2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is set to debut the 2012 200 Convertible at the New York Auto Show in March, but through the magic of the Interwebs, the first crop of official images has already leaked out. The new 200 sedan isn’t a bad-looking car, and while the convertible’s design isn’t the most attractive creation (that rear end still looks plenty awkward), it’s certainly better than the outgoing Sebring.

Aside from the deletion of a fixed roof, expect the Chrysler 200 Convertible to be largely the same as its sedan counterpart, with interior refinement and engine choices all being carried over. This means that both the 2.4-liter inline-four and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 should be underhood, and the end result is a cabriolet that, while better than the model it replaces, certainly won’t take your breath away.

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible Leaked Photos

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[Source: Autoblog.it]

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Hyundai Veloster gets the B-roll treatment

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster B-roll footage – Click above to watch video after the jump

B-roll footage isn’t necessarily the most exciting visual or aural experience, but it allows us to see new production models strutting their stuff out on the road. Hyundai is wasting no time in getting the B-roll footage out of the recently debuted 2012 Veloster, and here we see a pair of brightly-colored three-door coupes mixing it up on a desert test track.

As it typical with B-roll footage, there’s no music and the only sound comes from what the microphones picked up. Our suggestion? Go to YoutubeDoubler.com and spice it up yourself, though you know you’re just going to add music from the movie Inception. Click past the jump to see the 2012 Hyundai Veloster in action.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

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[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Hyundai Veloster gets the B-roll treatment

Video: 2012 Hyundai Veloster gets the B-roll treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec is one torque-tastic S-Class

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec

2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec – Click above for high-res image gallery

During the festivities here at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz quietly rolled out the 2012 S350 Bluetec, a diesel-powered S-Class that’s destined for consumption here in the United States. The big news is that M-B will now offer the only diesel-powered flagship luxury sedan here in the States – Audi, BMW and Jaguar don’t offer an oil-burning version of their high-rollers here in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz neglected to release any technical specifications about the new S350 Bluetec, but as its nomenclature would suggest, it’s powered by the same 3.5-liter Bluetec V6 found in the E-, ML- and GL-Class vehicles. Mercedes has clearly proven that the business case for Bluetec here in the United States is indeed valid, and we’d much rather opt for a diesel S-Class as opposed to the S400 Hybrid.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec: Detroit 2011

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec

2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec is one torque-tastic S-Class

Detroit 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec is one torque-tastic S-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is not an Aveo

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Z Spec

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Z Spec Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors seems intent on banishing all memories of the unloved Aveo – so much so that it’s gone and renamed its entry-level fighter in the States. While we’re still not 100-percent in love with the name (we can’t get visions of spiky-haired hedgehogs out of our heads…), all three flavors of the Sonic do appear to be vastly improved over the machine they replace, though one of them, the Z Spec, is still in the concept stage.

More than anything else, they look vastly better both inside and out, but until we get a stint behind the wheel we’ll hold off final judgment. According to Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, “The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for.” That won’t be the only time you’ll ever hear someone mention the Sonic in the same sentence as the Corvette. In fact, Chevy tells us that Corvette engineers are responsible for the ride and handling of the sub-compact.

The Sonic will be available in both sedan and hatchback bodystyles and with either a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, or a 1.4-liter turbocharged mill with 138 horsepower that’s hooked to either an automatic or manual with six forward ratios. For those keeping track, these are the same engines available in the slightly larger Cruze. You’ll also get a gauge cluster inspired by motorcycles, OnStar connectivity, 10 airbags and plenty more.

Read all the details in the exhaustive press release after the break, but not before you peruse the high-res images in the galleries below.

Gallery: Chevrolet Z Spec Sonic: Detroit 2011

Gallery: Chevrolet Sonic Z Spec Concept

Chevrolet Sonic Z Spec ConceptChevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips and Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is not an Aveo

Detroit 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is not an Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai’s funky, tech-packed Veloster has just debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and at first blush, the unconventional three-door looks like it’ll go down a storm.

While Hyundai’s North American CEO John Krafcik freely admitted that the Veloster isn’t going to be the quickest car to 60 miles per hour or around a race track (that’s what the Genesis Coupe is for), the Korean nonetheless promises frisky performance from its 1.6-liter engine (138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 pound-feet of torque at 4,850) and available six-speed dual clutch gearbox. A six-speed manual will come as standard-fit, and Hyundai figures that the Veloster will be good for around 40 miles per gallon on the freeway.

2012 Hyundai Veloster rear viewIn the metal, the Veloster is a funky thing, with a longer-than-expected wheelbase thanks to its third front-hinged door on the passenger side. We had a chance to sample the rear seat room, and while getting in was a bit awkward, we found it more useful than the clamshell-style doors on vehicles like the Mini Clubman. Inside, our five-foot, nine-inch frame had adequate head- and legroom when the front-seat passenger had his seat positioned for a similarly sized-frame, but clearly this isn’t for long journeys.

Tech-savvy types will be particularly interested in the standard Blue Link system, Hyundai’s new telematics gadgetry that integrates everything from service schedule alerts to restaurant ratings, remote start and stolen vehicle slowdown. Some of the more advanced features will be available through a three-tier subscription service, but the seven-inch touchscreen is standard-fit, and a full-featured navigation system is optional (though even non-nav equipped models will have turn-by-turn guidance available through the aforementioned Blue Link).

While pricing has not been finalized, Hyundai is shooting for a base price in the $17,000-range while targeting such various vehicles as the Scion tC, Mini Cooper and Honda CR-Z.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster: Detroit 2011

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Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe

Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible goes topless in the Motor City

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW 650i Convertible

2012 BMW 650i Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the scorched orange 1 Series M Coupe at the BMW booth in Detroit was the new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible. Under the sharply creased (and rather long) hood lies a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, direct injected V8 that manages to shove out 450 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. All that grunt will be sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW claims the new 6 Series Convertible can drop its flying-buttress-equipped fabric top in exactly 19 seconds an there’s also a 10.2-inch screen to control the standard iDrive technology package. Not bad, but such niceties are to be expected when you are asked to pay a wallet-busting $91,375 for the privilege of owning one, which you’ll be able to do sometime in the spring of 2011.

Take a gander at the live photos in our high-res image gallery below, and if you decide this is exactly what your garage is missing, now would be a good time to start saving those pennies.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible: Detroit 2011

2012 BMW 650i Convertible2012 BMW 650i Convertible2012 BMW 650i Convertible2012 BMW 650i Convertible2012 BMW 650i Convertible

Gallery: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible goes topless in the Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan confirms return to NAIAS in 2012

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Nissan

Nissan hasn’t attended the Detroit Auto Show for the last three years, and that includes this year’s show. All that will change for 2012, according to an announcement by the North American International Auto Show. The release quotes Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares saying that Nissan will return to Detroit in 2012, adding that “it is an excellent forum for us to place a spotlight on products that will be carrying us all into the future.” Hit the jump to check out the official release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms return to NAIAS in 2012

Nissan confirms return to NAIAS in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster reinvents the affordable sports coupe

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery

After the usual tease of spy shots and teasers, the sheet has finally been pulled back on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Not only does the Veloster take aim at wannabe efficient sports cars like the Honda CR-Z, it reinvents the way we look at the shape of coupes and hatchbacks, employing a unique three-door design that’s surprisingly better in execution than we expected.

Hyundai is using its 2012 Veloster to unveil a slate of new technologies, including a brand new engine and transmission, as well as the automaker’s first foray into the safety and convenience telematics realm with Blue Link. Hyundai is promising class-leading fuel efficiency with a truly sporty driving experience all wrapped in a wholly unique package, but does the Veloster meet the criteria? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading…

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster2012 Hyundai Veloster

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster reinvents the affordable sports coupe

Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster reinvents the affordable sports coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

2012 Audi A6 in Detroit
2012 Audi A6 – Click above for a high-res image gallery

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that’s not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW’s old “One sausage, three sizes” design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

No word yet on U.S. availability or pricing, but we’ll have more news on the hybrid model shortly, so stay tuned. While you’re waiting, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6: Detroit 2011

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[Source: Audi]

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Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevy Sonic shown off as sedan and hatchback

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has officially yanked back the sheets on the newest sub-compact from Chevrolet, the 2012 Sonic. Just don’t call it the Aveo. The five-door hatch and four-door sedan are set to be officially unveiled later today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, but the Bow Tie brand has been kind enough to share the skinny on this vehicle that’s supposed to tango with the likes of the new Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Fiesta. The Sonic will be available with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, though buyers can opt up for a turbocharged 1.4-liter producing 138 horsepower, which GM underscores is 18 ponies more than the Fiesta. Shifting duties are handled by either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

In fact, it’s clear that The General had its sights locked on the Fiesta from the get go. The Sonic hatchback packs more back seat room than its Blue Oval competitor and, with the rear bench folded flat, delivers more cargo room, as well.

GM also put plenty of effort into the suspension by tasking the geometry gurus responsible for the Corvette’s mighty grip. Up front, the Sonic benefits from a MacPherson strut design, while a torsion beam handles suspension duties out back.

There’s also plenty design-wise to differentiate the Sonic from its homely predecessor, including a more aggressive front fascia with massive headlight arrays. Judging from the photos, the biggest changes are indoors, where a stylish cockpit replaces the bland, bargain plastics of the Aveo. Stay tuned for live photos from the show floor of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Chevy Sonic shown off as sedan and hatchback

2012 Chevy Sonic shown off as sedan and hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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