Autoblog

Kia coupe headed to production mid-2009, replacing Spectra

Dan Roth — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Coupes, Economy, Hatchbacks, Kia

click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Koup Concept

Wave goodbye to the Spectra name; Kia's planning on sending the moniker packing when the car is replaced in mid-2009. Kicking up the style as a way to grab the dollars of younger buyers, Kia will introduce the styling paradigm laid out by the Koup Concept at last year's New York Auto Show, which will grace a production sedan and coupe. The sedan will hit the market first, with the coupe following within a couple months. The hatchback Spectra will be out of the U.S. lineup entirely; Kia thinks the coupe and its sexier lines will move more units. European buyers will still be able to purchase the Spectra hatch as the cee'd, though. More style in this instance is a good thing. We've seen the Koup, and we like it. We've driven the Spectra, and we like that, too. If Kia can successfully match the chassis to the expectations set by the body, the Spectra's successor should have no problem maintaing that model's best-seller status in the Kia lineup.

Gallery: Kia KOUP concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub req.]

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Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Pontiac, Saturn

Click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Sporting a specific output of 130 horsepower-per-liter, the turbocharged, direct-injected Ecotec four-cylinder from GM that's featured in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and SS versions of the Chevy HHR and Cobalt, is already one heck of an accomplishment. But wait... there's more -- power that is. According to Motor Trend, shortly after the Solstice Coupe goes on sale next year, the blown-Ecotec could make 300 horsepower or more, putting it in close competition with performance stalwarts such as Nissan's Z. What's more, the same engine should also be available in the convertible versions of both the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline as well, paired only with a five-speed manual tranny in all applications.

This is just a rumor at this point, but MT seems pretty confident in its validity, citing higher intercooled boost along with a new fuel rail as the tech behind the power increase. The rumor does not mention if the higher-output mill will appear in other applications, though we remember something about the Camaro possibly getting a turbo-four mill as an option, and a tuner-friendly option offering 300 galloping horsies in stock form would make for a very interesting option in the pony car.

[Source: Motor Trend via eGMCarTech]

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Jalopnik readers redesign the Scion Hako

Alex Nunez — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Coupes, Scion

Click above to vote at Jalopnik

The Scion Hako is one of the ugliest concept cars any of us have ever seen. Seriously, in New York, our watches stopped working in its presence. At the vehicle's introduction, Scion called its orange-hued affront to the senses a "sporty version of a box" -- a turn of phrase we're still trying to wrap our brains around. What's next? Record execs selling us the "easy-listening version of Slayer"? But we digress.

Our friends at Jalopnik were equally uninspired by Hako, so they asked their readers to build a better concept using the magic of Photoshop. They have winnowed down the entrants to a group of five finalists -- a mail truck (above), a better coupe (shown at right), a hot rod, a Hako-mino, and a Deora-ish pickup. Follow the jump to see the latter three and then head over to Jalopnik to vote for your favorite. The winning 'chopper will be announced tomorrow. His or her prize? A taste of sweet internet celebrity and some Scion hats. Don't delay, vote today!

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Ferrari bewildered by its own presence at New York Auto Show

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Etc., Ferrari

Click image to enlarge

The gang at eGMCarTech was as puzzled as anyone else regarding the oddly spartan Ferrari display at this year's New York Auto Show. As we joked during the show, it looked as if thieves had run off with everything but the car, a black F430 sitting all by its lonesome. The eGM crew contacted Ferrari with a "what gives?" query and got an email in response. Turns out, Ferrari is at as much of a loss as everyone else. You see, Maranello isn't participating in this year's New York show in any official capacity. If we had to guess, some local dealer is probably shelling out big bucks to have one of his cars act as the unofficial Ferrari display. Unfortunately, devoid of signage, tucked between Aston and Bentley and across from Lambo and Porsche, the generally delectable F430 has been reduced to wallflower status. How very un-Ferrari. Visit eGMCarTech to read Ferrari's full response.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

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Autoblog Podcast #90

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Pontiac, Tata

After being endlessly mired in the '80s, the Autoblog Podcast has now climbed its way up to #90. Alex took a sick day, so John and Damon hold the fort. We've been in New York, and that's the main focus of the podcast, although we have had more than just John's Alero in the Autoblog Garage. Ford's sale of Jaguar and Land Rover comes up, as does some of the news that's ensued between the end of the New York show and now.

We've got a new podcast-specific email: podcast at autoblog dawt com, so please send in your questions about the show, about us, or about anything car-related you want to know, and we'll make up the best answers we can. Thanks for listening!

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VIDEO: Porsche GT3 Cup Car vs. Cayman GTR... on 11th Ave.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Videos, Porsche

Click above to view video

Last week at the New York Auto Show we had trouble getting a cab in front of Javitz Center, but somehow the cats at Garage 419 were able to shut down 11th Ave. long enough to race a couple muscled-up Porsches. Pitted in a street racing battle are a Farnbacher Loles GT3 cup car and a Farnbacher Loles Cayman GTR. Both Porsches aren't lacking for power either, as the rear wheels pushing each Stuttgart stud are tested to the limits during the race and at the post-event dueling donuts.

Three minutes of rubber-burning action is available after the jump, including a decisive winner in the main event. Make sure to check out the wild fish-tailing from the GT3 at the start of the race. The camera guy positioned between the two racers either has serious cojones for staying still or he has no idea how close he was to taking a Porsche to the mid-section. Thanks for the tip, j.f.!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Porsche GT3 Cup Car vs. Cayman GTR... on 11th Ave.

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2009 Audi A4 to offer new 2.0 TFSI, revised 3.2 FSI V6

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A4 Avant.

Wagon lovers rejoice! Audi's new 2009 A4 Avant has made its official North American debut at the New York Auto Show. The press release, after the break, introduces us to the newest 2.0 liter TFSI four cylinder engine, variants of which have won "Engine of the Year" trophies three times. Coming in at 211 horsepower along with 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the A4's base engine is reportedly capable of propelling the car to sixty in 6.5 seconds.

The impressive output of Audi's new four-banger almost makes up for their decision not to offer the sedan's 3.2 liter FSI V6 in the Avant. That engine features the newest version of the patented Audi Valvelift Technology (AVS) and offers up 265 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions will be offered in both the A4 sedan and Avant -- no mention of Quattro systems or the new 7-speed DSG. It seems like Audi's been holding back the new A4 for so long that we can hardly believe that we'll see it in dealerships this October, but we'll continue to sate your appetites with pictures until then.

Gallery: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

Gallery: New Audi A4

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2009 Audi A4 to offer new 2.0 TFSI, revised 3.2 FSI V6

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New York 2008: Top debuts of the show (w/ Poll)

Chris Shunk — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Etc., Videos, Hyundai, Kia, Pontiac, Suzuki

The 2008 New York Auto Show press preview is in the books, and now it's the public's turn to roam the floor in the Javits Center. After thinking things over, we thought we'd put together a video of our top five most significant introductions from the show. New York served as a launching pad for exciting new vehicles like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Saleen S5S Raptor, so there were some winners to choose from. Click play on the video above to see our picks for the most significant debuts, and follow the jump to check out the high-res shots from the show floor and place your vote for which ride you think deserves the number one spot.

Continue reading New York 2008: Top debuts of the show (w/ Poll)

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Hyundai launches site for Genesis Coupe

Chris Shunk — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Videos, Hyundai

We dug the hot new Genesis Coupe at the New York Auto Show, but not everybody can head out to Gotham to see Hyundai's future tuner de force. Hyundai knows it has a good thing on its hands, and has now shared it with the world in web form. The Genesis Coupe's official site includes everything from technical specifications and available equipment to photo galleries and videos. That ought to help you kill the year-or-so wait for the Genesis Coupe's arrival in dealer showrooms. We noticed that Hyundai hasn't gotten around to posting video of the car's smoke-laden intro in New York, so we've added ours after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Live Reveal

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches site for Genesis Coupe

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New York 2008: The Mitsubishi i is A-OKei

Alex Nunez — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Japan, Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi, First Drive

Click image for a high-res gallery of the turbocharged Mitsubishi i

I'm the resident kei car obsessive here at Autoblog. That means I'm the guy who actually thinks, "That is awesome," when he reads the (Google translated) announcement of yet another Suzuki Wagon R variant. Hell, I did two posts on the one-off Hello Kitty Mitsubishi i. Keis are cool. So, you can imagine how happy I was to see that Mitsubishi brought along a small fleet of its i minicars to the New York Auto Show this year.

Mitsubishi's focus at the show was squarely on the the all-electric i MiEV, which goes on sale in Japan next year and will be tested in North America this fall. The gasoline-powered version was on hand, too, though. I drove the i MiEV for AutoblogGreen, and was a passenger in a black i Turbo. Head over to AutoblogGreen for driving impressions of the i MiEV, and note that many of the observations there apply to both the electric and gasoline-powered cars.

The i Turbo you see here is powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder that delivers around 64 horsepower. It's got around half the torque of the electric i MiEV and it's buzzier-sounding (obviously), but it felt just as well-suited to city driving in New York as its battery-powered counterpart. It can comfortably transport four adults and a bit of cargo, too. Try doing that in a smart.

Mitsubishi is monitoring public reaction to the cars this week, so if you go to the show and like what you see, make sure to let them know. Me? I'll happily take one in black -- with a DAMD kit for optimum not-exactly-badassedness.

Head to AutoblogGreen for a full i MiEV review and video.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i Turbo - Live in NY

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - Live in NY

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New York 2008: NYC oddities and side splitters

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show

We were extremely busy while trying to cover the snot out of the New York Auto Show this past week at the Jacob Javits Center. Even when we were running across the show floor to make a press conference and get a good seat, we still had our fingers on the trigger of our many DSLR cameras. At times we caught some interesting and downright funny things that just didn't fit into any other gallery except one devote to the odd and slightly hilarious. Check them out in the gallery below, complete with captions that add some context and extra chuckles.

Gallery: From the NY Auto Show floor

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Saab launches Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Saab, Lifestyle

Saab has embraced E85 as an alternative fuel in Europe as a way to offer good performance and relatively good emissions using small turbocharged engines. Because ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, boost pressure can be raised, allowing for a higher specific power output. It also helps that Saab already had a history of being quirky and using turbocharged engines in their vehicles. As an added bonus, it also gets to capitalize on the "green" aspect of the biofuel, and is leaving no eco-stone unturned. For the New York Auto Show, the Swedish brand be showing off its 9-X BioHybrid concept and the 9-4X BioPower concept. But its latest foray into being eco-friendly is the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection, which was created in conjunction with the Swedish clothing design firm Reflective Circle.

The Saab/Reflective collection, which currently includes T-shirts, button-down shirts, jersey shirts, a ladies shirt dress and tennis shirts (more coming soon), is made from 100 percent ecological/organic cotton certified by Skal International, an independent inspection and certification organization. One highlight of the collection is the use of the Coroso nut, which comes from Palm trees found in rain forests, for their buttons - as opposed to molding them from plastic.

Fans of the simple Scandinavian design ethos who prefer organic clothing will be able to purchase the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection starting in May at www.saabexpressions.com.

[Source: Saab]

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New York 2008: Audi Forum hosts debut of Hunt Slomen custom-painted A5

John Neff — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Etc., Audi, Celebrities

Click above to view more high-res shots

This past Wedneday evening, the Audi Forum in New York City hosted a gala party attended by celebrities and the weary automotive press in town to cover the New York Auto Show. The beautiful people on hand included Tom Brady (celebrity status: A), Tyson Beckford (celebrity status: B), Will Arnett (celebrity status: A-), Denise Rich (celebrity status: ?) and members of the Gossip Girl cast (according to my fiance, celebrity status: better than Tom Brady). Though Autoblog was not in attendance (thus reducing the list of A list celebrities), Audi was kind enough to send us pics of the special A5 it revealed that night (and Tom Brady sitting in the R8 TDI Le Mans concept from the Geneva Motor Show). Custom-painted by New York artist Hunt Slomen, the coupe features a swath of art that flows from the car's hood and down across the driver-side door. The artwork is abstract, but we can make out white birds, which our single semester of Art History 101 tells us represents doves, which in turn represents peace. Or it could represent the jobless rate of carrier pigeons in this age of digital e-mail. The custom-painted A5 will be donated to Denise Rich's G&P Foundation for Cancer Research and auctioned after it tours the country for a bit.

[Source: Audi, Photos by wiredimages]

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Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445

Michael Harley — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Euro, Volvo

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 R-Design

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.

Gallery: New York 2008: Volvo C30 R Design

Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design

[Source: Volvo Cars of North America]

Continue reading Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445

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New York 2008: Mercedes burns oil and rubber

Dan Roth — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Green, Mercedes-Benz

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."

Gallery: New York 2008: Mercedes M Class and SL

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New York 2008: Gotham gals

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Etc.

Click above image for high-res pics of the models from New York

There were lots of lovely models here in New York, quick with a smile and a come hither look, enticing us into the booths to check out the cars. Of course we had to oblige. We don't want them losing their jobs due to our lack of attention, so like we do at most shows, we snapped a few pics. Funny how many of our team members feel the charitable call when this kind of post comes around. And remember, if you can't think of something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Gallery: New York 2008: Gotham Gals

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VIDEO: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe B-roll

John Neff — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Videos, Hyundai

Click above to view video

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.

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe B-roll

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Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Volvo

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Volvo XC70

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.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volvo XC70

[Source: AutoWeek]

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New York 2008: Milner Motors AirCar lands in Javits Center

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Green

Click above for high-res gallery of the flying car from Milner

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.

Gallery: Milner Motors AirCar

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Ford making more of the Shelby GT500KR for 2009

Alex Nunez — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Ford, Shelby

Click above for a live gallery of the 2008 Shelby GT500KR from New York

Pay no attention to the "2008" on that snake badge. Even though the 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR was built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a certain former chicken-farmer's automotive exploits, it seems that neither Ford nor 'ol Shel want the party to end. As a result, Ford and Shelby will produce an additional 746 units of the GT500KR in model year 2009. 541 of those will go to U.S. customers, making for a U.S.-market total of 1,571 cars, which conveniently matches the production run of the original KR. (Never mind those additional foreign-market cars -- they just mess with that warm, fuzzy, marketing-oriented math.) For your enjoyment, check out our gallery of the Vista Blue Shelby GT500KR currently on the New York Auto Show floor.

Gallery: 2008 Shelby GT500KR - LIVE

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford making more of the Shelby GT500KR for 2009

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