Autoblog

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

There were about three million fewer cars sold in 2008 than 2007. Based on 2007's numbers, it would be the same as if Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Lexus, MINI, Porsche, and Saab all closed their doors in 2008. In terms of pure automotive carnage, that's not the kind of damage you can just buff out. And the predictions for the future agree on two points: it's going to get worse, and it won't return to what it was for years to come.

The only difference in the predictions of gloom is exactly how long things are going to stay depressed. Everyone agrees that the vertiginous sales drop in Q4 of 2008 is going to continue at least until the middle of 2009. Some, though, think that 2009 will "look a lot like 2008, but in reverse," with a slight sales rebound possible in the latter half. That prediction depends on the size of the proposed economic stimulus package, and whether it actually stimulates the economy. After all, banks received their own stimulus packages, yet getting a loan is as hard as ever.

Others say we are "entering a prolonged period of conservation." One analyst predicts that U.S. car sales won't see the north side of 15 million in annual sales until "2012 or later," while another said that we won't see 16 million annual sales again "for the forseeable future." Naturally, with such conservation comes other cuts, like R&D budgets and model facelifts, that could mean the cars on offer won't be as interesting or as cutting edge as before. While that could be looked at as a benefit, saving manufacturers the need to put new redesigned cars in showrooms every three years, the necessary auto industry infrastructure changes (plant closers, layoffs, etc.), the certain extinction of some companies, and the uncertain future are going to hurt.

[Source: IHT]

U.S. car sales in the doldrums to infinity until 2012 and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Euro, Green, Volvo, UK

By now, Volvo has been almost completely integrated into the Ford empire, but with its parent company looking to offload the Swedish subsidiary, Volvo's going to have to demonstrate its worth as a standalone automaker. Developing its own engines is a good place to start, and Volvo has just unveiled its own unique diesel powerplant.

Replacing the existing D5 diesel, the new variant continues the five-cylinder tradition, but that's where the similarities end. The new mill displaces 2.4 liters, supplemented by twin sequential turbochargers, ceramic glow-plugs and piezoelectric fuel injectors. The new tech helps the D5 generate 205 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of twist, but more importantly, the engine now meets the stringent Euro 5 emissions standard with only 164g of CO2 per kilometer, while returning an impressive 45.6 mpg. The engine will be available in the British market S80 sedan in a few months, but unfortunately it isn't earmarked to cross the Atlantic. All we can do is look at the photos in the gallery and read the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading For Eur-eyes Only: Volvo releases new five-cylinder diesel in S80

For Eur-eyes Only: Volvo releases new five-cylinder diesel in S80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault

Hot hatch enthusiasts know what it means when Renault unveils a new compact car: a new Renaultsport variant will follow. The French automaker's performance division continues to roll out some the hottest compacts in the business, so when the wraps came off the third-generation Megane in Paris this past fall, it was only a matter of time before the tuned-up sport version would follow, and reports now indicate that it'll arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

For this latest generation of Megane, Renault continues to differentiate the sporty three-door from the more utilitarian five-door model, but the RS version promises to raise the bar yet again. Taking cues from the Megane Trophy racer (pictured above) also unveiled at the Paris show, the new Megane RS is tipped to feature a wider track, flared wheel arches, a wing bisecting the front air dam, and a center-exit exhaust. Power is expected to come from the company's 2.0-liter turbo, but tuned to produce 250 horsepower. The requisite chassis tuning, optional limited slip differential and beefy Brembo brakes promise to round out the package.

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Renault to unveil new Megane RS in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Euro, Plants/Manufacturing

Russia and Ukraine are presently in the midst of a natural gas pricing dispute. Russia wants Ukraine to pay closer to market price for the commodity. Ukraine says that Russia should pay more for the use of its pipelines, through which the bulk of the EU's Russia-sourced natural gas flows. Russia has escalated matters by cutting off its gas shipments via Ukrainian pipelines completely, and the EU is scrambling as it deals with shortages. Obviously, there's zero love lost between Russia and Ukraine, and political finger-pointing continues apace. Pricing negotiations resume tomorrow, and EU monitors are likely to get involved.

In the meantime, the effect is already being felt in the European industrial sector. Hungarian government restrictions on industrial gas usage have forced Magyar Suzuki to cease production entirely. The automaker's Esztergom plant, located around 30 miles outside Budapest, produces the Suzuki Swift; the Suxuki SX4 and Fiat Sedici; and the Suzuki Splash / Opel Agila twins. Suzuki hopes to get Esztergom back online this coming Monday.

[Sources: WaPo, WSJ, Reuters]

Suzuki's Hungarian production halts due to Russia/Ukraine gas dispute originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hatchbacks, Scion, Special/Limited Editions

Scion will continue its habit of offering tweaked versions of its wares as "Release Series" models at next week's Detroit Auto Show where the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 will be revealed. As is de rigeur for these special editions, the R.S. 6.0 will get its own paint color, "Absolutely Red" (it's a standard color for the Yaris), along with a unique front grille and wheel covers (seriously, wheel covers?). Inside, a new Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation system is included on the R.S., along with matching red accents on various trim pieces and seat fabric, as well as four-color interior lighting.

Want one? Only 2,500 copies will be produced, so act fast and be prepared to drop an extra $1,743 over the base xB's price of $15,750. Add an extra $950 for an automatic transmission (if you must) and an extra $320 for a color-matched rear spoiler.

Continue reading Scion bringing xB Release Series 6.0 to Detroit

Scion bringing xB Release Series 6.0 to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Jaguar, Rumormill

Is Jaguar planning a Panamera and Rapide challenger? Until now we've had speculation and spy pics, but Channel 4 is reporting that Jaguar officials have confirmed plans to "introduce a new saloon" later this year, that "takes the luxury saloon to new heights in terms of its technical enhancements." Although this new sedan will eventually replace the XJ in the company's lineup, it is said to be radically different from the traditional sedan. Imagine XF detailing on a four-door XK and you won't be far off from the vehicle that's due to show up later this year.

No official details have been reported, but Jaguar officials are apparently mentioning the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz CLS as competition. Engine options will likely include Jaguar's new 3.0L V6 diesel as well as the new direct-injection, 5.0L gas V8s in naturally aspirated or supercharged form. The car should be revealed later this year, making 2009 a very busy year for the company. Jaguar is already set to unveil the supercharged XF-R, as well as updated XJ, XK and XKR models, along with its new V8 and V6 diesel engines at the Detroit Auto Show next week. We can hardly wait.

[Source: Channel 4]

Next Jaguar sedan looks like stretch XK, with four-door "coupe" overtones originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Special/Limited Editions

Recently, we told you that Lamborghini is rumored to be working on a couple of rear-drive-only models to entice the most enthusiastic of enthusiasts. One of those models was supposed to be a lightweight version of the V12 Murcielago, possibly dubbed the SV. According to recent reports, the SV is on the way, but that it will most likely retain the LP640's AWD. A Ferrarichat forum member named Vik (screename ghost) says he's seen the car, which will be called the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV. According to Vik, the car will weigh 220 lbs. less than the LP640-4 and will have an extra 30 hp. That should produce a 0-60 run of just 3.2 seconds and a bump in top speed of two mph to 213.

Vik says the look of the car is more aggressive, with a more angular front fascia, hood vents near the A-pillars, gloss-black wheels, large rear bumper protrusions, and a choice of two rear wings. The standard model will feature a smaller wing that allows the LP640-4 to reach a higher 342 km/h top speed, while the larger wing presumably trades a few mph for more downforce. The exterior will feature a lot of carbon fiber, with the whole lower body being comprised of matte-black CF to offset by the upper body's gloss black paint. A big "SV" vinyl will be an option, but carbon ceramic brakes are standard. Prices are being set at 25% above the standard LP640, with an officially announcement in March and deliveries beginning in June. Vik says 350 units are planned, but speculation is that the actual number will be 100, with 350 being the total number of all versions of the Murci worldwide.

[Source: Ferrarichat via Jalopnik]

Unofficial details emerge on Lamborghini LP670-4 SV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Holden, Australia

In a classic case of good-news versus bad-news, the Holden Commodore has once again managed to retain the title of Australia's best-selling vehicle in 2008. With this announcement, the Australian arm of General Motors has extended the Commodore's run as best seller to 13 straight years. That's the good news part. On the other hand, its 51,093 sales in 2008 are the model's lowest total since it first debuted in 1978. That, as you may have guessed, would be the bad news part.

Australia's second-best-seller is the Toyota Corolla, and the compact from Japan put up a very strong fight to wrest the title from Holden. There were a few main factors that eventually put the crown back on the Commodore, including the introduction of the Sportwagon bodystyle (above) and the October launch of Holden's $29,990 (AUS dollars) driveaway deal. Fuel prices also dropped towards the end of the year, and that likely helped swing the momentum back towards the Holden from the more fuel efficient Corolla. 2009? Time will tell.


[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz needs a successful E-Class sedan in its lineup to properly compete with the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. With the current W211 model soldiering on since since 2002 and getting long-in-the-tooth, the German automaker is expected to launch a new E-Class sedan at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. As is often the case, it's proving rather difficult to keep the floodgate of images and specifications held back, and we've assembled the images from a leaked European brochure for your perusal.

From the looks of things, MB is trying to split the difference between the current E-Class and its CLS sibling that was first introduced in 2005 to spice up the lineup with something more stylish. There are plenty of current-gen C-Class cues on the new E's flanks, with headlights that look very much like the units that debuted on the ConceptFASCINATION from Paris. The interior will get an upgrade and will be offered in a few different variations between super luxurious and overtly sporty. Check it out yourself in the gallery below.


[Source: AutoScoops]

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class brochure scans hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Tech, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales has announced a new in-car convenience telematics program for select Toyota and Lexus models that sounds a lot like GM's popular OnStar program. The proprietary system will be dubbed Safety Connect for Toyota buyers and Lexus Enform for ToMoCo's luxury brand. There's a lengthy press release after the jump, but here are the salient points. Safety Connect is the core service and, as its name implies, is designed to give drivers additional peace of mind.

The system features four different safety and security elements: Automatic Collision Notification (ACN), an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location (SVL), and Roadside Assistance. Using embedded cellular and GPS, it can signal help if there's an airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision. If the system isn't triggered automatically, the Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) can be used to contact the help center manually. If the car is stolen it can be tracked once a police report is filed. The system also includes Roadside Assistance through the SOS button when the driver needs mechanical assistance.

The Lexus Enform service builds on the basic Safety Connect concept and adds convenience features that Lexus owners will undoubtedly appreciate: Destination Assist and eDestination. Destination Assist provides a live operator who can help with directions or suggest destinations like local points of interest, gas stations or even Zagat-rated restaurants. Once the driver makes a choice, the destination can be sent wirelessly to the vehicle's navigation system. If they want to do the planning themselves, eDestination can be accessed from any PC with owners relaying info to the car's sat-nav.

The whole thing will be accessible by voice command through Lexus' casual-speech voice recognition system, the Flexible Voice Interface, currently scheduled to debut on the 2010 RX. Other features will include Mobile Audio Casts with Lexus Insider and XM Radio. Lexus Insider will provide mini programs and news updates sent automatically that can be accessed at the push of a button. Traffic and weather updates will also be available through XM.

Safety Connect and Lexus Enform will start showing up on select models beginning late this summer with included one-year trial subscriptions.

Continue reading Toyota announces telematics service: Safety Connect and Lexus Enform

Toyota announces telematics service: Safety Connect and Lexus Enform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Tuners, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Special/Limited Editions

Steve Saleen is bringing back the musclecar wars with the help of the Detroit 3. Not content to modify Ford Mustangs alone, the former head of Saleen, Inc. is branching out into bowtie and Mopar territory as well. His new company, SMS Limited, will take on all three of the new retro rods this year. Under his former eponymous company's banner he had focused primarily on Ford vehicles, but now that Dodge and Chevrolet are getting back into the musclecar game, he figures it's time to expand his reach.

We've already profiled the SMS Limited Signature Series Dodge Challenger that Saleen has developed, and talked to Steve about what he had planned for the 2010 Mustang, but now we have a few more details about the SMS versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. For 2009, SMS Limited will not only build the SMS 570 and 570X Challengers, but also the SMS 460 Mustang and later in the year a line of SMS Camaros in their 150,000-square-foot facility in Anaheim, California.

All of the cars will get SMS superchargers, tweaked suspensions, and unique exterior styling elements, and the superchargers are more efficient and provide better cooling than anything they've used before. The company is also putting a new emphasis on upscale interiors, with better materials that should justify the cars' higher sticker prices. SMS Challenger production should begin this month, with 2010 Mustangs starting to show up in the spring. And if all goes according to plan, Camaros should start rolling out by the end of the year. Customers wanting a bit of Saleen magic applied to their musclecars will be able to order them through select Dodge, Ford or Chevrolet dealerships.

[Source: Detroit News]

Steve Saleen's plan of attack for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Ford

The name "Cobra Jet" may remind some of an unfortunate Sam Jackson film, but to Mustang and drag racing enthusiasts it refers to the latest addition to the pony-car family, the Mustang FR500CJ. The drag-racing version of the outgoing Mustang was unveiled at SEMA just a few months ago and is already rolling off the assembly line as the latest model in the Ford Racing line-up.

Featuring a modified 5.4-liter V8 with cold air induction, the Cobra Jet features stainless competition headers, upgraded rear axle and driveshaft, drag-optimized adjustable suspension, and unique wheels wrapped in slicks. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or three-speed automatic, and the interior is augmented by racing buckets and short-throw shifter (on the manual version). The vehicles, which receive unique VINs since they aren't street legal, are delivered in body-on-white, with louvered rear window panels. The package presents an affordable and straightforward racing platform for those seeking domination of the quarter-mile. Check it out in the galleries below.




[Source: Fuel Slut via WCF]

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet rumbles off the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Special/Limited Editions

One of the perks of being the Commander-in-Chief is getting to ride in the back of a presidential limousine. And while certain presidents have had hand-me-down chariots, President-Elect Barack Obama is set to get a brand-new, high-tech model.

Looking much like a standard Cadillac DTS stretched to the limits, Obama's new ride is an altogether different beast, with the highest levels of protection, technology and luxury a presidential limo has ever seen. Described as "a rolling tank with windows," word is that the limo is actually not a Cadillac, but rather something built on a medium-duty truck chassis.

Spy shooters have captured the limo testing alongside a pair of GMC Topkick pickups, and keen observers have noted that the wheels and rubber appear to be dimensionally identical to those found on the big trucks (the limo sports 19.5-inch Goodyear Regional RHS tires). Bystanders even contend that a the limo sounds like its sporting a diesel engine underhood.

Style-wise, we can see bits and pieces from a few different Cadillac models. Xenon headlights from the Escalade adorn the front, while the rear seems to have some STS parts. We can also see holders on the top of the massive front fenders where two small American flags would traditionally go and the shots of the doors are absolutely astounding. We'd guess they're at least 20 centimeters (eight inches) thick, to provide a presidential-sized barrier between POTUS and the outside world. The only question left is whether Obama's code name (Renegade) will carry over when he moves into Pennsylvania Ave. on the 20th, or if it the Secret Service will change it to Caddyman.

Cadillac One: Details on president-elect Obama's new limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Detroit's not the only auto show kicking off on January 11. The annual Tokyo Auto Salon (think "Japanese SEMA") also kicks off this Sunday, and Honda has announced the vehicle lineup it'll display at Makuhari Messe. The two headliners are the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit concepts. The former is a somewhat ghastly take on Honda's two-seat sports car, with a face that belongs in an aquarium and side cladding straight from a '90s Pontiac stylist's wildest fantasies. Inside, the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept is actually very nice, with swanky brown leather adorning a variety of surfaces. It still doesn't atone for that clock-stoppingly ugly body kit, though. Read on for some brief commentary on a pair of other concepts headed to the show, and check out the gallery below for the complete model rundown.

Continue reading Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Porsche

With the coupe, cabrio, targa and turbo variants of the latest Porsche 911 already out on the road, Zuffenhausen is preparing similar updates for its flyweight road rocket, the GT3 RS. Test mules have been spotted roaming the French alps, which in this season would probably be the last place we'd want to drive a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive track car. But then we're not zany German engineers, now are we?

We can expect that the latest 911 GT3 RS will receive the same updates as its brethren (including the Turbo's LED light strips up front) and be updated with the retro decal stripe and badge graphic down the quarter panel, plus colored wheels, contrasting wing-mirror housings, a big rear wing and an interior roll cage. A carbon fiber rear wing and hood plus a plastic rear window will help keep the weight down versus the conventional 911 Carrera, which should help the new RS hustle to 60 in a scant 4.2 seconds.

[Source: Wheels24.co.za via German Car Blog]

Spy Shots: New Porsche 911 GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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