Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche Porsche Panamera Personalization Program - Click above for high-res image gallery Anyone familiar with Porsche's options catalog knows that a nearly endless list of custom extras are available for the automaker's entire model range. However, Porsche is now offering something extra special for customers of its new four-door sedan. Dubbed the Porsche Panamera personalization program - try saying that three times fast - the PPPP incorporates styling and performance tweaks, depending on your taste (and budget). The top-rung Panamera Turbo can now be had with a Powerkit package that uses two new turbochargers and revised engine mapping to offer 40 more horsepower and 37 more pound-feet of torque over the standard Turbo, totaling 540 and 553, respectively. What's more, the Powerkit treatment includes Porsche's Sport Chrono Turbo Package, and if the car is driven in Sport Plus mode, torque output is further increased to 590 lb-ft. That's a whole lot of twist. This Holy Grail of Panameras will sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph, yet it still manages to keep the Turbo's EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 15/23 miles per gallon. Available on the full Panamera range, however, is the Porsche's new Sport Design Package which includes a unique front fascia with wider air intakes, a new rear underbody apron incorporating a new diffuser and fins, different side skirts and 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels available in a range of colors. It certainly does a lot to beef up the sedan's appearance, and we're quite fond of the overall treatment. In true Porsche fashion, these upgrades do come at quite a cost. The Panamera Turbo Powerkit retails for $21,730 (or, you know, the cost of a well-equipped Mazda3), and the Sport Design collection will set you back an additional $4,590. It's a pretty penny to pay for some added exclusivity, but for people in the Porsche-buying tax bracket, it's probably more affordable than you think. Hit the jump for the full details in Porsche's release and check out the highlights in our high-res gallery below. Gallery: Porsche Panamera Personalization Program [Source: Porsche]Continue reading Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo Porsche rolls out new Panamera personalization program, includes 40-hp boost for Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.17.10 Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Lexus likes to say it pursues perfection, but in the case of the HS 250h, the luxury hybrid fails to be the perfect Prius. Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut The crew from Stuttgart weren't planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but images have leaked out showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory. Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red Two new Evoras are set to debut in Paris and our spies have caught the S version wearing its slinky red dress. Also of interest: 2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November New Stratos project gets itself a website, confirms Ferrari F430-based Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the 'Ring in five-door trim Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39% Monterey 2010: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion paddock walk Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.17.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Monterey 2010: Gooding smashes records at Pebble Beach auction Filed under: Classics, Auctions 2010 Gooding Pebble Beach Auction - Click above for high-res image gallery We witnessed several million-dollar cars go up for sale at RM's auction on Saturday night, but across town, the Gooding & Company auction had even more impressive metal crossing the block. Gooding's two night auction resulted in more than $64 million in sales, including six world records. "We went into this year's Pebble Beach Auctions with high expectations because of the sheer number of extraordinary cars we had consigned," said David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. "Our highest-ever Pebble Beach weekend results at $64.59 Million speak for themselves and I couldn't be happier." The record-setting cars auctioned off by Gooding: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione at $7,260,000 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza at $6,710,000 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod at $6,105,000 1956 Maserati 200SI at $2,640,000 1951 Ferrari 340 America Spider at $2,530,000 1937 Jaguar SS100 at $1,045,000 In addition, several other cars topped the million dollar mark including a 1995 McLaren F1 at $3,575,000, a 1928 Mercedes-Benz S 26/180 Boattail Speedster at $3,740,000 and a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I at $1,650,000. Gallery: 2010 Gooding Pebble Beach Auction [Source: Gooding & Company]Monterey 2010: Gooding smashes records at Pebble Beach auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Jack Roush loses sight in left eye after plane crash, still aims to fly Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Celebrities They say that statistically speaking, flying is safer than driving. Jack Roush might beg to differ with that assessment. After his second life-threatening plane crash in eight years, the NASCAR bigwig was back at the Michigan International Speedway this past weekend to watch his team in action. Roush's recovery from his injuries during the crash in Oshkosh, WI will be almost complete with one notable exception: Roush has lost the vision in his left eye. For now, Roush also has a back brace to support a fractured spine and piece of hardware in his cheek. Despite the loss of vision on one eye, The Detroit News indicates that Roush has excellent sight in the right eye and fully intends to fly again once his physical recovery is complete. While there are tougher vision restrictions on commercial pilots, private aviators are evidently allowed to fly with only one eye. Interestingly, based on a quote in the DetNews article, it sounds like Roush might be blaming the airport's air traffic controller for the plane crash: "I filed my NTSB report today, which is a matter of public record. It speaks for itself. The reality of it, on a trip arrival into Oshkosh, Wis., I was put in conflict with the flight plan of another airplane close to the ground, and I was unable to address the conflict and keep the airplane flying. I ground-looped the airplane. The airplane did a great job staying intact." No doubt we'll hear more about this as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the incident further, but for now, Roush says he just feels extraordinarily lucky. [Source: The Detroit News | Image: Jason Smith/Getty]Report: Jack Roush loses sight in left eye after plane crash, still aims to fly originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2011 Ford Edge begins shipping to dealers as model hits 400,000 units Filed under: Crossover, Ford 2011 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery It goes without saying, but we're going to go ahead and say it anyway: Crossovers are so hot right now. According to data compiled by Ford, the CUV industry has expanded 220 percent since 2006, which is the year the Blue Oval introduced the world to the Edge, its main player in the hotly contested market. Ford also contends that the over 400,000 Edge CUVs have sold since late 2006, making it the best-selling mid-size crossover over that period of time. Don't expect that growth to slow down any time soon, either, as Ford projects the CUV segment will increase another few percentage points in 2011. In fact, the market for CUVs will grow to be as large as that of full-size pickup trucks. In order to meet the increased demand it expects for CUVs, Ford has sharpened its Edge (sorry, couldn't resist) for the 2011 model year. Of special note are the two new drivetrain choices that join the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 285 horsepower and a 3.5-horsepower 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 in the newly beefed-up Edge Sport. The House that Henry Built is also quick to point out that its next-gen Edge will come with a full suite of technology options, including Sync and MyFord Touch. So, will all of this added goodness equal a worthwhile improvement to the hot-selling previous-generation Edge? Stay tuned for a First Ride report, and feel free to click past the break for Ford's official press release. Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Sport [Source: Ford]Continue reading 2011 Ford Edge begins shipping to dealers as model hits 400,000 units 2011 Ford Edge begins shipping to dealers as model hits 400,000 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
NPR: Fight erupts over ownership of 'stolen' 1954 Ferrari 375 Plus Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Government/Legal, Ferrari, Racing Thursday is going to be a big one for the vintage automotive universe. This week, Ohio judge Norbert Nadel is expected to decide who is the rightful owner of a 1954 Ferrari 375 Plus - one of the most valuable Prancing Horses in the world. Right now, says NPR, one Jacques Swaters has possession of the vehicle and has performed an extensive restoration to bring the car back to life. Thing is, the family of the original owner, Karl Kleve, apparently still has the title as well as a bevy of parts that were on the car originally. According to Kleve's daughter, Kristi Kleve Lawson, Kleve bought the car in 1958 only to discover that it was a stolen vehicle 30 years later. Somehow, the car disappeared, and Kleve eventually managed to track it down in Belgium. For whatever reason, Interpol released the car to Swaters instead of Kleve. At least, that's what Lawson says happened. The story is a little different from Swaters' point of view. According to him, he bought the car for $100,000 from an auto dealer in 1990. At the time, it was little more than pieces of a derelict shell. When Swaters learned that the Ferrari was reportedly stolen, he had a lawyer arrange a settlement with Kleve. Swaters says that paid the former owner $600,000 and that Kleve cashed the check. Lawson says that's just not true, and that if Swaters has a canceled check, the signature on the back must be a forgery. Meanwhile, Swaters has sued the Lawson family for failing to transfer the car's title. Whatever happens, you can bet someone's going to be very unhappy by week's end. Ferrari only built six 375 Plus models. Of those, only four survive today. The car in question is estimated to be worth around $15 million in its current restored condition. [Source: NPR]NPR: Fight erupts over ownership of 'stolen' 1954 Ferrari 375 Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Monterey 2010: The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance roundup gallery Filed under: Classics 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery Another Pebble Beach Concours has come and gone, the confetti has flown and the champagne has been imbibed. The somewhat surprising Best of Show selection has been entered into the record books, and now, we, your faithful Autobloggers, can finally get some rest. It's been a grueling week full of new car unveilings, vintage car races, auctions and, of course, the Concours. As much as we enjoy every minute of it, and are sad to see it end, we're always glad to be home again, sleeping in our own beds. But before we crawl back into our caves to slumber for another year, we have some unfinished business to take care of. There are always thousands of images that don't make it into the official posts, most of which are just as beautiful, and just as interesting. As you probably surmised if you've seen our coverage so far, this year's Concours was truly spectacular - from the Dawn Patrol entrance of the twelve Jaguar XK-SS roadsters to the crowning of the champ, we've shown you the tributes to Indy, Alfa, and Jaguar, to the Ferrari SWB and Ghia... and now it's time to show you all of the rest of the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. We've assembled a gallery of high-res images for you to peruse that covers what we didn't cover to date. Call it a parting nod to you our readers and to all those who make this such a great event. See you next year. Gallery: 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips, Frank Filipponio / AOLMonterey 2010: The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance roundup gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab, Luxury Saab 9-4X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery We've been expecting this announcement to come sooner or later, though we didn't exactly count on it coming from the LA Auto Show's own Twitter page. But there it is anyway, straight from the horse's mouth: "Saab has confirmed that the 9-4X Crossover will make its world debut at the LA Auto Show this Nov." We're also expecting some sort of official word that the new crossover 'ute, which will share its Theta Premium underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX, should hit the market sometime in the spring of 2011... perhaps around April. While we're on the subject of expectations, we'd also imagine that Saab will offer its premium crossover with the same powerplants as the recently released 9-5, which means we could see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and a 2.8-liter turbocharged six, both likely mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. We'll apparently find out for sure soon enough. Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept [Source: LA Auto Show's Twitter] 2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Monterey 2010: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion paddock walk Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Racing 2010 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion - Click above for high-res image gallery We can't exactly say that we've always liked the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion - mainly because this is the first year that the event, formerly informally known as the Monterey Historics, is using that title. No matter what they call it, though, we have to say that we're glad some things never change. By that we are referring to the fact that the paddock is open to everyone and that the cars you see are some of the most amazing vehicles you've ever laid eyes on. Even the non-race cars that serve as basic transportation for the drivers while in town can be achingly captivating. We just couldn't resist walking around for a couple of hours and banging off a few hundred photos. There are race cars returning to their stalls, some heading out to the track, others just parked and still others undergoing open-heart surgery. There are display vehicles and street cars, along with a few celebrities on hand to participate or just admire them. We've put together a gallery of a few dozen of our favorites below. Gallery: 2010 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Paddock Photos Copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/ AOLMonterey 2010: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion paddock walk originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
New Stratos project gets itself a website, confirms Ferrari F430-based Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Specialty, Design/Style, Lancia New Stratos - Click above for high-res image gallery The New Lancia Stratos project has made itself even more legitimate by getting a full-blown presence on the web. Well... kinda. While there is a fresh website for the New Stratos, much of the car's precious details are blacked-out. We assume that will change leading up to the car's official debut, which the website confirms will take place in November. We also learn that the Stratos revival is a private project by Michael Stoschek, a successful businessman who heads the fifth-largest auto parts supplier in Germany and campaigned as a vintage rally car driver, along with his son Maximilian. As rumored, the New Stratos is indeed based on the guts of a Ferrari F430 and its bodywork is crafted completely from carbon fiber, allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of less than five pounds per horsepower and a 50:50 weight distribution. Confirmation also comes that Jason Castriota was in charge of the design at Pininfarina until he left for Stile Bertone. Pininfarina's Luca Borgogno apparently completed the project, including its interior. It's not yet decided if this car will be a one-off (there is currently only one in existence) or if a small production run of 25 units will be completed. We supposed that would depend on demand for the car and by how much it would cost to reproduce. We vote yes, obviously. Gallery: New Stratos [Source: New-Stratos.com]New Stratos project gets itself a website, confirms Ferrari F430-based originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Lotus Lotus Evora S - Click above for high-res image gallery The Paris Motor Show in just over a month is shaping up to the be one of the biggest shows for Lotus in many decades. While the highlight is expected to be a new supercar successor to the departed Esprit, it apparently won't be alone. At least two additional occupants of the Lotus stand have been accidentally confirmed, including an Evora Automatic and a hotted-up Evora S. This second iteration of the newest Lotus is expected to receive a supercharger bolted to its 3.5-liter Toyota V6 boosting it up to 350 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The brakes and thermal requirements of the base Evora have reportedly been sized for more powerful models so they won't need upgrading for the S. A prototype of what's believed to be the Evora S was caught outside the Nürburgring this week preparing for its public debut. The only notable visual difference for the S appears to be a more prominent rear diffuser. Check out the little red devil by taking a closer look at our high-res gallery below. Gallery: Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S [Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS leaked shots - Click above for high-res image gallery Whoops! The men and women in Stuttgart weren't planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but the crew from eMercedesBenz snagged these leaked images showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory. As expected, the new CLS takes a lot of its styling cues from Benz's Shooting Break concept (they're name, not ours) notably the upright grille and more aggressive front fascia. The sectioned-off headlamp design has also remained intact, and from these photo-realistic renderings, it looks like someone shot the CLS in the eyes with lemon juice. Still, we're eager to see how this mix of LEDs looks out on the road at dusk. The CLS also uses the more shapely rear hips of the Shooting Break concept, rounding out the revised rear end. It's certainly more stylish than the outgoing CLS, which says a lot. Inside, the CLS continues to use its four-seat arrangement with a center console that extends the full length of the cabin, and we fully expect the overall refinement to fall somewhere between the E-Class and S-Class sedans. Plush stuff, we're sure. When the CLS launches, eMercedesBenz reports that a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 will be offered, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, an AMG version won't be far behind with the all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 underhood. Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, don't be surprised if the official images and details are published in the very near future. Stay tuned for the full smattering, and in the meantime, scroll through the attached gallery to see the high-res leaked images. Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Leaked Shots [Source: eMercedesBenz]Leaked! 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS peeks out before official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford offers $50 gift cards to customers facing late Fiesta deliveries Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford 2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery Due to circumstances reportedly beyond Ford's control, many customers are having to wait a bit longer to receive their new 2011 Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks. After Hurricane Alex and Tropical Storm Bonnie rolled through Northern Mexico earlier this summer, railroads were damaged that provide shipments to the factory where Ford builds the Fiesta. Customers may have to wait up to two weeks longer than expected to receive the hot new subcompact, and as a token of appreciation for being patient, Ford will be giving these customers a $50 MasterCard gift card. That's a free tank of gas and a smattering of delicious coffee drinks... or a fancy dinner for two! In speaking with Automotive News, Ford sales analyst George Pipas says that Ford has "about 6,500 to 7,000 [Fiestas] in transit to dealers" and that the cars should start to be fully stocked within the next couple of months. For now, customers will have to wait patiently and take solace in the extra $50 in their pockets when it finally comes time to take delivery. Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL [Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Ford offers $50 gift cards to customers facing late Fiesta deliveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the 'Ring in five-door trim Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery Land Rover may be sending specially wrapped versions of its early LRX Range Rover Evoque prototypes to different cities around the world, but when it comes to the serious development testing, the standard swirly yellow camouflage will do. Here, our spies have caught the five-door version of the Evoque making its first foray onto the Nürburgring, giving us hope that there might be a sporting bone or two in the Evoque's skeleton. Details on the new Evoque are still pretty slim as of this writing, but we fully expect the usual raft of details to be released closer to the crossover's public debut at the Paris Motor Show. As of right this writing, we know that both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available and that a hybrid powertrain is planned. For now, scroll through our high-res gallery of spy shots below. Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque [Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Range Rover Evoque hits the 'Ring in five-door trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Taiwan animates Dodge's invisible monkey, we stand in awe Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Dodge, Humor Animated Dodge vs. PETA commercial dispute - Click above to watch the video after the break Animated news. It's just such a novel idea that we simply can't believe it has taken so long to become mainstream. Well, mainstream if you happen to live in Taiwan, that is. Here in the States, we're still dealing with old-school news anchors that actually read us the stories from pieces of - get this - paper. How quaint. Fortunately, we're not quite so behind the times when it comes to the Internet, so it's none too difficult to find Taiwan's animated news gems to watch in awe till our hearts are content. This latest little animation from Next Media Animation covers the recent spat between Dodge and PETA. Surely you remember the invisible monkey commercial, right? If not, click here to refresh your memory. Still with us? Good. Now click past the break to see it all play out in glorious Taiwanese animated goodness. Pay special attention to the facial expressions of the fictitious PETA folk. Pure brilliance. [Source: Next Media Animation via YouTube via Jalopnik]Continue reading Video: Taiwan animates Dodge's invisible monkey, we stand in awe Video: Taiwan animates Dodge's invisible monkey, we stand in awe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Click above for high-res image gallery Perhaps the biggest news to come out of this year's Monterey action is the revival of the Mustang Boss 302 for 2012. It's a hardcore version of the already well-liked Mustang GT - the hot new 5.0-liter V8 has been given more power, and performance mods like an upgraded clutch, adjustable suspension, short-throw shifter and improved brakes are all on hand, as is an even more exclusive Laguna Seca model. We've now spent a good deal of time fawning over the official photos of Ford's new Boss, as well as a set of live photos shot by our own Drew Phillips. However, Ford has just released another smattering of high-res shots showing the track-storming Boss models in all their glory. Scroll through the attached galleries to see the full raft of Boss 302 images, and be sure to wipe the drool from your keyboard when you're done. Hat tip to Antonio! Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling Live photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL [Source: Ford]Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Reviews, Luxury A Perfect Prius It Is Not 2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery Lexus likes to say that it pursues perfection. Toyota's luxury brand has been playing the hybrid game for a while now with converted gas-powered models like the LS, GS and RX hybrids, and few would argue that these models represent the zenith of what a luxury hybrid can be. For that, Lexus finally decided to build a dedicated hybrid model from the ground up, and the result is the HS 250h. Being that the brand's parent company builds the Prius, the industry benchmark for hybrids in terms of both fuel efficiency and popularity, Lexus has, on the one hand, a much deeper well of hybrid expertise from which to draw than its competition. On the other hand, it has the toughest act to follow in the third-generation Prius. In the minds of many, a true Lexus hybrid should be everything Toyota's magic bean is and more - it should be the perfect Prius. Funny thing, the HS 250h is not. Lexus hasn't built an upmarket version of the Prius with the HS 250h. Perhaps realizing that after three generations creating about as perfect a parallel hybrid as there is, Lexus up and decided that its own luxury hybrid should have a different mission. Unfortunately, after a week spent behind the wheel of a 2010 HS 250h Premium, we're not still not sure what that mission is. Follow the jump to learn what else we found confusing about Lexus' latest hybrid. Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLContinue reading Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
GM recalling over 243,000 crossovers over possible seat belt defect Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saturn 2010 Buick Enclave - Click above for high-res image gallery The summer of 2010's recall hit parade continues unabated today, with General Motors having just announced that it is asking 243,403 owners of its 2009-2010 Lambda crossovers to bring their three-row haulers in for inspection. The culprit? Second-row seat belts in select Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook CUVs have "failed to perform properly in a crash." According to GM, a second-row seat-side trim piece is to blame, as it can impede the upward rotation of the buckle after the seat is folded flat. As a result, if the buckle makes contact with the seat frame, cosmetic damage can occur, potentially requiring additional force to operate the buckle properly. So far, no great shakes, but in the process of applying that additional force, the occupant may push the buckle cover down to the strap, potentially revealing and depressing the red release button. As a result of this, the belt may not latch, or in certain cases, it may actually appear to be latched when, in fact, it isn't. GM will be working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to administer the recall, which will see owners receiving letters beginning later this month to schedule an appointment for a no-cost inspection and repair of the affected belts. Click through to the jump for more details. Top tip, NOS879! Gallery: 2010 Buick Enclave [Source: General Motors]Continue reading GM recalling over 243,000 crossovers over possible seat belt defect GM recalling over 243,000 crossovers over possible seat belt defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39% Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford 2010 Ford Taurus SEL - Click above for high-res image gallery While most of the major mechanical systems of the Ford Taurus were unchanged from the 2009 to 2010 models, the all-new styling and interior has inspired people to more people to buy the shapelier four-door than its bland predecessor. Through the first seven months of 2010, sales of the Taurus have jumped by 116 percent, and apparently that newfound enthusiasm also extends to early secondhand sales of the big sedan. According to Ford, average auction prices on used 2010 Tauruses are now 39 percent higher than comparable 2009 models. That's a jump of $7,100 and, as the Blue Oval dutifully points out, a $2,500 premium over a Toyota Avalon of the same vintage. The Taurus, like its crosstown rival, the Buick LaCrosse, clearly demonstrates the benefits of injecting a healthy dose of style and substance to a mainstream sedan. The volumes may not match the Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords of the world, but the design has inspired people to pay more, generating profits for their manufacturers. Check out Ford's official press release after the jump. Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SEL [Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39% Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Subaru, Long-Term Garage 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery Truth be told, our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT has been running like a top from day one with not a single issue arising that has required a trip to the dealer for repair. We did get her oil changed around 5,000 miles, though we had to skip the dealer experience since we were pressed for time and they couldn't squeeze us in on short notice. But there are some recalls in effect for the 2010 Legacy, three to be exact, so we made our first appointment at Ganley Westside Subaru in North Olmsted, OH to have our 2.5GT inspected. Kudos to Ganley for making the experience as painless as possible, as well as accommodating a very late cancellation and rescheduling. Upon arrival, they took the keys and put our 2.5GT in the air on one of six lifts in their service area. Of the three recalls in effect for the Subaru Legacy, only one affects our particular car. It's for a bundle of wires in the steering column that could crack and cause certain functions to stop working. If that happened, the problem could manifest itself as the horn not working or something more severe like the driver's front airbag failing to deploy in an accident. Our car was inspected and deemed roadworthy with no repair needed. The dealership also let us know that Subaru Service Program WVP26 affects our car. Apparently some units were shipped with cracked covers for their anti-lock braking ECU modules, so the action has dealers inspect and replace the affected part if needed. Again, ours was looked at and showed no such issues. We were in and out in less than an hour and the total cost was $0, so our trip to the dealer went off without a hitch and our long-term Legacy carries on trouble-free. Stay tuned for a report on what we did during our summer vacation with the long-term Legacy, which included logging over 2,000 miles traveling through a beautiful part of the country that's absolutely obsessed with crab. - 7,906 miles Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: First trip to the dealer Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury Consumer Reports picks the best cars for teens and seniors - Click above for high-res image gallery The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3, Scion xB, Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue. Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label. Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release. Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Teens Gallery: Consumer Reports Best Cars for Seniors [Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video] Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Celebrities, Racing X Games 16 Subaru Practice Session - Click above for high-res image gallery It was just a short time ago - five years, to be exact - that rallying was introduced as a competition in the X Games. The first event started out in spectacular fashion, with Travis Pastrana beating out the late Colin McRae after the former World Rally Championship winner rolled his car with just a few turns to go. Since then, the competition has become stronger and car manufacturers have increased their involvement as interest in the sport has increased thanks to ESPN's mainstream audience. This year looks to be one of the most exciting events yet with a host of new cars, new drivers, new rules and even a new event. Follow the jump to learn about what to expect for this year's X Games 16 and what it's like to ride shotgun in a 500-horsepower rally car. Gallery: X Games 16 Rally Preview - Subaru Gallery: X Games 16 Rally Preview - ACP Racing Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLContinue reading X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video] X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru Subaru has pulled back the sheets on the company's newest breed of rally heathens. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the all-wheel drive bruisers will be piloted by the likes of Travis Pastrana and Sverre Isachsen at this year's X Games. The tuning house started with a bone-stock 2011 WRX STI before gutting the interior, seam-welding the entire chassis and stitching in a full roll cage. The stock gas tank was scrapped for a rally-legal fuel cell, and a fire-suppression system installed in case things go fricassee. Down below, a set of EXE-TC adjustable coilovers were swapped for the stock bits to help the car tackle the varied course of X Games 16. The speed gurus at Vermont SportsCar managed to yank a full 500 screaming ponies and 560 pound-feet of twist from the turbo 2.0-liter flat four under the hood, even with a 45 mm restrictor plate in place. Not too shabby. The fire-breathing mill is laced with an anti-lag system as well as launch control and bolted to a five-speed dog box transmission. The stock electronically adjustable center differential remains in place, though boasts a more advanced controller. The X Games is debuting a new rally feature this year. Called SuperRally, the track pits four cars against one another simultaneously. Subaru is hoping the new car will help the company fend off competition in the new event. Hit the jump for the full press blast. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gea Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru 2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery Once again, Subaru's mainstay models, the Outback and Legacy, appear to be girding for a recall. Both models have already faced callbacks for leaky CVT hoses and wiring issues, but according to Inside Line, a new issue affecting a number of manual transmission-equipped 2010 and 2011 models will not only precipitate another recall, but also a stop-sale on all potentially-affected vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the oil lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission has not been drilled on the affected vehicles, which can cause gears to break. NHTSA issued a statement, saying: "If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop, alerting the driver to a problem. If this sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash." Vehicles will be repaired, free of charge, at any Subaru dealer in America. Most will simply have an oil lubrication hole drilled, though the automaker has informed its dealer network that vehicles with 6,250 miles or more will require the replacement of the third through sixth gearsets, as well as the main shaft. A total of 809 Outback and Legacy models are affected by this recall, which is expected to officially go into effect on August 6. In the meantime, owners are urged to contact their local dealers as soon as possible to have this problem corrected. Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2010 AOL [Source: Inside Line]Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Subaru's new ads and their double-entendres Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru Subaru take the public for a ride in the 2011 WRX STI sedan - Click above to watch video after the jump Call us sadistic, but there's something undeniably hilarious about yanking random people off of the street and plopping them into the passenger seat of a sports car. Throw a talented race driver behind the tiller, and you've got an unmatched recipe for entertainment. Subaru has decided to take a stroll down that path with a slew of new ads designed to introduce the new 2011 WRX STI sedan to the public. The company asked rally driver Dave Mirra to shuffle a few folk around under an overpass in the 305 horsepower turbo four-door, filmed the whole thing and called it a day. Subaru has unveiled a total of five 30-second spots with a variety of regular Joes (and Janes) riding shotgun in the winged machine. The company is calling the campaign Get More Gs, and Subaru is quick to point out that the phrase is meant to equally focus on g forces as much as that "oh geez" feeling you get from slinging the car through a slalom. We see what you did there, Subaru. Hit the jump to enjoy the videos. Now... where can we get a skull antenna topper? Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Video: Subaru's new ads and their double-entendres Video: Subaru's new ads and their double-entendres originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, First Drive 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery By most accounts, something went awry while Subaru was baking the last generation Impreza WRX STI. Maybe someone slipped in an extra cup of civility or forgot to add enough dashes of hardcore, but what was once little more than a thinly-disguised rally stage escapee had come out of the oven a little weaker than its predecessor. Subaru itself diplomatically admits that the priorities for the last generation STI were somewhat different from the 2011 model. The company stripped the line down to just the five-door hatchback in 2008, stressing functionality over style, and the whole recipe simply felt less focused than what we had come to expect from Japan's all-wheel drive hero. But that was then, and this is now. The company assures us that for 2011, we can expect a return to the fundamentals that helped establish the STI as a force to be reckoned with. Though the drivetrain remains unchanged, a slew of suspension adjustments and a lower stance have given the STI the ability to hoover up tarmac and gravel stages indiscriminately once again. It isn't a completely new generation - more like a much needed do-over - but the changes are enough to make the 2011 model instantly recognizable from behind the wheel. If that's not enough to convince you, allow us to direct your attention to the rear of the resurrected four-door body style, dominated once again by the kind of spoiler that could double as a civil engineering exercise. Yeah, baby. The STI is back, and on more than just a wing and a prayer. Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Return of the Wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX fills out with big bro's wide body Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, First Drive 2011 Subaru WRX - Click above for high-res image gallery My, how the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX has grown. The plucky little sedan has gone off to summer camp and returned as a full-figured looker. Now donning its bigger sister's widebody dress and uprated wheels at all four corners, there are few tells this thing isn't fully capable of stopping at a moment's notice. And all we can say is: It's about time. Even though the WRX has always had plenty of pep and other worldly grip, its outer shell never quite managed to hint at the go-fast fun lurking underneath its sizable hood scoop. No more. Gallery: 2011 Subaru WRX: First Drive Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX fills out with big bro's wide body First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX fills out with big bro's wide body originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Technology, Subaru 2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery Ford's SYNC does 3G WiFi, and with the help of Autonet so do GM, Chrysler, Avis, some school buses and now Subaru. The Japanese automaker has put WiFi on the options list of the 2011 Subaru Outback for the pretty standard price of $499 as a dealer-installed option. That'll get you an encrypted connection good within 150 feet of the car, and it can be used while the car is in motion. The subscription is $29 per month after that, and Subaru is gracious enough to pick up the first three months for you. Follow the jump for the full press release. Gallery: Review: 2010 Subaru Outback [Source: Subaru]Continue reading 2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi 2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll] Filed under: Etc., Videos, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Humor KBB reader-submitted auto reviews - Click above to watch the videos after the jump We've seen a lot of consumer-grade video in our day (we've made a few, too), and the quality can be less than astounding. So when we got wind of the fact that Kelley Blue Book was hosting a contest awarding $10,000 to the best consumer car review video, we were skeptical of the quality of product we were expecting to see. Good news. We were wrong, and the top videos are pretty darn good. The top prize has been awarded to Clark Olson for a very funny critique of the 2000 Corolla with actual production-quality video work. In second place was Joel Moss Levinson, who managed to crack us up with a very clever rap featuring a somewhat problematic 2001 Volkswagen Passat. Seriously, it's pretty hilarious and is jam-packed with actual insight. In third place was an also entertaining take on the 2004 Subaru Forester by Patrick Latimer. Latimer sounded like a full-on auto enthusiast with 0-60 times and a very valid mention of the value of rowing one's own gears. The winner was rewarded with $10,000 in cold, hard cash and a trip to sunny California for a video shoot with the KBB video crew. Second prize netted $5,000 and the third place winner received $1,000. Nicely done fellas. Hit the jump to watch the videos for yourself, and chime in via the post-jump poll to tell us if KBB correctly numbered the top three. [Source: Kelley Blue Book]Continue reading Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll] Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Subaru to dump "quirky" image Filed under: Subaru Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And while many of us look at a Subaru and describe the brand's styling as "awkward" or "quirky," owners of the competent, all-wheel drive conveyances tend to show unconditional love. More recent, Subaru designs like the Legacy or Impreza are less "outside the box" than past efforts, but some hardcore Subaru fanatics look at the change in styling as an aesthetic neutering. Still, sales have improved immensely over the past few years, as Subaru has not only survived the Great Recession, but thrived. So what's in store for the future of Subaru styling? In a recent interview with AutoWeek, Subaru's new design boss Osamu Namba claims that the Japanese automaker is looking to ditch its odd designs once and for all, with cleaner lines that appeal to a wider audience. Namba joined Subaru back in 2008 after spending a decade heading his own design firm, and he's said to be working on the next-generation Impreza; his first production Subaru. But to see where Subaru's design direction could go, look no further than the Hybrid Tourer Concept from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Namba-designed concept is a totally new look for Subaru, with clean, modern lines and an aesthetic that's far less challenging than past models. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Subaru design staff is to improve styling without alienating its loyal audience. While some critics may mention that the Hybrid Tourer Concept would rub Subaru owners the wrong way, the Japanese automaker is hoping that those loyal fans will continue to love their products because of their all-wheel drive, boxer engine and entertaining driving characteristics. Head over to AW to read over the interesting article about Namba and the future of Subaru design, and make sure to weigh in on the poll below. View Poll [Source: AutoWeek]Report: Subaru to dump "quirky" image originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Tesla Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now! Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan Roth convene yet again for Episode #186 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics are the final passing of the long-suffering Chrysler PT Cruiser, General Motors' "Build your own engine" for Chevrolet Corvette buyers, Tesla and its dalliance with Toyota prototypes, and the work being undertaken to develop vehicles that can be driven by the blind. There's the inevitable tangential excursions, and we finish up by responding to your feedback and questions before wrapping at an hour and twenty-five minutes. Thanks for listening, see you next time! Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and more! In the Autoblog Garage: Porsche Boxster Spyder Buick LaCrosse CX Lexus LS 460L AWD Subaru Legacy 2.5i News: Corvette engine build experience 2011 Nissan Quest Toyota R&D center deep-dive PT Cruiser finally dies Cars being developed for blind drivers Tesla building Toyota mules Hosts: Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk Runtime: 85:46 Get the podcast: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763) Review the show in iTunes and take our survey Autoblog Podcast #186 - The PT Cruiser is dead, blind drivers, Tesla and Toyota, and more! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru 2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res gallery According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Subaru is recalling 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models built between February 16, 2009 and April 12, 2010. It seems that a bundle of wires located behind the steering wheel can develop stress cracks and eventually break. If this happens, some vehicle functions with controls on the steering wheel - such as the horn, cruise and radio controls, paddle shifters and even the driver's airbag - could fail. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to contact their local dealerships to see if their cars are equipped with a possibly defective steering roll connector. If so, the dealership will replace the component free of charge. Earlier this year, Subaru recalled roughly 30,000 Outback and Legacy models for a leaky CVT transmission hose. Full details on this latest recall can be found after the break. Gallery: 2010 Subaru Outback [Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]Continue reading Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru WRX STI gets five-speed automatic option... Down Under Filed under: Hatchback, Subaru, Australia 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery If you're in the market for an all-wheel drive hatchback with 300 horsepower and an extensive track pedigree, you're probably looking for a Subaru WRX STI. Hope you know how to drive a stick, though, because the only available transmission here in the States is a six-speed manual. If you're thinking "good!" we're most definitely with you, but if you're interested in a slush box you're going to have to pass on the STI all-together. Unless you live in Australia. Subaru is offering a five-speed automatic for the Australian market, apparently because of high demand. Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia says in the post-jump press release that the company has had "increasing inquires about an auto over the last two years and we're delighted to be able to deliver what a significant number of customers have requested." Senior added that the five-speed slush box will reflect the hatchback's athletic nature while appealing to a wider audience. We're all for car-buyers getting whatever they want, as long as a proper manual transmission is also offered. Keep in mind that the automatic tranny is only being announced for the Australian market, and there is no indication that we'll see a five-speed slusher in the States. We wouldn't be surprised if we did, though, considering Americans' love for the automatic, coupled with the fact that the Land Down Under is such a small market. Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru WRX STI gets five-speed automatic option... Down Under Subaru WRX STI gets five-speed automatic option... Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy Filed under: Crossover, Subaru 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery The current Subaru Forester started life with a Motor Trend SUV of the Year award, followed by strong sales that helped Subaru succeed in a down auto market. The story gets a bit better for the 2011 model year with a new 2.5-liter boxer engine and a host of added features. The new engine retains the same displacement as the outgoing mill and achieves the same 170-horsepower, but it's now packing a chain driven double overhead cam versus the belt driven single overhead cam before. The result is maximum horsepower available at a lower RPM and an additional four pound-feet of torque (to 174 lb-ft). The new 2.5-liter helps the Forester post 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway whether you're sporting the manual or automatic transmission. That's up one mpg versus the outgoing model. Other changes include a new model; the Subaru 2.5XT Touring, which slots above the Limited model. Among the standard features on the Touring model are HID headlamps, backup camera and dual-zone climate control. Subaru is also adding a 2.5XT Premium model (old model was 2.5X Premium), which includes a 10-way power driver's seat, an upgraded stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth and a USB port for your iPod. Also available is a removable 4.3-inch TomTom Navigation System for directions on the cheap. Hit the jump to read over the Subaru presser if you're interested in all the details. Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium [Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Toyota to build Ractis subcompact for Subaru in Japan Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Toyota Toyota Ractis - Click above for high-res image gallery Subaru sees a demand for 1.3- and 1.5-liter cars in Japan at the same time as it sees a void in its lineup of vehicles with that displacement. To plug that hole, Subaru is turning to Toyota for a supply of its Ractis subcompact, a five-door, five-seater that offers both of the relevant engine sizes and comes in two-wheel and all-wheel drive. Toyota will ship roughly 10,000 models to Subaru every year, to begin once the Ractis, on sale since 2005, comes in for thorough revision. It's the first time Toyota has agreed to supply a Japanese carmaker with finished products, perhaps aided in this case by the fact that Toyota owns 16.5% of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company. Gallery: Toyota Ractis [Source: Green Car Congress]Report: Toyota to build Ractis subcompact for Subaru in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Poseidon's Gotta New Ride [Car Porn] This shot of a classic Maserati 250F is just one of the mouth-watering images of vintage racers at the Oldtimer GP held at the Nürburgring this year from our friends at formfreu.de. Savor them. [formfreu] More » More after the jump...
Toyota Warns Dealers To Fix Recalled Used Cars Before Selling Them [Exclusive] Toyota is concerned dealers are selling used cars without conducting recall-related repairs, according to an internal email leaked to Jalopnik. The same email also warns of Inside Edition conducting "ambush interviews." Why is Toyota worried? More » More after the jump...
Commenter Of The Day: Just Walk Away Edition [Commenter Of The Day] Cool guy don't look at explosions, they blow things up and walk away. They've got cool guy errands to attend to. Also, cool guys save people from fiery wrecks and just walk away, never to turn around to see what's behind them... at least according to Disabled_Vette. More » More after the jump...
Man Spends 30 Hours Protesting Car Boot, Wins [Car Culture] Haroon Zafaryab found his car wearing a boot with a $570 release charge. He refused to pay and sat in his car for 30 hours protesting, collected three more boots and over $6,000 in fines. Eventually, he prevailed. [BBC] More » More after the jump...
2011 Mercedes CLS: More Creases, New 429 HP V8 [Spy Photos] Leaked brochure scans show the 2011 Mercedes CLS combines the CLS Shooting Brake Concept's creased look with the model's influential four-door coupe style and a new 429-hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8. A 570-hp AMG model's coming, too. [MBP via eMercedesBenz] More » More after the jump...
Porsche Looking For Oldest American Models [Retro] Porsche's looking for the oldest American versions of each model for its 60th anniversary. [Porsche] More » More after the jump...
How To Drive On Mars [Spacelopnik] In "Packing for Mars," author Mary Roach details the strange science of putting humans in space. In this exclusive excerpt she details how we're practicing for driving on Mars in a remote and barren wasteland here on Earth. — Ed. More » More after the jump...
Huge Porsche Collection For Sale By Owner Who Never Sells His Porsches [Exclusive] A Wyoming man created a stir among Porscheophiles when he put a fleet of more than 60 vintage Porsches up for sale. But John Small's offer has enthusiasts debating the line between collector and hoarder. More » More after the jump...
VIDEO: Mystery Good Samaritans Pull Man Out Of Fiery Car Wreck [Car Crashes] This dramatic video shows a vintage car seconds after a rear-end collision trapped the unconscious driver in his burning car in Sherman Oaks, California. Witnesses suddenly appear armed with a crowbar and fire extinguisher to save the driver before disappearing. More » More after the jump...
Cosworth Building Ultimate GT-R Crate Engine [Tuner Cars] Cosworth's building the "ultimate and definitive" Nissan GT-R crate engine. Enter warranty jokes here. [GT-RBlog] More » More after the jump...
New Photos Of Jack Roush's Scary Plane Crash As It Happened [Planelopnik] On the heels of the preliminary NTSB report, we now have an amazing new set of eyewitness photos of motorsport legend Jack Roush's plane crash. We've animated them to give further insight into exactly how the plane went down. More » More after the jump...
What Happens When You Jump A Rented Camaro [Hoon Of The Day] Beating rental cars is nothing new, but there are limits to how far you can push it and get your deposit back. Especially if you're attempting to jump a rented 2010 Camaro SS over train tracks. Ouch. Warning: NSFW language. More » More after the jump...
GM Recalls 243,000 Vehicles Over Defective Seat Belts [Recalls] GM's recalling 243,000 crossovers for defective seat belts where the important kids sit. More » More after the jump...
Men More Likely To Pick Up Large-Breasted Hitchhikers [Car Facts] Female hitchhikers in popular culture are often portrayed showing a little leg in order to attract a ride, but a new French study shows this is the wrong approach and gives new meaning to those "Nevada or Bust" signs. More » More after the jump...
Ten Famously Bad Automotive Engines [Answers Of The Day] There have been some truly horrible engines made in the history of the automobile. These are just ten of them, as chosen by you. More » More after the jump...