Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cheap and inexpensive are not necessarily synonymous. Inexpensive is generally considered a positive thing. Cheap? Not so much. Hyundai automobiles have always been relatively inexpensive compared to their direct competitors. In recent years, the Korean company has worked extremely hard to rid itself of any talk of cheapness by improving quality, introducing an unprecedented 10-year/100,000 mile warranty and engaging in some remarkably clever marketing campaigns.

It wasn't always so. Way back in 1983, Hyundai first entered the North American market when the Pony hatchback went on sale in Canada. Two years later, the replacement for the Pony, dubbed "Excel" went on sale in the United States. To say that the launch did not go well would be the understatement of the decade. While those early Hyundai models were indeed cheap, the company nearly met the same fate in this market as Yugo.

Unlike the abysmal Yugo, Hyundai persevered. The company kept redesigning its cars, making each subsequent generation better than the last and extending its warranties to generate confidence in its products. More than two decades later, Hyundai is introducing its latest challenger, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, into what is arguably the most fiercely contested segment in the U.S. market - that of the family sedan. Check out our high-res galleries below, and then click through to the jump to read more of our impressions and check out Hyundai's press release and specifications.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight

LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai sonata2011 Sonata2011HyundaiSonata2011SonatahyundaiHyundai SonataHyundaiSonatala 2009la auto showla showLA2009LA2009hyundaiLA2009hyundaisonataLAAutoshowLAAutoshow2009LaShowLos AngelesLos Angeles Auto ShowLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowSonataWed, 02 Dec 2009 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google maps turn by turn navigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we've been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren't tied in to a vehicles' wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper - as in (sort of) free.

It's only "sort of" free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget's full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I've been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We've now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.


Gallery: Motorola Droid Google Navigation

Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android navigationAndroid1.6Android2.0AndroidNavigationdroiddroid navigationDroidNavigationfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps turn by turn navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsTurnByTurnNavigationMotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsNavigationUnitreviewturn by turnturn by turn directionsturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnTurnByTurnDirectionsTurnByTurnNavigationTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan conference room for a background briefing on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of a new powertrain architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day included vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest lessons learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturedquick spinQuickSpinvoltMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Buick Excelle XT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in August, when General Motors gave the media a tour of its design studios to show off pieces of its upcoming lineup, one of the cars we saw was a compact four-door Buick sedan. That sedan was essentially a re-grilled and trunked version of the recently introduced Opel Astra, but GM did not say what badging the car would receive in North America. However, the five-door hatchback version has just debuted in China at the Guangzhou Motor Show as the newest baby Buick.

In what is Buick's largest market, the compact is badged as the Excelle, and we wouldn't be surprised to see that name come to the U.S. provided there aren't any issues with the similarly named (and defunct) Hyundai Excel. The car we saw in August was identical to the Excelle shown above from the B-pillars forward. It only differs at the rear where the hatch was originally a traditional trunk.

Unlike the last Saturn Astra (and previous attempts at smaller Buicks), the inside of the new car looks much more upscale and should be more appealing to American consumers. We'll probably only get the 181-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Excelle in order to set it apart from the 140-hp Chevy Cruze that shares the same platform. If our version gets the 138-hp 1.8-liter at all, it will probably be paired with the automaker's new, second-generation BAS hybrid system.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon

New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 buick2011 buick excelle2011Buick2011BuickExcellebuickbuick chinabuick excelleBuick Excelle Sedanbuick excelle xtBuickChinaBuickExcelleBuickExcelleSedanBuickExcelleXtchinaexcelleMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

More than a year after first showing us a styling buck and nearly as long since launching it overseas, General Motors is finally showing off the production Chevy Cruze for North America. Set to be shown publicly this week at the LA Auto Show, the Cruze is still a good eight or nine months away from arriving in U.S. showrooms.

When it does finally arrive, the Cruze should be a huge step forward from the Chevy Cobalt, and GM hopes it will be an able competitor to the next-generation Honda Civic and Ford Focus, which are slated to arrive not long afterward. The Cruze is slightly larger than the Cobalt, but will be powered by downsized engines, including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 1.8-liter normally-aspirated unit with similar power but less torque. All Cruze models will get six-speed gearboxes - either manual or automatic. The turbo Cruze is expected to score an impressive 40 mpg EPA highway rating.

Based on our brief experience driving a Chevy Volt powertrain mule (Cruze and Volt share common DNA), the Chevrolet Cruze should be more refined than the outgoing Cobalt by an order of magnitude, with a roomier interior and much better-executed passenger cabin. We'll see it in person later this week in L.A., and in the meantime, you can check out the first official images from GM in the gallery below. The official press release follows after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim

LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet cruze2011 chevy cruze2011ChevroletCruze2011ChevyCruzebreakingchevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevychevy cruzechevy cruze interiorchevy cruze lordstownChevyCruzeChevyCruzeInteriorChevyCruzeLordstowncruzela auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeles 2009LosAngeles2009Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.


Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package


[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>123dac schnitzerAcSchnitzerbmwbmw 123c coupebmw 123dbmw 123d coupebmw dieselBmw123dBmw123dCoupeBmwDieselBmwDieselsconcept carConceptCarcoupeessen 2009essen motor showEssen2009EssenMotorShowpoliceschnitzershow carShowCartune it safeTuneItSafeSat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/#commentsFiled under: ,



The future of Sauber F1 looks a little more secure. After BMW's announcement earlier this year that it would withdraw from its involvement in Formula one at the end of the 2009, the automaker has reached a deal to sell the team back to eponymous founder Peter Sauber.

The new deal comes just days after it became clear that the previously unknown Qadbak investment company that had a deal to buy the team may have in fact been nothing more than a scam. According to previous reports, Qadbak apparently just wanted to collect Sauber's share of the F1 commercial money.

Peter Sauber has apparently raised the financing to buy back the team he sold to BMW in 2005 although the announcement does not disclose the purchase price. The team is being restructured in accordance with new F1 rules designed to bring down costs, and the staff at team headquarters will be cut from the current 388 to 250, with the first batch of layoff notices landing in inboxes today.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber

BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwBMW F1bmw f1 withdrawalbmw formula 1Bmw sauberbmw sauber f1bmw sauber f1 teamBMW-SauberBmwF1BmwF1WithdrawalBmwFormula1BmwSauberBmwSauberF1BmwSauberF1Teampeter sauberPeterSaubersauberSauber F1sauber f1 saleSauberF1SauberF1SaleFri, 27 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche cancels Boxster/Cayman production contract, Magna wants cash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/porsche-cancels-boxster-cayman-production-contract-magna-wants/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/porsche-cancels-boxster-cayman-production-contract-magna-wants/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/porsche-cancels-boxster-cayman-production-contract-magna-wants/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Porsche Boxster S - Click above for high res image gallery

Shortly after the Boxster debuted in 1996, Porsche contracted with Valmet Automotive of Finland as a second production source for the sports car, and a few years later, employed the facili along with the Cayman coupe. In 2008 Porsche decided that it would shift that production contract from Valmet to Magna International and its assembly plant in Graz Austria. Today, with Porsche being subsumed into the Volkswagen Group, the sports car maker has decided to cancel the Magna deal. With Volkswagen now buying up the remains of Karmann, the Boxster and Cayman are now expected be built at the coachbuilder's factory in Osnabrueck, Germany.

Magna claims it has already invested a significant amount of money on development to prepare for production. As a result Magna is seeking €400 million in compensation from Porsche. There's no word from Stuttgart on its plans to repay Magna, but with VW's legal arm exercised and ready to go, the battle is sure to be drawn out over the coming months and years.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK


[Source: Reuters]

Porsche cancels Boxster/Cayman production contract, Magna wants cash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxster productionBoxsterProductionmagna internationalMagna International Incmagna international inc.MagnaInternationalMagnaInternationalIncMagnaInternationalInc.Porscheporsche boxsterPorscheBoxsterFri, 27 Nov 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It looks like the lakes around Arvidsjaur Sweden have frozen early this year and the engineers from Munich have hit the ice already. The current generation BMW 6 Series has been one of the company's more controversial designs of the past decade, along with the previous-generation 7 Series and Z4. Like most of the rest of the lineup, it will be getting a re-work in the not-too-distant future, and judging from some new photos, it will be following a similar design direction to other recent introductions.

It looks like the bustle back trunk lid (a.k.a. "The Bangle Butt") is being given the heave-ho, although the convertible that was spotted looks like it might be sporting a two-piece rear lid similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo. It also appears as though there are two cut-lines, the lower one being the one that goes along the side to open for the top to go up and down. The second smaller one higher up might be just for cargo access.

Another element that some will be to see go are the flying buttresses on the top. Thankfully, it appears that BMW has decided to avoid the unnaturally long rear deck that would come with a hard top and retained the fabric variety. At the front, the 6 gets a more vertical grille and headlights that look much like the Z4.

Underhood, the current 4.8-liter V8 will probably be replaced by the newer 4.4-liter twin-turbo and the six-cylinder will probably be the new 300-horsepower single turbo unit just announced for the 5 Series.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwBMW 6bmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series spyBMW 6-SeriesBMW 650iBmw6Bmw6-seriesBmw650iBmw6SeriesBmw6SeriesSpyspyspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsFri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/alms-champs-highcroft-to-run-updated-lmp2-acura-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a - click above for high-res image gallery

2010 is bringing some changes to the class lineup in the American Le Mans Series, and defending LMP1 champions Highcroft Racing are adjusting. The new structure will combine the former P1 and P2 classes at all races except for Sebring and Petit Le Mans. As a result, Highcroft will campaign a new evolution of Acura's original ARX-01 P2 car dubbed 01c. Highcroft has been part of the Acura ALMS program since its inception in 2006 and is slated to continue in 2010 as the lead development squad.

According to Highcroft spokesman Paul Ryan, the team plans to run only the 01c in 2010, and at this point, only one car is confirmed. If the team can line up sufficient sponsorship, a second 01c may be added to the program.

ALMS spokesman Bob Dickinson has informed Autoblog that the final technical rules for 2010 are still being ironed out by sanctioning body IMSA, but in all likelihood, existing P1 and P2 cars will run together in a common class with weight and restrictor adjustments for equivalency.

At this time, we also don't know the fate of the other two Acura teams, de Ferran Motorsports and Fernandez Racing - or the ARX-02a. The last we heard, Fernandez is still looking for 2010 funding and may end up dropping out while de Ferran previously announced an expansion into IndyCar for 2010. Given Gil de Ferran's longstanding relationship with Honda, we would expect to see an ARX-01c in de Ferran colors next season. For its part, Honda Performance Development couldn't tell us anything about Acura's 2010 plans beyond what Highcroft has already announced. According to HPD spokesman T.E. McHale, plans are still being finalized and an announcement is planned for early December,


Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura arx-01cacura arx-02aAcuraArx-01cAcuraArx-02aalmsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSerieshighcroft acurahighcroft acura arx-02ahighcroft racingHighcroftAcuraHighcroftAcuraArx-02aHighcroftRacingpatron highcroft racingPatronHighcroftRacingThu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarselectricityElectricVehicleev noiseEvNoiseWed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/renault-introduces-twingo-gordini-r-s-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/renault-introduces-twingo-gordini-r-s-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/renault-introduces-twingo-gordini-r-s-hot-hatch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks back, Renault announced plans to revive the classic Gordini badge for its new high performance variants and now, the first model has been unveiled. Based on the automaker's smallest model, the Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. should prove to be mighty quick, with a 133 hp 1.6-liter engine to twist its 17 inch front wheels, along with an uprated suspension package and brakes.

Outside, the Twingo is coated in the historic blue hue that adorned French racing cars in the days before corporate sponsor colors took everything over, and buyers can also opt for pearlescent black to go with the white accents. Renault is displaying the car at their "Christmas in Blue" exhibit in Paris through the holidays and deliveries will start in March. Pricing hasn't been announced, but it will surely come in at a level that would make American consumers blanche for such a small car.


Gallery: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch

Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gordinigordini rsGordiniRsrenaultrenault twingo gordini rsRenaultTwingoGordiniRsTwingo GordiniTwingo Gordini RSTwingoGordiniTwingoGordiniRsWed, 25 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to watch videos after the jump

Many electric vehicle fans out there are constantly complaining about how long it's taking automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. We've had commenters on this site claim that automakers should be able to bring EVs to the street in six months. Apparently even six months is too long for the crew at Top Gear.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the show, most episodes involve the producers giving a challenge of some sort to hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The most recent episode, aired this week on the BBC in the UK, included just such a challenge. The boys were tasked to build their own answer to the extended-range EV Chevrolet Volt.

In a mere 18 hours they transformed a TVR Chimaera (interesting choice since a chimaera is a mythological creature composed of parts of a number of animals) into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust pictured above. Once the i-Thrust was completed, it was turned over to Autocar magazine for an independent road test. As you might guess based on the photo, the results were not surprising and are a testament to perhaps taking all the time you need when developing a car. You can grab a copy of AutoCar's full road test as a PDF or just watch the entire Top Gear segment and video of the Autocar road test after the jump.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt

Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>er-evextended range electric vehicleextended range EVextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeEvExtendedRangeVehicleHammerhead Eagle i-ThrustHammerheadEagleI-thrusttop gearTopGearWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/#comments
Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Audi begins to roll out the A3 TDI to its U.S. dealers in the coming weeks and the diesel version of the Q7 takes an ever larger share of sales, it's time to celebrate. This Fall marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever TDI engine. TDI, for the uninitiated, stands for turbocharged-direct-injection, and refers to modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen group. Today's TDI technology has evolved from the 20 year-old 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the Audi 100.

Back then, the first TDI engines retained distributor type injector pumps, although the fuel was sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than a pre-chamber. Later, the company used something called Pumpe Düse - pump-injectors - for fuel delivery. This design integrated the high pressure pump and injector for each cylinder. These days, TDI uses common rail injection where a single pump pressurizes a single fuel rail that feeds all of the injectors. Regardless of the injector type, TDI has gone a long way towards improving the power output and reducing emissions of diesel engines. Audi and Volkswagen have built over five million TDI powerplants and remain committed to the technology. Congratulations on the double-decade milestone, guys.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi dieselaudi dieselsaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiDieselsAudiTdidieseltditdi 20th anniversaryTdi20thAnniversaryturbo direct injectionTurboDirectInjectionvolkswagenvolkswagen tdivolkswagen tdi engineVolkswagenTdiVolkswagenTdiEngineMon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 5 Series is an important model for BMW, particularly in North America where it's the brand's second best seller behind the 3 Series. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new Gran Turismo body style already on sale. However, the volume leader for the 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which officially debuts today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture shared with the latest 7 Series as well as the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. The 5 Series sedan gets a four-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the Cadillac CTS is 113.4 inches.

From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it.

UPDATE: Nine videos added and more images uploaded into gallery.


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan

Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 bmw 5 series2011 BMW 5-Series2011Bmw5-series2011Bmw5Series5 series5Seriesbmwbmw 5BMW 5 seriesBMW 5-seriesBmw5Bmw5-seriesBmw5SeriesMon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI - Click above for high res image gallery

When Hyundai's all new Sonata goes on sale early in 2010, it will arrive in U.S. showrooms with only one available engine, a thoroughly revamped version of the 2.4-liter Theta-II four cylinder. The new engine is Hyundai's first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection, but John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center (HATCI), promised it wouldn't be the last. Juriga told a media briefing at HATCI recently that Hyundai was planning to roll out GDI across its lineup in the coming years.

For now though we have to be content with the new Sonata engine, which is now more powerful than the engine it replaces with 200 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. The basic internal dimensions are carried over from the 2010 port-injected edition, with bore and stroke of 88 mm x 97 mm for a total displacement of 2,359 cc. The new fuel delivery system has allowed the engineering team to bump the compression ratio from 10.5:1 up to 11.3:1. Like other direct injected engines, the charge cooling effect of injecting the fuel in into the high temperature compressed aid allows the elevated compression without the risk of knock. Read on to learn more about the first GDI Hyundai engine.


Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata

New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai sonata2011HyundaiSonatadirect injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectionHyundaihyundai direct injectionhyundai sonatahyundai theta ii gdiHyundaiDirectInjectionHyundaiSonataHyundaiThetaIiGdisonatatheta ii gdiThetaIiGdiMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai bumps the output of Genesis V8 by 10hp for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-bumps-the-output-of-genesis-v8-by-10hp-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-bumps-the-output-of-genesis-v8-by-10hp-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-bumps-the-output-of-genesis-v8-by-10hp-for-2010/#commentsFiled under:



Even with two completely redesigned models debuting in the coming weeks, Hyundai won't leave its carryover models alone for the 2010 model year. Engineers have tweaked the 4.6-liter V8 in the Genesis sedan and extracted an extra ten horsepower from the Tau to bring peak output up to 385 hp at 6,500 rpm.

Hyundai Technical Center powertrain director John Juriga acknowledged that the performance stats will remain the same, but drivers will be able to feel the increased grunt. The revisions not only increase output, but also improve the refinement and driveability of the V8 to feel more responsive at the low end of the tach.

To achieve its goals, Hyundai added a two-step variable induction system that varies the flow through the intake manifold at low and high rpm, along with continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, larger valves, and a chromium nitride coating on the pistons to reduce friction. The updated Genesis sedans will be arriving in dealerships later this year.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Tau V8 power-up


[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai bumps the output of Genesis V8 by 10hp for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 hyundai tau v8 power up2010HyundaiTauV8PowerUpHyundaiHyundai Genesishyundai tau v8hyundai tau v8 power upHyundaiGenesisHyundaiTauV8HyundaiTauV8PowerUpMon, 23 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from its pre-packaged bankruptcy, the automaker gave select members of the media a preview of several upcoming products. Among those was the next Chevrolet Aveo, which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo, which is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, MI assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly-looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, that is an entirely different car - although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the August preview, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed to us that the Aveo moniker would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new nameplate has been deemed too expensive a proposition. Of course, that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch, so things could change. Whatever it's called, early spy shots from Brenda Priddy and Co. suggest that it's shaping up to be a better-looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevy aveo2011ChevyAveoaveoaveo5chevroletchevychevy aveoChevy Aveo5ChevyAveoChevyAveo5spy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotssubcompactSun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-audi-teases-the-new-a8-ahead-of-sunshine-state-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Audi A8 teaser - click above to watch the video after the jump

We still have a bit over a week until Audi officially pulls the wraps off its next-generation A8 flagship sedan in Miami. As a holdover, however, they have released a teaser video, and we've got it for you. The operative word here is tease. As usual, very little of the car is actually shown, although a variety of phrases are overlaid on the imagery which feature terms like "creativity," "aesthetics," and "art factory." From a couple of the images (including the one captured above), it appears that the new A8 will probably be more sculpted than previous models, and it will likely feature elements like the so-called "tornado line" used on the side of the A4 and A5.

As a brand headliner, the A8 will surely feature an "intensive abundance of research and ideas" such as the rumored touch pad interface with handwriting or gesture recognition for the controls. No doubt more details will be trickling out over the coming week, and we'll be on hand in Miami to give you the full details as the car is revealed. In the meantime, you can check out the video now by clicking past the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Art WeekArtWeekaudiAudi A8Audi flagshipAudi sedanAudiA8AudiFlagshipAudiSedanlimosinelimousineluxury sedanLuxurySedanMiamiFri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper - only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. - especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1 Series hybrid or diesel down the line.


Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

01-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high02-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high03-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high04-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high05-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas-electrichybridlexusLexus hybridlexus lf chLexus LF-Chlexus lf-ch conceptlexus lf-ch hybridLexus small carLexusHybridLexusLf-chLexusLf-chConceptLexusLf-chHybridLexusLfChLexusSmallCarLF-ChFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST