2012 Archives | Page 24 of 30

LA 2010: Volkswagen “perfects” 2012 Eos convertible

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Eos

2012 Volkswagen Eos – Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew this was coming. Just a few weeks ago, Volkswagen of Australia let loose a bunch of details and images of the next Eos hardtop convertible. At the time, we said we’d wait for confirmation from VW of America, but of course we knew the new model would eventually be announced for the States as it is the largest market for the German droptop, and it’s getting its official debut right here in the U.S. at the LA Auto Show.

And so here we are with all the details and two full high-res image galleries of a U.S.-spec Volkswagen Eos, which VW claims has been “perfected.” Sharp-eyed readers will notice refined front and rear fascias, which are a bit more in keeping with VW’s most recent vehicular debuts. We think it’s a pretty comprehensive improvement over the outgoing model, which always looked a bit too feminine to our eyes. We especially think the optional xenon headlamps with their 14 integrated LEDs help move the car a bit upscale.

Also as expected, VW will fit the next-gen Eos with the latest version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, mated up to the well-known six-speed DSG transmission. Fuel mileage is estimated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. The interior sees a few updates as well, mostly with the addition of some new trim options and fabrics.

Expect the new Eos to hit a dealership near you sometime in March. In the meantime, feel free to click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out the high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Volkswagen Eos Live Photos

LA 2010: Volkswagen Eos

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Volkswagen Eos

2011 Volkswagen Eos

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL
[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2010: Volkswagen “perfects” 2012 Eos convertible

LA 2010: Volkswagen “perfects” 2012 Eos convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2012 CLS63 AMG, the bi-turbo V8 version of its thoroughly restyled and utterly delectable sedan.

AMG’s new baby – the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 – is finding a home in nearly every new Mercedes product, and when fitted to the CLS63 the blown mill is good for 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque… in standard form. Option up for the AMG Performance Package and Merc’s in-house tuner turns up the boost from 14.5 to 18.8 psi and output rises to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of twist. Equipped with AMG’s seven-gear “Speedshift” MCT automatic tranny, the CLS63 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 in standard guise and 4.3 seconds with the AMG pack. Similarly, top speed also rises from 155 to 186 mph with the performance upgrade. And if you care, both variants clock in at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

In addition to the reworked engine and transmission, the front axle has been widened by nearly an inch and AMG fitted its independent adaptive suspension with electronic damping and a three-stage traction control system. The 19-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 255/35 tires in front and 285/30s out back, while 14.2-inch drilled and ventilated discs are fitted at all four corners.

A special “Launch Edition” will be available when the CLS63 goes on sale this coming summer and comes coated in matte grey paint with a mix of carbon fiber and piano black interior trim, alcantara headliner and AMG sports seats swathed in “Corteccia Pearl” leather. Make the jump for all the details and specs.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS

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

Not long after Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off of the shapely new CLS-Class at this year’s Paris Motor Show, sources within the automaker have told Autoblog that the AMG-fettled CLS will bow at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Much like the revised S63 and CL63, expect the 2012 CLS63 AMG to use the automaker’s new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, churning out 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That power will be managed via Merc’s latest seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission sending power solely to the rear wheels. An AMG Performance Package will be on hand, as well, boosting output numbers up to 571 hp and 664 lb-ft. We can’t wait to experience this beast firsthand.

Naturally, expect a bulgier, more aggressive exterior appearance complete with large AMG wheels and a host of LED lamps up front. Interior refinement will likely feature sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters and, of course, carbon fiber trim.

Stay tuned for official images and details closer to the car’s official debut in Los Angeles.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford offering sport packages for 2012 Focus SE, Titanium

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus – Click above for high-res image gallery

The forthcoming 2012 Focus ST is indeed something for hot hatch enthusiasts to look forward to, but buyers shopping the naturally aspirated volume models will be able to spec a bit of sport on their Focuses, as well. When the new Focus goes on sale in early 2011, Ford will offer sport packages for both the mid-grade SE and top-end Titanium models, adding things like a more aggressively tuned suspension, larger wheels, better brakes and a host of interior upgrades.

Available on both the sedan and hatchback, the SE Sport Package adds four-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels (with an available set of 17s), piano black grille, sport seats, metallic interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a five-speed manual transmission. On top of that, the Focus SE Sport gets a rear spoiler and is available in the automaker’s Yellow Blaze Metallic paint color.

For the top-shelf Titanium model, which already comes standard with Ford’s sport-tuned spension, the Titanium Handling Package adds optimized suspension components for an even better driving feel and special 18-inch alloys wrapped in summer performance tires.

Pricing for these option packages is not available as of this writing, but Ford says it will be launching its online configurator for the 2012 Focus near the end of October. Follow the jump for the official details in the automaker’s press blast.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus hatchback

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford offering sport packages for 2012 Focus SE, Titanium

Ford offering sport packages for 2012 Focus SE, Titanium originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford wants to let the entire world have a shot at test driving the redesigned 2012 Focus. The automaker has announced a new contest that is designed to give interested folks a shot at some time behind the wheel of the compact car. The contest is being held via Ford’s Focus fan page on Facebook. Prospective entrants are invited to upload videos explaining why they should be invited to test drive the new Focus, a setup that reminds us quite a bit of the Blue Oval’s wildly successful Fiesta Movement.

This is not your average test drive, however, as winners will be flown to an as-yet-determined location in Southern Europe. It’s not just about the car, either, as select participants will be given their market-equivalent of $10,000 to donate to a charity that they’re passionate about. In all, Ford plans to provide $500,000 for the driver-chosen charities. Ford is tagging this event as the chance to “start more than a car.”

One hundred participants from around the globe will be invited to drive the brand-new Ford Focus and donate a large sum of money. The winners will be chosen based on the creativity of their entries, social media networking skills and the overall number of votes they receive. If you are interested in participating, head over to Facebook.com/FordFocus.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus hatchback

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus

Feeling charitable? Be one of the first to drive the 2012 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM exec says 60,000 Chevy Volts may be built in 2012

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

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

We’ve known all along that General Motors planned to ramp up production of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, with 10,000 to 15,000 sales in the first year of production. But what of 2012? The Detroit News is reporting that Doug Parks, GM’s electric vehicle executive, said at the Business of Plugging In conference that in 2012 the Volt will “be in this max rate of 60,000.” Parks insists that The General can move that many Volts in 2012, and possibly more. Given the fact that the Volt’s 2012 production was moved from 30,000 to 45,000, we’re thinking there’s a solid chance GM hasn’t stopped adjusting it’s production figures.

In other Volt news, GM is hoping to get official efficiency figures from the Environmental Protection Administration within the next month. Parks said at the conference that the company expects the Volt will fall somewhere in the 25-50 mile range in electric-only mode. GM has said since the Volt concept was unveiled in 2007 that it was shooting for 40 miles in EV mode, though Parks is hoping the Volt will over-deliver. As far as miles per gallon go, Parks says the Volt is hitting mid to high 30s combined while the gasoline engine is charging the batteries.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: GM exec says 60,000 Chevy Volts may be built in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TVR could make Corvette-powered 2012 comeback

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, UK

1989 TVR Tasmin 400SE

Nikolai Smolenski’s tenure as owner of TVR, the formerly revered maker of hairy-chested British sports cars, is nothing if not quizzical. He bought the company from late founder Peter Wheeler when it was in trouble, didn’t do much with it, declared it bankrupt to clear its debts, then bought the company out of bankruptcy. Since then there’s been little news save for a legal battle with a TVR remanufacturer and a couple of hints about using an American V8 to power the firm’s next car.

The V8 issue has finally been decided: the Corvette’s 638-horsepower LS9. The car it will go in is to be called the MD-1. A new question that has arisen, however, based on Smolenski’s comment that he wants to “draw a line under the Wheeler era once and for all.” Will the car be at all British? The MD-1 is being developed by a UK firm, but Smolenski says production could go to the Continent or South Africa just as easily.

Would a German-built, American-engined TVR still be a TVR like the Griffith and Chimera (or the Tasmin shown above)? Smolenski thinks TVR fans wouldn’t think so, but he doesn’t much care. He says, “What’s important is to remain faithful to your brand values” no matter where you are. The MD-1 is expected to arrive in 2012, with just 250 made annually.

[Source: Pistonheads]

TVR could make Corvette-powered 2012 comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 British International Motor Show gets the axe

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, UK

2008 British Motor Show

The 2010 British International Motor Show was canceled in March 2009 due to the industry troubles inflicted as a result of a steep sales drop. There were hopes that the show could return for 2012, but they’ve been dashed. The UK Press Association reports that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has decided to one again cancel the biennial show. Chief executive Paul Everitt says that in recent years, BIMS had less influence on customers’ buying decisions, adding that “vehicle manufacturers are focusing their limited resources on events and activities that have a more direct impact on brand awareness and consumer decisions.”

Will the British Motor Show ever again see the light of day? Sadly, two consecutive cancellations since the 2008 exhibition lead us to believe that it’s very unlikely.

[Source: UK Press Association]

2012 British International Motor Show gets the axe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW returning to DTM in 2012

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Racing

BMW in the DTM

BMW is returning to the DTM – Click above for high-res image

BMW has announced that it will once again knock fenders in the DTM. The company has said that it will make its way back to the race series for the 2012 season after a lengthy 18-year absence. The German automaker is in the process of restructuring its involvement in motorsport, and DTM is going to play a key part in that effort.

According to the company’s press release, BMW has been in talks with DTM organizers for some time about future regulations and technical requirements. After it began to look like the brand would in fact be welcome in the series once again, BMW broke the news to fans at the DTM race weekend at Hockenheimring.

So far, it looks like the M3 will be the bruiser of choice for going toe-to-toe with the rest of the field, but as of right now, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be behind the tiller when the green flag drops on the company team. Stay tuned and hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW returning to DTM in 2012

BMW returning to DTM in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Ford Focus ST hits the road

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST in action – Click above to watch video after the jump

Ford has been so kind as to unleash a video of the Focus ST on the interwebs, giving us all our first glimpse at the hopped-up hatch on open pavement. Don’t expect any apex-clipping shots of the five-door going hard over through a set of twisties, though; this video is largely comprised of a lackadaisical romp through the countryside. That’s fine, though. Even without any 9/10ths driving action, the Focus ST still looks plenty lust-worthy from our point of view.

Of course, that probably has plenty to do with the fact that this is the first genuine sports-oriented version of the Focus we’ve even had a whiff of since the mighty Focus SVT went belly up back in 2004. But whereas the SVT brought a mere 170 horsepower to the table, the ST should boast a more heady 247 ponies and 266 lb-ft of torque from an EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-pot.

So long as Ford can slap a decent suspension and tolerable gearbox into the craft, there should be much to love when the car hits our shores in 2012. Hit the jump to have a look for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Ford Focus ST hits the road

Video: 2012 Ford Focus ST hits the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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