Author: Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Crossover, Mini

Following yesterday’s leaked images and teaser video, Mini has today officially opened the floodgates of pictures and information on its new Countryman crossover. According to parent company BMW, the Countryman is “a new dimension” and “genuine crossover [that] bridges the gap between the classic concept of the Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.” Judging from the images, it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

As you can see, the Countryman gets four regularly hinged doors plus one conventional tailgate. We can also see that the CUV sits a bit higher off the ground than other Mini models and the company says it’s raised the seating position a smidge. The other big alteration from Mini’s previous models is the addition of all-wheel drive that can send up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.

Speaking of torque, the Countryman seems likely to get the full suite of available Mini engines both here in the United States and abroad. That means we’ll see both a normally aspirated 1.6-liter as well as a turbocharged 1.6 that will come with fully variable valve timing for the first time, bumping power to 184 horsepower. Unfortunately we can’t say for sure if the U.S. model will get that power increase, or the Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop features that Europeans enjoy.

Inside, the Countryman gets a typically Mini-esque dash, door panels and seat designs and is available with the brand’s first-ever three-across rear bench. That back seat is a split-folding design, and cargo capacity jumps from 350 to 1,170 liters (12.2-41.0 cu ft) when it’s down. There’s plenty more to glean from the official press release – so typical of Mini (read it all the way through for a good morning laugh) – after the break, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below. We’ll know more details, like pricing and availability, when the Countryman makes its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mini unleashes the floodgates on Countryman crossover

Officially Official: Mini unleashes the floodgates on Countryman crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Perhaps going green doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have any fun. Evidence of this fact can once again be seen as the performance and tuning communities continue to look at ethanol for increased performance for a relatively low outlay of cash.

Ethanol, which is an alcohol fuel commonly distilled from corn here in the United States, mixed with 15-percent gasoline carries an octane rating of about 105, compared to the low 90s for the best freely available pump gas. This fact means that engines, when tuned properly and especially when using forced induction, can make more horsepower on E85 than pump gas – and sometimes nearly as much as pure race gasoline.

Cobb Tuning claims to be the first company to outfit a Nissan GT-R for use with E85 fuel and is displaying a dyno graph that indicates very high levels of performance is available when Godzilla is tuned properly for ethanol fuels. How much power? Currently with Cobb’s catless midpipe, prototype cat-back exhaust, stock intake, twin Walbro 255 fuel pumps and 800cc Deatschwerks fuel injectors, the GT-R is putting down 574 ponies and 585 pound-feet of torque. After some additional fiddling, Cobb expects to see 600 horsepower at the wheels.

Sounds great, right? Well, hold on to those drunk alcohol-hungry horses for a minute. Ethanol, especially when derived from corn, isn’t necessarily the pinnacle of green motoring, and modifications (including high-flow fuel injectors in the case of the GT-R) and required to run an engine with high concentrations of alcohol fuel. Still, something tells us that the promise of cheap and easy horsepower will keep ethanol in the greenlight limelight for the foreseeable future.

[Source: Cobb Tuning]

Cobb Tuning GT-R expects 600 HP at the wheels running on E85 with stock turbos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Motorcycle

When you think of American motorcycles, what comes to mind? We’d bet that 99-plus percent of you instantly thought of Harley-Davidson – and with good reason. The Motor Company has long occupied the fantasies of a very large portion of the United States population at large. There’s a growing (and generally younger) group of cyclists, though, who want something considerably more sporty than what HD has to offer.

Motus Motorcycles, a new startup motorcycle manufacturer based here in the United States, has some grand plans in the works to change the perception – right or wrong as the sentiment may be – that American motorcycles are slow, rumbly, V-twin powered behemoths. The first salvo fired by Motus will be a new sport touring motorcycle called the MTS-01, which will be powered by an all-American V4 engine. Much of the architecture of that powerplant will be instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the classic American V8.

Katech, a Michigan-based firm that supplies engines to General Motors and its Pratt and Miller Corvette racers, designed and engineered the cam-in-block (pushrods instead of overhead cams), two valve per cylinder, 1650cc engine, and it is expected to put out around 140 horsepower and possibly as much as 120 pound-feet of torque. Modern updates to the tried-and-true design are capped off by gasoline direct injection technology for improved performance and cleaner emissions. We look forward to finding out more on Motus’ new powerplant and motorcycle in the coming months.

[Source: The Kneeslider]

Motus Motorcycles details new V4 engine, MTS-01 sport tourer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sportscar manufacturer Caterham may or may not produce an electric vehicle within the next six months. A bit ambiguous, sure, but small companies like Caterham certainly have a bit more leeway when it comes to introducing new models to the public, and company head Ansar Ali has reportedly admitted to Autocar that such a project is in the works… maybe. Says Ali:

We’re trying to pull together some partners and there a lot who want to be associated with us. We want to do this properly and with the right partners, not just stick batteries in the back of a Seven…. We’re still at a very early stage. We will consider it if it works although it would never be a volume product… We have no plans to produce an electric Seven. We’re looking at motorsport applications but there’s uncertainty as to whether an electric car could handle race conditions. Is there the technology yet to support it?

So, if Caterham does find that it’s feasible to produce an electric sportscar, the new model would be intended for the racetrack only at first and would not be sold as a road-going vehicle wearing the Seven moniker. It’s unclear what partners Caterham is working with, but we’d expect a relatively lightweight lithium-based battery of some sort to keep the car as nimble as possible. We’ll keep on the lookout for more details if and when they become available.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Caterham’s all-new EV coming in six months? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Truck, Scion

We know that Scion will launch a new tC coupe and a tiny little iQ minicar before the end of the year, but what comes after that? Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, admits that the Japanese automaker hasn’t yet decided what future products make the most sense for the youth-oriented Scion brand, but Scion General Manager Jack Hollis tells Wards Auto that a truck is a possibility.

Take a look at the current pickup truck market and you’ll see that the only currently available machine that even remotely fits into the compact role is the Ford Ranger, which hasn’t been updated in eons and sees its sales dwindle every single year (55,600 in 2009). This being the case, there may be room for a small urban pickup from Scion, though the automaker indicates it would need to be careful not to infringe on the class-leading Toyota Tacoma.

If Scion did indeed build a true compact pickup with an eye toward reasonable fuel efficiency, what would it look like? Perhaps an xB with a small bed? Or might it look something like the Hako concept from the 2008 New York Auto Show (perhaps in modified form)? Refresh your memory of that odd-looking show car by perusing our high-res image gallery below.

[Source: Wards Auto]

Will Scion inject freshness into America’s stale compact pickup scene? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Scion

Despite the fact that Scion is a uniquely American invention for Toyota, only one of its current models – the rapidly aging tC coupe – was actually designed here in the States. Perhaps it shouldn’t come as too big a surprise, then, that U.S. Scion sales are down by 49-percent compared to 2008 levels.

According to Automotive News, Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, says that’s all set to change in the near future as the youth-oriented Japanese brand draws up two new models that will be heavily influenced by American tastes. We certainly hope that doesn’t mean bigger and unnecessarily bloated like the second-generation xB.

A redesigned tC model will reportedly come first, followed by the Scionized version of the mini-me Toyota iQ. Inaba didn’t give any sort of timetable on new model launches and even said that the automaker hasn’t yet determined what new vehicles will come after what’s currently scheduled.

Whatever comes our way, it seems that we should expect Scion to continue marketing to a young audience. To that end, the company will continue to focus on innovative new technologies that will boost “connectivity,” though that could have a number of differing meanings. We’ll see what Toyota has in mind soon enough, as the redesigned tC is scheduled to go on sale later this year.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req’d.]

Report: Scion to get stronger Stateside focus, two new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

While the big switch back to a full liter of displacement for MotoGP racing motorcycles won’t go into effect until the 2012 racing season, there are still major performance gains to be had with the current 800cc powerplants. Evidence of such can be seen in the new Ducati Desmosedici GP10 racer, which was just unveiled at an exclusive event in the Italian Dolomite mountains.

The biggest change to the bike’s outward appearance is its new tail-mounted exhaust location, which does a lot to clean up the side view of the bike and looks absolutely amazing in execution. It’s under the carbon fiber skin, though, where the most important changes take place, starting with a heavily revised cooling system designed to allow each engine to last longer – a nod to new rules stipulating that each team can only use six engines per rider for the entire season.

Besides the expected updates to the pistons, rods and crankshaft, the major news is that Ducati has switched back to a so-called big-bang firing order for its V4 engine, which the manufacturer claims will make the powerful bike easier to ride with improved grip and traction. In addition, the rear half of the bike was made stiffer in an effort to keep the machine from squatting under hard acceleration. Check out our high-res gallery of images below and be sure to click past the break to see the live unveiling captured on video.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Ducati unveils Desmosedici GP10 MotoGP bike in Italy

Ducati unveils Desmosedici GP10 MotoGP bike in Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Truck, Safety, Technology, Ford

If you knew that Big Brother someone who controls your paycheck was watching how you were treating his or her company-owned vehicle, would that knowledge alter the way you drive it? That exact functionality is available with the Crew Chief application of the Ford Work Solutions package, and initial reports are showing that employees driving Ford F-Series trucks equipped with the technology are using less fuel and driving more safely.

According to Bill Frykman, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager, “We’ve seen fuel economy gains of upwards of 20 percent through the modification of driver behavior. There’s decreased top speed, less engine idle time and more efficient operation of the vehicle.” As any fleet manager will tell you, a 20 percent savings in fuel costs is huge – and all through simple behavioral modification, not costly changes in a vehicle’s running gear.

Interestingly, Frykman also suggests that Ford Work Solutions could someday merge with the Blue Oval’s well-regarded Sync system, creating a package that’s suitable for both commercial and private use depending on the suite of applications the owner chooses to download and install.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Ford Work Solutions customers saving gas, driving more safely – Sync tieup coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world’s best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren’t nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at… for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we’ve cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we’ve run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you’ll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn’t reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB’s Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB’s Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Hyundai, Electric

As promised, Hyundai brought its Blue-Will Concept along for the festivities this week at the Detroit Auto Show. There’s not a whole lot more to say – the car was first debuted back in April at the Seoul Motor Show and we’ve heard all about its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Still, this is the Blue-Will’s U.S. introduction and therefore is the first time we’ve personally laid eyes on the car.

To recap, the Blue Drive architecture that Hyundai unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show is a strong parallel system, that is capable of driving the vehicle under electric power alone, using the internal combustion engine or some combination of the two. The electric motor/generator is rated at 100 kW and Hyundai claims a range of 40 miles on an single electric charge

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below and click past the break for the press release.

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Hyundai plugs in the Blue-Will

Detroit 2010: Hyundai plugs in the Blue-Will originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

After a few weeks worth of leaked images and brochure fluff, Honda has finally pulled the covers off its next new production hybrid hatchback. The Japanese automaker claims the CR-Z will bring back the kind of driving joy that hasn’t been felt since the CRX last left dealer lots in 1991, saying that owners will embrace this new mild hybrid with both their hearts and minds. We certainly hope they’re right.

While we’re really digging the looks of the CR-Z and the way it hearkens back to the classic CRX and even the original Insight hybrid, we’ve gotta admit that we’re a tad bit disappointed with the specifications. With 122 horsepower on tap and just 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist, shouldn’t we expect more than 36 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway from the CR-Z?

Let’s just hope that the car’s driving dynamics live up to the lofty standards to which Honda is eluding – at least there’s an optional six-speed manual transmission to go along with the expected CVT automatic. We’ll know soon enough know how it goes down the road, as the 2011 CR-Z is slated to hit the ground running in the summer. In the meantime, check out our live images below and click past the break for the press release.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation

Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Dodge

Entering the Chrysler display promised to yield few surprises here at the Detroit Auto Show. The automaker doesn’t even have a press conference scheduled – mostly because there isn’t a lot happening new product-wise. But that doesn’t mean The Pentastar doesn’t have anything to be proud of, including the latest iteration of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was recently named the Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Ostensibly to celebrate that award, but probably more likely to add a little excitement to its booth area here in Detroit, Chrysler has somehow managed to attach a brand-new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty to the ceiling of its display. So, if you plan on visiting Detroit this week to see all that the world’s finest automakers have to offer, make your way to the Chrysler booth… and keep your eyes skyward.

Oh, one more thing. How many people were thinking Toyota when they read the headline for this post? What a feeling!

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Detroit 2010: What a Feeling! Dodge Ram is Dancing on the Ceiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, BMW

BMW is knee-deep in hybrid technology these days, having both mild hybrids and sophisticated full two-mode drivetrains in production. Apparently, there’s work underway on a radical twin-engine system as well, proof of which can be seen by perusing this patent application.

Unlike any hybrid powertrain currently on the road, one of the engines in BMW’s split-hybrid technology remains completely dormant unless more power is needed than the first engine and electric motor combination can provide. The patent application specifies that each internal combustion engine would have two cylinders – a configuration that BMW has a great deal of experience in on the motorcycle side.

Like BMW’s current hybrid systems, the electric motor would be integrated into the transmission, and it seems that the two gasoline-fed engines are mounted together as one unit. We have no idea if the German automaker has plans to put such a system into production, but it’s obvious that it’s at least considering the possibility. Stay tuned.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Report: BMW working on twin-engine hybrid powertrain? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot, Electric

French automaker Peugeot will pull the wraps off a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts, the SR1 isn’t hallmarked by quirky, love-it-or-hate-it styling. Instead, we see a somewhat traditional long-hood, short-deck profile with some interesting details, such as the creased indentation in the doors that’s echoed in both the front and rear fascias. Also note the redesigned Lion logo, which we surmise will show up on all future Peugeots from here on out.

Power for the SR1 (which, of course, has nothing at all to do with the Corvette ZR1) comes courtesy of Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. Peugeot says that its all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2011 inside the 3008 crossover, with other models to closely follow.

Other concept-appropriate bits and pieces include a new removable plastic roof panel using technology that’s borrowed from the world of sailing, a three-seat layout with the third passenger behind the twin front seats and instrumentation that pairs futuristic crystal tubes displaying current fuel consumption and remaining range with a classic timepiece designed by Bell & Ross. Continuing the old versus new theme are black nickel and satin chrome trim with traditional wood and leather inlays.

With 313 combined horsepower, fuel mileage estimated at 57.7 mpg (European, 48 miles per gallon U.S.) and carbon emissions of just 119 grams per kilometer, the Peugeot SR1 ought to be a mean, green performer. Plus, its speed-sensitive four-wheel steering and lightweight structure should equal formidable handling prowess. Of course, we may never know for sure, as this car, though it apparently signals Peugeot’s new styling direction, is nothing more than a concept at this point.

[Source: Peugeot]

Geneva Preview: Peugeot SR1 concept trades quirk for the safe yet sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, India, Diesel

The Chicken Tax strikes again? When Indian automaker Mahindra first decided to sell its oft-delayed compact diesel pickups here in the United States, the company said it planned to assemble the trucks from knock-down kits imported from India as a way to avoid paying the 25 percent tariff on imported trucks. Later, that decision was repealed and the first Mahindra trucks that make it across the ocean will in fact be completely assembled in India.

At the time, Mahindra alluded to quality concerns as the reason the change was made, but that apparently doesn’t mean the decision is set in stone. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Mahindra has been in talks with Navistar – makers of heavy-duty trucks and diesel engines – to have the American company assemble its TR series of trucks here in America at Navistar-owned facilities.

Now that Ford is building its own diesel V8 engines for its line of Super Duty pickups, we’d imagine that Navistar will have a bit of latent manufacturing capability, which could equal a win/win scenario for both it and Mahindra. Further, the two companies have been involved in joint ventures in India since 2005. We’ll see how it all plays out soon enough, but in the meantime, the first Indian-built Mahindra pickups are scheduled to arrive within the next few months.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal via PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Mahindra pondering shacking up with Navistar to build pickups in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

Jeep is poised to release a trio of special edition vehicles next week at the Detroit Auto Show; two based on the iconic Wrangler platform and a third based on the Liberty. As much as we’d love to tell you about some amazing new powertrain option, that’s not happening – at least not yet. Instead, these three models are really just interesting themes on the same basic and well-known packages.

We’ll start with the Liberty Renegade, which will be positioned in between the Sport and Limited models. Included in the kit are painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels capped with all-terrain P235/70R16 tires along with dark neutral metallic wheel flares, side sills and fascia. The graphics package continues with Argent Silver on the lower fascia and roof rack plus Satin Black vinyl hood decals. Finally, the interior features new driftwood accent bezels.

On the Wrangler front, the first highlight is the $1,120 Islander package, which returns after a 20-plus-year absence. Unique touches include an optional Surf Blue Pearl Coat, an Islander “Tiki Bob” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates, black side steps and 17-inch Moab wheels shod with 32-inch tires. Tiki Bob makes an appearance inside too, embroidered on the seat backs.

Finally, the $1,820 Wrangler Mountain package is based on the S model and comes with a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates (different from the Islander’s coordinates, naturally) along with painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués. Other bits include tubular side steps, black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar. Interior improvements are made up of an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo” plus anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning rings.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image galleries of all three models below and then hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade

Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials, Electric

We seem to know nearly everything there is to know about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Well, everything but one of the most important pieces of its environmentally friendly puzzle, that is: How much will it cost? Predictions vary widely, with the $40,000 mark widely bandied about as a likely target – though whether or not that figure arrives before or after a federal $7,500 tax credit is complete speculation. For its part, General Motors has said it won’t set final pricing until late 2010.

Throwing a wrench into the Volt-price-guessing works is none other than GM’s own head of global program management, Jon Lauckner, who has reportedly told The Wall Street Journal that the extended-range electric vehicle could hit the market for well under that preconceived $40K level. Fortunately, “We have until this summer to figure that out,” he said. Perhaps we can create ourselves a Price is Right-style contest?

The notion that GM may launch the Volt earlier than initially planned – possibly as early as this upcoming summer or fall, well before the expected launch in November – is also reportedly being discussed by GM’s top brass. Regardless of when the first few units hit the market, don’t expect to see a national launch outside of a few carefully selected regions until well into 2011. Thanks for the tip, Berto!

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Report: GM’s Lauckner says Volt could cost under $40,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, Diesel

If you want to maximize you fuel efficiency in the city, your best bet is probably a hybrid. On the flip side of the coin, if you do most of your driving on the open road, diesel engines tend to be much more economical than their gasoline-powered siblings. What if you could combine the two, though, and end up with the best of both worlds?

While it would hardly be the first automaker to embark down that path, Autocar is reporting that General Motors is working on a diesel hybrid powertrain that could see production in various Opel and Vauxhall models (such as the Astra and Insignia) sometime after 2012. Sounds good, right? Of course, there are problems to work out.

One thing that’s holding all major automakers back from diesel hybrids are both development and production costs, which can be substantial since both diesels and hybrids already carry a premium over gasoline-burning engines. Maurizio Cisternino, GM of Europe’s advanced technology chief engineer, has reportedly told the UK publication that the automaker is aiming for a premium of 1,000 euros (£880 or about $1,400 U.S. at current exchange rates) for the diesel hybrid over traditional hybrids, something that would be quite an achievement.

If the hybrid powertrain does come to fruition, expect it to be paired with GM’s upcoming 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder, a special version of which is said to be prepared with computer controls that are compatible with The General’s hybrid systems. It’s also possible that a diesel engine will at some point be coupled to the automaker’s Voltec powertrain as seen in the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: General Motors working on diesel hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

Mouse over the clock in the lower right-hand corner of your PC. Alternatively, if you’re a Mac user, look at the little iCal widget down at the bottom of your screen. Whoa, look at that! It’s 2010. January 6th, to be exact. And that means the final sales tallies of all automakers for the year-that-was are in. As you may have noticed yesterday, none but Subaru, Kia and Hyundai are likely to be entirely pleased with their YTD performances, falling as they did compared to sales in 2008.

Wouldn’t you know, though, that not one of those three upwardly trending automakers earned a single spot on the Top 10 Best Selling Vehicles chart? To see a Korean automobile on the list, you need to expand the search to the Top 17. This fact reminds us yet again that by and large the American population tends to be a rather predictable bunch.

Think you can guess what the best-selling vehicle of 2009 was? We won’t lie… you probably can. In fact, it’s been the same vehicle for the past 28 years straight. Want to know what it is? Find out, along with the rest of the Top 20, after the jump.

[Source: Examiner.com]

Continue reading Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009

Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Aston Martin, Rumormill, Electric, Luxury

Are hybrid drivetrains befitting of a premium luxury and performance brand? Well, that depends on who you ask. According to such diverse automakers as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce and even Ferrari and Lamborghini, the answer is ‘yes’. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, though, reportedly believes otherwise. “The current hybrid technologies are not suited to the character of Aston Martin sports cars,” explains Bez.

We’re not so sure we agree, especially since Aston’s long-planned Lagonda revival – which may or may not come wrapped in an ungainly SUV package – is rumored to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. After all, the torque-rich nature of electric motors certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing for a luxury tourer.

A few branches up on the green tree, Aston Martin’s tiny Toyota iQ-based Cygnet minicar could quite possibly get a fully electric drivetrain, which would seem to make sense given that car’s stated mission as an urban runabout for those times when a V12 Vanquish could be considered overkill. Beautiful, sonorous, splendid overkill…

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Aston Martin could build hybrid Lagonda, all-electric Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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