Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.13.10

Quick Spin: Ariel Atom 3 is awesomeness that defies all classification

We take the Atom for a spin to intimately understand how Ariel’s produces the purest driving experience ever crafted by man.

Quick Spin: 2010 Plug-in Prius prototype is just like your mother’s Toyota hybrid, but better

The plug-in Prius won’t be hitting dealers for another year and a half, but we take out Toyota’s latest prototype to see how the automaker’s new fuel miser is progressing.

McLaren boss calls Veyron “junk,” claims Top Gear race with F1 staged

Ron Dennis doesn’t say much, but when he does, people listen. This time, his soft-spoken wrath is aimed at the Bugatti Veyron and the blokes from Top Gear.

Also of interest:

• Consumer Reports puts Lexus GX on “Do Not Buy” list due to rollover fears
• BMW M3 Sedan may not live to see another generation
• Senator to investigate GM’s handling of Hummer deal
• Video: Race-spec Mini E laps Nürburgring
• Geely set to reveal modified Rolls-Royce aping limousine in Beijing

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.13.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

It seems Toyota’s learned a few things from its recent spate of recalls – react quickly, react decisively and repeatedly reassure customers that their safety is a top priority.

To that end, Toyota has issued a stop sale on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after Consumer Reports deemed the SUV a safety risk earlier today and added the ‘ute to its “Do Not Buy” list.

According to Toyota, the automaker is investigating CR’s claims and using the consumer pub’s testing methodology to determine how the SUV’s emergency handling can be improved. Furthermore, any 2010 GX 460 owner concerned about their vehicle’s safety will be provided a loaner vehicle from Lexus until the automaker can find a solution. Full details in the press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: CR video footage of the GX 460 in testing available after the jump.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460 [*Updated w/video]

Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460 [*Updated w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet speaks too softly, but carries a big stick

With performance convertibles, it’s all about compromise, but the S5 Cabrio holds its own… and then some.

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part IV – Our inaugural event begins with a drift, a snap and a shatter

Flogging an M5-powered BMW 3 Series in the Formula Drift season opener proves to be too much for a few custom suspension components. Next stop, Road Atlanta, and drifting domination.

Ferrari 458 Italia makes North American public debut in…Tooele, UT

It’s the first time the Ferrari 458 Italia has landed on our shores, and we were there with camera in hand.

Also of interest:

• Motor Trend pits Hyundai Genesis against 2011 Mustang, 2010 Camaro and Challenger
• Ford confirms Explorer, F-150 EcoBoost, ups production target to 1.5M
• Audi’s new R15+ racer comes out storming
• Speeding Tickets: 65 issued per minute and other fun facts
• IndyCar: 2010 Grand Prix of Alabama
  

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.12.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Technology

Occasional Autoblog contributor and Associate Editor at Engadget, Tim Stevens, is our go-to guy when it comes to navigating the intersection of technology and automobiles. So it’s fitting that Stevens has published a comprehensive shoot-out pitting six iPhone navigation systems against each other to see which app reigns supreme in the race from point A to B.

The review covers everything from Mapquest’s free GPS app to the far pricier Navigon MobileNavigator, along with progs that span the price spectrum from CoPilot, TomTom and AT&T. There’s a great breakdown of available features and functionality, along with initial and reoccurring costs, but in the end, only one gets the Engadget tip of the hat. Check it out.

Engadget takes six iPhone navigation systems for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for?

There’s the Prius and there’s the Tesla. But for well-to-do eco-conscious consumers, there’s nothing in between. The S400 fills that microscopic middle ground in typical Mercedes luxury.

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Jota set to replace Murcielago in 2011

The Murcielago’s replacement is set to arrive next year and we’ve got the first shots of Lambo’s new big bull testing in Europe.

Ferrari takes wraps off new 599 GTO, quicker than an Enzo

It’s been teased and spied, and now it’s finally arrived. The Ferrari 599 GTO sheds a few pounds, gains a few ponies and takes out the automaker’s namesake around Fiorano.

Also of interest:

• Toyota exec in U.S. urged company to “come clean” on defects
• King For a Day? 312-HP Camaro V6 ends short reign of entry-level Mustang
• Spy Shots: Are you the Spyker D12 SSUV?
• One more bidder reported left for Hummer, but is GM listening?
• BMW to bring back 328 Kamm Coupé at Villa d’Este

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Nine years ago the Lamborghini Murcielago replaced the Diablo as the marque’s biggest bull, and in the automotive world – even in the rarified supercar realm – that’s a lifetime and a half. Given the Murcie’s age and the planet’s ever-tightening emissions standards, it should come as no surprised that Lamborghini is hard at work on the Murcielago’s successor. And along with a new name, the Jota will pack more power, less weight and a range of high-tech appointments.

Although the camouflage doesn’t divulge much in the way of the Jota’s exterior, expect certain elements of the Reventon to carry over to the largest Lambo. However, we suspect that advanced aerodynamics (and likely some active elements) will find their way onto the Jota, toning down Lamborghini’s patented extreme styling (think McLaren MP4-12C with more creases and LEDs).

More important than the exterior (or the interior, which will reportedly ditch the offset driving position), is the all-new V12 nestled amidships. Early reports indicate that the new 7.0-liter V12 will put out over 700 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque to a new seven-speed automated manual transmission, with a sequential ‘box with the same number of ratios available as an option. Lamborghini has apparently deemed the use of a dual-clutch tranny to be too much of a hastle, and as reported previously, a traditional gated manual won’t find its way into future Lambos.

With a curb weight of around 3,300 pounds, it’s safe to assume that the carbon fiber chassis Jota will be able to break the 60 mph mark in around three seconds, hit 100 mph in around six ticks and top out at 220 mph. In keeping with recent tradition, all-wheel drive will be standard – this time an adaption of Audi’s Quattro system – complete with a new torque-vectoring differential measuring power to the rear wheels.

Considering the current pace of development and Lamborghini’s penchant for unveiling a new model at every major auto show, the Jota should make its debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show or sometime in early 2011, with sales beginning in the middle of next year.

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Jota set to replace Murcielago in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour hatches a new niche

It may have entered the world through a botched social media campaign, but the Accord Crosstour is selling and we find out why.

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II – We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes

Stuffing an M5’s V10 into an E92 3 Series is no easy feat, but we tackle the task with GSR Autosport before the team campaigns its Frankenbimmer in this year’s Formula Drift season.

Spy Shots: Best look yet BMW’s forthcoming hi-po 1 Series [w/poll]

We still don’t have a name, but we do know that the M-fettled BMW 1 Series is on the way, and it’s shedding a bit more camo each day.

Also of interest:

• More powerful Honda hybrid coupe in the works?
• President Obama denied hybrid limo by Secret Service
• Sibling Rivalry: What’s the better value play, Ford Fiesta or Mazda2?
• Inside Line runs the numbers on 2011 Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro V6 models
• Honda settles class-action lawsuit over premature brake wear

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.7.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

Along with blessing us with a revised TT for 2011, the Audi Q7 gets a few choice upgrades in its home market of Germany, including a few new engines and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Q7 doesn’t benefit from any new sheetmetal, though Audi has seen fit to put the S4’s supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 to good use under the hood of its behemoth SUV. Available in two states of tune, the blown V6 puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and the upgraded mill produces the same 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as its sports sedan sibling.

A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds.

All revised, German-bound Q7s receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox based on the outgoing six-speed cog-swapper, with higher ratios and Tiptronic actuation, along with standard Drive and Sport modes. There’s no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we’d suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new ‘box by the end of the year. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Update: An Audi USA spokesman tells Autoblog that the 2011 Q7 V6 TDI will retain its 225 hp / 406 lb-ft rating and launch with the new eight-speed in September. The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

We’re expecting the 2011 BMW X3 to debut sometime this year and judging by this latest crop of spy shots out of Munich, Bimmer’s mid-level ‘ute should be ready for prime-time when the Paris Motor Show rolls around this fall.

Although the prototype appears slightly larger than the current model, the changes will be largely cosmetic, particularly up front, where the outgoing X3’s plebeian proboscis has been dispatched in favor of BMW’s new upright fascia. The headlamps appear to have grown in size and we’re particularly digging the sculpted bumper, with it’s larger lower grille, more dramatic lip and angular air intakes.

The styling appears more standard on the sides and out back, although BMW is sure to redesign the D-pillar and fit new LED taillamps inspired by the rest of the range.

Naturally, the 2011 X3 will feature BMW’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder powerplants – either naturally aspirated or turbocharged – with a handful of diesel mills available to our friends abroad. However, don’t be surprised to hear about some kind of four-cylinder fitted to the X3 after it’s initial launch, and here’s hoping that the 335d and X5 xDrive35d’s impressive oilburner finds its way under the hood of the X3 in the U.S. in short order.

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 out and about in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Mini

It wasn’t long after the Mini Coupe and Roadster debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show that word began to spread Mini was looking to put both models into production as early as next year. Thanks to our sources across the pond, we’ve secured the first images of the production variants before they arrive at the European patent office.

Neither model appears to have changed much in the transition from concept to production, and depending on your opinion of their respective rears, that could be a blessing or a curse.

The front fascias, fenders, windshields and side skirts have only been slightly toned down before hitting retailers, but their awkward rear ends still leave much to be desired. Unfortunately, there are no images of the interior yet, so we don’t have a clear idea of how Mini plans to manage the rear seat accommodations, but like previous iterations of the Cooper, style may take precedence over substance.

If all goes according to plan, expect to see both the Roadster and Coupe to arrive in production guise early in 2011 packing Mini’s entire range of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-pots.

Patent drawings reveal production Mini Speedster and Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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