Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Next-gen Buick Excelle for China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon Buick will have an entire lineup of competitive vehicles with the Enclave, all-new LaCrosse and soon-to-arrive-from-Europe Regal. Since the latter model is basically a direct port of the Opel Insignia, its success may help General Motors decide whether or not to snag a fourth model from another overseas market. The likely candidate is this car, the next-gen Buick Excelle that is currently sold only in China.

Recently snapped by spy photographers while undergoing testing with very little camouflage, the next-gen Excelle will adopt GM's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze and Opel Astra. It's more closely related to later, however, as previous generations have been not much more than rebadged Astras. Just because Buick could sell the Excelle in the U.S., however, doesn't mean it should. Would the market really accept a Buick this small, especially when the Cruze is on sale across the street? Time will tell but you can let GM know what you think now in the comments.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China


[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick chinabuick excelleBuickChinaBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechinacruzeexcellespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsMon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-cadillac-cts-coupe-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-cadillac-cts-coupe-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-cadillac-cts-coupe-officially-official/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today the wraps were officially removed from the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. The coupe is the latest model to join the burgeoning CTS lineup, which also includes the sedan that started it all, the 556-hp CTS-V super sedan and the more recent CTS Sport Wagon. The coupe, however, is by far the most visually distinct CTS, sharing only its instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the sedan. Though its wheelbase is the same as the four-door's, the coupe sits two inches lower and stretches two inches less from tip to tail. The best touches are the hidden B-pillar, flush door handles, center-mounted dual exhaust, and a windshield and back glass that are raked at impossibly steep angles.

While the exterior screams excitement, the coupe's mechanicals are what we've come to expect from the CTS, which ain't a bad thing. The standard engine at launch will be General Motors' direct inject 3.6-liter V6 producing 304 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. Expect 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway when paired with GM's optional Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic and 17/25 with the standard Aisin six-speed manual. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive are available, as are two handling packages: a Performance package with 18-inch wheels and a Summer Tire Performance package with 19-inch wheels, summer tires and larger brakes. Cadillac also confirmed that a V-Series variant will be sold sometime 2010.

The 2010 CTS Coupe is being referred to by GM as the focal point of Cadillac going forward, and it certainly anchors an incredibly strong and varied CTS lineup. There are plenty of competitors out there, however, just waiting for the CTS Coupe to throw its first punch, including the incredibly competent BMW 3-Series coupe and Audi A5. From this first look at things, they should brace themselves.


Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe


[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts

Officially Official: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 cadillac cts coupe2010CadillacCtsCoupecadillaccadillac cts coupeCadillacCtsCoupects coupeCtsCoupelala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowMon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion wins <i>Motor Trend</i> Car of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010FordFusionbreakingcar of the yearCarOfTheYearcotyfordford fusionford fusion cotyFordFusionFordFusionCotyfusionfusion car of the yearfusion cotyfusion hybridfusion sportFusionCarOfTheYearFusionCotyFusionHybridFusionSportmotor trendmotor trend car of the yearMotorTrendMotorTrendCarOfTheYearTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.16.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-16-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-16-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-16-09/#comments

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery This isn't our first sampling of the reborn Dodge Challenger. We've driven the SE, R/T and SRT8 variants before....

GM loses $�1.2B last quarter, ready to start repaying loans

This is one of the trickier press releases we've ever had to parse, but here goes. Despite losing $�1.15 billion in the third quarter of 2009, General Motors sees this as a "solid foundation." GM...

REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Between the Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive (and possible hybrid) Chevrolet Impala and the rumored Caprice SS, Bob Lutz has managed to release a scad officially unofficial details on General...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.16.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnMon, 16 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Swedespeed has asked the question that anyone who follows Volvo is thinking: Will R cars return? After a tumultuous last couple of years that saw the Swedish brand suffer falling sales amidst parent company Ford's effort to sell the brand to the highest bidder (it's looking like Chinese automaker Geely at the moment), Volvo has gotten as far away from producing performance automobiles as a brand can. All the while, its competition from Germany, Japan and the U.S. have augmented their luxury lines with mid-level or super high-performance cars like the BMW 335i/M3, Audi S4/RS4 and Cadillac CTS-V. Volvo, meanwhile, put all its egg into a basket that touted refined design and safety. Unfortunately, every player in these segments has upped the ante with their designs and superior safety is no longer an island on which Volvo finds itself alone.

So back to the R cars. Volvo had some success with the 850R in the mid-Nineties, which was a mildly hotter version than the standard box sedan on which it was based. After that, the P2-gen S60R and V70R were downright scorchers with a complex Haldex all-wheel-drive system, 300-hp motor, adjustable 4C suspension and Brembo brakes. But then the R cars disappeared and were replaced by "R Design" packages that offered all of the visual potential for high performance but little else.

Swedespeed decided that proper R cars should return with the arrival of the all-new S60, and rather than being blow-the-doors-off quick, should offer mid-level performance like the original 850R did. What you see above is their rendered speculation of a reborn S60R. Click here to read more about it and catch an extra view. We think they're spot on and would love to see Volvo return to building R cars that make us think of more than safety and design when we're behind the wheel.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s60s60rvolvovolvo s60volvo s60rVolvoS60VolvoS60rMon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.12.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-12-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-12-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-12-09/#comments

First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy

SMS 570X - Click above for high-res image gallery During the course of a wide-ranging, more than two-hour long conversation, we asked racing legend, aftermarket impresario and SMS namesake...

Rumormill: Mercedes considering more affordable "baby" SLS AMG gullwing?

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery The folks over at Mercedes appear to be pretty excited about their newest supercar. For starters, the SLS AMG gullwing is...

VIDEO: Low-flying pelican results in Bugatti Veyron Hydro Edition

Click above to watch the video after the jump This is one of the saddest, yet most amusing sights we've ever seen. A $�1.6 million Bugatti Veyron sitting in a salt water lagoon, door open, in two...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.12.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.11.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-11-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-11-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-11-09/#comments

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel...

REPORT: BMW plans to offer four-cylinder diesels in the U.S.

BMW X5 xDrive35d - click above for high-res image gallery To mechanics of the Seventies, the phrase "Oldmobile 350 Diesel" is enough to cause heart palpitations. For many Americans, that...

While Supplies Last: Pontiac says only 16 G8 GXPs left at U.S. dealers (among other things)

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery If you're looking to get your hands on a Pontiac before the General Motors division shuts its doors for good, you'd better act...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.11.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnWed, 11 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.10.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-10-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-10-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-10-09/#comments

Review: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante makes getting away with it half all the fun

2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante - Click above for high-res image gallery Let's say a clandestine organization asked you, for your country, to "take care of" an enemy of the state at tonight's...

BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle

BMW Concept 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery BMW is known the world over for its excellent brand of inline-six cylinder powerplants. In most cases, those supremely smooth and powerful...

Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

2010 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery A company's image can be a burden and a blessing. Volvo, for example, remains keen on ditching its image for boxy, lackluster...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.10.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnTue, 10 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.06.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-06-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-06-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-06-09/#comments

First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento finally crosses over

2011 Kia Sorento - Click above for high-res image gallery Sometimes it's hard to remember what you did just yesterday, but think back to 2003 when Kia first introduced the Sorento mid-size...

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 5

We've made it to the last day of our SEMA Sweeps! We've given away four limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, but we've got one left. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and...

REPORT: Toyota execs deny cover-up after feds rebuke automaker over runaway car investigation

Remember Toyota's massive 3.8 million unit unintended acceleration recall that was attributed to pesky floor mats? It appears defective floor mats doesn't tell the whole story, as the Department...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.06.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/#comments

We've made it to the last day of our SEMA Sweeps! We've given away four limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, but we've got one left. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

For the last prize, we want to know which car you think should be the cover car of Gran Turismo 5. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Corvette ZR1? Something else? This is your last chance to win, so make sure to follow the directions below and enter for your chance to win!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:
  • Leave a comment in this post telling us what vehicle you think should be the cover car of Gran Turismo 5.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Saturday, November 7
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
  • For a list of complete rules, click here
That's it - it's free and easy. Good luck!

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psp gran turismoPspGranTurismosema sweepsSemaSweepssonysony pspSonyPspFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's 335-slide PowerPoint presentation and the weird stuff therein]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/chryslers-335-slide-powerpoint-presentation-and-the-weird-stuff/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/chryslers-335-slide-powerpoint-presentation-and-the-weird-stuff/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/chryslers-335-slide-powerpoint-presentation-and-the-weird-stuff/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chrysler 5-year business plan... all of it - Click above to view gallery

So you're not an automotive journalist and couldn't spend seven hours (!) following along yesterday as Chrysler execs presented their 5-year business plan for the company. What you missed was a bladder-busting 335-slide PowerPoint presentation that we won't soon forget. Fear not, as we've obtained the entire presentation and uploaded into a gallery. Every slide is there, including some curious ones that deserve pointing out.
  • Slide #14: The crucial demographic that Dodge is targeting to increase sales: moms with tat sleeves.
  • Slide #32: Is this the next-gen Dodge Charger or just the Charger R/T Concept?
  • Slide #38: Look familiar? It does to us! Chrysler swiped a photo of the Dodge ACR shot by our own Drew Phillips (see original here).
  • Slide #144: Did you know? The word "Jeep" is used to help kids learn how to write the letter J, as is every other word with a J in it.
  • Slide #291: A brochure for the 2010 Chrysler 300 that shows a mystery grille. We've seen the brochure's contents, which instead show the model currently on sale.
  • Slide #303: The speaker onstage said the Viper would return in 2012, the slide says it's under consideration.
Now it's your turn. Let us know if you find anything strange, wrong or worth pointing out in the comments below.

Gallery: Chrysler's 5-Year Business Plan

Chrysler's 335-slide PowerPoint presentation and the weird stuff therein originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler business planchrysler llcChryslerBusinessPlanChryslerLlcThu, 05 Nov 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.05.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-05-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-05-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-11-05-09/#comments

Ford unveils industry's first* production inflatable seat belts [w/VIDEO]

Ford's Inflatable Seat Belts - Click above for high-res image gallery They started out in our steering wheels before taking up residence across the dash. They then migrated to the side of...

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4

It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and...

LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.05.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnThu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-sweeps-win-one-of-five-sony-psp-gran-turismo-bundles-day/#commentsFiled under:



It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:
  • Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
  • For a list of complete rules, click here
That's it - it's free and easy. Good luck!

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo pspGranTurismoGranTurismoPspsemasema sweepsSemaSweepssonysony pspSonyPspThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford unveils industry's first* production inflatable seat belts [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/inflatable-seat-belts-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/inflatable-seat-belts-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/inflatable-seat-belts-ford/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford's Inflatable Seat Belts - Click above for high-res image gallery

They started out in our steering wheels before taking up residence across the dash. They then migrated to the side of our vehicles and grew to be full-sized curtains. Automakers seem to stick them everywhere, so where else can airbags go to protect our fleshy, organic bodies when metal meets metal in an accident? Ford has the answer: seatbelts.

Today Ford is introducing the auto industry's first* inflatable seat belts, which are scheduled to enter production in 2010 on the next-generation Ford Explorer before being offered across its global lineup. They're designed for rear-seat occupants only (front passengers already have a plethora of airbags) and, in the event of a frontal or side impact, will inflate the belt across a passenger's chest in 40 milliseconds. When expanded, the belt cover five times more surface area of the body than a normal seat belt, which helps better distribute the forces of a crash.

The mechanics of Ford's inflatable belt system use cold compressed gas to inflate the bags, unlike traditional airbags that rely on a heat-generating chemical reaction. The seat belt bags also inflate slower and to a lower pressure than a traditional airbag, mainly because they don't have to cover the distance between the passenger and an object (steering wheel, dash).

This isn't the first time we've heard about Ford's inflatable seat belts. The automaker has been working on the idea for several years and revealed their intentions right before the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. Unfortunately, Ford may not be the first to market with the idea. The Lexus LFA, also set to enter production next year, features an SRS seatbelt airbag as well. We don't know if the next-gen Explorer will beat the LFA to dealer showrooms yet, but Ford can at least take pride in knowing that its technology will be protecting more than just 500 lives.

UPDATE: Videos added after the jump.


Gallery: Ford's Inflatable Seat Belts


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford unveils industry's first* production inflatable seat belts [w/VIDEO]

Ford unveils industry's first* production inflatable seat belts [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingexplorerfordford explorerford inflatable seat beltFordExplorerFordInflatableSeatBeltinflatable seat beltinflatable seatbeltInflatableSeatBeltThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chryslers-5-year-business-plan-the-product-breakdown/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chryslers-5-year-business-plan-the-product-breakdown/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/chryslers-5-year-business-plan-the-product-breakdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.


Models On Their Way Out
  • Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
  • Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
  • Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
  • Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
  • Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
  • Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming
  • Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
  • Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
  • Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
  • Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
  • Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
  • Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
  • Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
  • Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
  • Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
  • Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention
  • Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
  • Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
  • Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
  • Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
  • Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
  • Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
  • Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
  • Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
  • Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

View Poll



Gallery: Chrysler LLC 5-year Businnes Plan for Products

Chrysler's 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M3 GTS unveiled!

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery Well that was fast. As well it should be. Because what you're looking at is the most hardcore roadgoing M3 to date. It's called the GTS...

BREAKING: Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012

2009 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for high-res image gallery At the Chrysler business plan meeting this morning, Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge car brand, dropped big news on the Viper. After...

Live Blog: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will brief the press today from 11AM EST - 6PM EST at the Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills, MI on his...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.04.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Blog: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/live-blog-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-presents-5-year-busine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/live-blog-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-presents-5-year-busine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/live-blog-chrysler-ceo-sergio-marchionne-presents-5-year-busine/#comments
CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will brief the press today from 11AM EST - 6PM EST at the Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills, MI on his 5-year business plan for the oft-embattled automaker. Follow along with us after the jump as we Live Blog the proceedings.

Click to follow Live Blog after the jump.

UPDATE: 12:45 - They've paused for an hour-long lunch. We'll be back live-blogging the presentation when they return at 1:45PM EST.

UPDATE: 1:50 - We're back from lunch!

UPDATE: 3:30 - About to come back from a 25-minute coffee break.

UPDATE: 5:45 - That's it, the marathon press conference has concluded.

Continue reading Live Blog: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

Live Blog: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerlive blogLiveBlogsergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany not happy with GM abandoning Opel sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/germany-not-happy-with-gm-abandoning-opel-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/germany-not-happy-with-gm-abandoning-opel-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/germany-not-happy-with-gm-abandoning-opel-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It was an exhausting 7-month process that finally winnowed down a pool of suitors for Opel, General Motors' European subsidiary, to Canadian parts maker Magna and Russian bank Sberbank. The deal was all set to go through, but GM pulled the plug yesterday at the 11th hour, claiming that because of Europe's improving markets and its own better-than-expected financial footing, the automaker could do better for Opel and employees than any of its proposed buyers.

Not so says government officials in Germany, who are reportedly crying in their steins and cursing the day Fritz Henderson was born (we're guessing). Of course, there's money involved, but GM has vowed to pay back the €1.5 billion bridge loan it received from the German government to keep Opel afloat during the selling process. It reportedly only borrowed €1.1 billion and has already paid back €200 million, so Germany is still owed about €900 million.

Aside from the money, German officials and Opel employees in the country are concerned that there will be more job cuts and plant closings by GM than there would have been if the company had been sold to Magna. As such, some of the unions in Germany that had agreed to concessions in order to woo Magna into ownership have vowed not to extend those same concessions to GM.

Outside of Germany, however, GM Europe workers are reportedly happy with the decision to keep Opel in the family fold. Their jubilation stems from fear that had Germany succeeded in brokering the sale of Opel to Magna, other countries like the UK, Spain and Belgium would bear the brunt of restructuring instead of Deutschland. This way, GM is more likely to evenly spread out the costs of restructuring, including job loss, without one region being able to exert too much influence.

[Source: The Detroit News, Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo by TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty]

Germany not happy with GM abandoning Opel sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour goes down the road nicely... but is that enough?

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery We hadn't been parked but a minute or two when it happened. After about a half an hour wringing out our test subject on...

BREAKING: GM board opts to call off Opel sale

After months of negotiations with supplier Magna and its Russian partner Sberbank, General Motors has decided not to sell its Opel unit. The General mentioned in the post-jump press release that...

SEMA Sweeps: Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 2

We're on to Day 2 of the SEMA Sweeps in which we're giving to you, dear readers, five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles over five days. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and...

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.03.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnTue, 03 Nov 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[By the Numbers - October 2009: Green is Growing Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/by-the-numbers-october-2009-green-is-growing-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/by-the-numbers-october-2009-green-is-growing-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/by-the-numbers-october-2009-green-is-growing-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Hyundai, Kia and Subaru all report +40% increase in sales

If you've been paying attention to recent editions of By the Numbers, you'll have noticed that the amount of green on our chart below is growing. Month after month, more and more brands and manufacturers are managing to produce sales numbers that exceed the same month last year.

For October 2009, the list is topped by three familiar players: Hyundai (+49%), Kia (+45%) and Subaru (+41%). The South Koreans and this lone Japanese brand have bucked the trend all year, and now that other brands are beginning to sell relatively well, they are distancing themselves from the pack even further.

Their success shouldn't overshadow the rest of the industry, though, which includes many players surprisingly high on our chart. All four "Core" brands of General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC) posted positive numbers, and GM as a whole, which still counts sales from "non-Core" brands like Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn, managed to post a 4.1% gain in sales. Likewise, the Ford brand (+3.6%) and Ford Motor Company (+3%) both reported sales gains versus October of last year. The rest of the big Japanese manufacturers, meanwhile, were close behind but didn't quite manage to earn a green cell this month, while the Chrysler Group LLC landed farthest off the mark with a drop of 30.4%.

Have industry sales turned the corner? Are we headed into a bright future of 14+ million sales per year and green cells for every automaker? Hardly, though it's increasingly clear that new product, being competitive in key segments, and creative marketing and incentives are the best recipe for climbing out of the red.


Brand Volume % 10/09 10/08 DSR*% DSR 10/09 DSR 10/08
Hyundai 48.92 31,005 20,820 43.60 1,107 771
Kia 45.26 22,490 15,483 40.07 803 573
Subaru 40.66 18,169 12,917 35.64 649 478
Cadillac 21.60 11,602 9,541 17.26 414 353
Mercedes-Benz 21.32 18,193 14,996 16.99 650 555
GMC 20.44 25,423 21,109 16.14 908 782
Lexus 19.77 19,502 16,283 15.49 697 603
Volvo 19.37 4,437 3,717 15.11 158 138
Buick 18.46 9,053 7,642 14.23 323 283
Porsche 15.07 1,642 1,427 10.96 59 53
Chevrolet 8.50 116,436 107,313 4.63 4,158 3,975
Nissan 7.69 53,664 49,833 3.84 1,917 1,846
Volkswagen 7.23 17,037 15,889 3.40 608 588
Ford 3.57 119,072 114,969 -0.13 4,253 4,258
Honda -0.01 75,751 75,756 -3.58 2,705 2,806
Mercury -1.14 6,676 6,753 -4.67 238 250
Audi -1.14 7,358 7,443 -4.67 263 276
Toyota -2.32 132,663 135,818 -5.81 4,738 5,030
Acura -3.53 9,751 10,108 -6.98 348 374
Lincoln -8.97 6,735 7,399 -12.23 241 274
Infiniti -9.29 6,451 7,112 -12.53 230 263
Pontiac -18.45 10,646 13,054 -21.36 380 483
BMW -18.61 16,443 20,203 -21.52 587 748
Mini -20.79 4,176 5,272 -23.62 149 195
Dodge -22.21 26,265 33,763 -24.99 938 1250
Chrysler -35.61 12,815 19,903 -37.91 458 737
Jeep -36.80 13,500 21,360 -39.05 482 791
Mitsubishi -48.34 3,867 7,486 -50.19 138 277
Suzuki -49.89 1,745 3,482 -51.67 62 129
Saturn -57.79 3,623 8,583 -59.30 129 318
Smart -70.44 661 2,236 -71.49 24 83
Saab -74.03 513 1,975 -74.95 18 73
Hummer -77.56 307 1,368 -78.36 11 51
Mazda N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
COMPANIES
General Motors 4.11 177,603 170,585 0.40 6,343 6,318
Ford Motor Company 3.07 136,920 132,838 -0.61 4,890 4,920
Nissan NA 0.28 60,115 59,945 -3.30 2,147 2,220
Toyota Mo Co 0.04 152,165 152,101 -3.53 5,434 5,633
American Honda -0.42 85,502 85,864 -3.98 3,054 3,180
BMW Group -19.06 20,619 25,475 -21.95 736 944
Chrysler Group LLC -30.39 65,803 94,530 -32.88 2,350 3,501
*Brands and companies are both displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 28 selling days in October 2009 and 27 selling days in October 2008, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in the average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

By the Numbers - October 2009: Green is Growing Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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