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hatchbacks, automotive blogs
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan
Click above for high-res gallery of the US-market Cube. Click here for the JDM car.
Here it is. It's "tomorrow" in Japan, and Nissan has unleashed the motherlode of new Nissan Cube photos - including three showing the U.S.-Spec version that'll be rolled out at the LA Auto Show tomorrow. There's no accompanying press release at the moment, but the Japanese media is running their stories as we speak. JDM Cubes are equipped with a 107-hp/109 lb-ft 1.5L four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. We'll get a different engine with more power that should deliver fuel economy in the Versa neighborhood. More on that tomorrow from our team in LA.
The three shots of the U.S.-market bodywork show, as expected, the reverse of the JDM car. Kudos to Nissan for doing a second body for left-hand drive markets. Inside, the simple appointments of the current Cube are updated with better shapes and, hopefully, a bigger, more upscale mix of materials. The bench seat returns in the JDM car, and there's no reason to believe we won't see it here as well. A water-droplet theme introduced in that silly teaser video we showed you last week is present in the cupholders and also available as ceiling trim inside the passenger compartment. Check out the galleries below for photos of just about everything, including the Japan-specific Lifecare (disabled access) and Autech Rider versions.
Come back tomorrow, when the gang in LA will deliver live coverage of the U.S. car's debut. We liked the JDM version, and we're really looking forward to trying out the Cube again now that it's been engineered for our market's needs.
Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube (JDM)
Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)
[Source: Nissan]
Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Car Buying, Trends, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Chrysler, LLC.
Here's an interesting way to clear some unwanted inventory: offer a crazy-sounding deal on two new cars, like buy one car and get the second for just $1. That's the pitch at a suburban Chicago Chrysler dealership that promises a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser demo car for just $1 if you happen to purchase one of their five remaining 2008 Chrysler Pacificas. That's practically a 2-for-1 deal and would give buyers two options for family hauling duty. The lame-duck Pacificas in stock range in price from $37,000 to $40,000 and can carry six passengers and their stuff in floaty luxury. The PT, on the other hand, offers a more frugal option for up to five passengers. Dealer Frank Mancari started the deal on Saturday at his Oak Lawn dealership to increase showroom traffic. Once all of the vehicles are sold, however, that's it. We bet more than one person will walk in and tell the dealer he can keep his PT Cruiser, they'll take the Pacifica with a $15,000 discount instead. Who are we kidding, Chrysler doesn't even want these cars anymore. Thanks for the tip, Dave![Source: Chicago Breaking News]
Buy a Pacifica, get a PT Cruiser for a buck! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Green, Hatchbacks, BMW, MINI
Click above for high-res image gallery of the MINI E
BMW board member Dr. Friederich Eichiner unveiled the first MINI E this afternoon at a press event in Beverly Hills, California. The company has built 500 of the battery-powered cars that will be leased to customers in Southern California and the New York City area starting in January. Each car is equipped with electric drive systems and battery packs provided by California's AC Propulsion. The 35 kWh packs are expected to provide a range of about 125-150 miles on a charge and accelerate the car to 60 mph in an very reasonable 8.5 seconds. BMW is using the MINI E as the first step of its Project I, which is focused on developing new innovations for urban mobility. A web site will be launched in the next couple of days where people will be able to officially apply for the program. For those who get selected, the MINI E lease will cost $850 /month and only last one year. Check out ABG for more information on the car and what BMW is trying to achieve with it.
Gallery: MINI E reveal LIVE
[Source: AutoblogGreen]
LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E in Beverly Hills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan
Click above for a photo gallery of the JDM Cube in the wild
The redesigned 2010 Nissan Cube will be unveiled in the U.S. tomorrow at the LA Auto Show, but Nissan's boxy little wagon is already making its way to Japanese showrooms, as evidenced by these shots of a transporter loaded with them. What you see here is what you'll see in LA tomorrow, only with one major difference: we'll get a reversed version of the car's asymmetrical layout. Stay tuned.
Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Spy Shots (JDM)
[Source: Newcar-News via TTAC, Motive]
2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Car Buying, Coupes, Economy, Tech, Hatchbacks, Audi
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi S3 Sportback
Audi's five-door S3 and its Sportback sibling will now be able to benefit from the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Mated to the 2.0-liter TSFI, you'll seamlessly shift from first all the way to sixth, with 265 hp on tap and 258 lb-ft. available from just 2,500 rpm. You'll also get even better gas mileage, with both cars registering 28 mpg, not to mention hitting sixty two-tenths of a second faster than would with a manual: 5.5 or 5.6 seconds depending on whether you're piloting the three- or five-door. The DCT is available now, and for better gas mileage, quicker shifts, and a quicker car... why wouldn't you?
Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback
Continue reading Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies
Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Economy, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Chrysler, LLC., Chery
It may be time to stop holding your breath. The planned deal between Chrysler LLC and the Chery Automobile Company to bring a Chrysler-badged Chery to our shores seems to be completely over... no, really this time. While there was nothing inherently wrong with the concept of importing the small fuel-efficient cars to North America (even if there were near insurmountable obstacles to overcome in the area of safety and emission standards), both companies have been crushed by the economy. According to a former Chery executive, "I wouldn't place much hope on it... both companies have their own problems to deal with, and both have run out of money." As neither company ever offered a public timetable for the arrival of the cars after the initial announcement early last year, the news is unlikely to come as a surprise.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Chrysler's deal with Chery on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Contests, Hatchbacks, Opel, Vauxhall
Click above for high-res gallery of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia
Looks like there won't be much of a fiesta for Ford this year, as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has captured the 2009 European Car of the Year award by just one point over the hot little hatch with the big blue oval on its snout. Scoring 321 points to the Fiesta's 320, the Insignia claimed the victory with the bronze going to the Volkswagen Golf (223 points). It's the first win for Opel in 22 years, although the European branch of GM has scored four runner-up spots in the past. You might even say this is payback for Ford, which snatched the top prize from Opel in 2007 when the Ford S-Max nipped the Corsa by two points in the balloting. According to the jurors, the Insignia won this year based on its "artistry with German precision" good looks, active and passive safety features, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines including that 280-hp turbo V6. Options such as the Opel Eye that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting were also cited. Hopefully this car will eventually show up Stateside as the next Saturn Aura. Thanks for the tip, everyone!
Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia
[Source: Car of the Year]
Opel/Vauxhall Insignia wins European Car of the Year by single point originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Tuners, Euro, Hatchbacks, FIAT
Click above for high-res shots of the Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
Another day, another Fiat 500 variant that we Americans can drool over knowing we can't get it here in the States. This one is special, though, as it was designed to commemorate Karl Abarth's 100th (born on November 15, 1908) birthday. Not just a styling exercise, the 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" tribute comes with an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration to sixty takes just 7.3 seconds, helped along by shortened gear ratios while its top speed is now 131 miles per hour. Suspension bits are revised as well, with lowered springs and new 17-inch alloys fitted with low-profile Pirelli PZero Neros.
We're loving the looks of the '100, which is blessed with Nuvolari Grey paint along with special silver side stripes and chrome-plated badges and side mirrors. Inside, that color scheme is repeated in leather with contrasting stitching - proving once again that the Italians will always have that innate sense of style. If you want one, better get your name on the list now, as Fiat's only planning to build 101 of the unique 500s.
Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
[Source: Carscoop]
Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Economy, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hatchbacks, Ford, Earnings/Financials
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta
With all the news surrounding General Motors and Chrysler's slicing and dicing to profitability, it's a breath of fresh air to hear that Ford is taking a different tack. The Blue Oval is betting the farm on new models that will lure consumers into showrooms rather than reworking existing models and cutting back development spending.
Speaking with the Detroit News, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said, "We're only going to be in business if we create products that people really do want and value. This is the essence of creating a viable Ford."
Part of the automaker's plan is to invest in the development of small cars in the U.S. and to make those models as profitable as their European counterparts. The recently renegotiated contracts with the UAW should help, but offering the features U.S. consumers crave in a small, inexpensive packages could prove difficult. And new products are only part of the solution.
Ford plans to cut back on advertising spending, reduce salaried payroll by 10% and cut executive bonuses to net between $8-9 billion. All that, along with asset sales and working with Ford Credit, could bring things back into the black (hopefully) and more compelling products have to be part of the plan.
Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta
[Source: Detroit News]
Ford isn't killing models to save money originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: China, Hatchbacks, UK
Nanjing is still hanging IV bags on the battered carcass of MG, and there's a new hatchback model coming for 2010 that the automaker hopes will breathe new life into the the brand. Based on SAIC's Roewe 550, the new hatchback is about the size of a Euro Focus, and will reportedly be built at the historical MG home of Longbridge, in the UK. The car looks a little flashier than the Roewe version, and engineers from Ricardo are lending development expertise to make sure the suspension settings are all that they should be. Inside, there's a BMW-esque instrument panel, and underhood will be a 1.8-liter four cylinder, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. With the flurry of new activity at MG -- there's the MG TF and ZS, as well as more models coming soon -- color may be returning to the cheeks of a brand once thought as good as dead.
[Source: Auto Express]
MG hatchback pictures surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Euro, Hatchbacks, SEAT
Click either image for hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Linea R
Volkswagen makes some pretty enticing hot hatches, but as we discovered when driving the Leon Cupra, sister-brand SEAT is where it's at. The Spanish subsidiary's hot hatches typically offer more power for less money in a more exciting package than their German counterparts. Now SEAT has widened the gap - on that last category, at least - with a new package for the Golf-based Leon.
Called the Linea R, this newest variant draws inspiration from SEAT's championship-winning touring cars, and you can plainly see the association with the gaping air intakes cut into the body like an 80's slasher flick. The package also includes up-rated brakes, 225/40 R18 rubber and revised aero trim, plus a unique central grille, chrome mirror casings and the requisite boxful of badges. The interior is treated to some sporty touches as well, and the Linea R package is available with a range of powerful engines, including a 170hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 1.8-liter 160hp and 2.0-liter 200hp gas-burning turbo fours. The GTI's hot Spanish cousin just got that much hotter, evident in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.
Gallery: SEAT Leon Linea R
[Source: SEAT]
Continue reading ¡Ay Mamacita! SEAT Leon Linea R
¡Ay Mamacita! SEAT Leon Linea R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Videos, Hatchbacks, Nissan
Click above to view video after the jump
Go figure. Nissan's playing the debut of the revised and now U.S.-bound Cube very, very close to the vest. We say this because there are photos of the new 370Z all over the place -- released by Nissan, no less. The Cube? Not so much. We posted leaked imagery, and were subsequently forced to pull them down, so we know they were accurate. (No worries, scraped copies of that post are all over the web. Click away.) Aside from that, the only other views of the redesigned Cube came courtesy of Tomica's new die-cast. So it was with excitement that we opened this new Cube teaser video released by Nissan (view after the jump), only to find that it shows absolutely nothing except the logo. We're waiting like everyone else for the car's debut next week at the LA Auto Show. In the interim, you can pass the time by reading our review of the current JDM model.
Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast
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Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing
New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Subaru
Click any image for a high-res gallery
Even though our lust for Japan's forbidden fruit has been sated by three generations of the Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO - and now, the Nissan GT-R - one guilty pleasure is still out of reach. The Subaru Forester STI has always held a special place in our hearts, combining a healthy dose of practicality with a dash of rally-bred performance, and that's carried over to the Forester XTI concept. Packing the WRX STI's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder putting out 315 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, a cat-back exhaust, reworked suspension, STI wheels and a deep red/black paint job, the Forester XTI is begging to go into production. Here's hoping Subaru wises up and gives it the green light.
Joining the Forester on the show stand is a five-door 2009 WRX tweaked by Subaru Performance Tuning (left) with a cat-back exhaust, short-throw shifter, OZ Botticelli III 19-inch wheels, a lower chassis brace and strut tower brace. The 2.5-liter four has gotten a 10-hp boost in output (from 265 to 275 hp) and an additional seven lb-ft of torque, and sitting beside that guy is the STI that's making its big screen debut in the next installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.
Gallery: SEMA 2008: Subaru Forester XTI, SPT WRX, 4F4F STI
SEMA 2008: Subaru trots out Forester XTI concept and tweaked WRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Economy, Hatchbacks, Honda
Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda Fit Sport by Mugen
The 2009 Honda Fit Sport will soon be able to shop at the Mugen outlet store thanks to a host of Mugen accessories that were announced today at SEMA. They include a front grille and spoiler, side skirts and rear spoiler, new wheels, and inside you can have Mugen-branded mats and rearview mirrors. We'll take that Mugen shifter and install it in any car, thank you very much. If you want to buy the whole car you see above, just ask for the "Exciting Fit". Really. And while you wait for delivery, go ahead and get excited by the high-res images in the gallery below.
Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mugen Honda Fit
Continue reading SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport
SEMA 2008: Mugen kits the Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Nissan, Toys
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Click above for a gallery of Tomica's new Nissan Cube die-cast
Thanks to alert reader Galvin, we can verify that the 2009 Nissan Cube images we published back in September and (rolls eyes) were subsequently ordered to pull down are indeed accurate. The source? eBay -- in auctions for Tomica's new Matchbox-sized die-cast of the car. As you can see here, the toy shows off the restyled front and rear ends, as well as the roof details of cars equipped with panoramic glass (as seen on the early leaked image of the JDM car). Now, Tomica's a Japanese toy company, so the die-cast shows the JDM config. That asymmetric bodywork is reversed on the USDM car. Oh, and while we were forced to remove the shots we originally posted of the new Cube, you can still check them out at any of the dozens of sites that scrape Autoblog's web feed and repost it verbatim, photos included. Have a look and compare them to the toy gallery below. That's what's heading to L.A. later this month.
Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast
[Source: eBay]
Tomica die-cast verifies new Nissan Cube styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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