2010 Archives | Page 5 of 23

LA 2010: 2012 Buick Regal GS mildy impresses, majorly disappoints

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Buick, GM

2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal GS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Alright, so the 2012 Buick Regal GS isn’t the Americanized version of the 325-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Opel Insignia OPC we were once promised. Still, this sports sedan has a turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and has enough visual flare to certainly give the impression of fast. It even sports Buick’s trick HiPerStrut front suspension to reduce torque steer through the front wheels.

It might not be exactly the car we were hoping for, but it should still prove to be a welcome addition to the Buick lineup when it goes on sale next year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but considering the Regal itself is priced as an entry-level luxury sedan, we expect the GS model to cost closer to $40,000 than $30,000.

The Regal GS made its official debut today at the LA Auto Show, and we’ve got a full gallery of high-res shots live from the show floor for you. Curb your disappointment and click through the gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Buick Regal GS

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LA 2010: 2012 Buick Regal GS mildy impresses, majorly disappoints originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Focus Race Car Concept is the future of Ford racing

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Racing

Ford Focus Race Car Concept

Ford Focus Race Car Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has pulled the wraps off what it claims is a hint at its future global race car. The Ford Focus race car concept takes the standard 2012 Ford Focus hatchback and preps it nicely for full race duty. This includes gutting the interior, fitting a FIA-approved roll cage, strapping on AST performance coilovers with adjustable dampers and beefing up the sway bars, brakes, wheels and tires.

What’s not beefed up is the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, which is used in the hot-hatch Focus ST where it produces 247 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Keeping the driver comfortable and in check are a Recaro racing seat, Ford Racing six-point harness and fire-suppression system.

Ford’s goal for the race car concept is to supply private race teams with a competitive entry in a wide variety of racing series around the world. The car conforms to FIA Super 2000 regulations and can be adapted to fit the rules of other governing bodies as well.

The Focus race car concept is set to make its debut at the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Ford says it also wants to run the Focus in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Put on your Nomex, then follow the jump to read the press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Ford Focus race car concept

LA 2010: Ford Focus race car concept

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LA 2010: Focus Race Car Concept is the future of Ford racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Buick, GM, Luxury

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist – Click above for high-res image gallery

Full-size luxury sedans are typically guilty pleasures since they can be either coddling, comfort machines or all-out speed freaks. One thing they haven’t been is fuel efficient… until now. Making its debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist.

Power for the LaCrosse eAssist is provided by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct-injection. It gains an efficiency boost through the addition of a 115V lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the fuel system to take a nap during certain conditions. These two power systems working together, along with the six-speed automatic transmission, allow the Buick LaCrosse eAssist to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway – a 25% percent improvement compared to the 2.4-liter flying solo. Consider this the reinvention of GM’s long lost mild hybrid system.

Pricing for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist is expected to start around $30,000. What’s more, the hybrid system will be fitted standard to all LaCrosse models equipped with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. More green luxury information is sprouting just after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan

LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin’, green-drivin’

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid – Click here for high-res image gallery

Kia is just now beginning to roll out its sexy new 2011 Optima, with the 2.4-liter GDI version priced from only $18,995. Much like its sister car, the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima will be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in EX and SX trims, and here at the LA Auto Show, the Kia has unveiled its third member of the Optima family – the Hybrid.

Much like the Sonata Hybrid, the gas/electric Optima uses the same 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four, mated to an electric motor. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Optima Hybrid will yield 40 miles per gallon on the highway – besting its eco-minded competitors, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date early next year, and you can read the full details in Kia’s press release, after the jump. Check out our high-res galleries of live and stock shots, as well.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

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LA 2010: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is good-lookin’, green-drivin’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video]

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Saab, Luxury

2012 Saab 9-4X

LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X – Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is looking to move forward after its long relationship with General Motors. Saab CEO Victor Muller quoted Winston Churchill today at the LA Auto Show saying “If you’re going through hell… keep going.” Muller says that Saab has gone through hell and is seeing the light on the other side. The 2012 Saab 9-4X is the latest taste of what Saab now has in store for us.

2012 Saab 9-4X The 9-4X takes aim at the luxury crossover segment and is prepared to do battle withs some heavies, such as the Audi Q5, Lexus RX and BMW X3. The Cadillac SRX platform-mate arrives chock full of upmarket goodness like eight-way power adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a tri-zone climate control system; all part of the standard features list.

The exterior styling stays true to what we see with the Saab 9-5 sedan, and clearly states that the vehicle comes from a line of sporty cars. To match this style, the under-hood offerings come in two spirited flavors: a naturally-aspirated 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a direct-injection, turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that pumps out 300 hp. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that feeds all four wheels through Saab’s XWD system.

It wasn’t just the 9-4X on the menu at the 2010 LA Auto Show. We learned that the 9-5 wagon is set to make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next March, Saab is expanding distribution into China and Russia and all operations have officially been moved to Trollhättan. It’s also the first time in Saab’s history that the 9-3 convertible has been built on Swedish ground.

Hop the jump to find out more about the 2012 Saab 9-4X including a chance to watch the model’s first commercial, and stay tuned for more from this now-independent Swedish automaker in the near future.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video]

LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Toyota, Electric

Toyota RAV4 EV

Toyota RAV4 EV – Click above for high-res image gallery

Proudly “Powered by Tesla,” the brand-new Toyota RAV4 EV made its debut at the LA Auto Show today, and it’s pretty much what you’d expect: a current-generation RAV4 with the heart of a Tesla Roadster. Or maybe a Model S. In any case, one of Silicon Valley’s electric cars. As we’ve known, Tesla’s role in the partnership is to develop the powertrain – including the battery, power electronics module, electric motor, gearbox and software – for Toyota’s popular CUV.

The RAV4 EV has a long history, as long-time plug-in vehicle fans are well aware. The first-gen version arrived in 1997 and was available for six years. Toyota said today that it sold or leased 1,484 units during that time – and that nearly 750 of them are still in operation – but could never make them a mainstream hit like the Prius. Making these alternative-power vehicles isn’t that difficult, said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales’ president and chief operating officer, the hard part is bringing them to mainstream customers.

This is the goal of the RAV4 EV, which is scheduled to hit the market in 2012. The initial batch of test vehicles, the so-called Phase Zero machines, are already achieving 100 miles of range, but Toyota engineers are working hard to make sure that the Phase One vehicles (i.e., the next batch) will be able to reach that number no matter what the climate or outside condition is – or, in the words of the press release, “in a wide range of climates and conditions.” The engineering team is also focused on drivability and making the electric CUV feel, “as close to a conventional RAV4 as possible.” We’ll have a more complete post about the RAV4 EV later, but for now you can find plenty more information on Toyota’s dedicated RAV4 EV website and check it out from every angle in the gallery below.

Continue reading LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage

LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 EV, powered by Tesla, hits the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Nissan unveils fourth generation Quest; swagger-wagon wars heat up

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Nissan

2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Quest – Click above for high-res image gallery

Keeping up with the Joneses is a tough game to play, and Nissan’s third-generation Quest was getting jealous of the new Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Los Angeles can change you, and that’s why we are staring at the all-new fourth generation 2011 Nissan Quest.

Arriving in dealerships in the beginning of next year, the 2011 Nissan Quest will be offered in four trims: S, SV, SL and LE. All four are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 253 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT unit. Each trim is also fairly well-equipped, with even the base Quest S receiving push-button ignition and a six-disc CD audio system. The top-level Quest LE goes all out with such features as a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, a blind-spot warning system and HID headlights.

Besides the tech amenities, the Quest also offers a plethora of what-you-would-expect minivan features. The 2nd and 3rd rows of seating both fold flat to the floor, and a deep rear storage well adds even more cargo space if you are traveling with items other than passengers. See the whole shebang in our high-res image gallery below, and hit the jump for the complete press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Nissan Quest

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Quest

[Source: Nissan]

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LA 2010: Nissan unveils fourth generation Quest; swagger-wagon wars heat up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Honda debuts Fit EV concept, production version coming in 2012

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Honda, Electric

Honda Fit EV concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We were a bit miffed at the Paris Motor Show this year when Honda debuted its ~~Fit~~ Jazz Hybrid and told us there were no plans to bring it to the United States. Bigger plans were in the works, however, and we’ve now caught our first glimpse at the Fit EV concept on display at this year’s LA Auto Show.

Visually, the Fit EV doesn’t stray too far from the design language we’ve come to know from the gasoline-powered hatchback, albeit with a few concept-y touches thrown in for good measure. Interior refinement is standard-grade Fit spec, as well, with a modified gauge cluster showing battery and efficiency information.

Honda has outfitted the Fit EV with a version of the electric motor used in the automaker’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, and we’re told that range will be around 100 miles with a top speed of 90 miles per hour. Sounds like a Nissan Leaf competitor to us. Though purely a concept right now, Honda plans to sell a production version of the Fit EV sometime in 2012, and fleet testing of the electric hatch will commence in the coming months.

See the Fit EV for yourself in our galleries of live and stock shots below, and follow the jump for the full details in Honda’s press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Honda Fit EV Concept

Gallery: Honda Fit EV Concept

Honda Fit EV Concept

[Source: Honda]

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LA 2010: Honda debuts Fit EV concept, production version coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Range Rover Evoque sprouts a set of rear doors

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Five-Door

Range Rover Evoque Five-Door – Click above for high-res image gallery

We first met the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and its five-door sister makes its official debut today at the LA Auto Show. The Evoque is a huge departure from what we’ve commonly known of things that wear the Range Rover name, and it’s poised to be a real hit amongst the urban, luxury lifestyle set. Power comes from a range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, and all-wheel drive is standard – it is a Land Rover, after all.

Both the three- and five-door Evoques go on sale in the summer of next year, and Land Rover states that pricing will start around $45,000. See the new five-door Evoque for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and/or peep the mega-sized press release from Land Rover after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2010: Range Rover Evoque Five-Door

Range Rover Evoque Five-Door

Gallery: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-door

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Range Rover Evoque sprouts a set of rear doors

LA 2010: 2012 Range Rover Evoque sprouts a set of rear doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Mazda5 with updated styling now goes with the flow

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Mazda

2012 Mazda5

2012 Mazda5 at the LA Auto Show – Click above for high-res image gallery

The upcoming 2012 Mazda5 just showed us its smiling face, and Mazda’s flowing design language is visible everywhere on it. The mini people mover has gotten a displacement increase up from the old 2.3-liter and is now powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Three trims are available, entry-level, Sport and Touring, and a five-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all of them. Thankfully, the Sport is available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Incorporating the Nagare “flow” design has brought the 2012 Mazda5 in line with the rest of the family. Not only that, it adds a slightly elegant touch to a vehicle that has always offered solid utility alongside a fun driving experience. Be sure to read more about it in the press release sitting after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2010: Mazda5

2012 Mazda5

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LA 2010: 2012 Mazda5 with updated styling now goes with the flow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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