2011 Archives | Page 35 of 57

Quick Spin: 2011 Subaru Forester

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru, Quick Spin

New Engine Helps Smooth Out Most Rough Edges

2011 Subaru Forester

2011 Subaru Forester – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the years since Subaru last gave its workhorse flat four-cylinder engine a significant revision, an entire generation of customers has gone from pulling up their Huggies to donning college graduation gowns. More than two full decades have passed since the company’s engineers seriously sat down to re-examine the engine’s architecture, and in that time, there’s been an explosion of automotive technology geared toward squeezing every last bit of energy out of a drop of gasoline. With fuel economy and emissions standards growing tighter by the day, the minds at Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s parent company, unveiled the third-generation of their boxer engine recently.

But at first blush, the new heir to the Pleiades throne looks to be little more than a carbon copy of its predecessor. Horsepower, torque and fuel economy figures are all within a shave of the old engine’s numbers, and while the company’s competitors are investing heavily in direct-injection systems, Subaru passed on this tech all together. Where was the improvement? Judging by the specs alone, we had to wonder why Subaru went through the trouble of building an entirely new facility just to produce what looked to be the same old beating heart we’d known and loved for years. We jumped behind the wheel of the 2011 Forester to find out just what had changed beneath the hood of its all-wheel-drive family hauler.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Forester: Quick Spin

2011 Subaru Forester

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Quick Spin: 2011 Subaru Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 Jeep Compass to get big price increase, Trail Rated model

Filed under: Crossover, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Compass spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to the efforts of some wily spy shooters, we’ve already peered upon the vastly improved styling of the redesigned 2011 Jeep Compass. If a report from the usually well-informed Allpar.com is correct, it would seem Jeep will be positioning its 2011 Compass a few rungs up the ladder than the platform-sharing Patriot.

If reports are correct, buyers will also need to fork over significantly more cash for the Compass in 2011. According to Allpar, the Compass will start at $19,995 in front-wheel drive guise and $21,695 when powering all four wheels – the 2010 model starts at just $15,365. More interesting, though, is word that the new Compass will be Trail Rated for the first time, something we suspected from the rather familiar-looking round fender badges on the silver vehicle in our spy shot gallery.

Presumably using the same off-road bits and pieces as the Trail Rated Patriot – Freedom Drive II with a CVT and dedicated low-range gearing – the Compass is rumored to feature repositioned rebound springs cribbed à la Grand Cherokee, along with an increase in ride height by one inch.

After looking at the pictures, we had an inkling that the new Compass may in fact be a more desirable overall package than the 2011 Patriot, which starts at $15,995, and this report would appear to confirm that hunch.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Compass

2011 Jeep Compass

[Source: Allpar.com | Images: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Rumormill: 2011 Jeep Compass to get big price increase, Trail Rated model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Ford Flex Titanium

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Ford, Quick Spin

Where Useful Crossover Meets Luxury Sport Wagon

2011 Ford Flex Titanium

2011 Ford Flex Titanium – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has been hard at work building the finest arsenal of in-cabin technologies in the auto industry, and our recent reviews of its products suggest the effort is paying off. But offering a huge collection of amenities means the customer must choose from a laundry list of options that can make the car-buying process overly complicated. Some options aren’t available on some trim levels, while those same options come standard on others. Ford also uses “Rapid Spec” packages that can range in price from $1,000 to well over $4,000, depending on how much luxury and technology you care to pile on. And, of course, there’s nothing worse than checking a box with an asterisk, a bit of punctuation that means you have to add another option before earning the right to check the box you wanted in the first place.

Ordering a new vehicle gets a lot easier when you use the “I’ll take everything” approach. This is the simplest way to shop, but it’s also the priciest. And what happens if “everything” isn’t enough? Ford thinks it has the answer to that question: a Titanium model that bungees on every conceivable extra to already loaded-up Limited models. Already a hit in Europe, Ford’s Titanium trim level is chugging across The Pond this year with a maiden voyage aboard the S.S. Flex. We just spent a week with the 2011 Flex Titanium to see if the Blue Oval’s ultimate trim level is worth its premium price.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Flex Titanium: Quick Spin

2011 Ford Flex Titanium

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Quick Spin: 2011 Ford Flex Titanium originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays in the California sand

Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer playing in the dirt

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The outgoing Ford Explorer was a rear-drive-based body-on-frame SUV with a substantial thirst for fuel yet little in the way of off-road capability. The 2011 Explorer is built off a front-drive architecture, which would lead the uninformed observer to believe that dirt and rocks won’t get along with the newly redesigned CUV. But Ford has worked its magic with a clever all-wheel drive system that works in tandem with a Terrain Management System that promises a modicum of off-road capability. Without skid plates and higher ground clearance, we’re not talking hardcore rock crawling, of course, but perhaps there’s more ability here than one might otherwise expect out of a unibody three-row crossover.

Of course, it will take time to get this message across to the car-buying public, and the first effort in Ford’s educating process comes in the way of this sand-filled video. Ford put its newest 2011 model on display at the “San Diego Vision” media event, taking a bright red Limited model for a spin on very loose dirt. There are no rocks and no obtuse articulations; instead there are a bunch of different angles of the new Explorer doing dirt donuts with earth flying everywhere. It’s far from the most impressive off-road video we’ve seen, but it sure is pretty. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. Hat tip to Yaroukh!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Southern California Live Debut

[Source: Ford via YouTube]

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Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays in the California sand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Avenger

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Dodge, Quick Spin

An Old Dog Learns A Few New Tricks

2011 Dodge Avenger

2011 Dodge Avenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has chosen vastly different fates for its Sebring and the Dodge Avenger, despite the two essentially being identical vehicles. While the Sebring underwent a complete personality makeover for 2011 and emerged with new sheetmetal and a new nameplate to match, the Avenger was left to soldier on with more conservative tweaks. The Dodge version of Chrysler’s midsize sedan still wears the same basic body lines as before, masking over the significant adjustments to the vehicle’s interior, drivetrain and suspension. While the Chrysler 200 may be stealing (okay, borrowing) the show, the 2011 Avenger is no less improved, at least when equipped with the company’s new 3.6-liter V6 engine.

With 283 horsepower and respectable fuel economy, the new six-cylinder turns the Avenger into a vehicle that no longer takes its driving cues from capital punishment, though lower-rung trim levels don’t fare as well. Buyers who opt for the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder will be met with visions from the vehicle’s less-than-award-winning past, including plenty of engine vibration and fuel economy that’s not on par with new hardware coming out from the competition. All this begs the question: Is there room for both the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler 200 under the new company tent?

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Avenger: Quick Spin

2011 Dodge Avenger

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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Volvo S60 flogged around track by… blindfolded Kiwi racer?!

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volvo

Jonny Reid drives the Volvo S60 blindfolded

Jonny Reid drives the Volvo S60… blindfolded – Click above to watch the video after the break

We don’t exactly know why this video was filmed, other than the fact that it’s somehow supposed to make us more interested in the Volvo S60, but we don’t really care – just because it’s cool is reason enough for us.

In any case, well-known Kiwi racer Jonny Reid, who is currently competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, belted himself into the driver’s seat of a brand new 2011 Volvo S60 sedan at the starting line at Hampton Downs Motorsports Park in New Zealand.

No big deal, right? Not until you consider the fact that Reid was blindfolded and going all out based solely on his knowledge of the track and the instructions from his co-driver, Earl Bamber. We can’t really say how it compares to any other times, but he ended up lapping the track in one minute and 28 seconds.

Now, it should be noted that Reid knows Hampton Downs very well. In fact, he’s a track instructor during driver training and corporate events. Still, the video is pretty darn cool, and in the end, that’s all we really care about, right? See for yourself after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60: First Drive

2011 Volvo S60

[Source: Car & SUV]

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Video: 2011 Volvo S60 flogged around track by… blindfolded Kiwi racer?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon priced from $30,960

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Acura

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon – Click above for high-res image gallery

During a product briefing today, Acura executives revealed that the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon will be priced from $30,960 (not including $860 for destination) when it goes on sale in just a few weeks. This represents a price increase of $1,350 versus the slightly refreshed 2011 TSX sedan that recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

All TSX Sport Wagons come standard with a leather-trimmed interior, premium seven-speaker sound system, XM radio, USB audio with iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and a power moonroof. For an extra $3,650 you can opt for the TSX Technology Package, which adds sat-nav with voice recognition and rear-view camera, an ELS surround audio system, GPS-linked solar-sensing climate control and a power liftgate out back.

The only engine available in the Sport Wagon is the TSX’s 2.4-liter inline-four, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is available on the sedan). 201 horsepower is perfectly adequate for the Sport Wagon, but we’re curious as to why Acura felt it necessary to leave the sedan’s 280-hp V6 mill out of the mix. We’ll have the full report of how the TSX Sport Wagon fares out on the road in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

[Source: Acura]

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon priced from $30,960 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Compass sharpens up

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Jeep

2011 Jeep Compass spy shot

2011 Jeep Compass spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Based on what we saw in a few reader-snapped spy shots, the Jeep Compass is getting a much-needed makeover for the 2011 model year. This latest set of spy photos shows the new changes clear as day, and while the Compass’ shape hasn’t been altered (that odd C-pillar door handle is still intact), the completely revised front end is immediately more attractive than the outgoing model. It isn’t terribly original, as it’s clearly a derivative of the Grand Cherokee, but it’s a huge step forward. Let’s just hope Chrysler doesn’t fudge it up with a Rallye version this time around.

Around back, things are largely the same, albeit with a new set of LED taillamps, more than likely reserved for higher-zoot trims within the Compass range. The rear bumper and lower fascia have been reworked slightly, but we won’t fault you for not noticing right away, especially when the majority of your attention has largely gone to checking out the WK2-ified front end.

Like the vast majority of 2011 model year Chrysler vehicles, expect the new Compass to benefit from a greatly updated interior that includes higher-quality materials and a tweaked overall design. Judging by the Compass’ kissing cousin, the recently facelifted 2011 Patriot, we don’t expect much to have changed under the hood (the anemic 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder ‘World Engines’ will likely carry over unchanged), but we suspect improvements to the vehicle’s ride, handling and NVH will be realized.

With the Detroit Auto Show only a few weeks away, it’s likely that the refreshed Compass will make its public debut under the lights of Cobo Hall, with the first few examples going on sale very shortly thereafter.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Compass

2011 Jeep Compass

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Compass sharpens up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, First Drive

Korean compact is a no-gimmicks eco-warrior

2011 Hyundai Elantra

2011 Hyundai Elantra – Click above for high-res image gallery

Were we the betting type, we’d put money on looming CAFE standards as the single biggest issue to keep auto execs awake at night. Organizations from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to the California Air Resource Board and the Environmental Protection Agency have all made noise about increasing corporate average fuel economy standards to lofty figures that reside anywhere between 47 and 62 mpg in around 14 years – a blink of an eye in terms of product development. If you’ve been wondering why manufacturers continue to roll out a bevy of fuel-efficient, economical vehicles despite relatively stable fuel prices and luke-warm demand, wonder no more.

Hyundai, with its small-engined fleet of fuel-savvy bruisers, seems downright giddy at the news. The Korean manufacturer has announced that by the time 2025 rolls around, the company will have a corporate average fuel economy of 50 mpg. The groundwork for that dramatic increase is being laid right now with vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid and the most recent addition to the Hyundai stable, the 2011 Elantra.

The first-generation Elantra debuted four short years ago, but in meantime competition in the American small-car market has increased by leaps and bounds. Additions like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus have proven that domestic manufacturers are just as serious about producing compact, high-quality vehicles with excellent fuel economy as the long-reigning titans of the segment from Honda and Toyota. With its 40 mpg highway, stylish exterior and excellent drivetrain, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is set to put the rest of the segment on notice.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra: First Drive

2011 Hyundai Elantra

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First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 dyno’d – is the 392 underrated?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 on the dyno

Hemi. The mere mention of the word is enough to strike fear into the hearts of lesser powerplants… or at least images of a pair of scrubby-looking bottom-feeders that really love themselves some Ram Trucks. In any case, we’re keenly interested in the latest Hemi engine from the Dodge Boys, in this case displacing a heady 392 (or so) cubic inches and placed gently inside the engine bay of the 2011 Challenger SRT8.

Not only is this new Hemi larger than the already oversized version it replaces, it’s also considerably more potent. The Pentastar says that its new 392 kicks out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque – substantial improvements over the outgoing SRT8’s 425 hp/420 lb-ft. But those are factory ratings, and we all know those don’t necessarily match what’s actually under the hood of production models.

Thankfully, the crew over at Inside Line managed to score enough time with a 2011 Challenger SRT8 to strap it down to a proper dyno. And the results? How about 452 horses at 6200 RPM and 443 lb-ft at 4400? Yep, that’ll do nicely, and it means that Dodge may actually be underrating its potent performer just a tad. Oh, and for what it’s worth, IL managed to record 370 horses and 343 lb-ft from its 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS on the same exact dyno. Chevy’s answer ought to be coming in the form of a Z28 with over 500 supercharged ponies… Stay tuned, the horsepower wars are clearly still in full swing.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 dyno’d – is the 392 underrated? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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