Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Seat Exeo is an old Audi A4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-seat-exeo-is-an-old-audi-a4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-seat-exeo-is-an-old-audi-a4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-seat-exeo-is-an-old-audi-a4/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the image above for more renderings of the Seat Exeo

VW subsidiary Seat is, like The Jeffersons, movin' on up, rolling out a new range of vehicles that will push it into new market segments. The image above is one of a set of the automaker's Exeo sedan given to the trademark office in Spain. According to the company, "the new name stems from the Latin word 'Exire', meaning "to go beyond", "to go further", and "The name Exeo is advanced, forceful and technological, which signals excellence and is highly suggestive of driving pleasure." Ok...

Instead of creating something completely new to chart these unknown waters, Seat has taken a previous gen Audi A4 and given it front and rear clips in the Seat style. Seat will also use the A4 Avant body to create an Exeo wagon. The newish sedan is meant to compete with the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, and Alfa Romeo 159 and will be launched some time next year as a 2010 model. It is expected to retail for £15,000 to £23,000 in the U.K. and we don't yet know which powerplants it will receive.

Gallery: 2010 Seat Exeo renderings


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>audi a4AudiA4exeoexeo wagonExeoWagonseatseat exeoseat exeo wagonSeatExeoSeatExeoWagonsedansedanswagonwagons2008-08-27T18:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy shots: next Jaguar XJ caught at, where else, the Nurburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/spy-shots-next-jaguar-xj-caught-at-where-else-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/spy-shots-next-jaguar-xj-caught-at-where-else-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/spy-shots-next-jaguar-xj-caught-at-where-else-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Since you can't even really call it a car anymore if it hasn't been blasted around the 'Ring in development, Jaguar has taken the mechanicals of the next XJ sedan to everyone's favorite playground. Those internals wear the ill-fitting sheetmetal of the current XJ, with the addition of serious wheel arches and a fire-breathing nose.

The real thing to take away from the story is this: the car has been described as "the XF's features... draped over an Aston Martin Rapide." Frankly, we were happy when the XJ's design was moved away from mimicking the Mercedes CLS. And we have come to appreciate the design of the XF. But this equation: XF + Rapide = XJ is the kind of thing that could go wrong. Mr. Callum, however, has earned the benefit of the doubt, so we will wait for the feast for our eyes to decide.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>jaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjnurburgringspy shotsSpyShotsxj2008-08-27T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[New Saab 9-5 sketch is less quirky, more badass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-saab-9-5-sketch-is-less-quirky-more-badass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-saab-9-5-sketch-is-less-quirky-more-badass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/new-saab-9-5-sketch-is-less-quirky-more-badass/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A Saab owner attending the 2008 Saab Owner's Convention posted a recap of the events at Trollhattan Saab (which we thought was defunct, but if not, we're glad it's back). One of the most noteworthy events was something on which he barely commented: a sketch of the new 9-5. Saab has been threatening for a while to start incorporating Aero X cues into its vehicles, and this could be it.

The text around the car says it will have "aircraft heritage," "fuselage bodysides," a "wraparound winshield," and a "grille inspired by a J21." We find the J21 bit and the fuselage sides a stretch, but it's still a good looking place to start. The sketch also hints that the tech in the new 9-5 is already being used in the Turbo X.

While other Saabs are supposed to be downsizing, the 9-5 will actually grow since it's based on the Epsilon II platform along with the Opel Insignia and next-gen versions of the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. The car's engine will be shrinking, though, down to a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit. And could this be the Saab that Wagoner said will be built in North America?

[Source: Trollhattan Saab via Motor Authority]

 

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]]>9-59-5 rendering9-5renderingsaabsaab 9-5Saab9-5sedan2008-08-27T13:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford investing $75M to switch Michigan Truck plant from trucks to cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above to view more high-res shots of the Euro-Focus

News flash: small cars like the Ford Focus are selling beyond expectations (ours anyway) while trucks and SUVs are sitting on dealer lots much longer than auto manufacturers would like. For this reason, Ford is moving as quickly as possible to switch a few of its truck plants into car plants, including its Michigan Truck plant where behemoth SUVs like the Expedition and Navigator were being built. The switchover is going to cost the automaker since these are not flexible manufacturing facilities, with the first bit of retooling ringing the registers to the tune of $75 million bucks -- and that's just for a new bodyshop. The total cost to retool the plant will be in the hundreds of millions. As they say, it takes money to make money. While the plant is being refurbished, workers will be shuffled to the nearby Wayne plant to build even more Focuses. The best bit of news, though, is that Ford will finally be building its small cars from Europe at its converted truck plant, the ones we've all been asking for since the Euro-Focus got a new platform and we didn't. Not that we're still sour or anything...

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus


[Source: The Detroit News]

 

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]]>euro focuseuro fordeuro ford focuseuro fordsEuroFocusEuroFordEuroFordFocusEuroFordseuropean fordeuropean ford focuseuropean fordsEuropeanFordEuropeanFordFocusEuropeanFordsford focusFordFocusmichigan truckMichiganTruckwayne assembly plantwayne plantWayneAssemblyPlantWaynePlant2008-08-26T15:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Faster than an M5: First Cadillac CTS-V performance test published]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/faster-than-an-m5-first-cadillac-cts-v-performance-test-publish/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/faster-than-an-m5-first-cadillac-cts-v-performance-test-publish/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/faster-than-an-m5-first-cadillac-cts-v-performance-test-publish/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS-V

It's been over 60 years since the Americans have so thoroughly trounced the Germans, but Inside Line has the numbers to prove it. The Edmunds news service had a chance to take the new Cadillac CTS-V (which we're driving in upstart New York as we speak) and its supercharged V8 for a spin around GM's Milford proving grounds and brought along its testing gear. The resulting bombardment ought to have the Germans thoroughly embarrassed and rebuilding for decades to come.

The CTS-V ran the quarter-mile in a scant 12.5 seconds, besting the 12.7 it takes for either the BMW M5 or the Mercedes E63 AMG. Getting back to a standstill was another hit to the Bimmer and the Benz, with the Caddy stopping from 60-0 mph in 109 feet - five feet less than it takes the M5 and six shorter than the AMG. And if you're thinking that brakes and power are easy to upgrade and that the Cadillac couldn't possibly best the Germans on the handling course, think again: the CTS-V ran the slalom at 71.1 mph, while the M5 and E63 ran it in 68.5 and 65 mph respectively. Deutschland über alles indeed.

Gallery: First Ride: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>cadillac cts-vcadillac cts-v performanceCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vPerformancectscts-v2008-08-26T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Say it ain't so: Ford Falcon could go front-wheel drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/say-it-aint-so-ford-falcon-could-go-front-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/say-it-aint-so-ford-falcon-could-go-front-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/say-it-aint-so-ford-falcon-could-go-front-wheel-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



"You guys are obsessed with rear wheel drive," Alan Mulally mused to the Australian press after a browbeating about which pair of wheels might propel the Falcon into the future. Try as they might, the Ford Chief would not be pinned down about the chassis architecture of future Falcons, saying only that the choice would be customer driven, and plugging front and all-wheel drive vehicles as "pretty spectacular."

Mulally is right that Ford's global push to put exceptional small cars in showrooms is what the automaker's focus is and should be. The Falcon has long fallen off its sales peak from the halcyon days of two decades ago, and while Mulally agrees that it's "an absolutely dynamite vehicle," small cars in the future will prop up the more niche-y vehicles like the FG Falcon. Mulally went on to say that Australia will serve as an engineering and product development outpost for Ford, and the big-vehicle prowess in Oz will be useful regardless of layout. As Ford pulls its global platforms together, the Ranger and Focus will come at us from Australia, too.

Continue reading Say it ain't so: Ford Falcon could go front-wheel drive

 

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]]>alan mulallyalan mulally australiaAlanMulallyAlanMulallyAustraliafalcon fpvFalconFpvford australiaford falconford fpvFordAustraliaFordFalconFordFpvfpvfpv f6fpv gtfpvf6FpvGt2008-08-26T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Moscow 2008: Audi RS6 sedan in the sheetmetal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-audi-rs6-sedan-in-the-sheetmetal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-audi-rs6-sedan-in-the-sheetmetal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-audi-rs6-sedan-in-the-sheetmetal/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS6 sedan.

All right. Now we're torn. RS6 Avant or RS6 sedan? Both are packing the same twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 5.0-liter V10 putting out 580 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Both send power to all four wheels through a six-speed tiptronic tranny and both can be equipped with absolutely massive 420mm (front) and 356mm (rear) ceramic brakes. While it's hard to deny the practicality of the wagon, we think the sedan comes across as more elegant - in a brutally Teutonic way. The voting will commence in the comments and check the gallery below for a plenty of high-res images from the show floor.

Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6

 

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]]>audiaudi rs6 sedanAudiRs6Sedanmoscow 2008Moscow2008rs6sedan2008-08-26T06:49:00+00:00<![CDATA[Moscow 2008: Lexus LS460 AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-lexus-ls460-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-lexus-ls460-awd/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-lexus-ls460-awd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LS460 AWD.

The Moscow Auto Show seems like the perfect place for Lexus to unveil the all-wheel-drive version of its LS460. Russians have a torrid love affair with rolling living rooms, evidenced by the 7-series and S-class-lined streets of Moscow's high-end shopping districts. Add AWD to the equation and the LS460 makes a strong case against the Germans.

As previously reported, the Lexus LS460 AWD is fitted with the same four-wheel-drive system and eight-speed auto 'box as the LS600h, and comes equipped with a Torsen rear LSD and 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 as the standard model. Torque split is set to 40/60 in normal driving conditions, but if you need to make a dramatic getaway on the mean streets of Moscow, 70-percent of the power can be sent to the rear-wheels.

Gallery: Lexus LS460 AWD

 

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]]>awdlexuslexus ls460 awdLexusLs460Awdls460moscow 2008Moscow20082008-08-26T06:11:00+00:00<![CDATA[Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

A quick glance at Pontiac's (rumored) future product plans reveals just how much fuel prices have affected plans for an all rear-wheel drive lineup. Let's see, we've got the Solstice and the G8, and, um... that's it. Sure, we're expecting the G8 ST soon, but the El Camino-come-lively will never sell enough to keep bean counters happily sliding their abaci beads in their cubicles. The Solstice also plays to a relatively small crowd, so its future could be up in the air, as well.

As for the rest of the brand's lineup, the Grand Am G6 will remain on the same front-wheel drive platform for the foreseeable future as there's just not enough funds to switch it to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the G5 is tied to the Cobalt and the future Cruze from Chevrolet that uses the FWD Delta platform. The Vibe comes from Toyota and is based on the Corolla's underpinnings. Please, don't get us started on a possible Aveo-based subcompact from GM's "Performance Division". As our esteemed editor says, "So sad, G8 rules." Indeed it does, and it may be the best we'll get from Pontiac for a while.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>pontiacpontiac g8pontiac solsticePontiacG8PontiacSolsticerear wheel driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriverwdrwd pontiacRwdPontiac2008-08-25T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[LA Preview: GM releases teaser pic of 2010 Buick Lacrosse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/la-preview-gm-releases-teaser-pic-of-2010-buick-lacrosse/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/la-preview-gm-releases-teaser-pic-of-2010-buick-lacrosse/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/la-preview-gm-releases-teaser-pic-of-2010-buick-lacrosse/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to enlarge

Oh sure, we've already shown you spy shots of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse that reveal the kit and kaboodle, but don't let that take away from GM's release of a teaser shot showing the upcoming sedan's new grille. Along with the pic, GM confirmed that the new LaCrosse will debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show in November. We'll be there to cover the reveal, as this smallest of Buick sedans (for now) will be a big player in the brand's future success. It's nice and all to have a critically acclaimed full-size crossover in the Enclave, but more and more buyers are moving away from big CUVs into smaller vehicles at the moment, and Buick hopes they'll move right into the new LaCrosse.

[Source: GM]

 

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]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010BuickLacrossebreakingbuickbuick lacrosseBuickLacrosselacrosse2008-08-25T15:24:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Honda City fully revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spy-shots-2009-honda-city-fully-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spy-shots-2009-honda-city-fully-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/spy-shots-2009-honda-city-fully-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the next Honda City

Honda's latest City, which is primarily sold overseas in Asian countries, has been outed and things are looking pretty good for the little machine. We really dig the look of the new City, with its front-end clearly derived from newer Hondas like the FCX Clarity. Inside is a neat and tidy dash, instrument cluster and center stack that makes us long for the simple designs from a few years back. Tucked in behind the steering wheel are paddle shifters for the automatic transmission and under the stylishly creased hood is a 120-horse 1.5-liter four cylinder i-VTEC engine, which is also used by the Fit and Jazz models. Based on photos alone, Honda could certainly do worse than to offer this fuel-sipper on U.S. shores. Thanks for the tip, Ahsan!

Gallery: Sneak Peek: Honda City


[Source PakWheels.com]

 

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]]>2009 honda city2009HondaCitybreakinghonda cityhonda city spy shotsHondaCityHondaCitySpyShots2008-08-25T13:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Official Kia Forte brochure leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/official-kia-forte-brochure-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/official-kia-forte-brochure-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/official-kia-forte-brochure-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Forte

The Kia Forte has been caught out again, this time in more press photos and the official Korean-market brochure. The 2009 Spectra replacement is a looker... even if it borrows some of those looks from other vehicles. Regardless, those shapely front fenders, strong shoulder line that terminates into the A-pillar and concave space right above the sills are definitely elements not usually found in the economy car class. The car will probably come to the U.S. with a slight price bump over the $13,000 Spectra, but there'll be more power, space, and fuel economy to go with it. Check out the gallery of hi-res photos below, and if you read Korean and see anything newsworthy in the brochure feel free to let us know in the comments.

Gallery: 2009 Kia Forte Brochure


[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>2009 kia forte2009KiaForteeconomyfortekiakia forteKiaFortesedansedansspy shotsSpyShots2008-08-25T11:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce creates special Peony edition Phantom for UAE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/rolls-royce-creates-special-peony-edition-phantom-for-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/rolls-royce-creates-special-peony-edition-phantom-for-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/rolls-royce-creates-special-peony-edition-phantom-for-uae/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to view the RR Phantom Peony edition in hi-res

Wealthy customers in the United Arab Emirates seem to have a penchant for special editions of the most expensive luxury saloons. As if it wasn't enough to get the Maybach Landaulet revealed right there on their home turn, one Arabian customer recently ordered a custom gilded Rolls-Royce Drophead. Now Rolls-Royce has followed up with a special edition of its Phantom limousine targeted specifically for the UAE.

Called the Peony edition, the bespoke Phantom borrows its name from the indigenous Asian flower that symbolizes royality in ancient Oriental culture. The car features a special two-tone pearl blue exterior and Seashell interior, emblazoned with the peony floral motif. It even comes with a complementary bottle of perfume specially crafted by Emirate fragrance specialist HIND. The special edition was created by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Program, which does the bulk of its business with Middle Eastern customers. No word on how many will be built or how much it costs, but if there was ever a case of "if you have to ask, you can't afford it", this is it.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Peony Edition


[Source: Motor Authority]

 

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]]>abu dhabiAbuDhabidubaiemiratespeonypeony editionPeonyEditionphantomphantom peonyPhantomPeonyrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce peony editionrolls-royce phantomRolls-roycePeonyEditionRolls-roycePhantomRollsRoyceuaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmirates2008-08-24T19:15:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundais caught testing in high elevations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more Hyundai spy shots

Remember: When traveling to faraway locales, always have your camera. A reader by the name of Steve did just so and was rewarded with some pictures of Hyundai's latest and greatest models. Why, you may wonder, was the Korean automaker testing these vehicles? They were likely undergoing high elevation testing, as they were snapped on Mount Evans in Colorado. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, leading to the summit overlook, is the highest paved road in North America (thanks, Wikipedia!).

There's plenty to see here. We've all seen the Genesis Coupe before, but not in yellow, and it looks good. The Portico doesn't really get the blood boiling, but it could turn into an important Edge\Traverse fighter for the Koreans. Perhaps the most interesting car here is what appears to be a heavily disguised Equus sedan. Being that its covered head-to-toe, we had to look closely to spot the rear fender bulge which seems to identify the car. Update: As our readers have pointed out in the comments, this appears to be the new Kia based on the Hyundai Azera. Thanks! Thanks, Steve!

Gallery: Reader spied Hyundais

 

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]]>hyundaihyundai equushyundai equus spy shothyundai genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai porticohyundai spy shotsHyundaiEquusHyundaiEquusSpyShotHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiPorticoHyundaiSpyShots2008-08-23T12:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide 'Ring battle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-and-aston-martin-rapide-ring-battle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-and-aston-martin-rapide-ring-battle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-and-aston-martin-rapide-ring-battle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



To the 'Ring we go, and our companions today are -- in the apt words of World Car Fans -- "beauty and the beast." That would be the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera. We'll let you decide which one deserves which title. Follow the link and you'll find a large gallery of both cars in basic black, un-camo'ed and racing each other around the 'Ring to help cast your vote.

In practical considerations, the Panamera looks to have the Rapide beat in all kinds of ways. For instance, it should get better gas mileage if you get the V6 or V8, and it has more trunk space with 450 liters. Aston's cars have little trunk syndrome, and the Rapide probably won't really change that. But hey, who would buy a Panamera or Rapide for practical reasons? Either way, we won't really know the state of things until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next March when they are officially introduced.

[Source: World Car Fans]

 

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]]>4 door coupe4DoorCoupeaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapidefour door coupeFourDoorCoupepanameraporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerarapidesedansedans2008-08-22T19:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[No diesels for Bentley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Bentley Brooklands

Bentleys and buckets of torque go hand-in-hand. Therefore, it might make some sense for the German-owned British luxury marque to consider one of the VW Group's big, powerful turbodiesels for one of its upcoming models. Not so fast, says Bentley. It has specifically polled its customer base -- made up mostly of Americans and Asians -- to determine if there's any interest in an oil-burning Bentley. Apparently, there isn't. Instead, the luxo-barge company will focus on biofuels in an effort to lower the fuel consumption and emissions of a numbers of its models. As a matter of fact, the first flex-fuel engine from the Flying B is expected to debut in 2009 and Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chief Executive, says that all of its models will be capable of running on biofuels by 2012 as part of its plan to go British Racing green.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>bentleybentley arnagebentley azurebentley azure tdibentley brooklandsbentley continentalbentley continental gtbentley continental gt speedbentley continental gtcBentleyArnageBentleyAzureBentleyAzureTdiBentleyBrooklandsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalGtcBentleyContinentalGtSpeeddieseldiesel bentleyDieselBentley2008-08-22T19:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-video-jaguar-xf-r-caught-on-tape/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-video-jaguar-xf-r-caught-on-tape/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/spy-video-jaguar-xf-r-caught-on-tape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

The coming Jaguar XF-R has been caught in the valley of death. It was accompanied by a Jaguar XJ mule and shepherded by a fleet of Land Rovers charged with blocking the all-seeing eye of someone's Sony Handycam. Fortunately for us, they failed. The driver of this particular prototype XF-R couldn't keep his foot off the throttle, as at different points in the video you hear the growl of a big displacement V8 and the accompanying scream of a supercharger. Other than vents in the hood to let that 5-liter V8 breathe, the body modifications look to be exceptionally tame. With 500 horsepower, however, its acceleration should be quite the opposite. Follow the jump to check out the video.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spy Video: Jaguar XF-R caught on tape

 

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]]>jaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf-rJaguarXfJaguarXf-rsedansedansspy videoSpyVideovideovideosxfxf-r2008-08-22T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis' Tau V8 could grow to five liters, or beyond]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/hyundai-genesis-tau-v8-could-grow-to-five-liters-or-beyond/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/hyundai-genesis-tau-v8-could-grow-to-five-liters-or-beyond/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/hyundai-genesis-tau-v8-could-grow-to-five-liters-or-beyond/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has only been on sale for a month, but the automaker is already considering upgrading the current 4.6-liter V8 with a 5.0-liter version. Hyundai's North American product chief, John Krafcik, told MotorTrend that the Tau V8 could be stroked up to 5.5-liters, but the ideal displacement to keep fuel economy on par with power is an even five liters.

The plan is to increase the displacement of the V8, as well as adding direct-injection to Hyundai and Kia's range of fours, sixes and eights over the next few years. It's a move that several automakers have already adopted and Hyundai's decision to increase its V8's displacement will only happen if it can keep output the same or better while retaining the 4.6-liter's fuel economy.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8


[Source: MotorTrend]

 

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]]>genesishyundaisedanv82008-08-22T17:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Super Veyron and eventual replacement coming around 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/super-veyron-and-eventual-replacement-coming-around-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/super-veyron-and-eventual-replacement-coming-around-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/super-veyron-and-eventual-replacement-coming-around-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

The big question for Bugatti is: What comes after the Veyron? Seriously, there isn't much that could top the 1,000-or-so horsepower, quad-turbo, 16-cylinder engine that's carried around in the back of the most gorgeous body ever with an equally exquisite interior. How about a revised model with 1,200-horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque? Yeah, that'd do nicely. Rumors indicate that an über-Veyron could make an appearance at the very end of this current generation's production.

Despite consistent rumors of the firm's eventual demise after that, head-honcho Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen says that another supercar and possibly an ultra-lux saloon (four-door to all you poor people) could be in the cards for 2012. In an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions, alternative-fuel powerplants will also be on the drawing board. We know that parent-company VW has plenty of worthy powerplants in its parts bin, and the idea of giant torque funneled through an all-wheel drive system has us saving our millions already.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron 16.4 grand sportbugatti veyron grand sportbugatti veyron hermesbugatti veyron sang noirbugatti veyron targabugatti-veyronBugattiVeyronBugattiVeyron16.4GrandSportBugattiVeyronGrandSportBugattiVeyronHermesBugattiVeyronSangNoirBugattiVeyronTargaveyron2008-08-22T16:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[More shots of Chevy Cruze from Lordstown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for more new live shots of the 2011 Chevy Cruze

Yesterday's announcement by General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner that his company would invest $500 million in the U.S. to build the 2011 Chevy Cruze was perhaps most welcomed by the workers at GM's assembly plant in Lordstown, OH where the car will be built. That plant is getting a $350 million shot in the arm to gear up for the Cruze, which appeared on stage with Wagoner for the announcement. The car on hand was only a foam model, but it looks ready to drive away in (just don't lean on the doors), and these new images give us a few more views of the Cruze not afforded by the official images of a red car released by GM yesterday. Cruze news will probably be hard to come by until October when the car makes its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show, so until then we're left wondering how well it will match up against the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, next-gen Focus and the rest of the compact sedan segment.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze


[Source: GM, Photos by Bill Pugliano/Getty and David A. DeNoma]

 

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