2011 Archives | Page 53 of 57

Report: Saab 9-3 getting new engines, modest refresh for 2011

Filed under: Sedan, Saab, Rumormill

All the recent talk of Saab has mostly centered around the new 9-5. But lest anyone forget about its entry-level offering, Saab is turning its attention towards the 9-3 to bring it closer to the ideals introduced by the 9-5, while adding some freshness in the process. According to a Saabs United source, the next 9-3 will receive a mild facelifted and a few engine room tweaks for the 2011 model year.

Fans of earth-tones will undoubtedly be ecstatic with the new Javabrown exterior hue, and Diamond Silver is another new color. Turbine-like wheels that echo the new 9-5 are included and expect a revised front fascia to match. Two new model choices – “Vector Griffin” and “Griffin Aero” – will be available, and the front bumpers will be slightly different between the trims.

Engine selections will be market-dependent, with a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with 163 horsepower in naturally aspirated form and 220 hp when sporting a turbocharger. Some markets can order a diesel, which will have three versions, delivering 130-, 160- or 180-hp. Interior changes are slight and boil down to color and materials juggling. It’s clear that Saab has its design mojo working, hopefully it can infuse the same kind of enthusiasm into the sales numbers.

[Source: Saabs United]

Report: Saab 9-3 getting new engines, modest refresh for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Meadowbrook Concours moving to Plymouth, Michigan

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows

Meadowbrook 2010

2009 Meadowbrook Concours – Click above for high-res image gallery

After more than a quarter century as a mid-summer fixture at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester, Michigan, the annual Concours d’Elegance is moving in 2011. Come next summer, the renamed Concours d’Elegance of America will take place at the Inn at St, Johns in Plymouth, Michigan. The Inn is a significantly larger facility and will be able to accommodate the cars, their owners and visitors much better than the old mansion.

The Inn, a former catholic seminary, was renovated into a hotel with a 27-hole golf course in 2006. The concours organizers wanted a location with an on-site hotel and banquet facilities.

Gallery: Meadowbrook 2009: Hood Ornaments

[Source: Detroit News]

2011 Meadowbrook Concours moving to Plymouth, Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Rogue shows up at 2010 Z Car Convention

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

2011 Nissan Rogue

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

We managed to make our way to the 23rd annual Z Car Convention at the Nissan North America headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee this weekend. Aside from a slew of Zed-related goodness of unmatched acclaim, the 2011 Nissan Rogue was also rolled out as part of the celebration. Overall, the little crossover sticks close to last year’s recipe, though some subtle visual updates help the ute better stand out from the rest of the mall parking lot crowd.

The tweaked front fascia now has a more angular look aimed at giving the nose of the Rogue some definition. Likewise, the grille has been massaged to incorporate a larger Nissan badge, and the optional fog lights now reside in sculpted inserts. A chrome strip spans the 2011 Rogue’s flanks, and a similar piece of brightwork now glams up the rear liftgate. Lastly, buyers who opt for the 2011 Nissan Rogue Krom or Rogue SL will get new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, too. Otherwise, it’s much of the same from Nissan’s compact people hauler. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Rogue

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Nissan]

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2011 Nissan Rogue shows up at 2010 Z Car Convention originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drive

2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Click above for high-res image gallery

Until now, General Motors hasn’t exactly taken the small-car market seriously. While Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia have built their empires on the hoods of pint-sized, fuel-efficient transportation, history has shown the captains of Detroit tend to offer up parts-bin afterthoughts. Cars like the Chevrolet Cavalier and Cobalt have left a sour taste in the mouths of buyers thanks to noisy and de-contented cabins, rough engines and build quality that would make a Yugo blush. As a result, Americans have developed a sort of Pavolovian retch when we hear the term “compact car.”

But a new dawn may be approaching – one heralded by a rash of new straw-weight fighters that aim to bring a global small car philosophy to the U.S. GM intends to be part of that party with the introduction of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, a sedan that, for all intents and purposes, is more of a landmark model for the company than the endlessly-hyped Chevrolet Volt. To get our meaning, you’ll need to throw all of your heinous memories about American-built small cars out the window beginning… now.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: First Drive

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sails into new era of small cardom originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S – Click above for high-res image gallery

Buried within Porsche’s recent announcement regarding its plans to test three electric Boxsters, the company openly confirmed that the launch of the Panamera S Hybrid is on track for 2011. Though perhaps not as innovative or as those racy electric vehicles, the Panamera S Hybrid still hails from Stuttgart and, therefore, is bound to be one exhilarating ride.

The upcoming Panamera will borrow the hybrid hardware found in the current Cayenne S Hybrid. That means it will sport a 329-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 46 hp electric motor. Like the Cayenne S Hybrid, the Panamera’s parallel hybrid setup boasts the ability to operate at low speeds under electric power alone. When the production Panamera S Hybrid takes to the streets in 2011, it will become the company’s second model to sport a hybrid powertrain, a remarkable achievement considering that few people associate Porsche with fuel efficiency. Follow the jump for more info on Porsche’s fuel-saving plans.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche confirms 2011 launch of Panamera S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz unveils 2011 S63 AMG with twin-turbo 5.5L V8 [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Engine downsizing has now come to the almost top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG with the adoption of AMG’s new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. The new direct-injected V8 bumps output up from a mere 518 horsepower to 571 horsepower along with generating 663 pound-feet of torque between 2,250 and 3,750 rpm. That’s sufficient to propel this behemoth to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds in normal trim or 4.4 seconds if you opt for the AMG sports package.

The 2011 S63 also swaps out its previous torque converter automatic transmission for the multi-clutch unit from the SL63, a move which should lend it a more sporting feel. Just as other automakers get both performance and efficiency benefits from boosted direct-injected engines, the S63’s combine fuel economy numbers have jumped from 16.3 miles per gallon (U.S.) to 22.4 mpg on the EU test cycle. The EPA numbers aren’t yet available, but we would expect a similar real-world increase from the 2010 model’s 14 mpg, though perhaps a bit smaller since the EPA’s testing methodology won’t show any benefits from the S63’s new automatic start-stop feature. Official press release and driving footage video after the jump, spanking new high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz unveils 2011 S63 AMG with twin-turbo 5.5L V8 [w/video]

Mercedes-Benz unveils 2011 S63 AMG with twin-turbo 5.5L V8 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Toyota Tacoma gets sweet-looking TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages

Filed under: Truck, Toyota, Off-Road

2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’re like us, you’d probably do all manner of unspeakable acts to be able to call the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor your very own. Unfortunately, FoMoCo isn’t in the business of accepting black market kidneys as payment, which has left us without a desert stomping pickup in the driveway. Fortunately, Toyota has come out of left field with a stopgap savior in the form of its new 2011 Tacoma T|X and T|X Pro models. The packages are built around the T|X concept from the 2009 SEMA show, and pack much of the hardware we saw on that particular show truck.

Both packages are available on the Tacoma V6 Access Cab or Double Cab Prerunner models that are equipped with the TRD off-road package. In addition to the sweet electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail rubber, the T|X package throws in 16-inch blacked-out beadlock wheels and black tube side steps among other good-looking pieces. Step it up to the T|X Pro, and you’re also rewarded with a TRD cat-back exhaust.

Both trims cost $1,699 and represent a savings of over $700 compared to if you’d simply raided the TRD catalog yourself. The T|X and T|X Pro packages may not put you on the same level as Ford’s mad hatter, but it’s a start. Hit the jump for the press release and check out our massive gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Pro

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Toyota Tacoma gets sweet-looking TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages

2011 Toyota Tacoma gets sweet-looking TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru has pulled back the sheets on the company’s newest breed of rally heathens. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the all-wheel drive bruisers will be piloted by the likes of Travis Pastrana and Sverre Isachsen at this year’s X Games. The tuning house started with a bone-stock 2011 WRX STI before gutting the interior, seam-welding the entire chassis and stitching in a full roll cage. The stock gas tank was scrapped for a rally-legal fuel cell, and a fire-suppression system installed in case things go fricassee. Down below, a set of EXE-TC adjustable coilovers were swapped for the stock bits to help the car tackle the varied course of X Games 16.

The speed gurus at Vermont SportsCar managed to yank a full 500 screaming ponies and 560 pound-feet of twist from the turbo 2.0-liter flat four under the hood, even with a 45 mm restrictor plate in place. Not too shabby. The fire-breathing mill is laced with an anti-lag system as well as launch control and bolted to a five-speed dog box transmission. The stock electronically adjustable center differential remains in place, though boasts a more advanced controller.

The X Games is debuting a new rally feature this year. Called SuperRally, the track pits four cars against one another simultaneously. Subaru is hoping the new car will help the company fend off competition in the new event. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Subaru]

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Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 535i – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 BMW 5 series can stick another feather in its jaunty Alpine cap. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the German automaker’s middle child the coveted Top Safety Pick accolade. The newest generation of the 5er managed to nab the highest ratings possible for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection, becoming the first 5 Series to win the Top Safety Pick in the model’s history. Surprisingly enough, the 2011 5 Series is also the first BMW to take the award since the IIHS incorporated its new roll-over test.

The institute says that BMW has made up impressive ground in the area of side impact protection. Last year’s car only managed a “marginal” rating during that section of testing, while the new car was granted the highest rating possible. The institute goes on to say that its test replicates an impact from a larger vehicle, such as an SUV of a pickup truck, to accommodate for the higher number of these vehicles on the road today. Full details at the link below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series IIHS Crash Test

[Source: IIHS]

2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow – Click above for high-res image gallery

Shoppers at Harley-Davidson dealers across North America will be faced with the choice of three new models this year, as the 2011 lineup marks the release of the Sportster SuperLow, XR1200X and Road Glide Ultra. This hat trick of new releases increases Milwaukee’s total offerings to an impressive 32 unique (that is… as long as you want a V-twin and two or three wheels) models.

If your confidence is in need of inspiration, as H-D words it, than the new SuperLow may be just what you’re looking for. Sporting a design and build that highlight ease of handling and a low stand-over height, the SuperLow may drag pegs through the turns, but it should also help keep confidence high at stoplights. The second model, named the XR1200X (which we previously covered here) claims to “hone Sportster performance to its very limit” offering standard adjustable suspension, floating front brake rotors, and a high compression version of the 1200cc Evo engine packaged in the XR chassis. The matte-black finish of the engine and drive components complete the no-nonsense look of the XR1200X.

Rounding out the new releases is the Road Glide Ultra, which has its sights set further on the horizon while wielding a frame-mounted fairing. The new cockpit encases a four-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio system (with iPod connection), as well as a cruise control feature, amongst other luxuries. More touring amenities include the King Tour Pack, luggage carrier and standard ABS… we expect Route 66 has another thing coming.

Four new CVO variations will be available in limited quantities for the 2011 model year, several of which we recently had an opportunity to put through their paces, so stay tuned for the imminent full ride reports on all the new bacon from ~~hog-central~~ Harley-Davidson. For now, you can see more pictures and read the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings

Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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