Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Reviews, Diesel
It’s time for American consumers to stop being scared of small diesel cars. Currently, we can’t think of a single automaker that isn’t shelling out bags of money to research and develop new hybrid powertrains – cars that are efficient first and fun-to-drive second (or third, or fourth). Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, offer a different sort of solution. Gobs of torque delivered at low revs and impressive fuel economy work together without sacrificing too much in the way of driving pleasure. Besides, does anyone really want to live in “One Nation Under Prius?”
Volkswagen introduced us to its new Jetta TDI a little over a year ago, proving that clean diesel technology offers a way forward for anyone who gives a hoot about driver involvement. Now, the automaker has fitted its well-received 2.0-liter diesel engine in the all-new sixth-generation Golf. Can this hatch prove to America that it’s possible to fuse efficiency and enthusiasm together in a high-quality package? Can you really have your cake and eat it, too? Hit the jump to find out.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI delivers potent one-two punch of efficiency and entertainment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Truck, Ford, Rumormill, Off-Road
Ford’s desert-clobbering SVT Raptor is already off to a relatively good start, and things are only poised to get better now that the automaker has shoehorned its new 6.2-liter V8 under the truck’s hood. Adding to that, the folks at InsideLine report that a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor is also in the cards, possibly slated to debut later this year.
IL states that mules of what appear to be a SuperCrew Raptor have been spotted near Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. When prompted for a response, a spokesperson for the automaker simply said, “We do not comment on future product.” (We’ve heard that one a thousand times before.) Still, we don’t dispute IL’s predictions, and having four-door functionality only boosts the Raptor’s attractiveness to potential consumers.
Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
[Source: Inside Line]
Report: Ford adding SuperCrew to SVT Raptor lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury
The 2011 Jaguar XJ is certainly a drastic departure from Ye Olde Saloon that went out of production last summer. The new car adds some much needed sex appeal to the flagship Jag, and as we found out in our first drive, it’s a pretty good steer, as well. Jaguar is hoping that consumers will appreciate the reworked sedan, too – the automaker is hoping to boost overall sales by 50 percent when the 2011 XJ hits dealerships around the world next month.
According to Automotive News, Jaguar sales dropped 21 percent last year – only 51,885 units being moved worldwide (11,955 of which were in the United States). The automaker is counting on the XJ to increase overall sales numbers to around 75,000 units, with one Jaguar spokesperson saying that the XJ will reignite interest in the brand, though the less expensive XK and XF ranges will still continue to be the lead sellers.
The 2011 XJ is certainly priced and equipped to compete with the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S Class, but can it seriously boost Jaguar’s sales numbers? We certainly hope so, and be sure to give us your opinion in the comments below.
Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
2011 Jaguar XJ to hit U.S. dealers next month, company looking for 50% growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz
Ah, the Mercedes-Benz G Class. The G Wagen. The Gelandewagen. It’s a relatively rare beast here in the U.S., especially in high-power G55 AMG form. We’ve never once doubted the awesomeness that is the AMG-badged G Wagen, and now the folks at Väth have decided to turn up the wick on the hardcore Benz SUV to the tune of 680 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque – output increases of 180 hp and 104 lb-ft over a factory-fresh G55. It’s pure insanity, and we wholeheartedly approve – of the powertrain, at least.
They key components of the engine tuning involve things like a new intake manifold, a revised outlet system, new coolers and Väth’s patented fuel cooler. Not only does this aid in the healthy power increase, but it allows the G55 to reach a top cruising speed of 165 miles per hour. To manage that added grunt, Väth has lowered the G55 by 1.4 inches, as well as fitted sport shock absorbers and beefy 15.4-inch sport brake discs.
Obviously, Väth has fitted the usual host of visual upgrades to the G55, including LED daytime running lamps, Xenon foglights, a sport exhaust system out back and 22-inch light metal wheels wrapped in 295/35 Yokohama ADV ST tires. Inside, carbon fiber appliques have been added to the standard leather trim, and a new sport steering wheel features Alcantara upholstery.
Do we want one? You betcha – though we might save some money where Väth’s visuals are concerned. Click through the jump to read the company’s press release with the full details.
Gallery: Vath G55
[Source: Väth]
Continue reading Väth tunes up Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG with 680 horsepower
Väth tunes up Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG with 680 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen
Just because you didn’t buy the full-bore GTI when the sixth-generation Golf hit dealers doesn’t mean you can’t have some added aftermarket hotness. Revozport has just launched its new Razor package which can be fitted to the entire Golf lineup, including TDI models.
Appearance wise, Revozport offers three different stages of customization. Stage I, retailing for $2,333, includes a kevlar hood, new front bumper with LED running lights and an adjustable splitter, and a rear bumper treatment with a new diffuser below. Opting for Stage II ($3,526) adds a roof spoiler, fender treatment and side skirt kit to the Stage I goodies, and the top-rung Stage III ($4,474) includes carbon fiber touches (including a roof) and underspoilers for both the rear diffuser and the left and right flanks. Don’t want the whole package deal? Revozport would be happy to sell these items individually, as well.
Customers who order the complete Stage III kit get some added dynamic improvements, as well. Revozport increases the front and rear tracks by 25 and 35 millimeters, respectively, allowing owners to fit more aggressive tires. What’s more, the tuning company is currently working on a 290-horsepower engine mapping system, complete with an exhaust upgrade and an intercooler. A costly addition, no doubt, but it’ll sure make your GTI scream. Hit the jump to read the full details in the press release.
Gallery: Revozport GTI Razor
[Source: Revozport]
Continue reading Revozport gives Volkswagen Golf the Razor treatment
Revozport gives Volkswagen Golf the Razor treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen
The Volkswagen New Beetle hasn’t exactly been, well, “New,” for many years now. However, a report from AutoWeek states that the Bug will get a much-needed overhaul later this year, with a concept car expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show near the end of 2010. Following the show car debut, the production New Beetle should be hitting U.S. dealers in May of 2011.
AW reports that design sources within Volkswagen indicate that the new New Beetle will take styling cues from the 2005 Ragster concept (pictured). What’s more, the next-generation car will have a stronger focus on driving dynamics, rather than overall retro style. As for powertrains, the U.S. can expect both the 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder mills to be under-hood, with a twin-charged 1.4-liter gasoline/electric hybrid reportedly in the works. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered, as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
But while all this is well and good, will a styling and dynamic overhaul be enough to revive the New Beetle’s momentum here in the U.S., or will it simply go the way of the original Beetle in just a few years time? Have your say, in comments.
Gallery: 2005 VW Ragster Concept
[Source: AutoWeek]
Report: VW New Beetle successor timeframe and details come into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Hyundai, Reviews
Like it or not, the small crossover segment is booming. Not only are budget-minded automakers all putting forth their best efforts to create new-and-improved vehicles for the class, even higher-end manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are getting into the act hoping to win over customers looking for a more premium experience. Why? These vehicles offer an excellent coupling of both utility and economy – two of the most important must-haves for the vast majority of new car shoppers.
We recently invited the latest small CUV offering from Hyundai, the 2010 Tucson, into the Autoblog Garage for a week, and found it to be a stylish, useful workhorse for everyday tasks that doesn’t sacrifice too much in the way of driving enjoyment. What’s more, with a sticker starting at $19,995, it’s quite a bargain. But just because the Tucson carries a wallet-friendly price doesn’t mean it lacks refinement or quality. Hit the jump to find out why.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Hyundai Tucson
Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS is a stylish all-rounder without sacrifice
Review: 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS is a stylish all-rounder without sacrifice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Toyota
After much deliberation, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has decided to issue a $16.4 million penalty to Toyota – the maximum fine allowed – for failing to recall vehicles due to faulty accelerator pedals in a timely fashion. This will be the largest fine ever issued to an automaker by the government.
The U.S. DOT says that Toyota failed to promptly notify the government about the defective gas pedals amongst its model range. According to NHTSA, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that there’s evidence to prove Toyota knew of the gas pedal problem as early as late September, yet the official recall was not issued until the end of January.
Toyota will either have to accept the penalty and pay up, or contest the government’s decision and continue deliberations. As of this writing, the automaker has yet to receive NHTSA’s letter outlining the fine, and it has released this short statement regarding the situation:
While we have not yet received their letter, we understand that NHTSA has taken a position on this recall. We have already taken a number of important steps to improve our communications with regulators and customers on safety-related matters as part of our strengthened overall commitment to quality assurance. These include the appointment of a new Chief Quality Officer for North America and a greater role for the region in making safety-related decisions.
The automaker has two weeks to decide if it will pay the fine or contest the government’s decision. Hit the jump to read NHTSA’s official press release.
[Source: NHTSA, Automobile | Image: Alex Wong/Getty]
Continue reading Report: NHTSA to seek $16M fine against Toyota for recall scandal
Report: NHTSA to seek $16M fine against Toyota for recall scandal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford
Well, this certainly didn’t take long. Only a few weeks after Ford let the 2011 Mustang GT loose on the road, the boys at Motor Trend have done what we’ve all been waiting for, putting the new 5.0-liter V8 model up against the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger SRT8 in a head-to-head muscle car throwdown. In our first drive, we were very impressed with the new GT’s antics, and apparently, we aren’t the only ones. Sorry, Camaro and Challenger – the Mustang takes top honors in this comparison.
Motor Trend points out that, at the end of the day, the Mustang 5.0 is the closest representation of what a modern day muscle car should be. It stands true to the original concept of a lightweight coupe with a nimble body and chassis that’s stocked to the brim with rumbling V8 power, and they say that there’s no doubt that it’s dynamically better than the Chevy and Dodge. What’s more, the interior offers better tech and refinement – something that’s key in the year 2010. Be sure to click over to MT’s comparison test for the full details.
Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ferrari
Now this is what we call a closing bonus. If you have $4.4 million to drop on a new home in Malibu, we highly recommend this gem. Not only does it net you 6,000 square feet of living space on a half-acre lot with expansive ocean views, but the homeowner is throwing in his Ferrari F40 to sweeten the deal.
The house features five bedrooms, five bathrooms and enough garage space to park 13 cars, one of which will be the aforementioned mint-condition F40. The car, valued at approximately $750,000, has under 800 miles on the odometer, and most of you will remember that the Ferrari F40 was the first street-legal production car capable of exceeding the 200-mph mark. It’s an icon, and we can’t think of a better housewarming gift. The catch? In order to secure the car, the home must be purchased before June 30, 2010. Get your checkbooks out.
[Source: The Malibu Real Estate Blog via Wallet Pop | Photo: Frank Filipponio]
Ferrari F40 thrown in as closing gift with purchase of Malibu home originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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