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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Ford, Mercury
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion
At the preview for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Frank Davis, Executive Director of North American Product Programs described Ford's goal as combingin best-in-class fuel economy with a much bolder appearance. The mid-size C/D segment in which the Fusion competes is the second largest in the U.S. market, accounting for 2.1 million vehicles last year including the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and Ford wants a bigger piece of it. The updated 2010 Fusion is technically a mid-cycle refresh, but it's much more than your typical face-lift. Three years after the Fusion and its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ siblings debuted, Ford has given them a major stylistic overhaul fore and aft of the doors and inside the cabin. Its powertrains have also gone through a modernization program, which we already told you about a couple of weeks ago, so we'll skip over that here except to remind you that the 2010 Fusion can be had with a new hybrid drivetrain and a 3.5L V6 Sport model. Find out about the rest of what's new after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport
Continue reading LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion
LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Mercury
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Mercury Milan
We'll spare you from going over the laundry list of changes for the new 2010 Mercury Milan since you've already read about them in the post above on the 2010 Ford Fusion. Both cars share a lot in common, so instead we'll tell you what's different between them. The 2010 Milan gets its own redesign that includes new front and rear fascias, which we see as big improvements over the current model that further separates, at least visually, the Mercury from its Blue Oval brother. The Milan also only gets two gas engine options compared to the Fusion's three. Buyers can order up the new 2.5L four-cylinder that produces 175 hp or the upgraded 3.0L V6 that makes 240 horsepower. Unfortunately, Ford's 3.5L V6 producing 265 horsepower is reserved exclusively for the Fusion Sport. There's also the new Milan Hybrid, which again is identical to the Fusion Hybrid in all but its looks and can drive up to 47 mph on all-electric power. Follow the jump for Mercury's official press release and peruse the gallery of high-res images in the gallery below. If you want our deeper analysis of the changes, check out our full post on the new Fusion.
Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
Continue reading LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan
LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Volvo
Just like the long-wheelbase Audi A4L that debuted in China yesterday, Volvo has just rolled out a longer S80 with an extended wheelbase designed to suit Chinese premium car buyers' tastes. Unlike the Audi, we have a profile shot to show the extra length of the Volvo S80L. Volvo entered the Chinese market with its locally built S40 in 2006. Now it has made the decision to produce this market-specific version of the brand's flagship sedan in China, as well. The S80L gets stretched a full 14 cm (5.5 inches), and all of that extra space goes into the rear seat area. You have to wonder if these longer versions will eventually make their way into other markets.
One additional note: While most of the commenters on the Audi A4L post spent their time arguing about racism, stereotypes, average heights and nutrition, we want this one to be all about the car. So just to be clear, nobody was saying that all Chinese people are looking for additional height. We're sorry if some of you thought that was implied in the post. In fact, Chinese people apparently want extra length... in their premium cars. Get your minds out of the gutter.
[Source: Volvo]
Continue reading Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market
Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Mazda
Click above for three high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazda3
Mazda has let loose a few more details on its 2010 Mazda3 just two days ahead of its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show. As before, there will be a base 2.0-liter engine that comes standard along with an optional larger unit, now enlarged to 2.5 liters. The displacement bump comes with a power increase, naturally, up to 167 galloping ponies from 156. Both engines sit under a newly-domed hood and gulp air from a smiling front grille that seems to be the new car's most controversial styling feature. As before, both a four-door hatch/wagon and a sedan will be offered, though we're only scheduled to see the trunked model this week in LA with the five-door set to debut shortly thereafter. Here's hoping that the zoomy Mazdaspeed3 sees additional improvements beyond the new digs, as well. Check out the official press release from Mazda that arrived today for all the details we know so far.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3
[Source: Mazda]
Continue reading LA Preview: 2010 Mazda3 gains 167-hp 2.5L
LA Preview: 2010 Mazda3 gains 167-hp 2.5L originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for more high-res live shots of the Ford Fiesta sedan
Ford's latest Fiesta subcompact is finally coming to America, which is definitely cause for celebration. To get it ready for U.S. consumption, the Blue Oval brand has grafted a trunk onto the ex-hatch's hind end, as we Americans inexplicably nearly always choose a sedan over a more functional hatchback. At least Ford has managed to keep the Fiesta's Kinetic design language intact, and the freshly unveiled Fiesta sedan bears a striking resemblance to the Verve sedan concept from the last Detroit Auto Show. For the record, the sedan body style will not be available in Europe, though we expect Ford to also offer the two- and four-door hatchback version in the U.S.
Ford officially took the wraps off the Fiesta sedan at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China where the new car will soon go on sale. When the Fiesta makes its long-awaited American debut as a 2010 model, it will be built in Mexico and reportedly cost around $15,000. The team from Autoblog China (did you know there's now also an Autoblog UK, Autoblog Germany and Autoblog France, all with teams of local bloggers producing them?) on the floor in Guangzhou managed to snap some live shots of the Fiesta sedan for your viewing enjoyment, so check out the galleries below. Enjoy!
Gallery: Ford Fiesta Sedan
Gallery: Ford Fiesta Sedan LIVE
[Source: Autoblog China, Ford]
Continue reading Ford reveals US-bound Fiesta Sedan in China
Ford reveals US-bound Fiesta Sedan in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac
Click above for hi-res gallery of the 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Convertible
There's not a whole lot going on for General Motors at the LA Auto Show, but the company's making some minor announcements via press release before the shindig in la-la land gets underway tomorrow. The Pontiac G6 receives a minor facelift as a 2009½ model, with updated front and rear fascias and some interior tweaks. Those interior improvements bring the G6 up to par with its platform-mate brethren and include new trim bits, the standard GM radio (in a 2007 G6 I drove, the radio had this ridiculous ribbing on the dials -- a very 90s-Poncho feel), "all-new" (read: GM partsbin) HVAC controls, and an optional MY LINK communication package that includes Bluetooth, a dash-mounted USB port and related tech. You can also get a more attractive 2-tone interior with leather or cloth seats as an upgrade over the standard (and dreary) all-black treatment.
Underhood, the G6 Coupe is now available with the 4-cyl/6-speed powertrain combo, complete with paddle shifting. A flex-fuel 3.5L V6 is also available at no additional cost over the gas version in the full range of body styles, so the dozen G6 shoppers who also have access to actual E85 pumps should be enthused. The convertible's 3.9L V6 carries over and the 3.6L "high feature" V6, as before, is exclusive to the GXP. By the way, the GXP does not get any facelift love, and thus the infamous "Street Edition" remains ugly enough to stop every clock in a 132-mile radius.
Gallery: 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Sedan
Gallery: 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Coupe
Gallery: 2009.5 Pontiac G6 Convertible
[Source: Pontiac via finchannel.com]
2009.5 Pontiac G6 Sedan, Coupe and Convertible get facelift, GXP remains horrifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Rolls-Royce
Click above for high-res gallery of Rolls Royce RR4 spy shots
Development work continues on the new "entry-level" model inbound from Rolls Royce dubbed the RR4. By "entry level" we mean that the new RR4 will cost a cool $100,000 less than the Phantom, which means we should expect a price tag in the $250,000 - $280,000 range. Spy photographers from KGP have caught a development mule out testing and brought back the first pictures of the RR4's interior. Wood inlay can be seen on the center console and dash, which should be expected for any car costing more than your house. Also snapped were the iDrive-like controller, which we assume will use a reskinned version of the new iDrive system from the 7 Series with a few Rolls-specific tweaks, and the RR4's new steering wheel that features some interestingly integrated switchgear. The RR4 will actually ride on a version of the 2009 BMW 7 Series platform, but don't expect much parts bin sharing between the two in order to keep the Rolls as pure as possible.
The RR4 will be aimed squarely at the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and may also spawn a coupe and convertible to compete directly with the Continental GT and GTC, respectively. We expect our first peek at the production version around the time of the Geneva Motor Show in early 2009.
Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots II
[Source: KGP Photography]
Spy Shots: RR4 interior shows off new steering wheel, iDrive-like controller originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Audi
Click above for more high-res pics of the Audi A4L
Audi has just introduced a long-wheelbase version of its new A4 for the Chinese market, joining the long-wheelbase A6 that has been available in China since 2000. While many automakers have recognized the Chinese desire to have a little extra length, this is the first time a vehicle in this size class has been elongated. Labeled as a premium B segment car in China, the Audi A4L's wheelbase is 2.36 inches longer than the standard A4, most of which gets added to rear-seat legroom. The A4L will be built in Changchun, China and will feature a chassis specially designed to handle the sometimes-rough Chinese road conditions. Engine options will be the 180-hp 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder and the 265-hp 3.2 FSI six-cylinder. The Audi A4L will debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18, and should be in Chinese dealerships by January 2009. Full press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2009 Audi A4L
[Source: Audi]
Continue reading Audi intros long-wheelbase A4L for China
Audi intros long-wheelbase A4L for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:28:00 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: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
What a difference 20 inches and 1,000 lbs makes. The latest occupant of the Autoblog Garage is the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. You might recall that a few months ago we tried out one of the big dogs from the Benz lineup, the S63 AMG and came away somewhat awed by the technology but distressed by the driving experience. This time around we got the baby brother of the family and found what may well be the best driver's car in the current Daimler lineup. Ever since the C-class was born as the 190E back in the '80s, Mercedes and BMW have had a back and forth rivalry in the high performance compact sport sedan/coupe segment. As the M3 has grown and evolved over the past two decades, so to has the Stuttgart challenger.
Just like the original M3, the lineage started with the four-cylinder 16-valve 190E-2.3-16 and has grown through a succession of V6 and V8 engines. Despite the nomenclature, this latest edition is stuffed full of 6.2L of AMG V8 dripping with power and torque. Can the latest C63 finally topple the M3 from its throne? Find out after the jump.
Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Green, Plants/Manufacturing
Back in July we told you that Fisker had tabbed Valmet Automotive to build its upcoming Karma. Now we get word that all of the contracts have been finalized and production looks certain. Valmet will be doing all of the engineering and manufacturing for the Karma, that sexy new four-door plug-in hybrid sports sedan designed by ex-Aston Martin designer, Henrik Fisker. Production should start about a year from now, in late 2009. The first cars should show up Stateside, with European deliveries following soon after, in early 2010. The companies are planning an annual production of about 15,000 cars worldwide.
The $80k sedan uses lithium ion batteries, and owners should expect about 50 miles of driving before the gas engine ever kicks in. Range should rival the Chevy Volt at 350 miles per charge. Unlike the Volt, however, the Karma will have a top speed of 125 mph, and a 0-60 time of about 5.8 seconds. Even with the price of gas plummeting, we think Fisker should have little trouble selling 15,000 of these beauties a year, even at $80k. Full press release after the jump.
Gallery: Fisker Karma
[Source: Valmet Automotive]
Continue reading Fisker sends Finland good Karma
Fisker sends Finland good Karma originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai
Click on the image above for our high-res 2009 Genesis sedan gallery
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been capturing more than its share of the spotlight this year. The luxury-oriented four-door sedan was launched with much ballyhoo over the summer. With a long list of standard features, a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, and its sights pointed directly at some heavy-hitting established competition, the sedan rolled into showrooms with high expectations. After a few short introductory drives, Hyundai put both models in the Autoblog Garage so we could spend some time getting a bit more intimate with its new players. How solid is the chassis, engine and powertrain? How does the sedan hold up to the daily grind? How does the late-arrival fare against its status-laden competition? Find out after the jump.
Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Sedans/Saloons, Crossovers/CUVs, Lexus
Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.
[Source: Lexus]
Continue reading LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350
LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, BMW
We're always up for a new 3-Series, and a performance variant straight from the manufacturer is even better. It looks like a new Bimmer is forthcoming from BMW performance, and the post-jump YouTube video shows just enough to keep us intrigued. We can catch a few details, and from what we can see and hear, this new performance Bimmer sedan will likely be faster and lighter than the standard 3. What it doesn't look like is an upgraded M3, as the front air dam isn't as large or aggressive as its M-powered sibling and it's lacking the M's quad-tip exhausts. What we do see is BMW Performance badging, carbon fiber side mirrors, and plenty of plastic molding to keep the souped-up 3-Series closer to the ground. BMW did mention that we'd see the new Performance 3-Series in its entirety some time in November, and we'll be first to show it to you when it hits the Internets. Hit the jump to view BMW's 40 second teaser video, and make sure to turn up your speakers.
[Source: eGMCarTech]
Continue reading VIDEO: BMW Performance releases 3-Series teaser
VIDEO: BMW Performance releases 3-Series teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln
AutoObserver is showing pics of a face-lifted Lincoln MKZ prototype that looks to be taking on more of a familial facade. With the relative (very relative) success of the new MKS flagship, Lincoln has apparently decided that grafting the MKS mug onto the mid-size MKZ can only help, as well. Not that the old nose really needed rhinoplasty, but the entry-level luxury sedan would look out of place lacking the brand's new "Winged Grille" that debuted on the MKS and will also be seen on the upcoming MKT three-row crossover. We don't know if a new grille is going to do the trick on its own, though we expect the MKZ to also benefit from the same across the board engine updates as the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, sans a hybrid version. All three vehicles will be unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show next week, and we'll be sure to bring shots from the show floor.[Source: AutoObserver]
Spy Shot: 2010 Lincoln MKZ getting MKS-like update originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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