cars

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Lexus, Luxury
2011 Lexus IS sport sedan in "Music Track" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

For 2011, the Lexus IS sport sedan is getting a mild exterior styling update. Up front, the grille and bumper are all new, while a new taillamp cover and tailpipe design update the posterior. Not one to be left out of a trend, the Lexus IS is also adding HID headlamps paired with LED daytime running lights. The upgraded lights are standard on the 2011 IS350 and are an option on the IS250. New color choices and wheel styles round out the exterior changes, but the most interesting update happens under the skin with the availability of all-wheel drive on the IS350. Thirty percent of customers opt for the all-wheel drive IS250, but now they can get the added traction along with an extra 102 horsepower.

Enthused about the updates, Lexus created a video of the IS sport sedan performing... a drum solo? In an apparent bid to highlight the precision handling of their IS sedan, fitted with F-sport parts, they pulled together a team which includes composers, a mathematician and a stunt driver. Music and driving go hand in hand and the beat this Ultrasonic Blue Lexus IS lays down is surprisingly good. See (and hear) for yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus ISContinue reading Video: 2011 Lexus IS lives out Keith Moon fantasiesVideo: 2011 Lexus IS lives out Keith Moon fantasies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: China, GeelyGeely Automotive Holdings, one of the four largest automakers in China, has announced that it will dissolve the Geely brand by 2012. The other brands under the Geely umbrella are Gleagle, Emgrand, Englon and now Volvo. The goal is to let the sub-brands emerge and strengthen sales while the Geely models fade away.

Gleagle, short for Global Eagle, is the automakers global brand, while Emgrand offers luxury options. The Englon division is responsible for the London Taxi-esqu TXN and TX4. The existing Geely Freedom Ship and Yuan Jing are going to be turned into Gleagles while the King Kong and Golden Eagle models will become Englons. If this all sounds terribly confusing to you, don't be alarmed this just means you're normal.

As the Geely brand dissolves, the company will focus on assisting their existing dealerships achieve greater levels of profitability and service. Also, they will begin to increase the number of Emgrand dealerships from 200 up to 250.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT
Gallery: Geely Englon TXN Taxi
[Source: China Car Times]

Report: Geely to be dissolved by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill
2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Don't call it the Spec M. According to Autocar, the suits at Nissan have decided to sail a new luxury version of the mighty GT-R under the Egoist banner. The car will supposedly wear a completely new front fascia, and will debut alongside the facelifted version of the GT-R later this year. Other changes include a pair of special Recaro thrones, massive front brakes and unique 10-spoke wheels. All of that kit will set you back a lofty $166,740 at current conversion rates, but so far, it's unclear whether the Egoist will make its way to the States or whether it will be a JDM-only (and possibly Euro-only) piece.

Autocar is also serving up a few details on the plain Jane 2011 GT-R. If the report has hit its mark, we can look forward to a significant weight reduction along with a few mechanical tweaks that should up the horsepower. A new oil cooler, exhaust system and slightly larger turbos should help the car churn out a grand total of 506 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are awfully specific without any official word from Nissan, but right now, this estimate is as good as anyone's.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 AOL
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Nissan GT-R 'Egotist' coming soon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Maserati, Rumormill, Luxury
1989 Chrysler TC by Maserati

As excitement and anticipation mount for the arrival of a new "entry-level" sedan from Maserati, so do the rumors. The new model, expected to slot in below the current Quattroporte, has been the subject of much conjecture and speculation, but the latest hits a little closer to home.

According to reports, the junior QP could share its underpinnings with the next Chrysler 300C. This in contrast with previous reports that the Trident marque was looking to develop a new platform for the model, a move that would be decidedly more expensive for a Fiat/Chrysler empire already spread too thin. (Closer collaboration is expected between the Chrysler and Lancia divisions, which could also lead to a next-gen 300-based successor to the discontinued Lancia Thesis.)

As sources point out, this wouldn't be the first time that Maserati and Chrysler have gotten into bed with each other. Close ties between onetime Chrysler chief Lee Iacocca and Alejandro de Tomaso (of the eponymous sportscar company that once owned Maserati) led to the disastrous badge-whoring exercise known as the Chrysler TC by Maserati (pictured above). If the latest reports come to fruition, we'd certainly hope the outcome would be in a different league altogether.

[Source: autoblog.it via PistonHeads]Maserati to base upcoming junior Quattroporte on next Chrysler 300? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Architect Daniel Andersson has created a houseboat inspired by icebergs, one that sits predominantly below the waves with only its rooftop deck exposed to the sun.
From the terrace, a staircase spirals down to a 60-square-meter living space that contains a living room, head, galley, dining room and bedroom. A central atrium provides natural light, and windows below the waterline provide a view of the scenery. There’s even a sauna next to the bathroom, which opens out onto the staircase so that you can run straight out and into the water.
Externally, the whole structure is shaped like a hull. Secondary pontoons stabilize the structure, but it’s not really cut out for stormy waters and would be best moored in calm waters and anchored to the seabed.
The design was commissioned by the Ålands Hotell & Restaurangskola resort in the Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea. The client wanted concept accommodation to attract more tourists to the islands in the summer months. In winter, however, the sea around the islands tends to freeze, so the structures will need to be removed and refloated when the ice thaws in the spring.
This story was written by Duncan Geere of Wired UK.
Image: Daniel Andersson
See Also:

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Sailing Around the World On Solar Power
A Solar Sail From Sweden to Spain
Spectacular Dream Yachts to Set Sail
Soviet-era Passenger Ferry is One Boat-Ugly Luxury Yacht

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games
Harrington Group's replica Mercedes-Benz 300SL - Click above for image gallery

Want your little car nut to stand out from the neighborhood pack of wheeled terrors? Go for one of these fantastic looking half-scale classics from the Vietnam-headquartered Harrington Group, and wave goodbye to mediocre renditions of roadgoing vehicles as little Bobby (or Bobbie) cruises in style. These replicas use composite for both the body and chassis, and the detailing is good enough that they look convincingly like the real thing. Until, that is, someone steps into the picture and you get a scale reference. The company claims to have distributors in the U.S. and U.K., as well as Canada and the Netherlands.

A range of gasoline engines brings real internal combustion thunder and the sweet smell of exhaust to the party. Engines start at 50cc and can go all the way up to a terrifyingly irresponsible racing kart unit. Automatic and manual transmissions are available and there is enough room for adults to ride along with their six-year-old and up progeny. Seats and pedals adjust, too, so when Junior is asleep, you can sneak out for a spin without feeling like a circus bear riding a tricycle.

Interestingly, Harrington Group also makes restoration products for real classic cars, including stainless steel reproduction bumpers and interiors for the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and BMW Isetta.

Fisher Price's Power Wheels are extravagant enough that there's a healthy trade in used battery-powered backyard buggies. Harrington has yet to respond to an Autoblog request for pricing information, but these cars are likely to be significantly north of the $250-$400 you'll spend on a tricked out Power Wheels at the local big box store. Available models are Porsche 356, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Jaguar E-Type, Willys Jeep, and Bugatti T35, along with mini scooters that ape Vespas of yore. Put one of these under the tree this (fast approaching) Christmas, and you'll see what the face of bliss looks like. Thanks for the tips, all!

Gallery: Harrington Group's Children's Cars
[Source: Harrington Group]Harrington's half-size classics to start pint-sized car nuts early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi
Senner Tuning Audi A5 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's full-bore RS5 treatment may only be available in coupe form, but that doesn't mean droptop enthusiasts can't join in on some of the fun. Senner AG, a company known for its Audi upgrades, now offers its RS design package for the A5 Cabriolet, and while it doesn't boast the outrageous power numbers of the RS5, it certainly has the look, with a couple of eccentric one-off touches, to boot.

Starting with an A5 2.0T Cabriolet, Senner has bumped engine output from 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque up to a more palatable 275 hp and 317 lb-ft through the use of sport air filters and ECU recalibration. An all-new exhaust system has also been fitted, as well, giving the A5 a louder, angrier sound - something even the S5 Cabriolet could benefit from.

Visually, Senner has added larger front air intakes similar to those on the RS5, though the A5's foglamps have been kept intact. Filling out the wheel wells are silver-chrome 20-inch wheels, wrapped in low-profile tires (245/30 in front, 295/25 out back), and a new rear diffuser has been added to round off the host of exterior upgrades. The interior has largely been left alone, save the addition of carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin.

Senner's kit retails for a healthy €19,900 (roughly $25k USD), and when added to the €55,000 cost of a new A5 Cabriolet, that brings the whole package to €74,900, or $95,150 USD based on current exchange rates. Scroll through the gallery below to see the handsome Senner A5 from all angles, and hit the jump for the full details in the press release.

Gallery: Senner Tuning Audi A5 Cabriolet
[Source: Senner AG]Continue reading Audi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thingAudi won't build you an RS5 Cabrio, but Senner will sell you the next best thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

We’ve driven Mitsubishi’s cute i-MiEV a few times, and although the little EV is a perfectly fine urban runabout, it’s a bit small and slow for American tastes. Never fear — Mitsubishi will give us a bigger, more powerful model when the car goes on sale in the United States next year.
The North American model will be wider to meet U.S. crash regulations and suit American tastes. We’d heard this before from the folks at Mitsubishi, but Gregory Adams, head of product planning and marketing, tells Automotive News the i-MiEV also will have a spiffier interior and “upgraded content,” meaning more stuff. The Japanese domestic market cars we’ve driven have been comfortable but bare-bones, with only A/C, power windows and locks and a basic AM/FM/CD system. No navi, no Bluetooth, no satellite radio. Plan on that changing.
Not that you’d really need all that. Mark Vaughn of AutoWeek has been living with a Japanese market i-MiEV since July and pretty much loves it — and Vaughn is a guy who can drive almost anything he wants.
We keep hearing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV headed to the United States will have an improved drivetrain as well. The Japanese cars have a 47 kilowatt (64 horsepower) electric motor. Although it’s fine around town, you’re pushing it hard at freeway speeds. Power comes from a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery with a range of about 70 miles. It recharges in seven hours at 220 volts and as little as 30 minutes if you find a Level 3 “quick charger.” Look for a range closer to 100 miles when the i-MiEV arrives in the United States at the end of 2011.
Latest word on the price is it’ll come in under $30,000 before the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
In related news, Peugeot has started selling the iOn, which is an i-MiEV wearing a Peugeot badge. Automotive News, citing the Japanese business daily Nikkei, says Peugeot and Mitsubishi will build the cars in Spain, but Mitsu denied the report.
Now if Mitsubishi would just do something about the name, which is pronounced “eye-meev.” That means “stinky egg” in German and it is unfortunate considering the car is shaped like an egg.
Photo: Jim Merithew / Wired.com

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Japan, Scion, Rumormill
2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is interesting. The JDM-obsessed crew over at 7Tune seem to believe that Toyota is planning a more sports-oriented version of the 2011 Scion tC. At first blush, the car reads like little more than a best-of list of parts from the TRD catalog. The word comes courtesy of none other than Toyota's Chief Engineer, Masayuki Nagai, who says that the car will boast all-new bodywork, a revamped suspension and a free-flowing exhaust for a little more pep. Supposedly the whole package will hit the wallet at a little more than $18,000. If that's true, the new package could be a performance steal.

Unfortunately, this rumored sharper tC isn't slated to hit showrooms until the 2012 model year, which means that buyers will be only have its more prosaic iteration to pick over for a full year before its meaner brother comes along.

Of course, we have to wonder exactly how many people are buying the tC because they want to scoot around a track faster than the competition - not too many, we'd fathom. But with Toyota apparently keen to gain a stronger male demographic for the tC, this is probably as good a place as any to start.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive
Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: 7Tune]Scion tC to get TRD performance version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stagnating fuel eonomy.
Time for a big increase in CAFE?
There has been much talk in the blogosphere regarding CAFE and future fuel economy requirements with some hoping that a huge increase in CAFE is forthcoming. Others claim such an increase will mean many consumers will hold onto older gas guzzlers much longer as automaker profits turn into red ink due to declining profit margins.
Recently a few studies have claimed that much higher fuel economy can be cost-effectively achieved with today’s technologies at a much faster pace than automakers appear ready to embrace.
So how crazy is the idea of 60 mpg by 2025?

According to recent analysis, the current uptick in CAFE standards is “very modest”. Instead of 34 mpg by 2016, 38 mpg “would have delivered additional benefits of $140 billion over the life of the vehicles covered.”
Likewise, moving to 60 mpg by 2025, “will add hundreds of billions of consumer savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of millions of tonnes.” More important, the costs of the technologies to achieve such standards provide enough savings in fuel costs to more than pay for themselves according the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).
So, 60 mpg by 2025 would be good for consumers, but would it be good for US automakers?
A study by the University of Michigan also claims such fuel economy standards could be achieved without consumers losing any “creature comforts” they are used to today. It’s just that over time, engineering needs to focus on making current engines more fuel efficient not more powerful. Similar to the CFA study, the Michigan study also concludes, this “revolution by evolution” pays for itself over time.
Still, does it mean less profits for automakers?
While the extra technologies might pay for themselves over time, that doesn’t mean such technologies will be as profitable as sticking closer to the status quo as long as possible, and that means automakers will balk. Thus, 60 mpg by 2025 is certainly crazy talk, at least in America.
Other places in the world, however, might embrace this crazy talk, especially emerging markets – and the future of the world’s auto industry. The wheel doesn’t have to be reinvented to make huge gains in fuel economy. It’s NOT all about plug-in vehicles and super grids. Today’s technologies, if not for crazy American consumer demands, could be far, far more efficient.
Emerging markets, however, might find much more sanity in their consumers. And, why not keep it as simple, efficient and cost-effective as possible instead of trying to reinvent transportation through the plug and/or hydrogen? Wouldn’t that be the more crazy path in economies with less money to spend on transportation?
Emerging markets don’t have to immediately leapfrog today’s technologies to succeed in the auto markets of the future, they just have to be more reasonable and responsible than America. That’s not really so crazy, is it?

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Kia, South Korea

Jeong Sung Eun, the vice chairman of Kia Motor Corporation, has reportedly resigned on the heels of a large recall by the automaker. According to Automotive News, Eun stepped down on September 3 after a global recall sent a total of 85,900 Kia vehicles back to the factory due to faulty wiring. In the U.S., around 35,000 Soul and Sorento models were impacted by the fault, which could cause a short that can result in a vehicle fire. The company is also recalling 18,147 Sorento, Borego and Soul models in China for bad circuit boards.

Before becoming the vice chairman of Kia, Jeong served as a president of the company's production division. As of right now, it's unclear who will take over Jeong's duties within the company or what the former vice chairman will do now that he's stepped down.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Kia Motors chairman resigns over recalls? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've found yourself stuck on the fence between the sultry styling of the Chevrolet Camaro V6 and the downright impressive sports car performance of the Ford Mustang V6, Consumer Reports may just have something to help you make up your mind one way or the other. Those responsible for some of the most aggressive consumer testing in the industry have awarded the Blue Oval a 'Very Good' road test score while the Bowtie was saddled with a mere 'Good' rating. The testers went so far as to say that picking the six-pot in the Mustang didn't take too much away from the car's fun factor, while doing the same in the Camaro did.

That's no surprise to us. We felt the six-cylinder Mustang was fit enough to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe in our recent Battle of the Sixes - something we wouldn't have even bothered to try with the Camaro, let alone the Dodge Challenger.

Consumer Reports also said that the Mustang is 'Recommended' by the company, but the Camaro is too new to have accurate reliability data. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6
Gallery: The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips and Alex Núñez / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Consumer Reports picks side in V6 pony car warsConsumer Reports picks side in V6 pony car wars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments