Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/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[First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

When Honda introduced the first generation Fit to the North American market in mid-2006, its timing couldn't have been better. The entry level hatchback appeared just as fuel prices in the U.S. were heading skyward. Ever since then, the Fit has been selling as fast as Honda can bring them in from Japan. The Fit (or Jazz as its known in some markets) debuted in 2001 and the second-generation model went on sale in Japan last fall. Honda showed the new U.S.-spec Fit at the New York Auto Show last spring and we had our first opportunity to drive it on the roads north of Ann Arbor, MI last week.

As is typically the case with new models, the updated Fit has grown a bit (about 4 inches in overall length), but it's only about 44 pounds heavier than the outgoing model. Also in the usual fashion, Honda strove to increase the refinement of the Fit while not losing any of the fun-loving qualities of the original. In the process, it has had to deal with rising raw material and shipping costs while keeping the price from getting out of hand. Read on to find out if the spiritual descendants of Soichiro Honda have succeeded.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 honda fit2009 honda fit sport2009HondaFit2009HondaFitSportbreakingfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehonda fithonda fit sportHondaFitHondaFitSport2008-08-20T12:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autoblog-first-drive-2009-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autoblog-first-drive-2009-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autoblog-first-drive-2009-corvette-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Last week, General Motors' Bowling Green, KY assembly plant began manufacturing the fastest, most powerful production Corvette in its 55-year history. We got our first official look at the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at the Detroit Auto Show in January and, at that time, Chevrolet officials hadn't finalized the numbers. Over the intervening months, GM continued to tease us with bits of information, including the ZR1's 205 mph top speed, 638 horsepower, 605 lb.-ft. of torque, and 7:26.4 lap time at the Nurburgring. Throughout all of this, we've been waiting patiently for one of the most anticipated invitations of 2008: the ZR1 First Drive.

That wait finally ended a few weeks ago when we got the call to arrive at GM's Milford Proving Grounds. All we needed was cooperative weather. As the sun crested the horizon on the appointed day, the darkened skies threatened to put the kibosh on our time with the King. But a few hours later, the clouds dissipated and the fun was officially underway.

UPDATE: Video of Corvette ZR1 on the Lutz Ring added after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 corvette zr12009CorvetteZr1chevroletchevycorvettecorvette zr-1corvette zr1CorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr1featuredfirst driveFirstDriveZR1 autoblogZR1 first driveZR1 reviewZR1 test driveZr1AutoblogZr1FirstDriveZr1ReviewZr1TestDrive2008-08-19T23:19:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Range Rover Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/first-drive-2008-range-rover-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/first-drive-2008-range-rover-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/first-drive-2008-range-rover-sport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Range Rover Sport

Driving a Range Rover Sport is like wearing an Izod circa 1980-anything: everybody immediately knows what you're about. And that's not a bad thing. We never wore Izods, but we'd drive this thing all day long -- and in fact, we did. The sport is supposedly the Range Rover for people who just want to go from work to the golf course to the watering hole, and don't need to traverse the Andes do it. Turns out, though, that it's suitably equipped for both. Follow the jump for the rest of the Rover story, and check out the gallery of hi-res shots below.

Gallery: 2008 Range Rover Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDriveland roverLandRoverrange roverrange rover sportrange rover sport hseRangeRoverRangeRoverSportRangeRoverSportHserr sportRrSportsuvtest driveTestDrive2008-08-18T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoblog drives the 2009 Corvette ZR1! (but we can't talk about it yet)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/autoblog-drives-the-2009-corvette-zr1-but-we-cant-talk-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/autoblog-drives-the-2009-corvette-zr1-but-we-cant-talk-about/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/autoblog-drives-the-2009-corvette-zr1-but-we-cant-talk-about/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of our ride in the Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet officially kicked off series production of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at its Bowling Green KY assembly plant this week and decided to celebrate by inviting the media out to drive the new "King of the Hill". Since there are still several more waves of writers scheduled to drive the cars over the next week, we can't tell you what we thought of how it drives just yet. We can, however, share some photos of the cars we drove today around the Lutz-ring at General Motors' Milford Proving Ground. Stay tuned next Wednesday, August 20 for our full evaluation. In the meantime, enjoy the gallery and refresh your memory with our intro to the ZR1 from earlier this year.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

 

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]]>corvettecorvette zr-1corvette zr1CorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr1featuredfirst driveFirstDrive2008-08-13T20:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/autoblog-first-drive-2009-acura-tl-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/autoblog-first-drive-2009-acura-tl-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/autoblog-first-drive-2009-acura-tl-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Beginning in February at the Chicago Auto Show, Acura began rolling out redesigned versions of its three sedans in the span of six months. Beginning with the RL in Chicago, Acura has rolled out its new design ethos intended to make these cars stand out in the increasingly crowded entry luxury segment. When we first showed you the RL, it got what would charitably be described as a negative reception. The new shield grille design was almost universally reviled both in the media and amongst you readers. By the time the entry-level TSX arrived a month later, reactions softened somewhat as people became accustomed to the look. In its first few months on the street, sales of the new TSX have jumped more than 20 percent compared to the old model.

The last to arrive and arguably the best looking of the three is the mid-level TL, which arrives this September to replace the best selling sedan in Acura's lineup. Acura invited us to New York to sample its new mainstream model on the roads of Connecticut and the Empire State in mid-July. While the TL was the last to be unveiled, it is actually the first and only one of the three sedans to be completely designed around this new look. Read more about the new TL and our first drive impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Acura TL


Gallery: 2009 Acura TL


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 acura tl2009 tl2009AcuraTl2009Tlacura tlAcuraTlfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivesh-awdsuperhandlingallwheeldrivetl2008-08-11T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-2008-dodge-viper-srt10-acr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-2008-dodge-viper-srt10-acr/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-2008-dodge-viper-srt10-acr/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR

I have to admit that I'm biased when it comes to the Dodge Viper. I've had a soft spot for the venomous snake since the GTS coupe hit the streets in 1996. The aggressive design, powerful 8.0-liter V10 with 450 horsepower (doesn't sound like much now, but it sure seemed like a lot then), and the blue paint scheme with white racing stripes were the ideal combination for my dream sports car. I'm going to be that guy at the 2030 Barrett-Jackson purchasing a mint, low-mileage, numbers-matching 1996 or 1997 Dodge Viper GTS, and, of course, you'll be the one watching on SPEED commenting how I'm paying way too much for a classic American muscle car.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>20082008 Dodge Viper ACR2008 Dodge Viper SRT102008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR2008DodgeViperAcr2008DodgeViperSrt102008DodgeViperSrt10AcrACRDodgeDodge ViperDodge Viper ACRDodgeViperDodgeViperAcrfeaturedViper2008-08-08T19:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: HUMMER H3T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the HUMMER H3T

If HUMMER had a theme song, it'd probably be the Allman Brothers' Whipping Post -- the one that goes "Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I been tied to the whipping post..." The brand has been the go-to effigy when something needs to burn on the altar of eco desecration. But HUMMER doesn't have a theme song, it has the tagline "Like No Other." It also has a new pick-em-up truck we had the chance to drive recently in the High Sierras: the H3T. Follow the jump to find out if it's another HUMMER like no other, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: First Drive: HUMMER H3T

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]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDriveh3h3th3t alphah3talphahummerhummer h3hummer h3tHummerH3HummerH3tpickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupspickuptruckPickupTruckstrucktrucks2008-08-08T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/second-drive-porsche-boxster-rs60-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/second-drive-porsche-boxster-rs60-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/second-drive-porsche-boxster-rs60-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche Boxster RS 60

Our colleague Chris Tutor recently took the Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder for a few quick turns around Barber Motorsports. A tad more powerful than the Boxster S, and filled with red leather, he discovered it was plenty of car on the closed circuit. We recently had a chance to get the special edition RS 60 off the track and onto the back roads of Rhode Island and Connecticut, and got to see what the car could do on twisting country lanes - and unexpectedly, in the rain. The likewise unexpected result: damn near perfection. Follow the jump to find out how,and check out the gallery of hi-res and sometimes very damp images below.

Gallery: Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60


All Second Drive gallery photos Copyright (C)2008 Sergio Jurado / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: First Drive: Porsche Boxster RS 60

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]]>boxsterboxster rs 60boxster rs 60 spyderboxster sBoxsterRs60BoxsterRs60SpyderBoxsterSfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveporscheporsche boxsterporsche boxster rs 6...porsche boxster rs 60porsche boxster sPorscheBoxsterPorscheBoxsterRs6...PorscheBoxsterRs60PorscheBoxsterStest drivetest drivesTestDriveTestDrives2008-08-04T14:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/first-drive-2009-aston-martin-v8-vantage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

2003 BMW M5.
2005 Lotus Elise.
2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

What do these three vehicles have in common? They all occupy a space in my dream garage. Sure, I could've added a few more fantasy slots for a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Land Rover 90 and everything in between, but the Bimmer, the Lotus and the Aston exemplify all I've ever wanted on four wheels: a powerful sedan, a competent track tool, and an elegant coupe. No matter the occasion, I'm covered.

But there's a problem. While I've spent a fair amount of time in and around the Elise and M5, I've never had the opportunity to drive the Vantage. The Aston holds a spot on my lottery list on looks alone, so I arrived in San Francisco with a fair amount of trepidation. Will the V8 Vantage be everything I've dreamt about or will it be the automotive equivalent of meeting my hero?

It's finally time to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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]]>20092009 Aston martin v8 vantage2009 aston martin v8 vantage review2009 aston martin v8 vantage road test2009 aston martin v8 vantage test drive2009AstonMartinV8Vantage2009AstonMartinV8VantageReview2009AstonMartinV8VantageRoadTest2009AstonMartinV8VantageTestDriveaston martinAstonMartinfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivereviewroad testRoadTesttest driveTestDrivev8 vantageV8Vantage2008-07-29T12:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Ride: 2009 Harley-Davidson CVO models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/27/first-ride-2009-harley-davidson-cvo-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/27/first-ride-2009-harley-davidson-cvo-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/27/first-ride-2009-harley-davidson-cvo-models/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image of the Harely-Davidson CVO models

There is no doubting that Harley-Davidson motorcycles have stood the test of time. Though sales of both mainstream and higher-end models from The Motor Company are down, Harley-Davidson has seen fit to continue its line of factory custom models. Custom Vehicle Operations offers complete models featuring Screaming Eagle parts.

HD has no problems selling its entire allotment of CVO SE bikes each year despite their high cost of entry, so we surmise that folks looking for full custom bikes complete with Harley-Davidson warranties must have fairly deep pockets. Surely then, these machines had better be quite different from their more standard countarparts. Let's take a closer look.

Gallery: First Ride: 2009 HD CVO Fat Bob


Photos copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>custom harleycustom vehicle operationsCustomHarleyCustomVehicleOperationscvoharleyharley customharley davidsonharley-davidsonHarleyCustomHarleyDavidsonscreamin eagleScreaminEaglescreaming eagleScreamingEagle2008-07-27T12:07:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/first-drive-maserati-quattroporte-s-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/first-drive-maserati-quattroporte-s-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/first-drive-maserati-quattroporte-s-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattropore S

Let's be honest: cars can be a mode of transportation, but you're not reading Walkoblog or Cycleblog, now are you? At the heart of matters, what we're really pursuing here is that unbridled enthusiasm we had for cars as children. With every comparison of engine output and Nurburgring lap times, we're reaching back to the schoolyard, childishly debating the superiority of one sportscar over another. And all these galleries of high resolution images we bring you are just our updated version of hanging posters of Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the walls of our childhood bedrooms. How disappointed our younger selves would be, however, at what we end up driving when we finally have the means: ho-hum family sedans, bloated SUVs and wobly mini-vans. If only someone made an exotic sedan - not a compromise between the two, but a genuine exotic with four doors. That's exactly what Maserati did in 2003 with the revival of the Quattroporte, with a little help from sister-brand Ferrari.

With the Quattroporte, Maserati has proven itself capable of satisfying both our inner child and the one sitting in the back. A tough act to follow, then, because a sequel is seldom as exciting the original. But after 15,000 units delivered, the Quattroporte was treated to a mid-cycle refresh, sharpening up its already luscious styling, throwing in a host of new features and, most tantalizingly, dropping a bigger, more powerful engine into the mix. With such promise in store, we headed out to Austria to see what the boys from Modena had cooked up... and to seek out that boyhood grin once again.

Gallery: First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 maserati quattroporte2009MaseratiQuattroporteeuropean test driveEuropeanTestDrivefeaturedfirst drivefirst drive 2009 maserati quattroporte sFirstDriveFirstDrive2009MaseratiQuattroporteSmaseratimaserati quattroportemaserati quattroporte sMaseratiQuattroporteMaseratiQuattroporteS2008-07-25T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/first-drive-2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high resolution image

We've had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a few MINI variants, including a 2007 Cooper S and more recently a 2008 Cooper Clubman. Despite some quirky interior design cues and limited practicality, it's hard not to love the MINI for its superb handling and slick-shifting transmission. Still on our to-do list, however, was to experience some of the John Cooper Works options that were absent on our previous test cars. Fortunately we were able to schedule a short drive with a 2008 MINI Cooper S with a few select JCW options. Are the upgrades worth the price of admission? Read on...

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Mini Cooper S JCW


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2008 Mini Cooper S JCW2008MiniCooperSJcwfeaturedJohn Cooper WorksJohnCooperWorksMiniMini Cooper SMini Cooper S JCWMiniCooperSMiniCooperSJcw2008-07-24T11:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/north-american-exclusive-first-drive-alfa-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/north-american-exclusive-first-drive-alfa-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/north-american-exclusive-first-drive-alfa-mito/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Alfa MiTo

It's Saturday night and I'm out on the town. My friend - like half of the guys in the room - is eyeing the pretty blond across the bar, but at least he knows he doesn't have to worry about competition from my corner. Because there's a smolderingly hot redhead sitting across the room, and she's stolen all of my attention. Objectively I'd have to admit the blond is the better choice, but there's just something about those fiery crimson locks that make short order of blocking out everything else. It's something that - while I've never been officially part of the club myself - I suspect I share with Alfa Romeo owners around the world.

For decades Alfa Romeo has been coasting by on its image and heritage. Buying an Alfa has long been an irrational choice, motivated by the subjective longing for that indefinable x-factor despite their many objective dynamic flaws. With the new Alfa MiTo, however, that era draws to a close. The MiTo demands no excuses and, drenched though it is with that charm that only redheads Alfas do best, the MiTo doesn't ask that you ignore its flaws because countless manhours have gone into making sure they've been eliminated.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo


All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>alfa mi.toalfa mitoalfa romeo mi.toalfa romeo mitoAlfaMi.toAlfaMitoAlfaRomeoMi.toAlfaRomeoMitodrivedrive alfadrive alfa mitoDriveAlfaDriveAlfaMitofeaturedfirst drivefirst drive alfa mi.tofirst drive alfa mitofirst drive alfa romeoFirstDriveFirstDriveAlfaMi.toFirstDriveAlfaMitoFirstDriveAlfaRomeo2008-07-22T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/first-drive-2009-kia-borrego/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/first-drive-2009-kia-borrego/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/first-drive-2009-kia-borrego/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Kia Borrego

Could there be an any worse time to debut a brand new body-on-frame SUV like Kia has done with the new 2009 Borrego? Gas prices have most every new car shopper running from SUVs into small cars with four-cylinder engines. In fact, many SUV early adopters are now driving much smaller sedans like those models that make up Kia's bread-and-butter line. Enough new Korean vehicles were sold in America so far this year that the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group managed to outpace mighty Honda in total sales as it roared into the number five worldwide automaker spot. Therefore, our immediate thought is that Kia must be crazy to go ahead and introduce the new Borrego in the American market... but Kia would have you believe otherwise.

As Kia's sales team sees it, since the Korean automaker currently offers no contenders in the true midsize SUV category, any slice of the dwindling market is a win. Is the Borrego good enough to win over any remaining SUV buyers? Read on.

Gallery: 2009 Kia Borrego First Drive


All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>2009 kia borrego2009KiaBorregofeaturedkiakia borregokia borrego drivekia borrego reviewkia borrego suvkia borrego testKiaBorregoKiaBorregoDriveKiaBorregoReviewKiaBorregoSuvKiaBorregoTestmidsize suvMidsizeSuv2008-07-21T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 w/VIDEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/first-drive-2008-dodge-challenger-srt-8-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/first-drive-2008-dodge-challenger-srt-8-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/first-drive-2008-dodge-challenger-srt-8-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Challenger for a high res gallery

During the recent What's New event at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Ground, we had the opportunity to sample the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. For the 2008 model year, Chrysler is only building SRT-8 versions of the Challenger with a combination of the 6.1L HEMI V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. We first saw the production version of the Challenger earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show and while we thought the styling was great with perfect muscle car proportions, it is undoubtedly a big car. The Challenger is built on Chrysler's LX platform shared with the 300 and Charger. Compared to the Mustang it looks huge and it hardly seems like it would actually feel sporty.

Fortunately, the dynamic behavior of large cars has made huge strides since the original Challenger went away in the mid-seventies. We first tried out the Challenger on the road at Chelsea before taking it for a hot lap around the evaluation track. The circuit was built back in the early '90s when a certain gentleman named Lutz was still occupying an office on the top floor of Chrysler's headquarters. It's basically a lovely little natural terrain road course, not quite as elaborate as the new road course that Maximum Bob built at the GM Proving Ground, but it's a good way to get a dynamic feel for a car. After lunch we had another opportunity to thrash the Challenger on the autocross course that Chrysler set up on the vehicle dynamics pad. Find out how the Challenger did after the jump, along with some video of our time behind the wheel.

Gallery: First Drive: Dodge Challenger SRT8


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>dodge challenger srt8DodgeChallengerSrt8featuredfirst driveFirstDrive2008-07-18T12:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Mazda6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/first-drive-2009-mazda6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/first-drive-2009-mazda6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/first-drive-2009-mazda6/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6

The 2009 Mazda6 is an all-new midsize sedan from Mazda that was designed, engineered, developed, and will be manufactured completely on U.S. soil. While the Japanese and European markets have been enjoying the new 6 (Atenza) since late last year, the North American market finally gets to bask in the sleek new bodywork, along with a bigger engine under the hood. Follow the jump to see if the latest product from team "Zoom-Zoom" can compete head-to-head with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Mazda6


All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>2009 Mazda62009 mazda6 road test2009 mazda6 roadtest2009 mazda6 test drive2009Mazda62009Mazda6Roadtest2009Mazda6TestDrivefeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveMazda 6Mazda62008-07-17T12:25:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-rolls-royce-phantom-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-rolls-royce-phantom-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-rolls-royce-phantom-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

We were lucky enough to ride in the concept car two years ago, when the now Phantom Coupe was called the 101EX. Our words that day were "You have to build this car." And we've been waiting ever since the end of that sentence for this day to come. It was evident even as a concept that no other coupé -- with two syllables, please -- promised such a return to Jazz Age glamor, when a gentleman motored from Antibbes to Monaco in a Hooper bodied Phantom II to visit that Polish countess he'd had his eye on. So, when Rolls-Royce called with the invite to Goodwood to drive the new Phantom Coupe from England to Crozet, in the South of France, it would be our chance to see if the promise was delivered. Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe


Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe



All photos copyright Jonathan Ramsey / Weblogs Inc.

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]]>first driveFirstDrivephantom coupephantomcouperolls roycerolls-roycerolls-roycephantomco...RollsRoyce2008-06-30T20:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Traverse

At the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet rolled out the fourth and hopefully final member of its Lambda crossover family, the new Traverse. By the way, according to Chevrolet the proper pronunciation puts the emphasis on the second syllable. Like its Saturn, GMC and Buick siblings, the new Traverse is a full-size vehicle that is almost the same size as the Tahoe. That means it has seating for up to eight occupants, although three in the last row is a bit of a squeeze.

GM invited the media out to its Milford Proving Ground last week for a first drive of the Traverse, which of course we attended on your behalf. We had the chance to sample the big CUV in several different scenarios against what the marketing staff consider its main competitor, the Toyota Highlander. We ran the Chevy and Toyota back to back on the ride road, the skid pad, a lane change and slalom course and while towing a 4,200-lb boat. Check out how the Traverse fared after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 chevy traverse2009ChevyTraversechevrolet traverseChevroletTraversechevy traverseChevyTraversefeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivetraverse2008-06-30T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.

Just as it appeared that winter was finally drawing to close here in Michigan, one of the definitive summertime cars turned up on our doorstep -- the Mazda MX-5 Miata . Somewhere back in the middle part of the last century, small, lightweight, roadsters flourished with a variety of models available from mostly British manufacturers. Names like MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey and Lotus defined the genre. Unfortunately, a number of factors such as random intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent headlights, intermittent ignition, persistent oil leaks and predisposition for the bodies to convert to iron oxide soured the reputation of these and other car builders. This was followed by the consolidation of the most of the British car industry into British Leyland and then the onset of safety and emissions regulations. By 1980, the classic British sports car had become all but extinct.

Then a strange thing happened. Mazda, always had a reputation as being slightly offbeat (witness its dedication to the Wankel rotary, which exists to this day) introduced a new model dubbed the MX-5 Miata . This compact, rear-drive two-seat roadster bore a strong resemblance to a '60s vintage Lotus Elan. However, unlike the Elan and its compatriots, the Miata started every time you turned the key, didn't leave you drenched when it rained, and didn't leave puddles of oil on your garage floor. In other words, it was a classic British sports car that worked like a modern Japanese car. Read on after the jump to find out how the latest incarnation fares.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>featuredmazdamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 hardtopmazda mx-5 miatamazda mx-5 roadster ...MazdaMx-5MazdaMx-5HardtopMazdaMx-5MiataMazdaMx-5Roadster...retractableretractable hardtopretractablehardtop2008-06-29T13:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/chryslers-whats-new-2008-autocrossing-the-dodge-challenger-an/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Autoblog autocrossing

Yesterday at Chrysler's annual media gathering to show off new products at the its proving grounds in Chelsea, MI, the struggling automaker wanted to demonstrate the performance capabilities of its SRT branded vehicles. SRT staff set up an autocross course on the vehicle dynamics pad and brought out examples of every SRT vehicle from the Caliber SRT-4 to the mighty Dodge Viper ACR. Before we were allowed to hop in the cars, we had listen to a short briefing that described the course and some safety rules. And before being allowed to climb into the big snake, we had to complete at least a couple of laps in one of the five Challenger SRT-8s to get familiarized with the course. For a big 4,140-lb coupe, the Challenger proved surprisingly nimble. We learned that with the electronic stability control enabled, it's almost impossible to get the back end to swing wide. The stability control has two alternative modes. The first is engaged by a momentary stab of ESP button and allows some extra slip before intervening, while pressing and holding the ESP button for five seconds completely disables the stability and traction control leaving only the ABS. Read what happens (and watch the tire-burning videos) after the jump.

Gallery: Chrysler SRT Autocrossing

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]]>dodge challengerdodge challenger srt-8dodge challenger srt8dodge viperdodge viper acrdodge viper srt-10dodge viper srt10dodge viper srt10 acrDodgeChallengerDodgeChallengerSrt-8DodgeChallengerSrt8DodgeViperDodgeViperAcrDodgeViperSrt-10DodgeViperSrt10DodgeViperSrt10Acrfeatured2008-06-27T13:02:00+00:00