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Filed 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: SEMA, Wagons/Estates, Etc., Cadillac, Celebrities
Click above for high-res gallery of the Ecto-1
With Halloween behind us and most of the spooks and spectres returned to their natural realm, the Ghostbusters gang had some time to kill and headed over to the Las Vegas Convention Center to check out the excitement of SEMA. Fortunately for them they were given a prime parking spot right outside the hall. (We had to park half mile away or catch a cab.) The Ecto-1 attracted a lot of attention throughout the week, possibly because of the Ray Parker, Jr. soundtrack blaring from its stereo. It was a fan favorite for sure, and one of ours as well.
Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ecto-1 in Vegas, baby
Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
SEMA 2008: Ecto-1 scares up plenty of attention in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:02:00 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, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Celebrities
Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA
What recession? Perhaps anticipating the euphoria that will follow the end to the seemingly decades-long Presidential race today, Ford decided to throw a huge tuner party at SEMA this year, and they invited ALL of their friends. The Ford booth always houses a bunch of tuned blue ovals, but they generally tend to be grouped around a central vehicle. Last year it was the Mustang. And the year before. And probably the year before that, too. But this year they gave the ol' spit shine to virtually every model in the lineup. Ford even threw in a Lincoln or two for good measure (above).
In the gallery below you'll see the Lincoln MKS and MKX, as well as Ford Focus Coupe, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Transit Connect, and Edge. Tuners include 3dCarbon, Custom Creations, RKSport, Stout Performance, Barber Driving Experience, FSWerks, Street Concepts, EcoTrek, HPA Motorsports, H&R, and Steeda. For more info on each one, check out the press release after the jump. There are actually quite a few interesting concepts in the bunch.
Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth
Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips, Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day
SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford
Click above for high-res gallery of the Flexes from SEMA
With so many acres of sheetmetal to work with, the Ford Flex definitely offers a tempting canvas for tuners and automotive taggers. But 13 official custom Flexes? It seems everyone and their mother decided to do up a tuned Flex this year for SEMA. We were told there were at least 13, but we suspect there were closer to 1,000 including everything from street machines to art cars to Land Rover look-alikes (above). While any one of them might be striking enough to catch your eye at the local pee-wee soccer game, seeing so many together can be overwhelming. Still, if taken individually there are some very nice interpretations of the modern full-size wagon here. Flex customizers displaying their handiwork include Funkmaster Flex, 3dCarbon, Catalyst Industrial Marking, Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate Inc., Mobsteel, Galpin Auto Sports, Lee Quinones for Automobile Magazine, CGS Motorsports, Rick Bottom Designs, Hot Rod Magazine, Heavy Hitters Magazine, and even Motor Trend. The MT one has a humidor. A video of the unveiling with... uh... Nelly and complete details of each are after the jump and a huge gallery is available by clicking any image.
Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Flexes in Vegas
Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio, Drew Phillips/Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading SEMA 2008: A baker's dozen concepts stretch Ford Flex-ibility
SEMA 2008: A baker's dozen concepts stretch Ford Flex-ibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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
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[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.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW
A BMW V5 prototype has been let loose under a wardrobe's worth of camo, but you can still see it remains true to the early renderings. That might be a good thing if anyone has really decided they need a stretched X6. Based on the X6's slower-than-expected U.S. sales, maybe the extra room is what people are waiting for, and the trifecta for this latest niche-creating could be: not quite car, not quite SUV, lots o' room. (See "Toyota Venza" for comparison.) BMW's name for it, however, is just as kooky as Venza: Progressive Activity Sedan. Which means things could be getting a little Pretentiously Asinine over Munich way...[Source: Global Motors]
Spy Shots: BMW V5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Mercedes-Benz
The R-Class won a design award, went on tour with the Rolling Stones, was dropped in price, and still sold so poorly that Mercedes admitted the car was a failure. Yet M-B head man Dieter Zetsche said the car isn't going away, so as one does with continuing product, the R-Class is getting some face and tail work done. Those who whisper about such things indicate that the car will end up looking more like the B-Class. We're not sure that will help it, since it looks much like the B-Class already and that car isn't exactly a looker, either. We think the R might be better served if Mercedes could explain why anyone should choose it over the E-Class wagon or GL-Class SUVs... and when the GLK arrives, well, good luck to you, R-Class.[Source: Global Motors]
Spy Shots: R-Class facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Wagons/Estates, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, GM
The Chevrolet Cruze may be delayed, but that doesn't mean that more variants of the Cobalt/Lacetti replacement aren't on the drawing board. In addition to the standard four-door model that Chevrolet debuted in Paris, a five-door hatch and a wagon will fill the rest of the range.
GM plans to produce the European Cruze in South Korea through its Daewoo operations, along with its plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. The new sedan was designed to meet the needs of a variety of markets, so additional body styles, along with different powertrains, safety specs and ride/handling requirements, will be employed throughout the world. GM announced that the U.S. version would be manufactured at the automaker's Lordstown, Ohio plant and will differ from the variants sold abroad. The Cruze should hit the U.S. market in 2011, but judging by recent reports, we're not holding our breath.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Chevrolet Cruze could spawn hatch and wagon variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Volvo, Rendered Speculation
One of the last bastions of contentment for wagon lovers may be over as reports indicate that Volvo is considering abandoning the classic long and low shape for something a bit more modern. Of course, that means a higher roof-line, ground clearance and seating position, along with a slightly trimmed footprint. In fact, the Swedish automaker seriously considered making a change to its current V70 model before it was released to the public. The true test will come when the new XC60 crossover hits the market, as its sales figures will determine how Volvo designs its next V50 and V70. Ford's Flex might offer a preview of the shape of things to come from the Swedish automaker, as its design is similar to what may be on offer from Volvo if it scraps the traditional wagon. We wouldn't expect anything too 'trucky' though, as sales of traditional SUVs have fallen off dramatically in the last two years.
Redesigns of the mid-sized S60 and XC90 have also reportedly been pushed a bit further into the future as the automaker struggles to reign in its recent lack of profits. The latest timetable puts the new sedan's appearance in 2010 while the 'ute's redesign isn't expected until 2012, though a refresh could spice things up a bit in 2010 with a possible hybrid drivetrain.
[Source: Autocar]
Rendered Speculation: Volvo's Vs could get new roofline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
A covered up E63 AMG Wagon has been caught doing the rounds on public roads before we see it in showrooms some time next year. It looks like the potential ungainliness of the new E-Class could be gracefully smoothed out by the longer lines of the wagon. Of course, even if it is still ungainly, you'll get 85 extra horsepower over the current model, which should let you get away from gawkers with increased alacrity. That also means the baby on board might need a G-suit. The "Duplo" rear lights are probably mule-only fitments, but they'd be pretty cool if they were wrapped in polished housings.[Source: Global Motors]
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E63AMG Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Ford
Mustang wagons have long been part of ponycar folklore. Some customs exist, but a factory-built first-generation Mustang shooting brake still appears to be mythology. Our friends at Hemmings have turned up some very nicely done cars that individuals have put together, a particularly fetching blue one has a very well thought out roofline and rear hatch. This whole bit of nonsense may have its genesis in a one-off wagon that Intermeccanica built for Barney Clarke and Robert Cumberford back in the '60s. It seems that you can do a lot with an early 'Stang and a Sawz-all if you're determined, and wagons are just the start of it.
[Source: Hemmings]
Lost history of Mustang station wagon uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Japan, Subaru, Tokyo Auto Salon
Our Parisian friends over at LeBlogAuto were on hand at the Motorsport Japan 2008 event in Tokyo this past weekend, where FHI unveiled an Impreza-based "concept" dubbed the Subaru WRX STI Takumi.
Featuring upgraded springs and shocks, revised suspension bits, lightweight 12-spoke wheels, undisclosed engine tweaks and a slightly reworked exterior, the Takumi foretells the future of the rumored Spec-C variant, due to hit the market sometime next year.
Subaru execs at the show remained mum on if when the Spec-C would debut, but the smart money is on the Tokyo Auto Salon this January.
Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C
[Source: LeBlogAuto - Translated]
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Takumi concept hints at future Spec-C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Wagons/Estates, Videos, Volvo, Celebrities
In the wake of Paul Newman's passing just over a week ago, we've seen countless, wonderful tributes to the man written from different points of view. He's remembered as an actor, a colleague, a racer, and most importantly, a towering philanthropist. One of the best non-written remembrances, however, comes from the mouth of David Letterman, who paid respect to Newman in one of his monologues on The Late Show last week.
The whole thing's worth watching, but at around 3:45 in, Dave gets to the story about when Newman called him up one day and talked him into buying a custom Volvo wagon (a 960) with a supercharged Ford V8 underhood. You see, Newman was having one made and was very pumped up about it, so he asked if Dave wanted one, too. And you know, how do you say no to Paul Newman? Dave recounts the whole affair beautifully, and of course, it's also funny.
After you watch the clip, head over to Swedespeed, where in 2003 they profiled a third car just like the ones built for Newman and Letterman, with even more background about Newman's car and what went into the build. This is the very definition of "sleeper." [Source: The Sheila Variations]
Letterman remembers Paul Newman...and their V8 Volvos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Toyota
Click above for high-res gallery of the new Toyota Avensis
The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you'd tell someone, "You kind of look like someone I know, but not really." It's the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that's from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic. Check out the exhaustive press release after the jump, and the high-res gallery of photos below.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Toyota Avensis
Continue reading Paris 2008: Toyota's new Avensis arrives
Paris 2008: Toyota's new Avensis arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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