2011 Archives | Page 45 of 57

2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn edition debuts in Texas

Filed under: Truck, Dodge

2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn

2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn – Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of the kick-off ceremonies for the State Fair of Texas, Chrysler debuted its latest version of the Ram – the Laramie Longhorn edition. (Think King Ranch, only Chrysler). Available on 1500, 2500 and 3500 trims, the Longhorn can be had in a variety of two-tone color schemes, including the model-specific sagebrush green and white gold seen in the stock photos.

The real story with the Longhorn is its interior, which is done up in full leather with real woodgrain trim throughout. (For reference, even the highest-grade Ford F-150 isn’t available with real woodgrain.) Added touches like flap-closure pockets on the front seatbacks with a metal buckle and magnetic clasp and unique seat piping look like a high-zoot cowboy’s dream, and with the plethora of Longhorn badging both inside and out, this is sure to be the sort of pickup that no one wants to get dirty. Consider it your fancy-pants out-on-the-town truck.

Saddle up and make the jump to read the full list of Longhorn upgrades in Chrysler’s press release, and take a gander at some high-res shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn

[Source: Chrysler]

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2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn edition debuts in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE

Filed under: Truck, Work, GMC, Reviews

Looks The Same Yet Is Anything But

2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE

2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE – Click above for high-res image gallery

2010 has been a banner year for heavy-duty pickup truck fans, with revamped entries from all three U.S. automakers making their debut this year. Of those, the HD pickups from both Chevrolet and GMC received the most subtle exterior updates, but virtually everything under their skins is new, including a heavily revamped version of the company’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8.

When it comes to full-size pickup trucks, the old Burger King tag-line of “Have It Your Way” still rings true. Regardless of where your brand loyalty lies, these types of trucks are available with either gas or diesel engines; as regular, extended or crew-cab and with regular or long beds. All you have to do is figure out what you need the truck for and then check the appropriate boxes on the dealer’s order sheet. Somewhere in the middle of this cacophony of choice lies the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD.

Gallery: Review: 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE

2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE

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Review: 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford F-150 with Ecoboost puts down the power

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Work, Ford

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost smokes its tires – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re still a few days away from being able to share driving impressions of the 2011 Ford F-150 pickup and, more specifically, the Blue Oval’s four new heavy-hauling powerplants for the ’11 season. What we can share, however, are some pictures we snapped while Ford showed off what its truck was capable of.

We’re especially impressed with the latest application of Ford’s EcoBoost technology. As you’re already aware, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo powerplant puts down 365 horsepower and a more-than-ample 420 pound-feet of torque. What those black-and-white figures don’t tell you, though, is how smartly the EcoBoost engine moves the full-size F-150 down the road, even when hooked up to a suitably large trailer.

While we’ll stop short of calling the EcoBoost-powered F-Series a muscle truck, but here’s some pictorial evidence that it’s more than capable of frying the tires off its aluminum wheels. And we’re not just talking about gratuitous burnout photos either. Check the chart.

So… if that’s the Boost part of the package, what about the Eco? Well, we’re going to have to wait for Ford and the EPA to get an official rating published, but Ford fully expects the turbo mill to post class-leading fuel efficiency figures. Speaking of which, Ford let slip a projection indicating that its base 3.7-liter V6 engine will manage 23 miles per gallon on the highway – matching the figure of General Motors’ hybrid pickup twins.

The number crunchers amongst you will find plenty of interesting (and impressive) little tidbits perusing our high-res image gallery below. Here’s a hint: Click on the image to the right and pay special attention to the relative figures posted by both Ford’s base 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost as compared to their competitors. What are you waiting for?

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost

2011 Ford F-150 with Ecoboost puts down the power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS – This one’s for the kids?

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS commercial – Click above to watch video after the jump

Mercedes-Benz has just released a new ad for its new 2012 CLS. The big German luxury yacht is one of the more stylish sedans in its segment thanks to its fresh redesign, and apparently, rascally young whippersnappers will do just about anything to bring the car to a stop so they can get a better look. Or something.

Though the overall “coupe-like” shape of the CLS remains for next year, Mercedes-Benz has infused the vehicle with a number of design elements aimed at giving the four-door a little bit more soul. Along with the corporate upright grille and dizzying headlight array up front, the sides of the vehicle now feature some seriously flared fenders and an elegant crease just below the shoulder line.

We dig. Mercedes-Benz plans to show off the 2012 CLS in the flesh at this year’s Paris Motor Show starting next month. Hit the jump to take a look at the new commercial.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS – This one’s for the kids?

Video: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS – This one’s for the kids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Reviews

Refresh Fails To Meet Brand’s Own High Bar

2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

2011 Hyundai Azera Limited – Click above for high-res image gallery

Even five years ago, Hyundai was widely considered to be a bargain-basement marque. After all, anyone interested in checking out the brand’s lineup could visit a rental company within five miles of any major airport. But why dwell on the past when the Korean automaker is kicking butt and taking names in the here and now? Hyundai has been on a roll these past few years, with hits like the Genesis, Genesis Coupe and 2011 Sonata. With those successful entries, Hyundai has clearly established itself as a prime player in the U.S. market, but the company’s improved standing has also substantially raised the public’s levels of expectation. Where qualifiers like “for a Hyundai” were once the norm, we’re now measuring each and every new entry donning the italic H against the best from Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Honda.

Hyundai’s most recently refreshed product is the 2011 Azera. When the Azera first arrived on U.S. shores as a 2006 model, it came came close to nixing the “for a Hyundai” stigma with an impressive level of standard equipment and a lower price tag than its competition. But even with a strong value equation and plethora of amenities, that original Azera still wasn’t as refined as the current crop of winners coming out of South Korea. Can the freshly redesigned 2011 Azera, with an improved powertrain and increased level of luxury equipment, truly succeed like its all-star siblings?

Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

2011 Hyundai Azera Limited

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Review: 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ford, Reviews

Forty-six Years Of Refinement Make It The Pony Car To Beat

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Potentially ruinous. All that work on an impressive new 5.0-liter V8 engine, chassis tweaks and other piecemeal refinements for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT are almost all for naught because of a single glaring issue. What could erase all the gains the Mustang has made for 2011? The answer is nestled between the front seats, and it goes by the name 6R80.

Despite the promise that a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission carries, not to mention the associated fuel economy, the auto ‘box blunts the Mustang’s edge severely. Can the new 5.0-liter V8 and wind in your hair make up for the dulling effect of the Mustang GT Convertible’s transmission? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

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Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-Person: 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Patriot add refinement, panache

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler – Click above for high-res image gallery

After a rather long product winter, 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for Jeep. Obviously, the biggest news from Chrysler’s off-road brand has been the introduction of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, and after driving the new all-roader (twice), we’ve learned that the automaker is still fully capable of delivering competitive, well-rounded products. But beyond the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler has made tweaks to both its Jeep Wrangler and Patriot for the 2011 model year, and we spent some time this morning at the Pentastar’s Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to see what all the fuss is about.

Looking at both the Wrangler and Patriot from the outside, you won’t immediately notice the new changes these vehicles receive for 2011. The Patriot receives a slight styling update – a cleaner front end with repositioned fog lamps is up front, body cladding has been added to the sides and a new rear bumper is found out back. The Wrangler has even less in the way of exterior visual updates, save the new body-colored hardtop available on the Sahara trim level.

Jeep Wrangler windshield surround What really impresses us, though, is the larger attention to detail in both of these vehicles. On the Wrangler, for example, little kitschy add-ons like an off-loading Jeep integrated into the windshield outline (pictured right) or the seven-slat grille design for the sun-blocker behind the rear-view mirror. Little things like this are only part of the story, though – the new interiors that both of these vehicles receive are seriously worthy of your consideration.

Wranglers get an updated dash with softer, rounder shapes, and although hard plastics are still used throughout, it fits with the SUV’s bad-to-the-bone attitude. Still, new improvements for 2011 include the addition of optional leather seating and Jeep’s new corporate steering wheel.

The Patriot, on the other hand, gets a full host of updates, with soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. Chrysler says that specific touch points have been enhanced in the Patriot to rid the interior of cheap-feeling buttons and knobs, and the new seats (both leather and cloth) are really comfortable. It’s a huge, much-needed leap forward for the Patriot, and it makes it much more competitive against vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Similar updates will make their way onto the unloved Jeep Compass, which will launch closer to the end of the year. In the meantime, click through our galleries below to see live shots of the 2011 Wrangler and Patriot live from Chrysler’s design dome.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler: Live Shots

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Patriot: Live Shots

In-Person: 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Patriot add refinement, panache originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Volvo, First Drive, Luxury

Not The Naughtiest of Volvos, But Definitely Up To Something

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60 T6 AWD – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo has been gearing up the promotion machine for its new S60, and it’s taking an unusual tack, referring to the Swedish automaker’s latest sedan as the sportiest and “Naughtiest Volvo Ever.” This, of course, may seem a bit like proclaiming that Greg was the rebel in the Brady Bunch. It might have been true, but the Swedish automaker’s lineup hasn’t exactly been fraught with the sort of characters that your parents warned you about, has it?

If this S60 is ‘naughty,’ it’s probably in the same way that going to prom with your mother is ‘naughty.’ It’s wrong, certainly… particularly for the couple sharing your limo. It might even be a bit dangerous – for your social life – but at the end of the day, the core wholesomeness of both mothers and Volvos can’t be denied, right?

Well, perhaps not. After all, although it was developed under the Ford umbrella, this new S60 comes to market with new ownership (China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) and new leadership (former Volkswagen of America head Stefan Jacoby). And that is some rather sexy sheetmetal – particularly when it’s slathered in such an assertive paint color. But what’s going on beneath the skin? You’ll have to follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60: First Drive

2011 Volvo S60

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First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Ford

2011 Ford Ranger

If you live in the States, say goodbye to the Ford Ranger. The oft-neglected baby pickup from the Blue Oval is set to end production at its Twin Cities Assembly Plant in Minnesota next year, thereby kicking Dearborn out of the segment for the first time in nearly 30 years. The rest of the world won’t be without a Ranger, though. Ford is set to pull the sheets back on the newest version of the global truck at the Australian International Motor Show next month, though released this intriguing teaser image in the meantime. It’s bigger, slated for 180 markets spread all over the planet and it ain’t for us. The question is: Why not?

In order to head that quandary off at the pass, Ford wanted to us in on its reasoning behind killing off the Ranger in the U.S. market. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Vice President of Global Product Development, was kind enough to give us a few minutes out of his time to answer that question and more. Get the answers after the jump.

Continue reading U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why

U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 struts its stuff

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Motorcycle

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Aprilia just released video of its brand new Dorsoduro 1200 dancing through a set of mountain twisties. Better still, the whole shebang is set to the ever-badass tunes of ZZ Top. It’s our kind of kitsch. If you’re still reading and not watching the video after the jump, we’re not sure if we can still be friends. The big v-twin looks like an absolute blast with its quasi-motard stance. Even with that massive mill saddled down low, the riders in the video don’t seem to have any problem flinging the bike through a series of somewhat technical turns.

The downside, of course, is that as of right now, Aprilia has no plans to bring the big Dorsoduro 1200 to the land of the free. That means that if you like what you see, you better pick up the phone and start hounding your local dealer. There’s always a chance that with enough interest, Aprilia just might change its mind. Hit the jump to see the flick for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 struts its stuff

Video: 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 struts its stuff originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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