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Video: Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Honda, Australia, Off-Road, Racing 
Honda took a Mugen-powered Jazz (better known as the the Fit here in the U.S.), sent it to Italy to be engineered for rallying by JAS of Milan, then flew it to Australia to be prepared for Oz's 2012 rally series. Honda's been competing in the series with Civic Type R racers for the last two years, but this year, it decided to press the Fit into service for G2 class spec.
Up front is a 245-horsepower Mugen powerplant with 142 pound-feet of torque. Honda says this "may well be the fastest Jazz in the world," and it will start challenging the six rounds of this year's championship in March with driver Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston. You can read about it in the press release and watch it kick up dirt in the video after the jump.Continue reading Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Geneva: Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Design/Style, Fiat 
When a carmaker announces a European-exclusive limited edition, we often feel upset. Sometimes we even get irate. And then there are the instances like this one when we just chuckle and nod.
Not that there's anything exactly wrong with the Fiat 500 "America." We're sure it drives just the same as a regular 500, since, of course, Fiat hasn't changed anything mechanical. It's just that we're not quite sold on the "Old Glory" livery, which doesn't exactly work for the U.S. market. Think about it: Here the car would likely be perceived as a patriotic statement at odds with the car's foreign nameplate.
Overseas, well, we're still not sure why an American-flag bedecked car that looks like it styled in the aisles of Pep Boys might be desirable, especially given the long-running European sentiment towards us ugly Americans ... but it's fashion, and who are we to argue with the Italians about that? That this is a numbered run of just 1,000 cars (500 two-doors and 500 convertibles) does mean that you won't encounter many others sporting the same side mirror covers, graphics, stickers and color-trimmed alloys or the red seats and contrasting white dashboard inside. Click past the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Customers paying more for Hyundai Elantra than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai 
According to research by Edmunds.com, the $19,711 average transaction price of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is besting that of its chief rivals, the Toyota Corolla by $1,500 and the new Honda Civic by $500. The great big cherry on top of that sundae for Hyundai? Elantra sales were up more than 40 percent last year.
The sales success of the Elantra wasn't much of a surprise even before the car went on sale, the transaction-price story is an eye-opener. We don't have a breakdown on model mix, but a base Elantra with a six-speed manual is $17,220 and the Limited is $21,320 (both prices include $725 destination). The Elantra's small-money options, like an iPod connector, match those of the competition, and even its three upmarket packages, two for the GLS and one for the Limited, contain features mostly available on the Corolla or Civic.
Point being, the Elantra doesn't have a single killer app to explain its position. But all of its touches - one extra gear on the manual, two extra on the automatic, its newness and its design, its competitive gas mileage and its rearview camera that can't be had on the competition, for instance, appear to be the cause. There's also the fact that dealers don't have to put much (if anything) on the hood since the factory still can't make enough of them to satisfy demand.
Nor is this only a tale of the Elantra; the Sonata has narrowed its average transaction price to within $900 of both Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. And according to Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, we aren't anywhere near the end of the company's aspirations: "We're in the middle of a very long journey." Indeed, even new Elantra itself hasn't reached top speed yet - a new Coupe and five-door GT are on the way to round out the family for 2013.Customers paying more for Hyundai Elantra than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Rumormill  Word has it Chrysler is looking to establish a base of operations in downtown Detroit in a move that would strengthen its "Imported from Detroit" image. The company is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a short hike from downtown proper, but reports say the automaker has signed a lease for 20,000 square feet in the Motor City. (There's no indication that Chrysler is contemplating moving its headquarters and the space on offer wouldn't be enough to do so anyhow). Despite this, according to a bit of rumormongering in Crain's Detroit Business, Chrysler will set up camp in downtown's Dime Building, but not before unleashing an impressive renovation on the structure.
That's not all there is to the story, however. You see, the Dime Building is owned by none other than Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and majority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilbert was one of a handful of individuals who came together to purchase the $225 million loan against Chrysler World Headquarters back in 2010. Rumors immediately began circulating that Gilbert used his position with the headquarters loan to coerce Chrysler, and more importantly, CEO Sergio Marchionne, into leasing the Dime Building instead of alternative locations within the city. Gilbert, who has been on a real estate binge as of late, is said to be the third largest land owner in Detroit behind General Motors and the city itself.
Quicken Loans has since stated the Dime deal was the result of little more than a strong pitch and Chrysler has also denied any behind-the-scenes influence on the decision.Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Teased: Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Toyota 
Toyota has let slip a few additional teasers for the company's FT-Bh concept headed to the Geneva Motor Show in March. As you may recall, the vehicle is an engineering study designed to evaluate what kind of emission reductions can be accomplished in the city car segment without resorting to exotic materials or science-fiction drivetrains. Toyota says the concept emits around 50 percent less CO2 than your run-of-the-mill supermini thanks in part to the fact that it tips the scales at a feathery 1,763 pounds.
The hybrid's aerodynamic shape and efficient powertrain also contribute to the reduction. While the FT-Bh isn't headed to production any time soon, there's a good chance some of the vehicle's tricks may show up on consumer models in the near future. Hit the jump to check out a short teaser video and the press release, and be sure to stay tuned for our live Geneva Motor Show coverage.Continue reading Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Racing 
Dodge, or rather SRT (we're still getting used to it being its own brand), has been busy teasing us with the new Viper that will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, but that doesn't mean it's completely done flaunting the performance capabilities of the old model. Only a few short months ago, SRT released a video of the Viper ACR reclaiming the lap record at the Nürburgring for a production car with a time of 7:12.13, taking the title away from the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition.
Now the Viper Club of America has released a new video of the race-only Viper ACR-X tackling the Green Hell, and the result is even more impressive. The V10-powered spec racer lapped the circuit in just 7:03.058, more than nine seconds quicker than its roadgoing brother. It makes us wonder when we'll start seeing six-minute lap times at the Nürburgring.
You can see a video of the impressive lap after the jump, including real-time stats like g-force and downforce included in the footage.Continue reading SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
First Drive: 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, First Drives, Luxury A Soft Top Worthy Of The Best 911 Ever
Gran Canaria is a volcanic nexus of disconnected associations, a bit of everything from a bit of everywhere. Geographically and geologically, this third largest of the Canary Islands belongs to Africa. Climatologically, it belongs to the Macaronesia Ecoregion. Its name is said to have come from an ancient Mauritanian king who, according to Pliny the Elder, named it Islas Canarias - Island of the Dogs - because of the numerous canines upon it. Politically, Gran Canaria belongs to Spain, which is why the tallest mountain in Spain is on neighboring island Tenerife. Linguistically, however, the Canarios dialect can be challenging for Spanish speakers to understand.
The island occupies just 600 square miles, but it's otherwise all over the map. Yet it shares one crucial thing with the 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet that we flew there to drive: purpose. You have to want to get to Gran Canaria - it doesn't just happen.
Such is the case with Porsche's latest top-dollar droptop - neither luck nor accident could have created it; the men responsible wanted this very car. The 991 Cabriolet is the sum of 30 years of 911 convertibles, and for proof of purpose, you need only know that a team of engineers has been devoted to the roof - and just the roof - on this car since 2004. For that effort they would like that their creation, and the car beneath it, earn the same the accolade bestowed on the hardtop for three months now: the best ever.
It is. But there's more to it than a little extra fabric...Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Honda 
Honda is recalling some of its previous-generation Odyssey minivans due to potentially faulty gas-filled struts on vehicles equipped with a power rear liftgate. A total of 45,747 vehicles are affected by this recall, all of which are from the 2008 and 2009 model years.
According to the official release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the faulty struts in these vehicles are prone to early life failures due to a "manufacturing flaw" (that's as specific as it gets), an issue that can result in the leak of pressurized gas. These struts aid in opening and closing the power liftgate, and if there isn't enough pressurized gas in the strut, performance can be diminished and can lead to unexpected liftgate closure, potentially causing an injury.
Honda will notify its owners beginning in mid-March, and dealers will replace both gas struts free of charge. For the full details, follow the jump to read NHTSA's report.Continue reading Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Breaking: Striking Viking: Volvo V40 slips out on Facebook ahead of Geneva Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volvo 
Some automakers try their damnedest to keep their new products under wraps until they're good and ready to show it to the world. (And of those, some succeed more than others.) Others, meanwhile, steadily leak out photos and details - through official channels or back ones - to keep us hooked. We're not quite sure which approach Volvo meant to take with its all-new V40, but we do know we've seen more of this car that's yet to be released than we've seen of others that have. This, however, is our best look at the new Swedish hatch yet.
Ostensibly, this new V40 could replace the C30 hatchback, S40 sedan and V50 wagon in one fell swoop, but we probably won't know more until the Geneva Motor Show. These leaked images come courtesy of the Facebook page of Motoryzacyjny - a Polish car mag whose name this blogger, for all his Eastern European shtetl roots, can't pronounce any better than the rest of you - and it shows us what appears to be a rather shapely sports hatch that aims to give the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series a run for their money.
Of course, since the range has not yet been officially launched, we've yet to receive word on whether the V40 will make the transatlantic voyage forged by its Viking ancestors to the New World in which we live, but one can hope. One can certainly hope.Striking Viking: Volvo V40 slips out on Facebook ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Official: Bugatti presents new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for Geneva debut Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti 
You've seen the Grand Sport. You've seen the Super Sport. Now meet the Super Grand Sport.
Actually, Bugatti calls its latest version of the Veyron the Vitesse - French for "speed" - but it is essentially a combination of the best traits of the Grand Sport and Super Sport models. The Grand Sport, as you may recall, is the convertible (or targa) version of the Alsatian supercar, while the Super Sport is the more powerful, record-breaking version.
As expected, Molsheim has taken the 1,200-horsepower version of the Veyron's engine - all eight liters, sixteen cylinders, four turbochargers and (while we're counting) ten radiators of it - from the Super Sport and combined it with the open-top body-style of the Grand Sport. The result is what Bugatti calls (and we have every reason to believe is indeed) the most powerful production roadster of all time, and with time, it will undoubtedly prove the fastest too.
In the meantime, Bugatti plans to unveil its newest seven-figure model at the rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show, but you can check it out now in the pair of high-resolution images below and the press release after the jump.Continue reading Bugatti presents new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for Geneva debut Bugatti presents new Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: GM, Peugeot in "advanced alliance talks" Filed under: Europe, GM, Renault, Opel, Citroën, UK 
Automotive News is reporting that stories in two other papers, France's La Tribune and England's The Financial Times, assert that General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën are "in advanced talks about an alliance." Neither maker would comment on the stories, but it has been well documented that both are looking to turn around their European operations. Peugeot's parent announced 6,000 job cuts late last year and the immediate cessation of Le Mans racing this year. Opel lost hundreds of millions last year and took on a new CEO with a near-vertical climb ahead based on the prognosis for the European market.
If the talks are concluded in the way reports indicate, Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot would cooperate on projects from developing engines and transmissions to complete models that each could sell. Peugeot already has partnerships with several other automakers, but none are as involved as this one could potentially be. It's understood that no shares in either company would change hands, but a partnership this intense would still require the approval of the Peugeot family.
We wonder if Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot can do together what each can't seem to achieve alone. Sure, Opel could lower its development costs and with a joint model Peugeot could gain less expensive access to wider markets, but can the two different cultures create cars that would serve their respective brands? Suggestions are that talks are far enough along that an agreement, if achieved, could be announced at the Geneva Motor Show next month.GM, Peugeot in "advanced alliance talks" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Official: Jeep bringing pair of black and white "production-intent" concepts to Geneva Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Jeep 
We may think of Jeep as an American brand - and indeed it is - but of all the Chrysler divisions that have come and gone over the years, Jeep is arguably the best established. So when the doors open in a couple of weeks at the Geneva Motor Show, the iconic off-road brand will have a few new model variants to show potential European customers.
First up is the unique Grand Cherokee pictured above. Labeled a "production-intent sports concept," it's similar to the black example released in Houston and Washington late last month, but instead of the Darth Vader look, Jeep has taken more of a Storm Trooper approach with the European version, and also fitted it with the 3.0-liter common-rail diesel V6 with Multijet II technology borrowed from corporate cousin Fiat.
The murdered-out look is reserved here for the special Compass, also dubbed "production-intent." With the grille, lighting surrounds, roof rails and 18-inch wheels all blacked out, the smaller of Jeeps has a sinister look.
Finally, Jeep is using the occasion of the Swiss expo for the European launch of the Wrangler Mountain edition, which mirrors the version already available Stateside with a black hood and fuel cap, dark grey wheels and grille and five color choices including the bright green pictured. Follow the jump for full details and scope out the high-res images in the gallery for a closer look.Continue reading Jeep bringing pair of black and white "production-intent" concepts to Geneva Jeep bringing pair of black and white "production-intent" concepts to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Hertz urges government to oversee rental car recalls Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety 
In the rental car industry, if a vehicle is on the lot it isn't making any money. The same is true for any vehicle in the shop for repairs, including vehicles that are recalled by automakers. That has created a bit of a conundrum for rental car companies, and the drive for profits can lead to vehicles getting rented that should be getting repaired.
The Detroit Bureau reports that Hertz is trying to change that. In fact, Hertz has taken the drastic step of asking the government to enact new regulations to place a priority on getting recalled vehicles repaired as soon as possible. Hertz has had to take this step because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently has no authority over the industry. NHTSA has been watching the rental car companies from afar since a 2010 accident that occurred as a result of a vehicle defect that didn't get repaired because of rental demand.
The Hertz pitch may just work, as a pair of high-ranking legislatures will reportedly introduce legislation to regulate the rental car industry. It makes sense that Hertz is looking to level the playing field, since the rental company already has a policy in place that stipulates that recalled vehicles must be fixed before being rented out.Hertz urges government to oversee rental car recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Teased: ItalDesign Giugiaro hints at Geneva-bound Volkswagen concept Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen  An auto salon like the Geneva Motor Show isn't just a chance for automakers to show off their latest production and concept cars, but also for stoic design houses to shape the state of automotive design. So with Pininfarina, Bertone and Carrozzeria Touring all having released glimpses of the designs they will be unveiling this year at the Palexpo, so has ItalDesign Giugiaro.
As you can see, there's not much we can tell from this detail rendering, but what it does tell us is that the concept in question will be high-performance in orientation. Or at least look the part, anyway - minivans, hybrids and city cars seldom call for big air intakes like this one.
While formerly an independent design house, these days ItalDesign is owned by Volkswagen. Its last couple of designs - the Tex and the Go! - have both worn VW badges on the nose, so we'd expect this year's to sport one as well, although another brand in the group could get the action this time. What we wouldn't expect is for the show car to presage any specific production vehicle as much as outline a styling ethos for the German automaker. Watch this space for more.ItalDesign Giugiaro hints at Geneva-bound Volkswagen concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Official: Volvo and Polestar release new S60 TTA touring car Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Europe, Volvo, Racing 
Volvo may not be the first name you'd think of in racing, but it stands as a dominant force in European touring cars. Before stepping up to the World Touring Car Championship last year, Volvo and its partner Polestar Racing had come to dominate the Swedish Touring Car Championship. While that series has since expanded to all of Scandinavia, Volvo made other plans in switching over to the TTA Racing Elite League. And this is the car with which it will be contesting the new series.
Rather than field the same C30 touring car which Volvo and Polestar had fielded in the STCC and WTCC, the TTA racer revealed here is based (or at least looks like) the S60 sedan. Under that carbon fiber body sits a 420-horsepower V6 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox and boosted by a similar KERS regenerative braking system as employed in Formula One.
The livery has yet to be finalized, so for now Polestar has decked the S60 TTA out in the same shade of baby blue that makes its other touring cars, that 450-horsepower all-wheel-drive C30 prototype and for that matter the Alonso-era Renault F1 cars so perplexingly devious. Click the image above to view in high resolution and follow the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Volvo and Polestar release new S60 TTA touring car Volvo and Polestar release new S60 TTA touring car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Watch as Hot Rod goes from El Paso to LA the hard way Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Pontiac, Humor 
There are few things simultaneously more romantic and idiotic than taking a road trip in a beaten-down heap of a car. Trust us. We know. David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan of Hot Rod Magazine fame recently undertook an epic trip from El Paso, Texas to Los Angeles with the express goal of doing so for under $1,500, including the purchase price of a vehicle, food, lodging, repairs and, most importantly, fuel. With this in mind, the duo settled on a 1972 Pontiac Catalina for a lofty $650. Hilarity ensues.
Realizing that no one actually wants a Catalina sulking around the shop, Freiburger and Finnegan put the car up for auction on eBay Motors the instant they had the title in hand. By the time they rolled into Hot Rod HQ, the vehicle sold for a little over $500.
The video is part of a new series called Roadkill that should document similar adventures. Keep your eyes peeled for more calamity-soaked clips in the near future. In the meantime, hit the jump to check it out yourself.Continue reading Watch as Hot Rod goes from El Paso to LA the hard way Watch as Hot Rod goes from El Paso to LA the hard way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Chrysler's Clint Eastwood ad named top Super Bowl car commercial [w/video] Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Celebrities 
It's been seen by millions of viewers on television and the internet, it's been run through the political wringer on both sides of the aisle and it's been parodied by the comedians at Saturday Night Live. And, according to YouTube, Chrysler's "It's Halftime in America" ad staring Clint Eastwood has been named the top Super Bowl car commercial of 2012.
For those keeping track of such things, Chrysler's commercial has over 10.5 million views on YouTube, though we do feel the need to remind everyone that the video was unavailable for a few hours the morning after the Big Game, which we'd imagine is one of the highest traffic times for such advertisements.
The only other commercial from an automotive company that made YouTube's top five Super Bowl commercials was "2012" from General Motors - itself controversial due to Ford's attempted cease-and-desist request before it aired on the worldwide stage.
The number one ad, you ask? That would be M&M's "Just My Shell" commercial. Guess there really is no accounting for taste... we prefer our M&Ms to be green, just like everyone else. Feel free to watch Chrysler's winning ad one more time after the break.Continue reading Chrysler's Clint Eastwood ad named top Super Bowl car commercial [w/video] Chrysler's Clint Eastwood ad named top Super Bowl car commercial [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: 2013 Lexus ES shows up undisguised in China Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury 
The car in the image above may bear a striking resemblance to the 2013 Lexus GS, but take a second look - that's actually the next-generation ES, despite its shockingly similar appearance. It's no secret that Lexus' new hourglass grille is quickly spreading across its entire model range (check out the recently unveiled 2013 LX 570 for reference), and while the ES looks fashionably familiar, there are a few new touches to note:
Underneath, the headlamps we can clearly see a row of LED running lights, similar to what's found on the GS... and IS... and CT. Around back, there's a similar resemblance to the larger GS, though the lines are a bit more sedate - a good thing, as the ES shopper tends to be a little more conservative than folks opting for the rear-wheel-drive GS. Chinese site Autohome got its hands on some interior photos, too, and - surprise, surprise - there's a whole lot of GS in the reworked cabin as well, with a two-tiered dash featuring large navigation/infotainment screen up top.
The car Autohome caught is the ES 250 model, which suggests that Lexus' 2.5-liter V6 is underhood - the same engine available in the GS 250 in other markets. Here in the United States, the ES will still likely be available with the automaker's 3.5-liter V6, though earlier reports have suggested that a new hybrid model could also be in the cards.2013 Lexus ES shows up undisguised in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Study: Buyers holding onto new cars for nearly six years - longer than ever before Filed under: Car Buying, Etc. 
If you're still driving that 2006 Ford Fusion you bought new, apparently you are not alone. Automotive data provider Polk says that the average new car buyer is now holding on to his vehicle for a whopping 71 months - almost six years. Used vehicles are being held for over four years, almost 50 months, according to the new study.
Polk based its findings on vehicle registration data through September 2011, concluding that longer warranties, better reliability, and of course, a miserable economy, have contributed to the shift. By comparison, just five years ago Polk showed new car buyers swapping out after just 53 months - a year and a half earlier.
This latest study reflects what we heard from Polk last month, that the average age of vehicles on the road has hit a record high. We might even see consumers further stretch this number, as Polk's analysts are not forecasting a return to the magic 16-million-units sales level until 2015. For the carmakers this represents more than just a simple make-your-numbers sales challenge, says Polk, because the longer people keep their vehicles the less brand loyal they become.
To read the full release, click through the jump.Continue reading Buyers holding onto new cars for nearly six years - longer than ever before Buyers holding onto new cars for nearly six years - longer than ever before originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Official: Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford 
Let's clear the air. This is not - we repeat, not - the Ford E-Series-replacing Transit that will be built and sold in the United States next year. According to our contacts at Ford, this Tourneo Custom Concept previews what the next generation of front-wheel-drive, passenger-friendly Transits will look like when they go on sale in Europe and other world markets. The North American-spec van will be based off of the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive Transit that's set to debut later this year.
So, let's talk Tourneo. This eight-passenger van is essentially Ford's answer to vehicles like the Renault Trafic or Volkswagen Caravelle - more butch than a minivan, with a higher ride height and more interior space. Ford says that the Tourneo Concept boasts a rich, comfortable, leather-trimmed interior with seats that can be rearranged into a number of different configurations.
Ford has only released this one image as of now, but it's clear that the automaker's Kinetic design has found a home on even its largest vehicles. Up front is the Blue Oval's signature trapezoidal grille, and strong profile lines on the sides swoop upward toward the rear in an effort to make this barn-on-wheels look as fluid and sleek as possible. Under the hood, a range of 2.2-liter turbo-diesel powertrains are available, in 98-, 123- and 153-horsepower variants, all of which are mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
We'll see the Tourneo in person in just a few weeks at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. As for the U.S.-spec Transit, it'll be a while before that officially breaks cover. Hit the jump for all of the juicy Tourneo Concept details in Ford's press release.Continue reading Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover Ford Tourneo Custom Concept previews new European people mover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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