2011 Archives | Page 56 of 57

Report: Mini Countryman to enter Rally Italy in 2011

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill, Racing

Mini Countryman – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rally and the original Mini went together like sugar and grits. That pint-sized Brit made a habit of showing up at stages, mopping the floor with the competition and motoring home with trophies in tow. The wringability of the little hatches helped catapult them into the storied halls of motorsports lore – something that the new generation of Mini machines has been quick to capitalize on. Now that the brand is set to introduce the Countryman, there’s some concern as to whether or not the high-riding CUV can adhere to the brand’s ethos of punching above its weight.

We’ve heard repeated murmurings in the past about a collaboration between the rally gurus at Prodrive and Mini that could result in the honkin’ Countryman doing battle in the most grueling rally arena of them all – the WRC. A new report says that the two companies will announce something pertinent to their work together later this week. We’re hoping that means a first look at the rally beater, but since we haven’t heard word one from Mini just yet, it’s hard telling. Autocar seems to think that the announcement may have more to do with the team’s schedule than anything else, saying that it expects Mini to hit the WRC by the time Rally Italy rolls around in May of 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Countryman

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Mini Countryman to enter Rally Italy in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video]

Filed under: Technology, GM

OnStar mobile applications – Click above for high-res image gallery

Early this year, General Motors’ OnStar telematics unit unveiled a smartphone application it had developed for the Chevrolet Volt that allows drivers to remotely manage the charging, locking and unlocking of their vehicle and pre-warm or cool it while plugged in. OnStar is now extending that basic concept to nearly the entire General Motors lineup for 2011.

One of the key hardware differences between OnStar and Ford’s Sync technology is that GM integrates cellular radios into the car while Ford relies on the driver’s existing phone connected via Bluetooth or a cable. This allows Ford to offer services like turn-by-turn directions without charging a subscription fee. OnStar has long struggled to find a way to convince customers to continue paying the subscription after the initial complimentary period expires.

The integrated cellular radio allows OnStar to offer services like remote starting, car location and lock/unlock from anywhere that can’t be done with Sync or just a short-range key fob. The applications will also provide access to vehicle data like tire pressures and oil levels, and allow owners to call an OnStar adviser or schedule service appointments with a dealer. The applications will be available for Androids and iPhones. You can check out a video after the jump.

Gallery: OnStar mobile applications

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video]

OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid priced equal to V6 at $35,180

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lincoln has dropped a bit of a surprise with the pricing of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid. Unlike most other hybrid vehicles, there will be no price premium compared to the cheapest conventional model. The MKZ hybrid, with its 2.5-liter four cylinder hybrid powertrain, will start at $35,180 including destination and delivery. That’s the same price as the front-wheel drive 3.5-liter V6-powered model.

For those keeping track, that puts the price at about $350 under the base Lexus HS 250h, which would seem to be its main competitor. Further, its 41 miles per gallon in the city is 6 mpg better than the Lexus – which, of course, is supposed to be the whole point of a hybrid vehicle. Add in arguably more attractive styling and the new Lincoln hybrid may well find itself with quite a following in the marketplace. Check out all the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

[Source: Lincoln]

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2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid priced equal to V6 at $35,180 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sportage – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Kia Sportage is one great-looking crossover, and with a starting price of $18,295 (*$18,990 with destination) it’s rather affordable as well. Kia announced Tuesday that its longest running nameplate will start well below the $20,000 mark while sporting standard features like a six-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power everything, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, MP3 inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

At $20,295 ($20,990 with destination) the mid-level LX model adds outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, keyless entry and privacy glass. Another $3,000 ($23,990 with destination) adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel ABS and electronic stability control.

The Sportage appears to be a screaming deal – though it’s starting price is $1,300 higher than the outgoing model, it’s a much improved vehicle – and its 176-horsepower 2.4-liter will deliver an impressive 22 miles-per-gallon in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. A far more powerful 270+ horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter Sportage variant will be available later in the model year. Hit the jump to read over Kia’s press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*

2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance

2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Most small American supercar companies don’t seem to have the best of luck, which is why we were somewhat skeptical when we first heard of ICONIC Motors. The concept was impressive if not somewhat unbelievable – a lightweight roadster with an aluminum 6.9-liter V8 putting out 800 horsepower with design cues inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra. The GTR, as it was then named, made its debut at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours, and we got our first look at the car at the New York Auto Show shortly thereafter.

We haven’t heard much from ICONIC since then, but apparently the company has been quite busy finalizing the production version that includes a few design changes from the original concept. In the last two years, ICONIC has also formed a partnership with AC Cars, and the car has officially been renamed the AC Roadster. ICONIC has scheduled a 2011 release date for customer cars and states that they currently taking orders. Follow the jump for full details in their latest press release.

Gallery: 2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster

[Source: ICONIC Motors]

Continue reading ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) interior – Click above for high-res image

Even though we have yet to see official images of the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra, we have a pretty good idea of what will be heading our way in the coming months. Hyundai debuted the new Avante sedan (the Elantra’s Korean market equivalent) at the Busan Motor Show this past April, and now the first interior snapshot of the Avante has been leaked out.

If you’ve been in the new 2011 Sonata, you know that the family sedan’s cabin is a giant leap forward in the right direction. The center stack is awash with curves and angles that pay homage to the automaker’s new “fluidic sculpture” exterior design. And styling aside, we’re willing to bet that Hyundai hasn’t skimped out on high-quality materials for the less-expensive Elantra’s innards, either.

This more attractive, better-tailored interior will do well when matched with the swoopier lines of the new Elantra’s exterior. That – combined with Hyundai’s new 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder – will mean that other new cars in the budget sedan segment (this means you, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze) will need to watch their backs. If the new Elantra is being positioned as a baby Sonata, the competition should indeed be stiff. Top tip, Monkaroo!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: Hyundai Blog]

Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI – Return of the wing

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru, First Drive

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI – Click above for high-res image gallery

By most accounts, something went awry while Subaru was baking the last generation Impreza WRX STI. Maybe someone slipped in an extra cup of civility or forgot to add enough dashes of hardcore, but what was once little more than a thinly-disguised rally stage escapee had come out of the oven a little weaker than its predecessor. Subaru itself diplomatically admits that the priorities for the last generation STI were somewhat different from the 2011 model. The company stripped the line down to just the five-door hatchback in 2008, stressing functionality over style, and the whole recipe simply felt less focused than what we had come to expect from Japan’s all-wheel drive hero.

But that was then, and this is now. The company assures us that for 2011, we can expect a return to the fundamentals that helped establish the STI as a force to be reckoned with. Though the drivetrain remains unchanged, a slew of suspension adjustments and a lower stance have given the STI the ability to hoover up tarmac and gravel stages indiscriminately once again. It isn’t a completely new generation – more like a much needed do-over – but the changes are enough to make the 2011 model instantly recognizable from behind the wheel.

If that’s not enough to convince you, allow us to direct your attention to the rear of the resurrected four-door body style, dominated once again by the kind of spoiler that could double as a civil engineering exercise. Yeah, baby. The STI is back, and on more than just a wing and a prayer.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI – Return of the wing

First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI – Return of the wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volvo S60 hands-on demonstration w/video

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Volvo

Volvo S60 T5

2011 Volvo S60 T5 in action – click above for high-res image gallery

An impact with an automobile will crack a human’s bones like lobster claws at a clambake; an outcome Volvo aims to fight with technology. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, a system that uses radar and cameras to stop the car and avert mauling pedestrians, makes its debut on the 2011 Volvo S60. While a visit to the recent Wellesley, Massachusetts stop of the Naughty Volvo Tour at Lee Imported Cars didn’t net us any wheel time, we got our first chance to get hands-on with the new S60 outside of a convention hall.

Make the jump for the full story.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60 demonstration

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2011 Volvo S60 hands-on demonstration w/video originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive drivers

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class active steering correction – Click above for high-res image gallery

The refreshed 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe is a prime example of how engineers are starting to take some of the disparate hardware technology that has been introduced over the last decade and integrate it to provide new functionality. The CL employs the various optical camera and radar sensors used for features like adaptive cruise control to help prevent accidents by first warning the driver and then intervening if the driver doesn’t respond.

We’ve had various lane departure and blind spot warning systems for several years now and like those, the Mercedes system starts by alerting the driver. At first, the blind spot system illuminates a yellow lamp in the relevant mirror, which changes to red and adds an audible warning if the driver doesn’t react. If the driver keeps moving into the path of another vehicle, a motor sends a rumble through the steering wheel and the brakes on the car’s opposite side are applied to pull it back in line.

Inifiniti has had similar lane-keep functionality for several years, but the CL is first car we’re aware of that integrates it with a blind-spot warning system.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL steering correction

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive drivers

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class tries to overcome inattentive drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Technology, Subaru

Subaru Outback

2010 Subaru Outback – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford’s SYNC does 3G WiFi, and with the help of Autonet so do GM, Chrysler, Avis, some school buses and now Subaru. The Japanese automaker has put WiFi on the options list of the 2011 Subaru Outback for the pretty standard price of $499 as a dealer-installed option. That’ll get you an encrypted connection good within 150 feet of the car, and it can be used while the car is in motion. The subscription is $29 per month after that, and Subaru is gracious enough to pick up the first three months for you. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Subaru Outback

[Source: Subaru]

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2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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