Category: Auto Industry

Video: Ford Fiesta ST in startling track battle against Toyota GT86

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Scion, Subaru, Toyota

Ford Fiesta ST versus Toyota GT86 by Evo - video screencap

On the surface, there’s very little that the Ford Fiesta ST and Toyota GT86 (or the Scion FR-S that is sold in the US, or the largely similar Subaru BRZ) share in common. One is a hatchback with power coming from a turbocharged engine routed to the front wheels. The other is a coupe with power coming from a naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine routed to the rear wheels.

Thing is, both of them are reasonably priced performance cars aimed at a similar segment of the automotive marketplace, so a comparison isn’t out of the question. It is with all of this in mind that we direct you to the video below, in which the blokes from Evo pit the two manic little machines against one another on a race track. The result? Well, it can be summed up this way: Fast versus fun.

See how the track battle goes down in the video below.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST in startling track battle against Toyota GT86

Ford Fiesta ST in startling track battle against Toyota GT86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2014 Maserati Ghibli

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Maserati, First Drives, Luxury

Italy Passionately Returns To The Sport Sedan Game

2014 Maserati Ghibli

In its 99-year history, Maserati has arguably never made a vehicle as important as this all-new Ghibli.
Of course, there have been countless styling breakthroughs, mechanical advances and technical innovations, but no single passenger car has been required to bear the weight of the Italian company like its brand-new sport sedan. If the Ghibli succeeds, Maserati will welcome tens of thousands of new customers and, most importantly, celebrate a rekindled relationship with demanding North American buyers. If the Ghibli fails – well, the truth is, nobody has written an option for failure.

Maserati officially introduced the Ghibli at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, promising a driver-focused sedan that was smaller and more agile than its redone Quattroporte flagship, one capable of battling BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in quality, performance and most importantly, price.

After months of staring at the pictures and poring over the specifications, it’s finally time to drive it. To end the speculation, I boarded a new 747-8 and flew one-third of the way around the world to land in beautiful Tuscany. My task? Put the all-new sport sedan with a heart built by Ferrari through its paces on Europe’s demanding asphalt.

Continue reading 2014 Maserati Ghibli

2014 Maserati Ghibli originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Mazda3 officially unveiled

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Mazda

Mazda has officially pulled the sheets off of its 2014 Mazda3. The all-new compact boasts a wheelbase that’s a full 2.4 inches longer than the outgoing model, yet the hatchback is a nearly two inches shorter from stem to stern. The machine is also lower and wider than before, which should give occupants plenty of space indoors. The driver gets treated to a new human-machine interface that features a new Active Driving Display for information like vehicle speed and navigation instructions conveniently in the line of sight. Likewise, the vehicle’s infotainment system has received a complete rebuild.

Outside, the new Mazda3 makes full use of the company’s KODO design language, and to our eyes, the result is one of the most attractive entries in the segment. Jump under the hood, and buyers can expect to find a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, though no fuel economy estimates are available. For those looking for a bit more thrust, Mazda also offers a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline mill with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. So far there’s no word on the diesel engine available to our friends in Europe.

Both engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and feature the automaker’s i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration systems. The recaptured energy is stored in a capacitor and used to power the vehicle’s various electrical systems.

Mazda says the company’s newest compact features a chassis that’s a full 30-percent stiffer than the 2013 model thanks in part to extensive use of high-strength steel. The material also let Mazda cut around 200 pounds from the vehicle. Expect pricing, availability and fuel economy information to surface later. In the interim, you can read the full press release below for more information. We’ll have more photos to share shortly, so stay tuned.

Continue reading Mazda3 officially unveiled

Mazda3 officially unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hear the 2015 Mustang GT V8 roar for the first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

Our combined knowledge of the 2015 Ford Mustang continues to deepen, as spy shooters have begun to compile video and audio of the upcoming sixth-generation car.

Case in point is this latest series of video clips, which not only gives us a great vantage point of the Mustang in motion, but also allows us to hear the Ford V8 engine and exhaust. After perusing the aural delights of this short video, which, admittedly, doesn’t catch the Mustang GT at full song, we can at least say that the throaty exhaust isn’t disappointing.

Chances are good that the 2015 Mustang GT will debut with some version of the current (and excellent) Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine, though we’re unclear as to whether or not the motor has been massaged for its next-gen debut, or what may have been done to exhaust plumbing. At this point, we’re just happy to hear the pony run. Scroll below to hear for yourself.

Continue reading Hear the 2015 Mustang GT V8 roar for the first time

Hear the 2015 Mustang GT V8 roar for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

vw golf tdi bluemotion

Volkswagen claims its newly launched Golf TDI BlueMotion is about as good as it gets with that old standby, the internal combustion engine. The new Golf consumes 3.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, the equivalent of getting 73.5 US miles per gallon (on the European cycle), a 15-percent improvement in fuel economy over the previous model.

The new Golf TDI BlueMotion produces 85 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer, which Volkswagen says is one of the best values worldwide for a car powered by internal combustion. Most impressive is the claim that this sort of efficiency, and the car’s 50-liter fuel tank, allows for a potential driving range of 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles) between fill-ups. Upgraded aerodynamics – a lowered chassis, a special roof spoiler, and a radiator grille that gets cooled through partially closed air inlet screens in the bumper, for example – improve the Golf’s mpg.

The Golf TDI comes with a new common-rail, turbodiesel direct injection four-valve, four-cylinder engine that operates efficiently across a wide range of rpm. It offers 108 horsepower between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm, which VW says is ” a very fuel-efficient operating range.” Starting at 1,500 rpm and on through to 3,000 rpm, the new Golf TDI Bluemotion delivers a torque peak of 250 Nm (184 foot pounds). Put is all together with the modified six-speed gearbox and you get a 0-62 miles per hour time of 10.5 seconds. But, hey, 73.5 mpg.

This is the first Golf to be available in two well-known Volkswagen specification levels for those interested in spiffing it up. “Trendline” comes with 15-inch Lyon alloy wheels, a large rear spoiler and a redesigned and nearly closed radiator grille. “Comfortline” is additionally equipped with the ParkPilot parking assistance system front and rear, a “high quality” instrument cluster (no, we’re not exactly clear on what that means, either) and a few other perks. If you’re a North American buyer, don’t hold your breath for this model’s availability, but if you’re still interested in seeing how the other half can live, check out the press release below for more specs and details.

Continue reading New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg

New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: 2014 Mazda3 breaks cover early, in Euro-spec at least [UPDATE]

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Mazda, Diesel

2014 Mazda3 - front three-quarter dynamic view

We’re set to get a closer look at the US-spec 2014 Mazda3 later today, but AutoExpress has the first peek at the machine’s European cousin (after initial leaks reportedly came from a Czech outlet). The photos show a compact that’s taken plenty of design inspiration from its older sister, the Mazda6. That’s excellent news, as the larger car’s dynamic front fascia, accentuated fender arches and long nose translate well to the Mazda3. Inside, there are are new and improved material choices, and the longer wheelbase means occupants get to enjoy more room than before. There’s also a larger trunk with 12.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Buyers in the EU can get their hands on a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine with 99 horsepower, though the old 2.0-liter four-cylinder will still be available in either 118 hp or 163 hp configuration. A 2.2-liter diesel tops out the engine choices.

The 2014 Mazda3 is lighter than its predecessor and boasts disc brakes and a multi-link rear suspension on every trim. That means this thing should be fun to shuffle around. Stay tuned for details on the US-spec variant later today, including a lot more images of the good-looking hatch.

UPDATE: We’ve just received word from Mazda that the photos seen here do, in fact, show the global Mazda3, and not merely a European version. So the good-looking hatch in our gallery is one that you can look forward to in your dealership before too long. Expect to see full US specs, and even more images of the 3, later today.

2014 Mazda3 breaks cover early, in Euro-spec at least [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: UAW poised to take notes from German labor unions?

Filed under: Europe, UAW/Unions

Bob King, UAW boss stands at podium with arms up

Automotive News Europe reports the United Auto Workers may borrow from German labor unions’ playbook. UAW President Bob King says that he’s seen the merit of the country’s labor system after having being appointed to the supervisory board of Opel last year. Germany’s so-called codetermination laws state that union leaders or employee representatives must receive as many as half of the seats on the supervisory boards that control an automaker’s major investments. Those boards can also hire or fire executives, and special work councils handle decisions on issues like work hours, benefits and work conditions.

King believes the system gives workers a stronger voice, and says the UAW is open to building a similar system in the US. That could be done through the organization’s current contracts with Chrysler, General Motors and Ford.

Shifting strategies could also help the UAW woo foreign-owned manufacturing plants in the US. King hopes the German labor union strategies will be seen as less combative than the union’s current policies.

UAW poised to take notes from German labor unions? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ETC: Automoblox adds Emergency Line of rescue, police and fire vehicles

Filed under: Toys/Games, Police/Emergency

Automoblox Emergency Line pickup rescue vehicle

Automoblox Emergency Line police carOne of our favorite toymakers is branching out its lineup of heirloom-quality toy cars into the first responder category. Automoblox has unveiled a new Emergency Line of rescue, police and fire vehicles based on three of its most popular models. The T900 truck becomes a go-anywhere rescue vehicle, the S9 sedan a patrol cruiser and the X9-X sport utility a capable transport for fire fighters.

Automoblox Emergency Line fire rescue SUVRevealed on the company’s official Facebook page, the Emergency Line features color schemes appropriate to each branch of public service, new wheels (the S9’s dog-dish cop car wheels are particularly accurate and excellent), light bars and even new people figurines that represent the fire, police and rescue workers who help out the public from behind the wheel.

A typical regular-sized Automoblox model goes for between $40 and $50, so we’re impressed the company held the line for these special models: the T900 rescue truck goes for $50, the S9 police car for $45 and the X9-X fire SUV for $45. The Emergency Line will be available in the US, Australia and Hong Kong by August 5 at the latest, and then Germany, France, Italy and Canada later this year. They aren’t quite ready to accept pre-orders, but you can Like Automoblox on Facebook to stay in the loop.

Automoblox adds Emergency Line of rescue, police and fire vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Ford F-150 bumps Camry from top of Cars.com American Made Index

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota

2013 Ford F-150 XLT

With July 4th just around the corner, what better time could there be for Cars.com to announce that the Ford F-150 is the Most American car of 2013? This may be especially true since it was the Toyota Camry, a car produced by a company based in Japan, that had held the top spot from 2009 to 2012.

Cars.com compiles its Most American list by considering the amount of parts each vehicle uses that come from America, where it’s final assembly takes place and how many units per year are sold. “While the assembly point and domestic parts content of the F-150 didn’t change from 2012-2013, vehicle sales are responsible for bumping the F-150 to the top spot,” according to Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief of Cars.com.

As far as automakers go (as opposed to individual models), Toyota retains the top spot it held in 2012, with General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Honda (in that order) rounding out the list. The motivation behind this list each year, according to Olsen, is “to help car shoppers understand that ‘American-Made’ extends beyond just the Detroit three” and because “a study we conducted in 2012 indicated that 25 percent of shoppers surveyed preferred to buy American.”

It should be noted, however, that Cars.com isn’t the only group with an American-made study, and not everyone agrees on the methodology used. In fact, a highly detailed study earlier this year by American University’s Kogod School of Business found that the Lambda CUV triplets from GM are the most American-made nameplates, and there isn’t a single vehicle from a Japanese automaker anywhere near its top ten.

Feel free to browse the press release below to see how the full top-10 list breaks down.

Continue reading Ford F-150 bumps Camry from top of Cars.com American Made Index

Ford F-150 bumps Camry from top of Cars.com American Made Index originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jun 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Seinfeld drives David Letterman’s V8 Volvo wagon in latest CiCGC

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Videos, Volvo, Celebrities, Humor

David Letterman's V8-powered Volvo wagon drops soccer balls and groceries - video screencap

Paul Newman once talked David Letterman into repowering a then-new Volvo 960 station wagon with a supercharged Ford 5.0-liter V8. No, that’s not the setup to a joke. Letterman recently handed over the keys to his 380-horsepower family hauler to Jerry Seinfeld for the latest episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The two talk about how the machine nearly barbecued Letterman while he was on his way to a cardiologist appointment, then they sit down for a more lengthy discussion on the comedy business of today and yesteryear.

As a bonus, we get plenty of clips of the V8 Volvo doing what it does best: hauling groceries and doing smokey burnouts. If you need a refresher on exactly how this creation came to be, check out George Achorn’s recounting of the car’s birth over at SwedeSpeed.com. It’ll be worth your time. You can also take a peek at the latest Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee below.

Continue reading Seinfeld drives David Letterman’s V8 Volvo wagon in latest CiCGC

Seinfeld drives David Letterman’s V8 Volvo wagon in latest CiCGC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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