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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show , Convertibles , Euro , Videos , MINI Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Cabrio Well, here's one car we'll all be able to cover in Detroit come January. BMW has officially announced that the second-generation MINI Cabrio will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show. Germans needn't wait that long to place orders; that they can do now. The Cooper ragtop is priced at €22,500 while the Cooper S convertible costs €4,000 more. Customer delivery of the German cars kicks off on March 28. So, what's new? Well, for one, the new Cabrio looks like the current-gen Cooper. Likewise, it shares the hardtop cars' 1.6L engines -- 120 hp NA for the Cooper, and 160 hp turbo for the Cooper S. The Euro-market cars get BMW Efficient Dynamics features including brake regeneration and stop/start. Out back, the fold-down tailgate's hinges are now internal, giving the car's tush a smoother look. The fixed roll hoops...
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Filed under: LA Auto Show , Crossovers/CUVs , Audi Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi Q5 Although we've already seen the Audi Q5 in a variety of forms after its initial unveiling in Beijing this past July, the four-ringers decided to finally show off their cute 'ute in North America for the first time at the LA Auto Show . The compact(ish) CUV is packing the award-winning 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine putting out 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through the seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and Audi is quick to point out that with a drag coefficient of just 0.33 and a turbocharged four, the Q5 will be one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in its class. Check the galleries below for more and see our previous post for all the details. Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5 Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5 LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5 makes its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use...
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Filed under: LA Auto Show , Coupes , Videos , Nissan Click above for a gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z InsideLine hosted a little soirée for Nissan/Datsun devotees to show off the 2009 Nissan 370Z ahead of its unveiling this Tuesday at the LA Auto Show , and the crew from StreetFire was on hand to provide some pics and a video of the reveal. Beyond the trio of teasers and "leaked" images that found their way onto the Web this past week, these new shots finally give us a clear view of all the exterior styling details and a few shots of the thoroughly revised interior. The upkick in the door's edge that leads into the side windows is a particularly nice touch, as is the new steering wheel, revised instrument panel with integrated LCD and dual stitching on the leather dash. More details and pics to come, so be sure to check back tonight for all the techy tidbits. In the meantime, check out the gallery below and the video after the jump. Gallery: 2009 Nissan 370Z - Early...
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Filed under: Coupes , Japan , Supercars , Nissan Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan GT-R (U.S.-spec) The Nissan GT-R will benefit from a few engineering and cosmetic tweaks for the 2009 model year in Japan, beginning with a slight bump in performance that brings output up from 480 to 485 PS (just under five hp). Other modifications include a larger fuel tank - expanded from 71 liters to 73.8 liters - a slight increase in fuel economy (about .3 km/l), "Nissan" replacing "Brembo" on the brake calipers, a new mounting location for the front license plate and a new paint code for Storm White (changed fro QX1 to QAB). Pricing will also increase by another 5% in 2009 and it's expected that most of these changes will be adopted on U.S.-spec vehicles when the "Series II" production run begins next year. Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan GT-R [Source: GTRBlog ] 2009 Nissan GT-R to get 5-hp bump and tweaks in Japan originally appeared...
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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative , SUVs , Green , GM , Saturn , First Drive Click above to view high-res gallery of the Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid. Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid All Photos...
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Filed under: Green , Chevrolet , GM , GMC GM's new 4.5L Duramax diesel engine promises a 25% increase in fuel economy while providing 310 hp and 525 lb-ft. The new oil-burning powerplant also needs to pass 50 state emissions while providing the efficiency customers are demanding. GM has already provided some details of the Duramax 4.5L, including that the new diesel is roughly the same size as the General's compact small block V8, which means it can fit in more than just trucks and SUVs . The 4.5-liter also reduces the parts count with integrated aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds and an integral cam cover intake manifold. GM talked to Automotive News about new features of the lower half of the 4.5L Duramax, and they're just as extensive as the top. [Source: Automotive News subs req'd] Continue reading GM's Duramax diesel goes under the knife, loses weight Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Green , Chevrolet , GM , GMC GM's new 4.5L Duramax diesel engine promises a 25% increase in fuel economy while providing 310 hp and 525 lb-ft. The new oil-burning powerplant also needs to pass 50 state emissions while providing the efficiency customers are demanding. GM has already provided some details of the Duramax 4.5L, including that the new diesel is roughly the same size as the General's compact small block V8, which means it can fit in more than just trucks and SUVs . The 4.5-liter also reduces the parts count with integrated aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds and an integral cam cover intake manifold. GM talked to Automotive News about new features of the lower half of the 4.5L Duramax, and they're just as extensive as the top. [Source: Automotive News subs req'd] Continue reading GM's Duramax diesel goes under the knife, loses weight Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Green , Chevrolet , GM , GMC GM's new 4.5L Duramax diesel engine promises a 25% increase in fuel economy while providing 310 hp and 525 lb-ft. The new oil-burning powerplant also needs to pass 50 state emissions while providing the efficiency customers are demanding. GM has already provided some details of the Duramax 4.5L, including that the new diesel is roughly the same size as the General's compact small block V8, which means it can fit in more than just trucks and SUVs . The 4.5-liter also reduces the parts count with integrated aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds and an integral cam cover intake manifold. GM talked to Automotive News about new features of the lower half of the 4.5L Duramax, and they're just as extensive as the top. [Source: Automotive News subs req'd] Continue reading GM's Duramax diesel goes under the knife, loses weight Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Green , Chevrolet , GM , GMC GM's new 4.5L Duramax diesel engine promises a 25% increase in fuel economy while providing 310 hp and 525 lb-ft. The new oil-burning powerplant also needs to pass 50 state emissions while providing the efficiency customers are demanding. GM has already provided some details of the Duramax 4.5L, including that the new diesel is roughly the same size as the General's compact small block V8, which means it can fit in more than just trucks and SUVs . The 4.5-liter also reduces the parts count with integrated aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds and an integral cam cover intake manifold. GM talked to Automotive News about new features of the lower half of the 4.5L Duramax, and they're just as extensive as the top. [Source: Automotive News subs req'd] Continue reading GM's Duramax diesel goes under the knife, loses weight Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons , Etc. , Acura Acura's new corporate fascia hasn't gained the affection of the automotive press, not to mention our commentators. And to make matters worse, not only is "The Shield" employed on the MDX , TSX and TL , it's expected to infect the rest of Acura's lineup into the next decade. We're still far from convinced that the new nose was a smart move, but we've conceded that it doesn't look nearly as bad on a silver TSX, matching the lines and the color to slightly better effect. An Acura dealer seems to have a similar idea, and after taking delivery of one burgundy TL, had the grille painted to match the rest of the exterior. While it's an improvement, we'd still recommend importing the 2009 Legend's schnoz and retrofitting an Acura emblem in place of the Big H. [Source: Acurazine via Motive ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Geneva Motor Show , Mercedes-Benz , Rendered Speculation The crew from CAR laid out what the future holds for Mercedes' two-door offerings and now its tapped Larson to render what the forthcoming E-class coupe will look like ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year. Taking cues from the Fascination concept unveiled in Paris , the sporty E-class features a pair of drawn and halved headlamps that nix the oval units fitted to Mercs in the last decade, along with a pair of highly stylized rear fenders sporting a two-tiered blister that flows into the reworked rear end. Engine choices will range from 184 hp four-cylinders (E200k) to an E63 AMG variant putting down 481 hp, while a 525 hp Black Series version will be offered further down the line. Seven-speed automatics will proliferate throughout the range, along with direct injection on all gasoline-powered models. Having learned from past mistakes, Mercedes-Benz will throttle back some of its high-tech features...
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Filed under: Minivans/MPVs , Volkswagen , First Drive Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what? In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today. Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler...
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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons , Paris Motor Show , Audi Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi S4 We were never particularly fond of the last generation Audi S4. With 4.2-liters of V8 hanging precariously over the front axle, it provided adequate thrust, but never delivered the dynamic thrills we used to associate with the twin-turbo'd V6 fitted to the B5 platform. Apparently Audi agrees, and in a move to further differentiate its lineup - while also providing some competition to the all-conquering BMW 335i - it's fitted the new S4 with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 putting out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system sending 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels, the 2009 Audi S4 is ready to do battle and we're truly looking forward to our time behind the wheel. For all the details, check out our previous post on the 2009 Audi S4 and peruse our live gallery from the Paris Motor Show . Gallery: 2009...
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Filed under: Convertibles , Paris Motor Show , Mazda Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see. This is one of those instances where the press pics don't do it justice. It's difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we'll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses. More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride. Sales...
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Filed under: Paris Motor Show , Hatchbacks , Volkswagen Click either image for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI We're still sour that the Scirocco isn't making it to our shores, but Volkswagen is throwing us a bone with the restyled 2009 MK VI GTI. The new front end made a successful transition from the low-slung hatch that's beyond our reach, finally eschewing the gaping maw that's afflicted Audi designs of late. Both three- and five-door variants were on hand here at the Paris Motor Show , and overall, we're even more smitten with the six then we were with the outgoing model. As reported previously, the new GTI is packing a revised 2.0-liter TFSI four putting out 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox and on to the front wheels through a new electronic limited-slip differential (XDS). After spending some time inside were reminded why VW (and Audi) are making some of the best interiors in the biz, with suitably supportive...
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