Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti
Has it really been 20 years? As a matter of fact, yes. Infiniti has been selling its upmarket wares in the U.S. for two decades and to commemorate the occasion its releasing three special edition G37 coupes, sedans and convertibles.
Limited to 200 variants of each model, Infiniti has outfitted the 20th Anniversary Editions with Monaco Red interior, maple trim and a sexy Graphite Shadow exterior, along with Premium and Navigation packages. Included in the kit are heated and cooled seats, summer rubber, a blacked-out grille, new side sills and revised fascias, with a standard rear spoiler on the coupe and sedan.
Pricing and availability is yours for the taking after the jump and sales are set to begin towards the middle of next month.
Continue reading Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs
Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs
Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ is indisputably British and not afraid of a storm
We endure the most powerful storm to ever hit France to sample the all-new Jaguar XJ. And it was totally worth it.
Rendered Speculation: Ford Taurus SHO wagon is the apple of our eye
We love wagons almost as much as we love pavement pummeling power. Meld the two together and you’ve got something special. Too bad this SHO five-door is just a glint in one designer’s eye.
Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX
The connection between the CRX and the CR-Z might be hard for enthusiasts to swallow, but Honda tries to tie the two together in a new promotional video.
Also of interest:
- Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models
- Video: San Diego ‘runaway Prius’ has media buzzing
- Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma?
- Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series
- Video: Gran Turismo 5 “Nights” trailer has it all
Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.9.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.9.10
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi
We already know that Audi plans to fit the standard R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 into its all-new Spyder variant early next year, and now comes word that at least one more version of the R8 is in the pipeline and that the R tronic sequential automatic might not be long for this world.
According to company insiders speaking with Car and Driver, the herky-jerky gearbox will likely be dispatched in favor of Audi’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s no word on the amount of torque the DCT can handle, but considering how much better the R8 V10 performed with the standard sequential tranny, we’d suspect that the dual-clutch setup will make its way onto the V8 models only. And if you’re worried about the gated six-speed manual being nixed from the options list, don’t be - it will continue to be available on all models.
C&D also reports that a sportier version of the R8, inspired by the LMS model, could be in the cards, packing more power (think: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera) and a not-so-insignificant weight reduction thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber. Expect that to only be available on the V10 model and yes, a fully-electric version based on the original e-tron concept is supposedly on the way and due to arrive in a few year’s time.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Report: Audi R8 to spawn sportier model, dual-clutch gearbox cometh
Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota
In the wake of yesterday’s “runaway Prius” in San Diego, Toyota says it’s still working on a fix for the thousands of hybrids included in the 4.36 million vehicles recalled last November. The source of the unintended acceleration on these affected Prius models is the same as the other vehicles involved in the recall: A floor mat that gets jammed up against the throttle. Unfortunately for Toyota, the owner of yesterday’s “runaway Prius” claims the floormat wasn’t his car’s problem.
Regardless, Toyota says that new, smaller pedals and redesigned floor mats are in the works for these vehicles, but modifications haven’t begun because the automaker is still working on a more specific solution. Yeah, we’re a bit confused as well.
Contrary to a report by the Wall Street Journal, a new recall isn’t in the cards for the last-gen Prius and Toyota spokesperson Brian Lyons told The Detroit News that while he can’t disclose exactly when this floormat fix will happen for affected Prius models or how the correction will be implemented, the changes will take place “sometime this year.” Here’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.
[Sources: Detroit News, Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]
Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius
Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda
With Honda’s in-house parts department in the game and Mugen developing it’s own line of kit for the CR-Z, the tuner trifecta is almost complete with the release of Spoon’s performance parts for Honda’s hybrid hatch.
While we thought bright blue wheels went out of vogue (even in the U.S.) in 2008, Spoon has coated its CR93 rollers in the company’s signature hue, along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm comes courtesy of front coilovers and a spring and shock combo in the rear, while the body has been subtly altered with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.
More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon is fiddling with the ECU to churn out a few extra (and much-needed) ponies. There’s no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the company’s past endeavors, we’re expecting good things.
Gallery: Spoon Honda CR-Z
Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z
Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Luxury
Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW’s chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini’s platform.
However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won’t just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, “We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants.” The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.
Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.
Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn’t determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW’s first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand’s patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it’s hardly the end of the world.
[Source: Autocar]
Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos
If you were following the news coming out of Infineon this weekend during the Sears Pointless 24 Hours of LeMons race, you might’ve heard about a nasty crash involving the ONSET Cavalier.
Going into turn 11 at about 1 PM on Saturday, the wagon - an easy top ten contender - squeezed through an opening on the back straight before being tapped on the left rear, sent into a wall and then flipped. The Cavalier slid well over 100 feet before coming to a rest mid-track and just as the driver was extracting himself from the car, the red wagon burst into flames.
Although he was able to remove his harnesses and wiggle his way out the window, the driver did suffer from a back injury resulting in two vertebrae surgeries carried out on Saturday and Sunday. We’ve gotten word from a close friend of Tyler that he’s recovering and doing well, and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear that LeMons could begin requiring HANS devices for future races.
After the jump we’ve got two videos of the wreck: One from inside the ONSET car and another from a vehicle traveling further back in the pack. Both are very telling and further proof that LeMons’ strict safety requirements work, even in $500 crap can racers.
Continue reading Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test
Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test
First Drive: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty brings the biggest tools
The F-Series Super Duty is ready for battle and Ford’s all-new heavy hitter is packing more than just class leading power and towing.
Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn’t want it
A hybrid hatchback with a six-speed manual? Honda dealers have heard that story before and were less than thrilled when the automaker announced plans to bring the CR-Z to the States.
Toyota hits back at David Gilbert’s “no fault code” demonstration
The ABC News report that set the public and lawmakers ablaze has been called into question and Toyota finally responses with its own in-depth analysis.
Also of interest:
- GM scouring the globe for next Corvette design, first time looking beyond U.S.
- Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form
- 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon bound for New York Auto Show
- GM CEO Whitacre still flies on AT&T jets equipped with golden parachutes
- Stirling Moss falls down elevator shaft, breaks bones but OK
Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.8.10
Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show
After years of covering the world’s auto shows at Autoblog, the Geneva Motor Show never ceases to amaze. It’s in Switzerland, so by nature, it’s neutral, and since there’s no “home team” like in Detroit, Frankfurt or Paris, every automaker comes out to play. And play they did.
While this year’s showing wasn’t nearly as impressive as the end-of-the-recession shindig we endured in Germany last September, the shear number of reveals boggles the mind and cramps the fingers. But despite six pairs of aching feet, one broken laptop, countless espresso triple-shots and braved our fair share of sharp-elbowed shooters and clueless colleges, we survived (mostly) unscathed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time in Switzerland.
After the jump we’ve assembled our favorite debuts from the show, but rather than creating another “Best and Worse” or “Top Picks” post, we’ve singled out two vehicles: One that embodies our no-cost, no-holds-barred, fantasy ride and another production-ready example that we could conceivably drive home tomorrow given our meager (or not-so-meager) means. Check out our picks after the break and let us know what your own choices are in ‘Comments.’
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show
Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Acura, Luxury
We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. Now, Acura has officially announced that it will be unveiling the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at the New York Auto Show at the end of this month, with the first examples hitting dealerships in late fall.
In Acura’s brief press release after the jump, the automaker mentions that the standard sedans make do with either a 201-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the recently introduced 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6, both of which are only available in front-wheel drive form. Unfortunately, Acura has yet to confirm which engine/drivetrain configuration will be available in the Sport Wagon, but we’re holding a candle for the RDX’s 240-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four pot and Acura’s SH-AWD system. However, we have a sneaking suspicion that our (and your) preferred powertrain combo isn’t a possibility, so that candle may burn our hands by the time the TSX Sport Wagon debuts in the Big Apple.
Gallery: Honda Accord Touring Type-S (Euro)
Continue reading 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon bound for New York Auto Show
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon bound for New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Continue reading about 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon bound for New York Auto Show