2011 Archives | Page 49 of 57

First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE]

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

2011 Volkswagen Passat

2011 Volkswagen Passat – Click above to enlarge

A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker’s European retailers (they didn’t, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.

There’s still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but VW’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.

UPDATE: Looks like the Passat pic is a rendering by the artists from Autobild.

[Source: DadBladet via WCF]

First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Buick, Luxury

2011 Buick Regal at IIHS

2011 Buick Regal at IIHS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just wrapped up its battery of batterings on the 2011 Buick Regal, and the results have netted “Good” ratings for front, side, rear and rollover impact protection.

Additionally, the Regal is the seventh vehicle from General Motors to earn a Top Safety Pick award, which includes the aforementioned rollover test where the Regal excelled. Buick’s Euro-born sedan was able to withstand almost five-times its weight – up from the federally-mandated standard of 1.5 times.

The Regal joins its Buick sibling, the LaCrosse, along with the 2011 BMW 5 Series, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon and Volvo S80 as a Top Safety Pick in the large car segment. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal crashed at IIHS

Continue reading IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick

IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Toyota Avalon

Filed under: Sedan, Toyota, Reviews, Luxury

Sexagenarians Rejoice! Your Ride Has Arrived

2011 Toyota Avalon

2011 Toyota Avalon – Click above for high-res image galleries

Have you seen the TV commercials for the 2011 Toyota Avalon? One particular 30-second spot sticks out. It’s shot through a 1960’s filter and features an old-fashioned voiceover, cheesy elevator music and an airline pilot driving the big Toyota sedan on a cloud with a pretty flight attendant in the passenger seat. It’s like something the Mad Men crew would create, minus the misogyny.

That Toyota’s marketing team produced such a commercial proves they know exactly who buys the Avalon: people who were alive and watching television 50 years ago. Since a “jet-smooth ride” and “quiet cabin” don’t set an enthusiast’s soul ablaze, we’re taking Toyota’s hint and getting in the mood for our review of the updated Avalon by donning a cardigan, ordering a scotch and soda and developing a one-sided friendship with Alex Trebec. So let’s phrase it in the form of a question: How good is the 2011 Toyota Avalon? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Avalon: Review

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Review: 2011 Toyota Avalon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Truck, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler

While recently shooting some cloaked Chrysler and Hyundai prototypes, Automotive Traveler‘s Rich Truesdell came across several completely undisguised Ram 1500 pickups the other day. As Rich tells it:

Upon closer examination, I figured out why: They are near-production-ready versions of the rumored 2-Mode Hybrid version. Judging by the complete lack of cloaking, I’d assume they are undergoing final validation, possibly to establish their published tow ratings. Don’t be surprised if the Ram is an early-introduction 2012 model to reach showrooms in the spring.

We’ve talked about these hybrid pickups before, and if a schedule posted at Allpar is to be believed, Chrysler will kick off production of this new Ram 1500 Hybrid on November 16, so they may be badged as MY2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrids and not MY2012 as Rich supposes. Either way, the hybrid Ram is expected to employ the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8, two-mode hybrid powertrain that was used in the short-lived Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen hybrids in 2008, backed by a transmission supplied to Chrysler by General Motors. Expected mileage ratings should be similar to GM’s hybrid trucks, with a city number of about 21 to 22 mpg.

Check out Automotive Traveler for more photos of the 2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrid.

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford, UK

2011 Ford Mondeo at sunset

2011 Ford Mondeo – Click above for high-res image gallery

When a car comes with a 48-page press release, well, you know its maker has some special things in mind for it. The 2011 Ford Mondeo, in five-door and wagon styles, is just such a car, with The Blue Oval calling it “the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo ever.” Visually, the car’s main lines haven’t changed, but the details have been made sharper: a sleeker front bumper with new LEDs and more aggressive lip, the twin character lines down the side, the chrome trim all around the windows and the new chiseling in the rear valance.

Inside is the familiar story of upgraded materials wrapped around new techno bits. Ambient LED illumination falls from overhead, where also resides a new woven headliner. Driver aids include Lane Departure Warning system, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert, Smart Regenerative Charging and Active Grille Shutter, which opens and closes the grille aperture automatically to promote either cooling or increased aerodynamic efficiency.

Under the hood are new engines, including the Mondeo’s first crack at Ford’s 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost. That will be an option alongside the current, 203-hp version. There’s also a reworked 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel putting out 197 hp, the most powerful such engine yet.

It goes on sale as soon as next month at the same starting price as the current Mondeo, £17,295 ($26,842 U.S.), although the Titanium trim gets bumped up £200 to £19,945 ($30,958 U.S.). Follow the jump for an abridged version of the presser, and take your time perusing our huge gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mondeo revealed

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up

2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Toyota, Reviews

Family Vacation Tests This Minivan’s Mettle

2011 Toyota Sienna front view

2011 Toyota Sienna – Click above for high-res image gallery

My wife and I? Not minivan people. It isn’t for lack of appreciation. After all, we have three kids, so we’re acutely aware of the advantages gained from lots of interior space. We get our three rows in a different form factor; one that’s admittedly less practical but doesn’t make us feel like we’re flying the white flag of suburban surrender in the garage.

For our annual summer vacation, we decided to see how more sensible people roll. Our ride for the week was the latest monument to family-friendly practicality: the 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited (stickering at a significant $44,919 as tested). Its mission: schlep the author, his wife, our seven-year-old daughter, four-year-old son, 11-month-old son and the rather daunting pile of related detritus up to Cape Cod for a five-day getaway. Would everything fit easily? Would it actually be pleasant to drive? Would we be beset with secret minivan jealousy forever after? All those answers and more after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

2011 Toyota Sienna

Continue reading Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford

Roush 2011 Mustang 5.0 ROUSHcharger – Click above for high-res image

Mustang owners have always had a healthy appetite for the aftermarket, and it looks like the new 5.0 will provide plenty of opportunities for warranty-busting horsepower upgrades. Ford Racing just unveiled its supercharger system good for up to 624 horsepower, and now Roush has introduced its own ROUSHcharger system for the 5.0-liter V8.

The Roush system utilizes the TVS2300 supercharger first seen on the P-51A Mustang (replacing the old Eaton M90-based blower) and requires professional installation and calibration. A 90mm pulley good for seven psi, with 47 lb/hr fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails and a twin 60mm throttle body included in the kit. Roush says that the system can produce up to 550 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque with the stock fuel pump, and even more with additional upgrades. Pricing is set at $5,999, and Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty. A full system complete with a Roush calibration and a full warranty will be coming later this fall. Hit the jump for full details on the new ROUSHcharger system for the 2011 Mustang.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Nissan Juke

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Nissan, First Drive

Unlikely Baby Crossover Confounds and Delights

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

Remember the Nissan NX of the mid-’90s? The tiny, econobox-based sportster was as cute as a bug and spent its brief lifespan mixing it up with other long-gone, sporty front-wheel drive affordables like the Mazda MX-3, Honda Civic CRX, Toyota Paseo and even the Hyundai Scoupe. While there were a lot of inexpensive, racy looking coupes back then, most automakers just don’t see any money in that segment anymore. Instead, when they look to spin something off of their entry-level B-class chassis, most veer toward the white-hot crossover segment.

Consider the latest example, Nissan’s 2011 Juke. Come to think of it, this in-your-face city slicker has some startling similarities to the NX. For one, at 162.8 inches long, it’s deceptively small – just 0.4 inches longer than the ’90s coupe. Further, both the Juke and the NX1600 rely on 1.6-liter four-cylinder power. And like the Sentra-based NX, the more emotional Juke is based on the same humble underpinnings that give structure to Nissan’s workaday offerings, in this case, the Versa and Cube. And while the Juke may not be cute as a bug, there’s something downright insectian about its Predator-like mug.

Despite not being a traditional sporty car, Nissan has been talking up its controversially styled mini-ute with many of the same descriptors, so we hopped a plane to Vancouver to see if the Juke could bob and weave its way into our hearts. Follow the jump to find out how it fared.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

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First Drive: 2011 Nissan Juke originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick, Autoblog watches

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Technology, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta gets IIHS Top Safety Pick – Click above to watch video after the jump

We have mountains of respect for the men and women who work at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. After being invited to the institute’s Charlottesville, Virginia facility for a front-row seat to the 2011 Ford Fiesta’s frontal-offset test, we can honestly say that if we had their job, we’d have a hard time getting into just any old car ever again. While the Blue Oval’s new sub-compact passed its battery of evaluations with flying colors (being the first and only minicar to earn a Top Safety Pick nod since the institute added a rollover test), we were also treated to a tour of some of the more poorly engineered models from the recent past.

Manufacturers have made an impressive amount progress on the safety front in the last decade, thanks largely to a close partnership with the IIHS. The institute has worked to revise crash tests to more accurately reflect the composition of vehicles on the road. One of its primary functions is to identify crashes where people die in otherwise well-rated vehicles and to adjust crash tests accordingly. While the public identifies the institute with bouncing perfectly good cars off of chunks of aluminum and concrete, the truth is that crash testing is only a small part of the IIHS mission. Of course, it’s also the most fun part. Follow the jump to take a look at a video of the Fiesta’s frontal-offset test.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta IIHS Crash Tests

Gallery: IIHS Crash Test Exhibition Hall

Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick, Autoblog watches

Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick, Autoblog watches originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Murano unveiled with mild refresh, new SV trim

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Nissan, Design/Style

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

Nissan has officially confirmed that the new fascia we saw on the European version of the 2011 Murano will find its way to the land of the free. The look carries a reworked bumper, along with similarly sculpted headlights and a new grille. If you were hoping to see the diesel model crop up on dealer lots in your neck of the woods, we’ve got bad news – it ain’t happening. The oil-burning Murano is still only available to our cousins across the pond, leaving us with the capable 3.5-liter VQ V6 with 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque as our only powerplant option.

Even so, Nissan has chucked an additional trim line into the mix. Buyers can now choose between a total of eight variants on the Murano theme, including the new SV FWD and SV AWD trims. The Japanese automaker has thrown in 20-inch wheels, a dual-panel moonroof and a bevy of exterior color choices as optional goodies, too. Look for the 2011 Nissan Murano to land on dealer lots by October. Follow the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Murano

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Murano unveiled with mild refresh, new SV trim

2011 Nissan Murano unveiled with mild refresh, new SV trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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