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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[GM announces $350 million for Lordstown plant to bulid Chevy Cruze]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990524/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/002_11chevycruze_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Cruze</span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/">2011 Chevy Cruze</a> is a big deal. It's not Tom Cruise big, but when was the last time GM offered a truly competitive small car? The Cobalt has been around since 2005, and the Cavalier dates back to 1982. So it's been at least 26 years of Chevy offering a back of the pack small car. The Cruze is a bit different, having been developed not by GM's designers and engineers in North America, but by its European and Asia Pacific teams. It will debut at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Paris-Motor-Show/">Paris Motor Show</a> in October and go on sale in Europe and Asia next year. About a year after that the Cruze will go on sale in the U.S., and that version will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH. GM CEO Rick Wagoner was at the plant today to announce a $500 million investment in its U.S. operations to build the Cruze here, with more than $350 million earmarked for the Lordstown plant where the current Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built. <br /><br />The Lordstown plant will likely build the new Cruze side-by-side with the Cobalt and G5 for a while until the latter two are phased out. It rides on GM's new compact Delta platform, which itself will eventually underpin a number of new products including the highly anticipated Volt, the next-gen Astra and an upcoming MPV to replace the Euro-only Zafira that's likely coming to the U.S., as well.<br /><strong><br />UPDATE:</strong> <em>Two live shots of the Cruze from today's announcement from GM's Lordstown plant have been added to the gallery.</em><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/">2011 Chevy Cruze</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/991572/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img00040_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/991571/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img00046_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990524/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990525/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/001_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990523/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/002_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: GM]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>GM announces $350 million for Lordstown plant to bulid Chevy Cruze</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1291463/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2011 chevy cruze</category><category>2011ChevyCruze</category><category>chevy</category><category>chevy cruze</category><category>chevy cruze lordstown</category><category>ChevyCruze</category><category>ChevyCruzeLordstown</category><category>cruze</category><category>cruze lordstown</category><category>CruzeLordstown</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-21T15:58:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tons of Kia Forte pics hit the web]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/kia/" rel="tag">Kia</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991182/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_450.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for more detail shots of the Kia Forte</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991185/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_25_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a>Kia's new Forte sedan will make its formal debut in Korea any time now, and, as often is the case, some shots have <a href="http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/08/21/pics-aplenty-more-of-the-kia-forte/">leaked</a> just a bit early, including images of the interior. According to the press release that's pasted after the break, the Asian Forte will come with two separate 1.6-liter four cylinder engines, one gas and one diesel. Both of them pack a bit over 120 horses under the hood while the diesel, as expected, returns better fuel economy. The new Forte will begin at 11.9 million won in Korea -- about $11,300 in U.S. currency -- and reach 19.6 million won when totally loaded. We wouldn't put too much stock in those numbers when the car finally makes it Stateside, as <a href="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Kia-Spectra-2009/pricing-and-incentives">the Spectra</a> that it will replace costs over $13,000 to start. Unlike its Korean counterpart, though, the U.S.-spec Forte will likely be equipped with a larger 2.0-liter engine as its sole powerplant option. We'd imagine all that equipment, including the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991194/">excellent</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991189/">iPod integration</a>, will make it to our shores, as well.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/">Kia Forte leaked detail shots</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991171/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_17_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991186/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_26_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991182/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991183/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_16_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/kia-forte-leaked-detail-shots/991184/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/kia_forte_leak_24_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/08/21/pics-aplenty-more-of-the-kia-forte/">Kia-World</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Tons of Kia Forte pics hit the web</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/08/21/pics-aplenty-more-of-the-kia-forte/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1291281/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/tons-of-kia-forte-pics-hit-the-web/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>kia forte</category><category>kia forte pictures</category><category>kia forte price</category><category>KiaForte</category><category>KiaFortePictures</category><category>KiaFortePrice</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-21T14:59:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police and protestors clash at future site of Tata Nano plant]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/india/" rel="tag">India</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tata/" rel="tag">Tata</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/572849/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/tata_nano_450.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano</em></p>
<p>Raze 1,000-acres of farmland to build an automobile factory, and somebody is going to protest. Even in India. The automaker is Tata, and the protesters numbered at least 1,000 strong as they went head-to-head against police in eastern India yesterday at the future manufacturing site of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/">Tata Nano</a> (rumored to be the world's cheapest car at just $2,380). The protests are rooted deeper than just "open space" issues. In fact, the real tension is between India's ruling party, and the communist-run government in West Bengal where the plant is to be located. The farmers are unwilling to part with their agricultural livelihood, while the government continues to promote industry. After blocking a highway for a few hours, the stick-wielding protesters were dispersed without injuries. Once again, progress wins out over pastures. <br /></p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/">Tata Nano</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/573603/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2008-tata-nano-15_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/573590/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2008-tata-nano-16_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/573592/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/standard1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/573602/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2008-tata-nano-18_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tata-nano/573600/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/2008-tata-nano-17_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/ANE02/113543/1117/ANE">Automotive News</a>, subs. req'd]</p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1291149/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>clash</category><category>factory</category><category>farmland</category><category>manufacturing</category><category>plant</category><category>police</category><category>protests</category><category>riot</category><category>tata nano</category><category>tata nano successor</category><category>TataNano</category><category>TataNanoSuccessor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-21T14:31:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[GM releases official pics of 2011 Chevy Cruze]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990524/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/x11ch_cz001_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Cruze</span><br /><br />They're here! The first official pics of the 2011 Chevy Cruze have been released by General Motors, and we're not ashamed to say it - we like it. Of course, we're comparing it to the current small car in GM's lineup, the Cobalt, so the bar is pretty low. That said, GM's new small car takes the split-grille motif made famous by the Malibu and makes it more interesting with sharp creases rather than rounded corners. The front end features headlights that extend up and "point" to the A-pillars, and a strong character line running the length of the vehicle sits below a concave bend that sweeps up to meet the windows. <br /><br />GM claims that fit and finish of the Cruze will be world class for a small car, and that its interior will use "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to improve its perceived quality. Unfortunately, no shots of the interior were provided, but you can catch a glimpse in this <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990525/">rear 3/4 shot</a>.<br /><br />The Cruze will be a global car, and as such it's going on sale in Europe first. It will makes its global debut at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Paris-Motor-Show/">Paris Motor Show</a> in October, where European customers will be the first to check it out in person before it goes on sale in March 2009 overseas. It will be available at launch with a 112-hp 1.6L engine, a 140-hp 1.8L and a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. The North American version will likely get GM's upcoming direct injected 1.4L four-cylinder. The Cruze will also offer a five-speed manual and GM's first application of a six-speed automatic in a small car. <br /><br />The kicker? The 2011 Chevy Cruze will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH where the current Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built. Though it'll be built right in our own backyard, the Cruze reportedly won't be available in the U.S. for at least a year or two.<br /><br />Check out AutoblogGreen's report on the <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/21/paris-preview-chevy-cruze-official-pics-released/">new Cruze</a> to discover its close connection with the Chevy Volt. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/">2011 Chevy Cruze</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/991572/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img00040_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/991571/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/img00046_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990524/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990525/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/001_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-chevy-cruze/990523/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/002_11chevycruze_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: GM]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>GM releases official pics of 2011 Chevy Cruze</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1291031/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-releases-official-pics-of-2011-chevy-cruze/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2011 chevrolet cruze</category><category>2011 chevy cruze</category><category>2011 cruze</category><category>2011ChevroletCruze</category><category>2011ChevyCruze</category><category>2011Cruze</category><category>breaking</category><category>chevy</category><category>chevy cruze</category><category>ChevyCruze</category><category>cruze</category><category>paris</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-21T09:58:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-fit-1/708853/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-15_opt.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><br /><em>Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport</em>
<p> </p>
<p>Honda has announced that its all-new 2009 Fit, which we just <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/">drove for the first time</a>, will go on sale next week with a MSRP starting at $14,550 (plus $670 destination), while the more premium Honda Fit Sport will start at $16,060 (plus destination). The standard powerplant will be a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder rated at 117 hp mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Fit Sport). The five-passenger Fit also earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 28/35 (city/highway) with the automatic transmission, and 27/33 with the 5-speed manual or automatic in the Fit Sport. All models feature standard air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, and power door locks. The Fit Sport (shown above) adds alloy wheels, aero kit, alarm, keyless entry, and an upgraded audio system. In fact, the top shelf Fit Sport with navigation and a 5-speed automatic starts at $18,760, which makes it one of the greatest bangs for your buck in our book.<br /></p>
<p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978713/">2009 Honda Fit Sport</a></strong><br /><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978712/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-01_thumbnail.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978700/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-02_thumbnail.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978685/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-03_thumbnail.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978699/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-26_thumbnail.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978708/"><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-15_thumbnail.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></a></p>
<p>[Source: Honda]</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>All-new 2009 Honda Fit priced from $14,550</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1289923/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/all-new-2009-honda-fit-priced-from-14-550/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 Honda Fit</category><category>2009 model</category><category>2009HondaFit</category><category>2009Model</category><category>all-new Honda</category><category>All-newHonda</category><category>Fit Sport</category><category>FitSport</category><category>Honda Fit</category><category>Honda Fit Sport</category><category>HondaFit</category><category>HondaFitSport</category><category>Sport</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-20T13:28:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drive</a></p><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978712/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-01_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport</em><br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/20/new-york-2008-09-honda-fit-blushes-in-bright-red/">new U.S.-spec Fit</a> at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/New-York-Auto-Show/">New York Auto Show</a> last spring and we had our first opportunity to drive it on the roads north of Ann Arbor, MI last week. <br id="o348" /><br id="o3480" />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. <br /><strong><br />Gallery: <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978713/">2009 Honda Fit Sport</a></strong><br /><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978712/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-01_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978700/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-02_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978685/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-03_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978699/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-26_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/first-drive-2009-honda-fit/978708/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/09-fit-first-drive-1280-15_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.</strong><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1290084/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/ab-first-drive-2009-honda-fit-sport/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 honda fit</category><category>2009 honda fit sport</category><category>2009HondaFit</category><category>2009HondaFitSport</category><category>breaking</category><category>featured</category><category>first drive</category><category>FirstDrive</category><category>honda fit</category><category>honda fit sport</category><category>HondaFit</category><category>HondaFitSport</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-20T12:28:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Honda City?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/china/" rel="tag">China</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/india/" rel="tag">India</a></p><a href="http://paultan.org/archives/2008/08/19/new-2009-honda-city-spotted-in-china/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/honda_city_spy.jpg" /></a>Honda is set to release the fourth-generation of its City subcompact and these newest spy shots show that development is well underway. The previous generation had been based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/redesigned-honda-jazz-foretells-the-future-of-the-fit/">Honda Jazz</a>, known in the U.S. as the Fit, but the new model moves away from that platform and grows slightly larger in the process. Expect to see either a 1.3- or 1.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC engine underhood, along with either a standard manual tranny or a CVT automatic with seven preset ratios controlled through steering wheel-mounted paddles. Although Honda has no plans -- <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/honda-considering-offering-jdm-models-in-the-u-s/">as far as we know</a> -- to bring the City to the States, the Fit model has managed to post a huge 73% increase in sales this year. Considering <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/honda-boosting-fit-production-to-meet-u-s-demand/">how hot</a> fuel-sipping little cars are these days in the U.S. market, Honda could certainly do worse than to offer this attractive new subcompact car in the States.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://paultan.org/archives/2008/08/19/new-2009-honda-city-spotted-in-china/">paultan.org</a>]<br /><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://paultan.org/archives/2008/08/19/new-2009-honda-city-spotted-in-china/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1288302/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 honda city</category><category>2009HondaCity</category><category>honda city</category><category>honda city spy shots</category><category>HondaCity</category><category>HondaCitySpyShots</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-20T08:31:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Officially Official: Honda unveils updated 2009 Civic]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986179/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/001_09civic_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Civic LX-S</em><br /><br />Just last weekend we brought you some leaked scans revealing the new face of the 2009 Civic, and today Honda makes it official by revealing all the changes made to its popular small car. As we've already learned, exterior changes include a new front bumper cover that reshapes the bottom curve of the grille and features three prominently placed, more traditional looking air intakes in place of the single large opening on 2008 and prior models. Honda also claimed it messed around with the color combinations of the headlights and taillights, but damned if we could tell. There's also new alloy wheels for the EX, EX-L and Si models, and the latter pocket rocket gets standard fog lamps, as well. The only other exterior change is a new piece of chrome that's been placed above the rear license plate holder. Finally, Honda has added two new trim levels: the LX-S that comes with alloy wheels and sporty trim and DX Value Package that gets standard AC and an unspecified audio system.<br /><br />2009 Civics will also offer Bluetooth for the first time on models equipped with navigation systems, and the EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si get a new USB port to plug in digital audio players. Honda has also chosen to make stability control, or what it calls Vehicle Stability Assist, standard on these models only.<br /><br />We've got Honda's full press release after the jump if you think we're making all this up, and high-res galleries of the new '09 Civic LX-S and Civic Hybrid below.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/">2009 Honda Civic</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986179/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000_09civic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986177/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/001_09civic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986168/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/002_09civic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986178/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/003_09civic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic/986167/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/004_09civic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/">2009 Honda Civic Hybrid</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/986188/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000_09civichybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/986187/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/001_09civichybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/986189/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/002_09civichybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/986197/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/003_09civichybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-honda-civic-hybrid/986200/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/004_09civichybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Officially Official: Honda unveils updated 2009 Civic</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1288890/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/officially-official-honda-unveils-updated-2009-civic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 honda civic</category><category>2009HondaCivic</category><category>breaking</category><category>honda civic</category><category>honda civic DX-VP</category><category>honda civic lx-s</category><category>HondaCivic</category><category>HondaCivicDx-vp</category><category>HondaCivicLx-s</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-19T13:28:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford slashing F-150 customization by 90 percent]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Trucks/Pickups</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/commercial-trucks/" rel="tag">Commercial Trucks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lincoln/" rel="tag">Lincoln</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/578172/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/brownf150.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click on the pic above for our high-res 2009 Ford F-150 gallery</em><br /><br />As staggering as it may seem, the 2008 Ford F-150 pickup can be ordered in <em>billions</em> of different combinations. That's all going to change for 2009. In an effort to reduce complexity and cut spiraling costs in the process, Ford will be slashing the number of possible F-150 configurations by 90 percent. The automaker isn't leaving the rest of the lineup alone either. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/">Ford Expedition</a> goes from 250,000 combos down to fewer than 10,000. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/lincolns-books-8-600-preorders-for-mks/">2009 Lincoln MKS</a> debuts with about 300 combinations, and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/12/more-rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/">2010 Ford Focus</a> will offer only about 150, which is 95 percent fewer than the current model. Are you in the market for a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-2009-ford-f-150-looks-to-keep-its-crown/">2009 Ford F-150</a> and worried that you won't be able to get it exactly the way you want? Don't fret, Ford will still offer more than 9 million combinations for next year's model, including a brown one we presume.<br />
<p> </p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/">2009 Ford F-150</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/577007/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/09f150fx4_01_mr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/578140/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/09f150fx4_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/578144/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/09f150fx4_03_hr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/578139/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/09f150fx4_04_hr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-f-150-1/578075/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/09f150fx4_05_mr-(1)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/ANA03/808180323/1176/rss01&amp;rssfeed=rss01">Automotive News</a>, subs. req'd]</p>
<p> </p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1287097/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 F-150</category><category>2009F-150</category><category>configurations</category><category>customization</category><category>F-150</category><category>Ford</category><category>Ford Expedition</category><category>Ford Focus</category><category>FordExpedition</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>Lincoln MKS</category><category>LincolnMks</category><category>options</category><category>reduce options</category><category>ReduceOptions</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-18T13:33:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai considers sourcing city car from India]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hyundai/" rel="tag">Hyundai</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/india/" rel="tag">India</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467935/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/9071031.002.mini4l_450op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai i10.</em><br /><br />Since last October, Hyundai has been selling the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/hyundai-i10-revealed-in-india/">i10 minicar</a> in 70 countries throughout the world. The diminutive sedan is just over 140 inches long (about 20 inches shorter than the Honda Fit), powered by an 80 hp, 1.2-liter four that returns up to 56 mpg and retails for between $7,800 and $11,200 in India. Those specs could be enticing for American consumers looking for a simple runabout that's smaller than the Fit/Yaris and larger than the smart fortwo, so Hyundai is seriously considering bringing it to the States.<br /><br />According to a Hyundai source speaking with <em>Automotive News</em>, the i10 would retain its name and could be badged either a Hyundai or a Kia. Output would be increased, and its curb weight would grow by around 400 pounds in order to meet U.S. safety standards. But with features like keyless entry, ABS, dual airbags and fog lamps, the i10 could be a serious consideration for consumers looking for a cheap commuter with the amenities they've grown to expect.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/">Hyundai i10</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467936/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/9071031.002.mini5l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467935/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/9071031.002.mini4l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467934/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/9071031.002.mini3l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467933/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/9071031.002.mini2l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/hyundai-i10-1/467932/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/9071031.002.mini1l_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20080818/ANA03/808180340/1117/rss01&amp;rssfeed=rss01">Automotive News</a> - Sub. Req.]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://www.autonews.com/article/20080818/ANA03/808180340/1117/rss01&amp;rssfeed=rss01>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1287110/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>hyundai</category><category>hyundai i10</category><category>HyundaiI10</category><category>i10</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-18T09:28:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[smart fortwo Limited 2 on sale this September]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/smart/" rel="tag">SMART</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979371/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/smart-fortwo-limited-two-fr.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high-res gallery of the smart fortwo Limited 2.</em><br /><br />A very limited car is now available in a new limited edition. The smart fortwo Limited 2 is the sequel to the 2006 original. The only significant mechanical change from a regular passion Coupe or Cabrio is the addition of six-spoke alloys with 15-inch rubber. The rest of what makes this city car "limited" is cosmetic. The pale blue metallic paint changes color depending on the angle of the light and the interior is swathed in a cognac brown leather meant to impart luxury on this tiny machine. If all that isn't enough, buyers can add electric power steering, an upgraded audio system and locking glove box. The 71-hp three-cylinder engine retains a 59 mpg highway mileage rating. The Limited 2 coupe has a starting price of $18,363 while the open top model pushes that to $22,100. Those prices both seem a tad steep for a car of such limited capability. UK buyers can pick one up while they last after Labor day.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All the details are available in the press release below the fold.</span><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/">Smart ForTwo Limited 2</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979369/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/55853-a-sma_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979372/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/55853-b-sma_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979370/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/55853-c-sma_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979374/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/55853-d-sma_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/smart-fortwo-limited-2/979376/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/55853-e-sma_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>smart fortwo Limited 2 on sale this September</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1286007/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/smart-fortwo-limited-2-on-sale-this-september/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>smart</category><category>smart for two limited two</category><category>smart fortwo</category><category>smart fortwo limited 2</category><category>smart-fortwo</category><category>smartfortwo</category><category>SmartFortwoLimited2</category><category>SmartForTwoLimitedTwo</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-15T18:32:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cologne plant begins pumping out 2009 Ford Fiesta]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976147/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta_prod_45070_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiesta beginning production</em><br />
<p>Ford has finally begun production of the all-new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-new-ford-fiesta/">2009 Ford Fiesta</a> in Cologne, Germany, today. After an investment of 455 million Euros (about $674 million) to restructure and modernize the plant, Ford is expecting its 4,000 employees will be able to roll out 148,000 Fiestas by the end of the year, which is an impressive 1,900 cars each day). In January 2009, the Valencia plant in Spain will also begin building the Fiesta. There are also production plants in China, Thailand, and Mexico that are tooling up for the newest small Ford in order to meet worldwide demand, which finally includes the U.S. where it will also be sold in both sedan and hatchback configurations around 2010. Based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-ford-verve-concept-visits-the-stage/">Verve concept</a>, the new compact is exactly what the automaker needs in today's efficiency-conscious marketplace, and its stylish enough not to be considered a cheapskate or eco-geek while driving. </p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/">2009 Ford Fiesta begins production</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976147/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta-jobone-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976150/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta-jobone-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976149/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta_prod_44933_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976152/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta_prod_44970_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-fiesta-begins-production/976151/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fiesta_prod_45070_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Ford]</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Cologne plant begins pumping out 2009 Ford Fiesta</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1284474/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>China</category><category>Cologne</category><category>Fiesta</category><category>Ford Fiesta</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>Manufacturing</category><category>Mexico</category><category>Thailand</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-14T12:31:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford: We can make money on small cars!]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedans/Saloons</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/earnings-financials/" rel="tag">Earnings/Financials</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393936/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/01_frank_focus03_opt.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Focus</span><br /></p>
For years, enthusiasts have been clamoring for Euro-only Blue Oval models to be sold in American dealerships. This dream is finally coming true, starting with the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/confirmed-ford-fiesta-coming-to-america-hope-for-mondeo/">Ford Fiesta</a> and next-gen <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/">2010 Ford Focus</a>. Mark Fields has revealed that the European Focus and Foci built in North America will share 90% of their parts compared to just 20% today. Not only will this make for better cars, it also allows Ford to realize a double-digit profit improvement on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/ford-talks-tough-on-quality-promises-best-built-small-cars/">each Focus</a> compared to what it's earning today. This is certainly a positive development, as the automaker believes that the small car segment will <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/">nearly double</a> in the next few years. We're inclined to agree unless Exxon discovers that the Earth's core is made of crude. The other part of Ford's plan is to make its North American plants flexible enough to respond quickly to the ever-changing U.S. market, which is something <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/">Toyota</a>, Honda and other import automakers assembling vehicles in this country have already done with great effects. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/">2008 Euro Ford Focus</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393936/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393915/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393926/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus11_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393933/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393925/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Ford]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Ford: We can make money on small cars!</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1283546/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2010 ford focus</category><category>2010FordFocus</category><category>ford</category><category>ford fiesta</category><category>ford focus</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>small car</category><category>small cars</category><category>SmallCar</category><category>SmallCars</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-13T16:58:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda adding 'premium' touches to all models]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Tech</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/ANA03/808110305/1178/rss06&amp;rssfeed=rss06"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/ms3_ab_garage_2_01_450op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Since the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/mazda3-cost-of-entry-lowered-with-2008-i-touring-model/">Mazda3</a> hit the streets in 2004, it's proven to be a very strong contender in the small car segment. The compact sedan and hatch has been winning customers over with great styling, athletic ride characteristics, and equipment that typically isn't found in small cars. Its rich mix of standard features and options has helped keep transaction prices high, which will be very important as the self-proclaimed Zoom-Zoom automaker looks to downsize its lineup and make as much money as possible from every sale. <br /><br />Mazda will now execute the Mazda3 strategy across its entire line to boost profits while giving customers the standard features they crave. For example, the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be equipped with disc brakes at all four corners in every trim level while some of the competition continues to use rear drum brakes on their base models. Mazda has already proven that adding standard content can raise transaction prices while at the same time increasing sales, now the Ford-controlled automaker needs to prove that it can accomplish the same feat across its lineup. If Mazda makes all of its vehicles as competent as the Mazda3, that shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/ANA03/808110305/1178/rss06&amp;rssfeed=rss06">Automotive News</a> - sub. req'd]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/ANA03/808110305/1178/rss06&amp;rssfeed=rss06>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1280714/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>fuel efficiency</category><category>FuelEfficiency</category><category>mazda3</category><category>zoom zoom</category><category>ZoomZoom</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-12T09:01:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Surprise! - well, not really: Insight, Prius top Consumer Reports most frugal used cars]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/surprise-well-not-really-insight-prius-top-consumer-report/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/surprise-well-not-really-insight-prius-top-consumer-report/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/surprise-well-not-really-insight-prius-top-consumer-report/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrids/Alternative</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a></p><a href="http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/08/best-used-cars.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/prius_insight_450op.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><br />If you're already stretched paper thin under the financial weight of a thirsty, expensive vehicle, getting out of it for something more fuel efficient might seem like an unattainable dream. Fear not, the smarties over at <em>Consumer Reports</em> have rightly pointed out that since depreciation accounts for nearly half of the cost of a car during its first five years of ownership, buying a used miser is the best way to save money and resources. <br /><br />The usual suspects top <em>CR's</em> lists; both the under $10,000 and $10,000-$20,000 categories are dominated by Toyota and Honda products. Honda's Insight is deemed the zenith of $10,000 sippers, with the '01-'02 Prius right on its heels. For the higher-price category, the first two slots are occupied by the Prius, and Honda's Civic Hybrid takes the next two seedings. Rankings are based on <em>CR's</em> own fuel economy tests, done with a flow meter and repeatable drive cycle, and overall assessments of the vehicle's quality and reliability likely play big roles in how the list was compiled. It is also noted that older vehicles may be missing out in some more modern features like stability control and side-curtain airbags, but that may be more of an issue for the under $10,000 set, which stretches back to vehicles from the late 1990s. Hybrids might be tough to secure right now, especially for a reasonable price, but going used might allow you to ease your consumption while dodging a high-buck purchase to do so. <br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/08/best-used-cars.html">Consumer Reports</a>]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/08/best-used-cars.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/surprise-well-not-really-insight-prius-top-consumer-report/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1280649/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/surprise-well-not-really-insight-prius-top-consumer-report/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>best used</category><category>BestUsed</category><category>consumer reports</category><category>consumer reports best used cars for fuel economy</category><category>ConsumerReports</category><category>ConsumerReportsBestUsedCarsForFuelEconomy</category><category>fuel economy</category><category>FuelEconomy</category><category>honda insight</category><category>HondaInsight</category><category>toyota prius</category><category>ToyotaPrius</category><category>used cars</category><category>UsedCars</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-11T18:28:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2010 Mazda3 revealed by a toy? Not really, but kind of]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rendered-speculation/" rel="tag">Rendered Speculation</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968808/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_1_source_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Mazda3</em><br /><br />Sure, it has happened where a toy manufacturer accidentally reveals a new car, but we don't believe this is one of those times. These renderings of the redesigned 2010 Mazda3 were posted in a thread over on carspyshots.net under the auspice of being toy renderings, but our colleagues from Autoblog Spanish did some digging and discovered that Mazda actually owns these images, not some Japanese toy manufacturer. Thus, it's more likely that these are actual renderings of the real, full-scale 2010 Mazda3. Of course, we could all be wrong and these renderings may have been made by a kid in his mother's basement, as the perspective and scale seems off in some areas. Then again, the design they show, which takes a few styling cues from the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/Mazda6/">Mazda6</a> and refreshed <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/RX8/">RX-8</a>, is right in line with what we're expecting. <em>Thanks for the tip, Galvin!<br /></em><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/">2010 Mazda3 Renderings</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968808/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_1_source_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968807/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_2_source_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968805/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_3_source_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968804/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_4_source_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/968809/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/000974795_0001_5_source_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://carspyshots.net/showthread.php?t=1332&amp;page=26">Carspyshots.net</a>]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://carspyshots.net/showthread.php?t=1332&amp;page=26>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1280647/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2010 mazda3</category><category>2010Mazda3</category><category>mazda</category><category>mazda3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-11T07:56:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hold on a sec... BRABUS smart fortwo wins European Cannonball Run?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Euro</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/smart/" rel="tag">SMART</a></p><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/cannonball-run-smart/965165/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/cannon_smart_450.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click image to enlarge <br /><br /></span>The Cannonball Run that takes place every year in Europe dpesn't have much in common with the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082136/">Hollywood comedy</a> it takes its name from. In fact, the goal of the modern-day race is not to finish in the least amount of time possible, but to finish with a specific average speed; 61 miles per hour, in the case of the 2008 event. So, while it may be initially shocking to hear that this year's race was won by a BRABUS smart fortwo, it actually makes sense considering that the smart was able to run the entire race averaging 35 miles per gallon. Therefore, while the other high-powered competitors were constantly stopping to refill their gas tanks, first-time competitors David Ward and Adrian Hull of the U.K. were able to motor along and wave as they gingerly passed them by. Score one for efficiency!<br /><br />[Source: smart via <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/08/brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-latest-cannonball-run/">AutoblogGreen</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hold on a sec... BRABUS smart fortwo wins European Cannonball Run?</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1279485/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/hold-on-a-sec-brabus-smart-fortwo-wins-european-cannonball-ru/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>brabus</category><category>brabus smart</category><category>brabus smart fortwo</category><category>BrabusSmart</category><category>BrabusSmartFortwo</category><category>cannonball run</category><category>CannonballRun</category><category>european cannonball run</category><category>EuropeanCannonballRun</category><category>smart</category><category>smart cannonball run</category><category>smart fortwo</category><category>smart-fortwo</category><category>SmartCannonballRun</category><category>SmartFortwo</category><category>the cannonball run</category><category>TheCannonballRun</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-09T15:46:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sunmotor to release electric car, beat it with ugly stick]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-to-release-electric-car-beat-it-with-ugly-stick/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-to-release-electric-car-beat-it-with-ugly-stick/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-to-release-electric-car-beat-it-with-ugly-stick/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrids/Alternative</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966361/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/sunmotor_2.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for more images of the Sunmotor EV</em><br /><br />Lovers of good car design: avert your eyes! The Sunmotor Group, an EV hopeful based in Boston, has announced plans to release its first all-electric vehicle before the end of the year. We wish they wouldn't because this sucker is &uuml;ber-ugly. Obviously based on a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/smart/">smart fortwo</a> clone, major modifications were required to allow the use of a large solar array on the misshapen roof, which has created a textbook case of function punching form in the mouth. The windshield has been disfigured along the way in an effort to meet up with the excessively long canopy, while the upper rear probiscis could easily behead someone standing behind this thing when it's backing up. Last joke: SsangYong called, they want their designers back. <br /><br />Despite looking like a Scion that swallowed a canoe, the specifications of Sunmotor's EV sound decent for a low-speed EV. The company believes it can get 160 miles per charge, though only with a top speed of 25 miles per hour. Plus, with 10 horsepower pushing around 2,600 pounds of mass, the supposed acceleration of 0-25 in 5 seconds sounds rather optimistic. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/">Sunmotor EV</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966361/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/00_sunmotorev_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966360/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/01_sunmotorev_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966362/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/02_sunmotorev_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966364/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/03_sunmotorev_thumbnail.png" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sunmotor-ev/966363/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/04_sunmotorev_thumbnail.png" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.sunmotor.us/Company_Products.html">Sunmotor</a> via <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-group-to-introduce-solar-car-this-year/">AutoblogGreen</a>]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://www.sunmotor.us/Company_Products.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-to-release-electric-car-beat-it-with-ugly-stick/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1279501/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/sunmotor-to-release-electric-car-beat-it-with-ugly-stick/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>electric car</category><category>ElectricCar</category><category>smart fortwo clone</category><category>SmartFortwoClone</category><category>sunmotor</category><category>sunmotor ev</category><category>SunmotorEv</category><category>ugly</category><category>ugly car</category><category>UglyCar</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-08T15:30:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Still ugly: Toyota gives Yaris the Emperor's New Colors]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/still-ugly-toyota-gives-yaris-the-emperors-new-colors/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/still-ugly-toyota-gives-yaris-the-emperors-new-colors/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/still-ugly-toyota-gives-yaris-the-emperors-new-colors/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965870/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/00_09yaris_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above to for hi-res gallery of the new Yaris colors and models</em><br /><br />Yaris: Not really cool or good looking for that matter. Factory photography: the cure for uncool. Toyota has released a couple of new colors for the Yaris Liftbacks - Yellow Jolt and Carmine Red Metallic. An <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ochreous">ochreous</a> or insect-derived hue doesn't instantly remove the Joe Camel nose or the S version's tacked on bodykit, but there's something sharp about the accessorized penalty box that Toyota's showing off here. The Yaris sedan gets a couple of more subdued colors - Zephyr Blue Metallic and Blue Streak Metallic. Of course, new colors don't make the Yaris any better, but we must grudgingly admit that while it doesn't stir our souls, it's a decent <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-yaris-liftback/">lob over the plate.</a> Though the price can get uncomfortably close to $20,000 (yikes!). Take a look at the gallery below, which also includes shots of the new five-door hatch model in faux sporty S trim. Indeed, the Yaris has never looked better, and likely never will. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/">2009 Toyota Yaris</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965870/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/00_09yaris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965894/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/01_09yaris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965896/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/02_09yaris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965890/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/03_09yaris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/yaris-jolt-and-carmine/965885/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/04_09yaris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://blog.toyota.com/2008/08/a-new-shade-of.html">Open Road</a>]<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href=http://blog.toyota.com/2008/08/a-new-shade-of.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/still-ugly-toyota-gives-yaris-the-emperors-new-colors/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1278751/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/still-ugly-toyota-gives-yaris-the-emperors-new-colors/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>2009 yaris</category><category>2009Yaris</category><category>carmine red</category><category>CarmineRed</category><category>toyota yaris</category><category>ToyotaYaris</category><category>yaris colors</category><category>yaris five door</category><category>yaris three door</category><category>YarisColors</category><category>YarisFiveDoor</category><category>YarisThreeDoor</category><category>yellow jolt</category><category>YellowJolt</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-08T11:29:00+00:00</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Economy</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchbacks</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suzuki/" rel="tag">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/india/" rel="tag">India</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-preview-suzuki-alto/964954/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/alto_450_2.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for two high-res shots of the new Suzuki Alto</span><br /><br />Suzuki will bring its seventh-generation Alto to the Paris Motor Show this October, featuring stylistic and powertrain upgrades to compete with the best and brightest from the budget-oriented, compact class. Based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/11/suzuki-to-show-a-star-concept-at-delhi-motor-show/">A-Star concept</a> introduced at last year's New Delhi Motor Show, the new model will be built in India by Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant, and will likely packing a 1.0-liter engine which should make Euro V emissions regulations a breeze to exceed. Expect the new Alto to find its largest market in India, along with limited sales throughout Europe. For an economy car, it's a pretty decent looker from what we can tell from the two shots Suzuki's released ahead of the show, and we expect it will find plenty of buyers looking for a relatively cheap way to get around. Check the press release after the break for more.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-preview-suzuki-alto/">Paris Preview: Suzuki Alto</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-preview-suzuki-alto/964954/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/alto_large_2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-preview-suzuki-alto/964953/"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/alto_large_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Suzuki]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;">&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1278375/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p><hr />]]></description><category>maruti alto</category><category>MarutiAlto</category><category>paris 2008</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>Paris2008</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>suzuki</category><category>suzuki alto</category><category>suzuki maruti</category><category>suzuki maruti alto</category><category>SuzukiAlto</category><category>SuzukiMaruti</category><category>SuzukiMarutiAlto</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>2008-08-08T08:29:00+00:00</pubDate></item></channel></rss>