Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2010 Infiniti EX getting more rear leg room]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/2010-infiniti-ex-getting-more-rear-leg-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/2010-infiniti-ex-getting-more-rear-leg-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/2010-infiniti-ex-getting-more-rear-leg-room/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Infiniti EX35

The Infiniti EX is a perfectly good little CUV with G37-inspired looks and sharp reflexes that keep it near the front of the cute 'ute segment in most reviews. Apparently that hasn't been enough to attract buyers. Or more precisely, the buyers who have been showing up at Infiniti dealers haven't been the kind of people that the company was actually marketing to. Where the advertising for the EX up to this point has been directed towards sedan buyers, and particularly couples or single women, a lot of families are actually looking considering it and, like ourselves, are complaining about the lack of back seat legroom and cargo room. Infiniti has taken those complaints to heart and is planning a few changes for the 2010 model that will increase room in both of those areas, though it hasn't said exactly how it will squeeze the extra cubic inches out of the vehicle's finite amount of interior space. Additionally, Infiniti will work with its dealers to help better pitch the EX to prospective buyers. An example of that is making content like the family-friendly Around View Monitor available in more trim levels. Hopefully it will help boost EX sales beyond the expected 15,000 units for this year, though we wouldn't get our hopes up in this market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Infiniti ex2010InfinitiExinfiniti exinfiniti ex35infiniti ex37InfinitiExInfinitiEx35InfinitiEx37Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/x2-might-be-out-but-bmw-could-be-planning-an-x4/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

UPDATE: A BMW spokesperson told 4Car that the automaker has no plans to produce an X4.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X4BmwX4crossoverSAVX6Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Preview: CGS ReFlex]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/sema-preview-cgs-reflex/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/sema-preview-cgs-reflex/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/sema-preview-cgs-reflex/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to enlarge

Every time we see a Flex on the road, it looks cartoonish to us - those two massive rectangles sitting on cute little wheels. We wouldn't be surprised if, a la CARS, a Flex started talking to us. The "ReFlex" above, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs and being prepared by CGS Motorsports for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, looks like it could have something interesting to say. Who knew that a minimal body kit, a drop, and a set of 22s could give the Flex that personality it's been missing. The custom DuPont-painted CUV is also getting a suede interior, a Kicker sound system, and even new door solenoids from SPAL. We'll take it, or at least a ride in it. Check out the full press release after the jump, and stay tuned for the full report from SEMA.

[Source: CGS]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: CGS ReFlex

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcgscgs motorsportsCgsMotorsportsflexfordford flexFordFlexreflexsean smithSeanSmithsemasema 2008Sema2008ss designsSsDesignstunersThu, 09 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept


In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6, BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3. The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel-drive "BMW X1 xDrive28i"). Built on the 3 Series platform (and set for production at the same Leipzig plant), the showroom version of the X1 is expected to look much like the X1 Concept shown in Paris last week. There has been no word on when we'll see it on this side of the pond, but those in Europe should look for the X1 to appear in showrooms sometime in 2010.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE


[Source: Autocar]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X1BmwX1LeipzigProductionrear-wheel driveRear-wheelDrivesDriveX1 ConceptX1ConceptxDriveThu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/u-s-may-miss-out-on-production-chevy-orlando/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/u-s-may-miss-out-on-production-chevy-orlando/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/u-s-may-miss-out-on-production-chevy-orlando/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept

Just a few days ago, we got to see Chevy unveil the Orlando concept at the Paris Motor Show. We surmised at the time that this seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle seems like the logical next step for the idea that General Motors started with the Chevy HHR. Perhaps it won't be. Motor Authority is claiming that the production version of the Orlando won't be assembled in the U.S. and we may get passed over entirely due to the expected cost of the vehicle, which is based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Cruze compact car and Volt series hybrid. Additionally, GM has stated that it has no plans to end production of the HHR anytime soon. But this is all speculation for now. As for whether it's much ado about nothing, we'll see.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE


[Source: Motor Authority]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet orlandoChevroletOrlandochevy orlandochevy tacumaChevyOrlandoChevyTacumaorlandoWed, 08 Oct 2008 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports rates three-row SUVs, Flex and CX-9 in top five]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/consumer-reports-rates-three-row-suvs-flex-and-cx-9-in-top-five/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/consumer-reports-rates-three-row-suvs-flex-and-cx-9-in-top-five/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/consumer-reports-rates-three-row-suvs-flex-and-cx-9-in-top-five/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Flex

The Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9 haven't exactly lit up the sales charts lately, and the Flex even has $2,500 in incentives on its hood to try and move units in this atrocity of an automotive market. Despite slow sales, the two well regarded three-row crossovers have made the Consumer Reports short list. The consumer advocacy magazine ranked the top 17 three row crossovers on the market, and the Flex and CX-9 cracked the top five for the first time. The Flex was lauded for its quality interior, roominess, unique style, and the SYNC system, while the CX-9 was given kudos for driving dynamics, steering, transmission and interior flexibility. The two models teamed up to boot the perennial top five Honda Pilot, which even fell out of the top 10 in spite of a thorough redesign this year.

The big winner in the CR SUV rankings was the Toyota Highlander. The hybrid version finished with the top overall score of 86, and the standard model received a good-for-second-place 81. The Acura MDX came in third with 80 points. GM's Lambda-based crossovers all tied for 6th place with a total score of 75 points each. The Consumer Report SUV rankings will appear in its November issue, which should be hitting store shelves just about now.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Ford Flex


Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring


[Source: Free Press]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/bmw-kills-x7-to-focus-on-x1-and-mini-sav/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/bmw-kills-x7-to-focus-on-x1-and-mini-sav/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/bmw-kills-x7-to-focus-on-x1-and-mini-sav/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery

For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 - originally slated for production in 2013 - has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News.

The MINI is expected to hit the market in 2010, while the X1 will arrive in the U.S. later that year or in early 2011. While Reithofer admits that the X6 is a niche vehicle, he contends that the X1 has the ability to be a more mainstream player in the market. To which we ask: how? While a biggie MINI may be a contradiction in terms and execution, the crossover at least has some nostalgia and style on its side. On the other hand, the X1 doesn't seem to bring much to the table and risks cannibalizing sales of its slightly large sibling (X3) and even a few 3-series wagon buyers - if it even sells in the first place.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x1bmw x7BmwX1BmwX7minimini crossoverMiniCrossoverx1x7Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-citroen-hypnos-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-citroen-hypnos-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-citroen-hypnos-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Citroen Hypnos concept

Someone over at Citroen has been hitting the absinthe. Well, why not, because Citroen is celebrating its birthday and had the semi-annual Paris auto salon in town to coincide. We'd say they should have stuck with the champagne, but we kinda like this car. Called the Hypnos, it's all business on the outside, and all trippy on the inside.

The exterior looks something like a darker, more versatile version of the GT concept developed by the same company. The interior is something else altogether, and is likely to seem familiar only to those who have gone diving in coral reefs or spent some time in Amsterdam. (If anyone's asking, we fall into the former.) Power is provided by the the HYmotion4 hybrid diesel powertrain PSA rolled out on several show cars, including sister-company Peugeot's Prologue and RC HYmotion4 concepts, which gives the Hypnos green credentials to go with the hippie-inspired design theme. Of course, this falls squarely in the design study category of concept cars (as opposed to the production preview sort), but if this is an indication of where Citroen is headed, overseas customers could be in for a wild ride. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept

Continue reading Paris 2008: Citroen Hypnos concept

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen conceptcitroen concept pariscitroen hybridcitroen hymotion4citroen hypnoscitroen parisCitroenConceptCitroenConceptParisCitroenHybridCitroenHymotion4CitroenHypnosCitroenParishymotion4parisparis auto salonParisAutoSalonMon, 06 Oct 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-ford-kuga-individual/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-ford-kuga-individual/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-ford-kuga-individual/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga Individual

When we put the production Ford Kuga next to its progenitor, the Iosis X show car, on our test drive in Belgium, we couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The Kuga is a fine looking cute-ute, but lacks the aggressive styling that made the Iosis X such a show stopper. Ford promised to close the gap a little with the Individual version of the Kuga, launched here in Paris.

The Kuga joins Individual versions of the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta, S-Max and Galaxy, offering overseas buyers a host of luxury options you'd normally find on higher-end automobiles. The interior trim in particular goes a long way towards addressing some of the incoherence we mentioned in our review as well. Along with the leather and stuff, the Kuga Individual gets a revised exterior package that evokes some of the touches from the concept car, like aluminum intake fascias, 20" wheels and ground effects. The latter gives the Kuga a more road-skimming look as opposed to the Iosis X's jacked-up stature, but it's a nice touch all the same. The best part, however, could be the new engine option: the same Volvo-sourced turbo five from the hot Focus ST, albeit detuned to 200hp. Check out the photos in the gallery below to see the updated Kuga Individual from the Paris show floor.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual

Gallery: Ford Kuga Individual

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>european fordEuropeanFordfordford individualford kugaford kuga individualford kuga individual parisford parisFordIndividualFordKugaFordKugaIndividualFordKugaIndividualParisFordParisparisparis auto showparis motor showParisAutoShowParisMotorShowSun, 05 Oct 2008 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/05/follow-the-audi-mileage-marathon-starting-monday-morning/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



At 9AM Eastern on Monday morning, a fleet of 23 diesel-powered Audis will roll out from Manhattan's Tavern on the Green on a trans-continental trek to demonstrate diesel efficiency. I'm in Manhattan this afternoon preparing to spend the next week in an Audi Q7 TDI on the way to Denver and will be checking in regularly from the road as we pass through Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas and Amarillo along the way. Audi plans to launch its fifty-state-legal Q7 TDI in the US market next spring and it seems likely that some of the other vehicles on this trip may not be far behind.

I'll be on the first two legs and Sebastian, Damon, Drew and Jonathan will take over for the second week of the trip to Los Angeles. You can also follow along at the Audi Mileage Marathon site where there's a Twitter feed following the participants as they cross the continent. There is also a live map showing our location on the road along with two blogs, including one from Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen. Twitter users can follow audimarathon to see what some of the 200 participating journalists are saying.

Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon


[Source: Audi Mileage Marathon]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi mileage marathonAudiMileageMarathonbreakingSun, 05 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4

Peugeot has been showing diesel hybrid concepts at auto shows for the past several years, and the latest is the new Prologue HYmotion4. Unlike the previous versions that were based on the 307 and 308 C-segment hatchbacks, the Prologue is an all-new vehicle. Also unlike the previous concepts that used a hybrid system where the engine and electric motor ran in parallel on the same axle, this one uses the company's new HYmotion4 system like the RC concept we showed you earlier today. And unlike the four-door coupe RC, the crossover-bodied Prologue flips the powertrain arrangement front to back. The CUV has a 163-hp 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel twisting the front wheels while a 27 kW motor sends torque to the rear axle. The combined output when both the diesel and motor are running is 200 hp with 221 lb-ft going to the front wheels and 148 lb-ft to the back. Like the RC concept, front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive modes are available. Since rear-drive is electric only and the motor output only 27 kW, that mode is only available up to 30 mph. The diesel engine up front sends power through an automated 6-speed manual gearbox that allows for manual shifting. Peugeot also claims the electric motor is activated during shifts to provide uninterrupted power flow and smoother operation. Whereas the RC concept uses lithium-ion batteries, the Prologue uses a cheaper nickel-metal hydride battery pack sitting under the rear seat. Altogether, the Prologue is claimed to achieve 57.4 mpg (U.S.) with carbon dioxide output of 109 g/km.

Gallery: 2008 Paris: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid concept


[Source: Peugeot]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hymotion4parisparis motor showparis2008ParisMotorShowpeugeot prologuepeugeot prologue conceptPeugeot Prologue HYmotion4PeugeotProloguePeugeotPrologueConceptPeugeotPrologueHymotion4Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo XC60 comes from Sweden with "leaves"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/volvo-xc60-comes-from-sweden-with-leaves/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/volvo-xc60-comes-from-sweden-with-leaves/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/volvo-xc60-comes-from-sweden-with-leaves/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volvo XC60

Vehicle sales are brutal everywhere of late, but Volvo has been tanking long before any industry-wide slowdown took place. That makes the March 2009 arrival of the XC60 crossover that much more important, as it's the first all-new Volvo (besides the low volume C30) in many years. Since customers have been turning away from the Volvo brand of late, marketing will play a big part of the XC60's success. Volvo has unleashed its new campaign for the CUV already with the tagline, "The new Volvo XC60. From Sweden with löv." We get it. Volvo is stressing its Swedish roots in marketing its new vehicle. Hey, it works for IKEA, right? Volvo even utilized the Swedish spelling for 'love' to give its new crossover more Euro appeal.

Our tipster Caitlin didn't think it works at all. The reason? Löv means 'leaves' in Swedish and has nothing to do with that certain brand of affection that makes our cheeks blush. According to Caitlin, Lov without the umlaut means 'vacation' or 'break', which sounds like a better advertising angle for a CUV than leaves, but just doesn't look as "Swedish" in print. The proper translation of 'love' into Swedish is "kärlek", so when you begin seeing the XC60 on U.S. streets next March, just remember that it comes from Sweden with kärlek. Thanks for the tip, Caitlin!

Gallery: 2009 Volvo XC60


[Source: Volvo]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoversafetyvehicle launchVehicleLaunchVolvoVolvo XC60VolvoXc60Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mini-crossover-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mini-crossover-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-mini-crossover-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Crossover Concept

Some concepts are purely design exercises, while others serve as previews of upcoming production models. It's rare for one show car to serve as both, but then MINI is unique in the business. The Crossover concept that the BMW subsidiary unveiled here at the Paris Motor Show has a bit of a Dark Knight villain thing going for it. On one side it's got an unusual door configuration, big show-car wheels and a decidedly conceptual turquoise-highlighted paint scheme. On the other it's more staid, with conventional doors, a more conventional color palette and an altogether more production-feasible appearance. Up top and inside everything's all fantasy, however, with the cloth roof and trick glass infotainment system we reported on earlier. Click the thumbnails below to see the MINI Crossover Concept live from the Paris show floor, and the gallery below that for the factory studio shots, and let us know what you think of the two-faced concept car in our comments section.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcrossoverminimini crossmanmini crossovermini crossover conceptmini crossover paris conceptmini parisMiniCrossmanMiniCrossoverMiniCrossoverConceptMiniCrossoverParisConceptMiniParisparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowThu, 02 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-bmw-x1-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-bmw-x1-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-bmw-x1-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X1 concept

We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept, but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss.

Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks.

Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE


Gallery: BMW Concept X1

Continue reading Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x1 conceptBmwX1Conceptconceptparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowx1Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/paris-2008-orlando-concept-previews-production-chevy-mpv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/paris-2008-orlando-concept-previews-production-chevy-mpv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/paris-2008-orlando-concept-previews-production-chevy-mpv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept

Now that the Paris Motor Show is finally upon us, General Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new Orlando Concept. In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs aren't selling well right now, GM has given up on minivans and Chevrolet has nothing but CUVs to fill the void. Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe and the Orlando gives a clear indication that the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon. Seven seats fill the large available interior space of the Orlando, which comes courtesy of the modified Delta II platform that's shared with the recently unveiled Cruze sedan. Those seats also fold flat for versatile cargo-carrying utility.

Ice-blue accents cover both the interior and exterior of the Orlando Concept and solar panels are fixed to the roof in a nod to its concept status. On the inside, there's a lot going on with multiple fabric and plastic textures, but the overall layout looks pretty solid. Power for the Orlando comes from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that offers up nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. We'll have live shots from the Paris Motor Show soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the early press release after the break and take a look at our large high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Chevy Orlando Concept


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy orlandochevy orlando conceptChevyOrlandoChevyOrlandoConceptparis 2008paris motor showparis motor show 2008Paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: BMW Concept X1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/officially-official-bmw-concept-x1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/officially-official-bmw-concept-x1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/officially-official-bmw-concept-x1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Concept X1

After last night's impromptu unveiling of the BMW Concept X1 set off Dan's gag reflex, the Munich-based automaker has released the first batch of official info and images of its premium compact CUV. Most of us here at Autoblog echo Dan's sentiment that the Concept X1 is an ugly duckling, with very odd proportions for such a small CUV. The front end wears the new swollen nose first seen on the new 7 Series, while squared off wheel surrounds and lots of pinched surfacing reminds us of what we didn't like about the Bangle-era of BMW design. We also think BMW's X line of SUVs and CUVs is getting a little crowded with the X5 and X3 recently joined by the X6 and soon a production version of the X1. We have to see them side by side, but the Concept X1 and current X3 look too close for comfort in size and purpose. Check out the official press release from BMW after the jump where the brand tries to explain the design details of the Concept X1, as well as the new, high-res gallery below and a new video after the jump. We'll have live shots of the Concept X1 from the floor of the Paris Motor Show tomorrow, and we hope more details on the concept's mechanicals.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW Concept X1

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw concept x1BmwConceptX1concept x1ConceptX1parisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowx1 conceptX1ConceptWed, 01 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW Concept X1 arrives early on web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-concept-x1-arrives-early-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-concept-x1-arrives-early-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-concept-x1-arrives-early-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for gallery of the BMW Concept X1

If the BMW X3 isn't ugly or space-inefficient enough for you, here's the Concept X1, which is a lightly veiled version of the production soft ute you'll see in BMW dealers shortly. Yeech. We can't fathom how it's going to be that much different than the X3, seeing as BMWs famliy tree among 1 and 3 series vehicles is starting to look as inbred as English Aristocracy, but we're going to go way out on a limb and suggest that it's a little tighter in most dimensions while sharing powertrains. Styling-wise, as long as you ignore anything forward of the A-pillar, you'll be okay. It's largely standard BMW fare, just scaled down. We're not quite sure what happened up front - it's bad. From the visage that's evocative of the 7 series to the oddly shaped wheel arches, it just doesn't come together, and the way the proboscis sticks out when viewing the X1's profile borders on disturbing. The most amazing thing: people will fall all over themselves to buy it. It'll definitely drive like a BMW, a redeeming trait, but we'd much rather see a 135 shooting brake.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


[Source: Bimmerpost]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw concept x1bmw x1BmwConceptX1BmwX1breakingparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowx1x1 conceptX1ConceptTue, 30 Sep 2008 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X, almost naked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-almost-naked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-almost-naked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-almost-naked/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Saab 9-4X has been caught in these new spy shots without the Keith Haring tape job it was wearing the last time we saw it. Features like the converging window lines on the side, the rear lights, and the Saab grille, give away its lineage. From the side, especially from the A-pillar back, you could be forgiven for confusing the Saab with a lot of other CUVs, while lines that are quite distinctive on the smaller 9-3 and 9-5 look to have been stretched into rather bland expanses on the 9-4X. It's still early, so we look forward to seeing the fully Saab-ified retail version. If Saab's managing director is to be believed, what won't be bland is one of the engine choices: a diesel with 250 hp and 406 lb-ft. That's the kind of quirky we can get behind.

[Source: Left Lane News]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4xcuvcuvssaabsaab 9-4xSaab9-4xspy shotspy shotsSpyShotSpyShotsTue, 30 Sep 2008 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[More 2009 Honda Element pics surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the restyled 2009 Honda Element

Today we get to see the updates that Honda has made for its next Element more clearly. The most noticeable action is up front as the boxy 'ute gets Honda's new corporate-look grille. Classier head lights flank the five-sided opening and circular fog lamps slot nicely below them. It's a more mature look, which is fitting since the Element has proven popular with an older crowd than Honda had originally intended. Out back some shapely new tail lights appear alongside a subtly revised rear end.

As before, the standard model's clean lines can be enhanced a bit with the SC model, which gets a factory body-kit with pronounced flares and air dams. We don't spot any real changes on the inside, except an available nav system and chill box, though there was nothing wrong with the useful guts of the Element in the first place. We're also not expecting any major powertrain changes, but we'll report back when Honda makes things official.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Element


[Source: Carscoop]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Honda Element2009HondaElement2010 Honda Element2010HondaElementElementHondaHonda ElementHondaElementTue, 30 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW releases second X1 teaser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-releases-second-x1-teaser/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-releases-second-x1-teaser/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/bmw-releases-second-x1-teaser/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If the overly contrived teaser video wasn't enough for you, there's now another image of the BMW X1 for those who care. There's not much to see in the teaser, just a very dimly lit shot of the vehicle that will slot below the pugnacious X3. A little Photoshoppery doesn't shed much more light, but it does make the profile more clear. When we finally see the X1 in Paris, it will likely resemble a stubby shrunken X5. No word on whether or not it'll drive like the supersonic aircraft that originated the moniker.

[Source: 4wheelsnews]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw x1bmw x1 conceptbmw x1 teaserBmwX1BmwX1ConceptBmwX1Teaserx1 parisx1 photoX1ParisX1PhotoTue, 30 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST