designed for the Russian market, which Mazda maintains could overtake Germany as the largest market in Europe. But bringing this cute 'ute to the UK and the US is a possibility, as consumers continue to downsize their rides.

REPORT: Production-trim Chevy Volt to be shown in Paris

2008-05-31T09:17:00.003-07:00

Britain's Channel 4 reports that GM will be making an announcement related to the Chevy Volt when the curtain lifts on the 2008 edition of the Mondial de l'Automobile, better known around here as the Paris Motor Show, in October. Channel 4 reports that we can expect to see the U.S. production-spec Volt on display in the City of Lights. That's big news in and of itself, and we're wondering if GM will use the occasion to tell Europe when they can plan on getting an Opel-branded E-Flex ride of their own. Hmmm... An official Camaro unveiling this summer and now the production Volt in Paris? Color us intrigued about what GM plans to blow everyone away with in Detroit next January.

Official: Mattel will offer Ferrari Dino, err... California model

2008-05-31T09:17:00.001-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery of the new Ferrari California

A few months ago we advised taking our post about Mattel leaking major Ferrari news with a big grain of salt. But as that famous toy maker has been known to do in the past (remember the 1969 Corvette?), Mattel was indeed working on a 1:18th scale model of a new, small Ferrari. As we know, however, it won't be called Dino.

A Mattel insider and Autoblog fan has tipped us off that a 1:18 scale Hot Wheels Ferrari California will be available in "late 2008." With the official unveiling of the Ferrari California supposedly planned for the Paris Motor Show in October, we might be able to take one for a, uh, small test drive before the car is even unveiled.

Spy shots: 2009 Mercedes CLK

2008-05-31T09:16:00.003-07:00

The 2009 Mercedes CLK has been spotted out on the roads, getting ready for its debut at October's Paris Motor Show. The lines, cladding, and peeking swage lines would appear to indicate that it will indeed look quite a bit like recent renderings. If the flowing glasshouse is to be believed, the car will sport only the merest flick of a trunk.

Presafe braking, night vision, and the updated COMAND system will mark some of the interior changes. Engines will run along C-Class lines, but the CLK 63AMG will get a bump of six HP to 481. We would like to know, though, if the seriously low profile rubber is just for the mule. The current, softer CLK has managed to mostly avoid the worst wheel transgressions, but this harder version seems like it will be a much more popular candidate for the stop, drop, and roll routine. We'll find out in a few months in Paris.

Spy shots: 2009 Mercedes CLK

2008-05-31T09:16:00.001-07:00

2009 Kia Soul bares itself ahead of Paris

2008-05-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

Click above to enlarge

Kia has released the first official image of the production Soul. And that's pretty much it. The press release accompanying it is several paragraphs of filler that tells you exactly nothing of value, other than that the car keeps "it's" concept forebear's name and will be formally unveiled in October at the Paris Motor Show (which we knew). Kia also says that the Soul "defies classification," which is elaborate automaker code for, "it's a small crossover that's our answer to the Scion xB." Yes, but this is better-looking.

Paris unveiling rumored for MINI SUV

2008-05-31T09:12:00.001-07:00

Common sense says that MINI is gearing up to unveil its convertible Cooper before the end of the year, but according to AutoTelegraaf, the purveyors of everyone's favorite retromobile is planning to debut its new SUV in Paris. The Dutch site claims that the cabrio version of the Cooper and Cooper S won't make an appearance until the Spring of 2009, but the jacked-up Crossman CUV could launch around the same time.

The "Crossman" is slated to be produced by Magna Steyr, riding 80 mm higher than standard MINIs and will be powered by the same 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged mills found in the Cooper and Clubman, and their S-badged counterparts. Magna says that it will be producing 80,000 Crossmans (Crossmen?) each year on an entirely new platform that allows the use of both AWD and FWD drivetrains.

Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hyundai, Toyota

2008-05-31T09:09:00.001-07:00

click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Audi RS4

My buddy Chris was beaming as his body pressed into the two-tone Recaro on the passenger side. "This thing is completely unbelievable," he said, his voice a blend of awe and disbelief. Around us, the scenery flicked by as the crisp Sunday morning air was sucked in through the open windows. The radio was on, but the volume was turned all the way down. At the moment, the only soundtrack in which we were interested was the guttural roar coming from the big oval pipes poking through the rear valance. "Chris," I replied, snicking the shifter into third, "This thing is ridiculous." The "thing" in question is the 2008 Audi RS4, and neither of us were exaggerating.

CEO says Hyundai "green line more advanced than Prius"

2008-05-31T09:08:00.001-07:00

Toyota pretty much has the hybrid market cornered right now with its Prius sedan, and the automaker is reaping the benefits of the model's fuel efficiency in the form of record sales. This fact also makes Toyota the envy of various other automakers, considering that their hybrid sales make up a sliver of the overall market. This being the case, nearly every competitor is currently developing advanced hybrid models of their own, including Hyundai, which plans on offering hybrid models for sale in the year 2010.

According to Hyundai CEO Dr. Kim Dong-Jin, its new hybrid technology is "more advanced than the Prius." Don-Jin goes even further, calling the best-selling hybrid model "now quite old-tech." The first Prius was designed back in the late '90s while the current model has been on sale since 2002, and we all know how quickly technology advances. Still, calling out the Prius, which is pretty much the preeminent green car in the world, before your answer to it is even on the market, isn't likely to win the Korean company any friends. Plus, a next-generation Prius with a new version of the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive in on its way and will likely reach showrooms by the time Hyundai begins offering its own hybrid. Yes Hyundai, your first hybrid may be better than today's Prius, but can it beat tomorrow's?

Ford confirms Fiesta hatchback for the U.S.

2008-05-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery of the production Ford Fiesta

In a press release today officially announcing that the new Fiesta will be built at its Cuautitlán Assembly Plant in Mexico starting in 2010, Ford confirmed what we all expected: in addition to the Fiesta Sedan, it's going to build the Fiesta Hatchback for U.S. customers, as well. Previously, Ford has said it would only build the sedan version of the Fiesta for the U.S., perhaps believing that hatchbacks were still a hard sell in the U.S. Rising gas prices have erased most of the negative stigmas associated with hatchbacks, which are generally perceived to be both highly practical to own and fuel efficient to drive. Curiously enough, the Cuautitlán Assembly Plant that's being converted to build Fiestas used to build full-size F-150 trucks for the Mexican market. Now it will build small cars for all of North America.

Ford also announced that its Chihuahua Engine Plant in Mexico that currently makes four-cylinder engines will add diesel engines for light- and medium-duty trucks to its assembly lines, and that a brand new transmission plant will be built in Guanajuato in a joint-venture with Getrag. All told, Mexico will be getting a $3 billion investment from Ford and its suppliers, the largest ever automotive investment according to Ford, and around 4,500 new jobs will be created as a result.

Spy Shots: Ford Fusion's new face found

2008-05-31T09:04:00.001-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery for redesigned Ford Fusion spy shots

We've known for some time that the Ford Fusion was due for a mid-cycle refreshening soon, but new spy shots from KGP Photography reveal that more might be in store for Ford's successful mid-size family sedan. Previous spy shots have shown prototype Fusions wearing impenetrable front bras that completely obscured any design changes, but these new pics reveal what's been hiding underneath. This prototype features the current car's hood and "squircle" headlights, but sports a different grille style and front bumper. The Fusion's trademark three-bar grille looks like it will become more expressive in the next version, with the top bar bowed down slightly in the middle like a smile. We imagine the production version will have all three bars bowed to some degree, giving the Ford sedan a distinctly happy and swooped back face. The front bumper, meanwhile, reveals the shape of a new lower intake and two air intakes on each side that would house fog lamps. The most telling bit, however, is a character line we haven't seen before that appears to bend down from the front fender. This suggests that the entire front clip of the next Fusion will be all new, rather than just the mild refreshening we were expecting. Consider us intrigued and more than a bit curious at what the next Fusion, which may be a 2010 or 2011 model, will look like.

BMW X1 to be built in Leipzig

2008-05-31T09:03:00.001-07:00

BMW announced today that it would begin building its entry-level CUV at the automaker's Leipzig plant, alongside the 1- and 3-series. The news confirms rumors that the X1, which has yet to be revealed publicly, will indeed be built on the 3-series platform, lending some amount of sporting cred to the mini 'ute.

BMW hasn't announced what exact markets the X1 is destined for, but the decision to produce in Liepzig is part of BMW's efforts to shift production into the regions in which its vehicles are primarily sold. As such, the next X3 will join the X5 and X6 at BMW's Spartanburg plant, instead of the Magna center where it's currently produced.

Expect the BMW X1 to be revealed later this year or early in 2009.

Honda Freed mini-minivan debuts in Japan

2008-05-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Freed

Honda revealed its new compact minivan today in Japan called the Freed. On sale today as well, the Freed can carry up to eight passengers within its diminutive dimensions thanks to a low, completely flat floor and some clever packaging. Opt for captains chairs in the second row and you can still ferry seven people between Kyoto and Tokyo in relative comfort. The Freed will also be offered in three versions that accommodate people in wheelchairs with ramps and lift-up seats. Honda's JDM mini-minivan will be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models powered by a 1.5L VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or CVT transmission. It looks like a promising vehicle that Japanese buyers will snap up like 10-cent sushi, and we bet Honda would find a market for the Freed here in the U.S. as well considering the current popularity of fuel-efficient vehicles packing tons of practicality.

Toyota Crown hybrid gets Night View, spots pedestrians

2008-05-31T09:01:00.001-07:00

We've questioned why some automakers in the past have gone to the trouble of replicating the look of traditional gauges when normal ones would do the trick. In the case of the new Toyota Crown Hybrid, though, there is a good reason for the 1280 x 480 pixel LCD panel mounted directly above the steering wheel in the dash, and Toyota calls it "Night View." Though other companies have used some sort of night vision technology before, and many have begun offering headlights that turn with the steering wheel to improve the safety of driving at night, Toyota has gone a step further by adding human recognition to its system. The technology currently only works when the vehicle is being driven between 15-60km/h, or about 10-40 miles per hour. Certain conditions, like rain, can also sometimes force the system to shut down. A high cost is also being cited as a potential obstacle to bring the technology to market. Toyota, however, is forging ahead and currently working on lowering the cost of Night View and programming it to recognize bicycles and animals.

Good to be King: Lewis Hamilton borrows TechArt Porsche for LA trip

2008-05-31T09:00:00.001-07:00

Lewis Hamilton caught a plane headed west after dominating in Monaco, and when you're a rising F1 star in Los Angeles, you're certainly not going to hit up Avis to rent a Ford Focus – you want your vents to be functional. So Claus Ettensberger, owner of the So. Cal. tuning shop CEC, was kind enough to provide Hamilton with a fully-kitted Techart Porsche 997 911 during his stay in L.A. Granted, anything is kind of a demotion from his McLaren Formula One car, but we could think of worse ways for Hamilton to get around while mixing it up with L.A's elite.

VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si

2008-05-31T08:59:00.001-07:00

We've driven the Honda Civic Si,
and have found it to be an entertaining vehicle to attack some
twisties. A drag racer, though, it is most assuredly not. Sure,
offering just shy of two-hundred horsepower from such a small engine is
impressive, but the distinct lack of torque and the stratospheric
rev-ceiling required to extract those ponies will surely limit the
straight-line drag numbers. The new Dodge Challenger SRT8, on the other
hand, does not require high-rev shenanigans in order to scorch the
1320, and this point is proven in the video
posted after the break. Although only covering an eighth mile, the
Challenger has no problem keeping the Si at bay. We're not knocking the
Si, as this type of activity is clearly not its proper playground, but
listen closely when playing the video and you'll hear that the
Challenger's pilot was toying with the Civic driver. It's not until the
last few hundred feet that the Hemi driver dips into the throttle,
leading to a few chuckles from the crowd.

Cross-bred Caddy: Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R

2008-05-31T08:57:00.001-07:00

Click above for a gallery of the VW Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0 TDI R.

The link between Volkswagen and Porsche is about to get stronger, but VW's Swedish contingent has already created a special edition to honor the alliance. The VW Caddy has lived a staid life as a popular work truck in Europe, but the Swedes apparently think it could be so much more. So it's releasing 250 Carrera Cup Edition Caddies outfitted with black, 17-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45 R17 rubber, a new body kit, red-on-white paint scheme with Porsche's signature "Carrera" text, two-tone leather sport seats, a leather steering wheel and shifter. The 2.0-liter TDI mill is putting out 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and with a fire extinguisher mounted on the diamond-plate floor boards, we think we might have found the perfect track-day accomplice to join that GT3 RS we've been building in our dreams.

VIDEO: WebridesTV pits the BMW M3 against the Dinan 335i

2008-05-31T08:56:00.001-07:00

Click above to view the shoot-out between the BMW M3 and the Dinan 335i.

This is a head-to-head battle we've been waiting to see: BMW's new M3 versus a Dinan-tuned 335i coupe. But we're only going to talk numbers and let the video tell the tale.

The BMW 335i has proven itself as a credible player in the sports coupe segment, particularly with a tweaked ECU to extract maximum output from its twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline-six. Dinan announced its Stage 3 package a few months back, which includes a fully-adjustable suspension and a handful of engine mods that bring output up to 406 hp and a kidney-punishing 460 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,300 RPM). But it doesn't come cheap. All the necessary Dinan kit to get it up to Stage 3 spec (and get that nifty badge on the boot) costs around $14,000. But compared to the ~~$71,000~~ $56,500 (no mark-up, no oxygen) base price of the new M3, it's still a steal. While the M3 has the peak horsepower advantage, you can't ignore the allure of the Dinan 335i's torque and lower curb weight. Will it be enough to match the M3? Hit the jump to find out.

2009 Ford Ka unofficially revealed

2008-05-31T08:55:00.001-07:00

The Ford Ka has been a prime example that the Blue Oval can be successful at making make little cars, even if they kind of look like basketball shoes. After 12 years of service, it's time to shake things up a bit. The next Ka shares mechanicals with the stylish Fiat 500, and after scoping the first unofficial pics from Auto Express, the Ford will be just as cute as its Italian sibling. Designers did manage to heavily differentiate the Ka from the 500, skipping the rounded lines in favor of edgier lines and details that reinforce Ford of Europe's styling language. Think micro-Fiesta, and you've got the picture.

Since it's for European consumption, it'll have no less than three powertrains from the get-go, with a 68 hp 1.2L, a 100 hp 1.4L, and a 1.3L, 50 mpg diesel. Rumor has it that a hotter Ka ST is on its way as well, with 150 hp coming from a turbocharged 1.4L engine. Interior refinement over the outgoing model comes courtesy of better materials and improved ergonomics.

We're still a few months away from the Ka's official unveiling at the Paris Auto Show in September, but we like what we see so far. Besides, if it's good enough for Bond, it'll be good enough for us. The Ka will be produced in Poland and it'll go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.

Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series facelift

2008-05-31T08:53:00.001-07:00

For
those fond of delving deep into E90 minutiae, these are the best shots
yet showing off the subtle changes coming to the BMW 3-series. For the
rest of us, the tweaks are largely inconsequential. World Car Fans has
unearthed some of the clearest shots yet, and the change that most
people will notice are the taillamps, which look to get a slightly
different shape. It even appears that the cutlines between the taillamp
pieces on the trunklid won't line up with the rest of the cluster
mounted in the quarter panel - asymmetry. The mirrors look to gain
large repeaters for the blinkers, possibly just a camouflage ruse, and
minor updates likely go on inside and underhood, too. Also likely to be
quite noticeable once the wraps come off is a reshaped front fascia,
which appears to place foglamps next to the license plate. Overall, a
mild refreshing until a new 3-series can be whipped up. In the
meantime, the new 7 will set the template for BMWs to come.

Tata Indicruz MPV to Launch in 2009

2008-05-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

A lot of news is coming from Tata Motors nowadays. Now the latest buzz is that the Tata Indicruz, an MPV which is based on the existing
Safari platform is being readied for a 2009 launch. The Indicruz would compete head on with the Toyota Innova when its launched. I expect the Safari's 2.2 litre DICOR diesel engine to do duty on the Indicruz and it might also get the four wheel drive system as an add on. The Indicruz prototype has been seen road testing close to Pune and the MPV looks rather modern with a large grille and peeled back headlamp which look very indica-ish (the new Indica). The interiors appear very roomy and are beige in color. The dashboard is well sorted out with a lot of storage space. The wheels appear to be 16 inchers and fill the wheel arches nicely. Quality is expected to be much better than the Safari and a shade better than the new Sumo Grande.

The Tata Indicruz would launch priced beween Rs.10-12 lakh.

Prototype Pictures of the Tata Indicruz

Nissan to Launch 2009 Murano SUV in India

2008-05-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Nissan India is on the verge of launching the Murano SUV in the Indian market. The Murano is an upmarket SUV which would be imported from Japan as a completely built unit and cost upwards of Rs. 30-35 lakh after import duty. This would be the third imported vehicle from Nissan after it's Teana luxury sedan and the somewhat successful X-Trail, both of which are at the premium end of the auto market. Nissan thinks that launching a range of premium vehicle would help it in establishing an upmarket brand image which would help them when they actually enter mainstream production for their small car at their upcoming Chennai plant.

Nissan recently unveiled the 2009 Murano internationally and this is the version(shown in picture) which should make it's way to India. From the looks of it the Murano is a sleek SUV bordering on being a Crossover rather than a true blue off roader. The Murano 2009 looks very dramatic from the front thanks to the massive alien like grille and multiple projection lamps. The Murano has a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine which would compete in thirst with the Toyota Prado.

Rendered Speculation? Is this the new BMW 7-Series?

2008-05-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

We don't know if the shot you see above is an official picture of the new F01 BMW 7 Series or not, but it looks to be a pretty accurate rendition of what we've seen so far in spy shots. The front of the car apes the design language of the BMW CS Concept rather nicely, with dual oversized kidney-shaped grilles dominating the rather sedate-looking headlights. The sides are mostly devoid of flame surfacing, with a high character line drawing the eyes to the rear where the bangle-butt of the old model gets major lipo. We also note that the design mimics the current high-beltline trend, reducing the total surface area of glass considerably.

All-in-all, this appears to be a rather conservative design as compared with the CS Concept, along with BMW's other efforts over the last few years. We'll reserve final judgement for the day we get to see the new 7 Series in the flesh, of course, perhaps in September at the Paris Auto Show. Thanks for the tip, Brett!

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

2008-05-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

New York 2008: Volvo C30 R-Design is R-some

2008-05-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Volvo directed its efforts at the New York Auto Show toward debuting the XC60 SUV for North America, but quietly standing sentinel at the front of the display was the C30 R-Design. There's not much to complain about when you gaze upon any C30, though the R-Design trimmings offer sprinkles on the cupcake. The cars will be exclusive, with oly 400 hitting showrooms in April for a base price of $25,700. The easiest way to spot the special Swedish hatches will be the metallic mirror housings, grille and grille crossbar. There's also a subtle R-Design badge affixed to the grille to identify the car as something just a little special. Special paint colors will also set off the R-Design cars, and the body kit-equipped car we photographed shined resplendently in Black Sapphire. Interior changes consist of blue-faced gauges like the actual high-performance S60R (RIP) and R-Design logos embossed into the leather inserts on the seats and metal accent bits around the cabin. The R-Design cars are more style than substance, but the exclusivity will be of value to buyers who like to have something special, and the T5 powertrain that all U.S.-bound C30s carry offers snappy performance already.

New York 2008: Milner Motors AirCar lands in Javits Center

2008-05-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

Our environmentally-attuned brethren at AutoblogGreen pointed us into the lower hall of the Javits Center to check out something they knew we'd love. After wading through the trucks and specialty makers on hand, we reached the Milner Motors booth. To one side was the Milner Motors ElectriCar. Across from it was the Milner Motors AirCar, which was what we came to see. Essentially the same as its electric vehicle, the flying car adds a set of wings and twin engine nacelles that theoretically supply enough thrust and lift for 1,000 miles of flight at 200 MPH. When earthbound, the wing package folds up and the car's 40-hp electric motor powers it up to 85 mph thanks to its light weight and great aerodynamics (the cd is only .209). This particular one is a non-functioning prototype, but we think we'll toss it off the roof of the Empire State building to test its glide prowess. We can only guess how much fun this thing might be if we could figure out a way to use those jet engines and their extra 300 hp to power this 1,800 lb. missle on the ground.

Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall

2008-05-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

The Volvo XC70 recently spent some time in the Autoblog Garage, and while we liked the vehicle overall, we had a few major complaints: its high price, poor gas mileage and a noticeable lack of power. At least one of those issues will be rectified somewhat this fall when Volvo begins offering the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine for the XC70. This engine is already available in the S80 sedan, and since the V70 and XC70 use similar chassis architecture, it was only a matter of time before the T6 engine migrated down the line. The 281 horsepower of the T6 engine should offer a useful improvement over the standard 235 horsepower 3.2 liter six. According to AutoWeek, the T6 model will be the crossover's flagship, so it seems unlikely that the 311 horsepower V8 will show up underhood any time soon. Power often covers a multitude of sins, so we're betting that the boosted-six will prove to be a popular option among buyers.

VIDEO: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe B-roll

2008-05-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

Seems people haven't had enough of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe yet. We gave you all the official details and photos, action shots of both the V6- and turbo-four versions doing burnouts inside the Jacob Javits Center, and finally video of said tire torturing session. Hyundai has just released its own B-roll video of the Genesis Coupe that's meant for local news stations and the like reporting on the rear-wheel-drive coupe from South Korea. We snagged it too, and you can view beautiful panning shots of the car's exterior, as well as the first motion picture show of the Genesis Coupe driving on the road. Peep the video after the jump.

New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber

2008-05-02T06:02:00.002-07:00

Click above for high-res gallery from Daimler's press conference

Just like any good political campaign, Mercedes came to the New York Auto Show touting nothing much as a whole lot. Actually, the faux political rally might have been less than compelling with its old news, but the new M Class sporting 50-state legal BlueTec diesel power is exciting. Almost as exciting as the very original 1965 190 D Mercedes had borrowed to illustrate its long-running experience with Rudy's coal dust motor. The senescent sedan will be helping MBZ recreate Bill Carroll's cross-country diesel-fueled journey to celebrate the U.S.-wide availability of what it's touting as the cleanest diesel ever. BlueTec allows the M-, GL- and R-class oil burners to earn ULEV and TierII/Bin 5 classification.

Mercedes says its new diesels are now as clean as gasoline powerplants, and once they drop BlueTec hybrids on us, emissions and economy will improve yet again. JD Power projects that fully 40 percent of vehicles will be diesel powered by 2017, and Mercedes wants to increase diesel sales beyond the current level of 22 percent. The newly tweaked M-Class should help move the powertrain off dealer lots. Sporting plenty of safety upgrades, new headlights, a Hannibal-Lechter inspired grille and some interior tweaks, the M-Class has returned from the gym freshly chiseled. It was not all utes and politely obscured minivans (*ahem* R-Class). Just before Mercedes wrapped the presser, they said, we're paraphrasing here, "Oh yeah, we also brought the SL, w00t."

Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445

2008-05-02T06:02:00.001-07:00

Following up on our story about the Volvo C30 R-Design at the New York Auto Show, Volvo announced pricing today for its sporty hatchback tunerish trim level. MSRP will be $25,700, plus destination charges of $745. Doing simple math, you can put one of these hot turbocharged Swedes in your garage at a base price of $26,445. Of course, most of you will want to add available goodies such as the DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, or the Dynaudio premium sound system...and they'll cost you extra, which will balloon the price into what many consider too dear for a Swedish hatchback.

If a cosmetically-enhanced C30 is just your thing, however, we suggest you act fast. With a production run limited to just 400 examples, the exclusive R-Design will probably roll quickly out of showrooms starting in April.