Super Parked » Alex Nunez

Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour hatches a new niche

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:57:00 +0000

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Reviews

2010 Honda Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery

Its introduction was a case study in how to bungle an automotive social media campaign. Badly. It had people running for thesauruses to find new and fascinating synonyms for "ugly." Its TV campaign has something to do with jazz music and animals. And yet, for all the hubbub, hysterics and lamentations that Honda had completely lost its mind, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour quietly showed up and began finding customers.

Last month - its best sales performance to date - 2,587 people drove the odd-looking hatchwagon home. Recently, we took delivery of our own Crosstour EX-L tester, loaded-up with all-wheel drive and navigation, to see how we felt about spending a week with Honda's latest experiment.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour hatches a new niche

Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour hatches a new niche originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: 2011 Honda Odyssey out and about

Alex Nunez — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:02:00 +0000

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Honda

2011 Honda Odyssey - Click above for image gallery

The current Honda Odyssey is widely considered to be the best of its breed, but let's face facts: it's old. Toyota has upped its game with the new Sienna; Nissan is on hiatus, preparing to spring an all-new Quest; and Chrysler continues to do its thing with the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Oh, there's also the Volkswagen Routan, but no one'll hold it against you for forgetting it exists.

Anyway, Honda's readying the next-gen Odyssey for release sometime later this year. We've already gotten a near-production preview in the form of the "concept" version introduced in Chicago and presently sitting on the floor at the New York Auto Show. Now, thanks to reader Bernardo Roque, we've got a few new spy shots of the next-gen van out testing in Las Vegas. One photo gives a peek at the interior via the open driver's door and tailgate, but it's still too far away to see anything in useful detail. What is obvious is that this thing is otherwise fundamentally identical to the so-called Odyssey Concept.

We'll go out on a limb and guess that the 2011 Honda Odyssey is roomier, more powerful and/or more fuel-efficient than the current van, with a better interior and enough cupholders to service an entire preschool. Maybe two. Whether Honda will step up and offer all-wheel drive remains a mystery, but that's the one thing Toyota holds over all its competitors' heads right now. That's gotta irk someone on the Big H's org chart. We're actually looking forward to seeing the finished product. Yeah, we just said that about a minivan. Sue us. Many thanks, Bernardo.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Honda Odyssey

[Source: Bernardo Roque]

Reader Spy: 2011 Honda Odyssey out and about originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy Easter from Autoblog

Alex Nunez — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:25:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc.

Happy Easter from all of us here at Autoblog. We'll be here on the usual weekend schedule here, providing your expected automotive fix all day. We're very flattered that you put on your Sunday best for today's visits, though. If you're celebrating Easter, enjoy the day spent with family and friends, and as always, please drive safely during the day's travels.

If you're not celebrating Easter, let us also wish you a Happy Opening Night. Don't forget to set your fantasy lineups. Anyhow, enjoy the day, gang. And remember - the deep candy discounts begin tomorrow. That means we'll have melted (but still delicious) Reese's Eggs in the glovebox for the next two weeks or so.

[Image: riptheskull | CC 2.0 license]

Happy Easter from Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 drips onto web prior to NY debut

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:58:00 +0000

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for image gallery

When Nissan unveiled the all-new Patrol SUV in the Middle East last month, we already knew that we'd be seeing the rebranded Infiniti version as the 2011 QX56 at the New York Auto Show. Furthermore, spy photos left little to the imagination. Today, leaked official images leave exactly zero to the imagination.

Despite what appears to be an effort to infuse a dollop of FX style to the front end, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 manages to retain an awkward-looking "forehead" (much like its predecessor) that's reminiscent of Frankenstein's monster, thanks to the not-insubstantial amount of bodywork that rises above the headlamps. There's also a garish fender vent the approximate size of Martha's Vineyard. While the QX56's front and rear end treatments are unique to the Infiniti, the basic profile and daylight opening are identical to the new Patrol, as is the lavishly-appointed interior, which appears to just swap steering wheel logos.

Given that we already know the vehicle nomenclature - QX56 - look for the same 5.6-liter, 400-horsepower, 405 pound-foot direct-injected V8 that's available in the Nissan. Likewise, we expect to see most, if not all, of the same technological features the new Patrol offers, such as its seven-speed automatic transmission, electronic four-wheel-drive with driver-selectable modes, and hydraulic anti-roll system.

Check out the low-res leaked images in the gallery below, which you can compare to our high-res Nissan Patrol set. We'll have full details in the new 2011 Infiniti QX56 later this week once the festivities get underway in New York.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti QX56

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 drips onto web prior to NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Accent (or Elantra?) borrows several notes from Sonata

Alex Nunez — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:05:00 +0000

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is more stylish, more spacious, and flat out better than its predecessor. This seems to be the M.O. for Hyundai nowadays, as it rolls out a continual stream of new and/or revised vehicles that leave any old brand preconceptions in the dust. Vehicles like the new Sonata, Tucson, and the Genesis models are casting Hyundai in a totally different, much more positive light than ever before. It won't end there, either. For instance, the 2011 Hyundai Equus will slot above the Genesis sedan and target bigger, pricier game.

But what about the folks with tighter budgets, shopping at an entry price point well below the Sonata? Well, as you see above, it looks like they won't need to sacrifice style for value much longer. This photo, posted to a Korean forum, apparently reveals the next-generation Hyundai Accent, caught buck naked in its homeland. (Earlier spy photos call this same car the Accent, and the forum where this shot came from is calling it the Verna - the Accent's name in Korea.) At the same time, it appears to be nearly identical to this vehicle, caught by spies in January and presumed to be the Elantra.

As you can plainly see, the new car, whether it be the Elantra or the Accent, shares the Sonata's "fluidic sculpture" design language - no bad thing. In fact, it's a really good thing, seeing as how the current Accent is about as generic-looking as cars get, and the current Elantra doesn't exactly set hearts racing either. Hyundai doesn't do generic anymore, and that now seems to apply to the lower-grade models, too. This looks quite promising, and we're keen to see more. Thanks to Foo for the tip!

UPDATE: As it happens, there's evidence to suggest this could instead perhaps be the next Elantra. The original post text has now been modified to reflect this possibility.

[Source: PPOMPPU.co.kr]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Accent (or Elantra?) borrows several notes from Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fontastic! Artist creates font based on Volvo 240 Station Wagon

Alex Nunez — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:20:00 +0000

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Etc., Volvo, Design/Style

Times New Roman? That's for boring people. Graphic artist Alex George is clearly not a boring person. We know this because his love for the the timelessly awesome, relentlessly bulletproof, and "absolutely candid" Volvo 240 Station Wagon spawned what you see above. This, friends, is a font based entirely on the design of the inimitable, beloved "brick." It's called, quite simply, 240SW. And it's brilliant.

You can view more of Alex George's work over at his blog. By the way, if you happen to have a used 240 wagon for sale, Alex would like for you to let him know.

[Source: Alex George via HemmingsNews]

Fontastic! Artist creates font based on Volvo 240 Station Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 hits the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford says that the 2011 Mustang GT makes 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its new, advanced 5.0-liter V8. Well, Ford may just be full of crap. Autojournos have descended upon California this week to to kick the snot out of the 2011 Mustangs at the Blue Oval's invitation, and Inside Line took one of the new 5.0 GT models and strapped it to a Dynojet to see what the real numbers were. Thankfully, they do not disappoint.

It's like this: after seven pulls, Inside Line's tester reliably belted out 395 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,350 rpm. That's at the wheel, natch, and since IL estimates the 'Stang sees only an 11% to 13% driveline loss thanks to its stick axle, the car is likely making somewhere between 438 and 446 horsepower at the crank - far more than the advertised 412.

This should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Inside Line. After all, last year they did the same thing with a 2010 GT500 only to learn that - surprise! - it was underrated. (Their tester put down 511 horsepower at the wheel. The guys figured the number at the crank to be around 570 horses, not the 540 advertised).

Is it possible that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT media launch testers are juiced? Sure it is, but we think it's unlikely. Reason number one is that Ford would be exposed the moment customer cars started getting delivered and dynoed, which would then look really foolish. Reason number two is the 1999 SVT Cobra. Upon its release, that particular car became infamous for not making its advertised 320 horsepower. While Ford eventually made things right via a recall, the incident was clearly embarrassing and likely left Dearborn with a "never again" mentality that sticks to this day. Hence, we're inclined to think Inside Line's numbers are no fluke. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its new engine, is designed to punch the Chevrolet Camaro in the teeth and make it taste blood. By underrating the 5.0, Ford's just, you know, making sure.

Stay tuned for our man Lieberman's first drive impressions next week. In the meantime, follow the jump for video of one of Inside Line's dyno pulls and visit them to watch a few more and read their full analysis. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Making a mockery of the new Chevrolet Camaro “Convertible”

Alex Nunez — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Design/Style

That's no Camaro Convertible. It's a horror show. - Click above for image gallery

Autoblog reader Joe Lopez spied what looked to be a Chevrolet Camaro Convertible prototype out on the street. Jazzed about his sighting, he trailed the car as it pulled into a local Detroit-area Target store. Camera in hand, he moved in for pics. That's likely when the sheer horror of the situation before him struck with the force of a Toyota Prius driven by Jim Sikes.

This was no Camaro Convertible.

Someone had done the unthinkable (and yet, at the same time, inevitable): They had fitted a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LS with a fabric mock top. Joe's no dummy. He took the photos anyway, and posted them on his blog, 5thGenCamaro. Then he emailed us, so here we are.

As we all know, tastes vary. That established, in our books, at least, mock tops are only moderately less revolting than the ill-advised landau roof. As you can see, this is one of the more super-classy installations, including false roof bows and a ring of tonneau snaps - because those really scream modernity. The shark fin roof antenna poking through the fabric is the proverbial cherry atop this turd sundae.

As you'll see in the gallery below, there's a real convertible - a Chrysler Sebring - parked to the Camaro's right. We believe we can confidently say that this is the only time a Chrysler Sebring actually looks better to us than a new Chevy Camaro. And that, friends, is frightening. If it were a Buick Lacrosse - even the new one - we probably wouldn't care. It'd almost... belong. But this? Who does this? Click on the gallery below, then avert your eyes. Thanks for the ~~indigestion~~ pics, Joe!

Gallery: Mock-top 2010 Chevrolet Camaro "Convertible"

[Sources: 5thGenCamaro, MichiganClassics.com]

Making a mockery of the new Chevrolet Camaro "Convertible" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Honda Element with Dog Friendly package leaves tails wagging

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:58:00 +0000

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Honda, Specialty, Reviews

2010 Honda Element with Dog Friendly Package - Click above for high-res image gallery

How does an automaker take a model that's been largely unchanged since inception and give it a little juice seven years into its life cycle? If you're Honda, you go to the dogs. Literally. After unveiling it as a "concept" at the 2009 New York Auto Show, the Dog Friendly Honda Element accessory package has made the transition to production. The theory is that if you're a dog lover, you might consider buying an Element geared specifically toward those needs.

The Big H has plenty of experience in this department. As we showed you earlier today, in Japan there's a dedicated Honda Dog website (it's incredible, really) loaded with info about transporting pups in basically every JDM Honda offering. Naturally, there are "Travel Dog" accessories that drivers can purchase for each car as well. In fact, in Japan, there's also a dedicated model, the Vamos Travel Dog, which is specifically outfitted with dog owners in mind - much like the Stateside-market Elements kitted out with the new Dog Friendly gear. As luck would have it, I have two dogs. Hence, I, and they, will be your humble 2010 Honda Element (Dog Friendly!) evaluators. Get your paws over to the jump to read more.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly Package

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Element with Dog Friendly package leaves tails wagging

Review: 2010 Honda Element with Dog Friendly package leaves tails wagging originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda takes this whole dog thing very seriously

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Minivan/Van, Truck, Etc., Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Hondas with dogs - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda Japan's oddly compelling and inherently fascinating Honda Dog website includes useful consumer tidbits such as a visual guide to how well your poodle will fit in the CR-Z's front passenger seat. (Before you start yelling how it's the only passenger seat, know that in Japan, the CR-Z is a 2+2.)

That's not all, however. There's stuff to entertain as well, including a whole page of desktop wallpapers featuring Hondas with various dogs that you can find below. Seriously. Vintage stuff, too. Civic RS with a Corgi? Prelude with a Doberman? All present and accounted for. Check out a few samples in the gallery below, and head to the Honda Dog wallpaper site for even larger sizes.

Gallery: Hondas with Dogs

[Source: Honda Dog]

Honda takes this whole dog thing very seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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