Tag: 2012

Marchionne shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Dodge Viper ACR – Click above for high-res image gallery

At yesterday’s Chrysler dealer conference, the Pentastar people publicly revealed new or updated products from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat. But there was more on stage than just a facelifted Town & Country and a federalized Fiat 500.

Towards the end of his remarks, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne pulled a Steve Jobs-style “one more thing,” and onto the stage rolled the 2012 Dodge Viper. According to our sources, the design was all-new, complete with an aggressive greenhouse and fresh, angular sheetmetal.

Jeep GladiatorChrysler has already confirmed that the next Viper is on its way in two years’ time, but showing it off this early is a clear indication that work is well underway. There’s still some debate about what powertrain will be fitted to the thoroughly updated Viper, but early reports indicate that the same 8.4-liter V10 could carry on, possibly with the inclusion of Fiat’s MultiAir technology to reduce emissions and boost output over 700 horsepower. An entry-level V8 option is a possibility, and there’s little doubt that Dodge is tapping Ferrari’s engineers to advise on everything from handling to steering and stability control systems.

Another supposed cameo at the event was a Jeep pickup, similar to the Gladiator concept, however, we’ve yet to confirm its attendance or any serious production plans. But for the time being, we’re content with the knowledge that Dodge’s next supercar is in the wings and we’ll being seeing it in person within the next several months.

UPDATE: More details from the Wall Street Journal.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

Gallery: 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept

Marchionne shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus ST

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

Earlier this year, Ford promised us a hotter version of the all-new Focus, and at this month’s Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval is sticking to its word.

The 2012 Ford Focus ST will be the brand’s first high-performance model developed under the watchful eye of its global performance vehicle team, and while the hatch you see here is being billed as a “design study,” make no mistake – this will form the basis of the ST coming to market in early 2012.

Power is provided by an EcoBoost 2.0-liter inline four churning out 247 turbocharged horsepower, and Ford promises that the ST’s handling and aural delights will live up to the marque’s performance heritage. FoMoCo also makes it clear that the ST is bound for “all global markets from early 2012” so those of us in the States should finally get a crack at what’s traditionally been a Euro-only affair.

Joining the Focus ST in Paris will be the new Mondeo and C-Max, both powered by Ford’s new range of fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel-powered drivetrains. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

[Source: Ford]

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Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula 1 expands to 20-race calendar for 2011 as Rome signs on for 2012

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

Is bigger better, or is less more? Chew on that one while the FIA releases the calendar for the 2011 Formula One World Championship. Packed with 20 grands prix, it’s the largest the series has ever seen. And it’s only going to get bigger.

Starting earlier and ending later than the season currently underway, the 2011 calendar starts in Bahrain next March and ends in Brazil late November, a position which Interlagos regains from Abu Dhabi, which in turn moves to the second-to-last position after two years as the season closer. Near the end of the season in late October will be the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, still subject to homologation of the new circuit. Malaysia and China, Spain and Monaco, Germany and Hungary, and Japan and Korea will each be back-to-back.

Meanwhile, a new, five-year contract was signed at Monza this past weekend to hold a grand prix on the streets of Rome, scene of the Shell commercial pictured above and a Renault F1 roadshow exhibit in 2005. The new race could come as soon as the 2012 season, pending European approval. The race is set to run in addition to – not instead of – the Italian Grand Prix, which will continue to be held at Monza. The last time Italy hosted two grands prix was in 2006, which featured the final running of the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

The United States Grand Prix is set to race in Austin, Texas, also in 2012. However, neither the Chinese, Japanese nor Turkish grands prix are currently contracted beyond next season.

[Sources: Autosport, F1-Live]

Formula 1 expands to 20-race calendar for 2011 as Rome signs on for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota/Tesla RAV4 EV coming to LA Auto Show, Prius PHEV hitting dealerships in Q2 2012

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Toyota RAV4

Back in July, Toyota and Tesla announced a joint venture to bring electric vehicles to market, and the first example – the RAV4 EV – is slated to go on sale in 2012. Now, an update from Toyota says the all-electric RAV4 will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, meaning that an on-sale date in 2012 doesn’t seem all that unrealistic.

Speaking of 2012, Toyota also tweeted about its plans to bring the Prius PHEV to market in the second quarter of that year, citing May or June as a specific timeframe. When it launches, Toyota is targeting sales of roughly 20,000-plus units in North America, with the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf as the key competition.

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota/Tesla RAV4 EV coming to LA Auto Show, Prius PHEV hitting dealerships in Q2 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to announce production numbers for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, but you can bet that the car will be in high demand no matter how many are produced. The automaker has declared its new special edition Pony Car as the best-handling Mustang ever built, and fully expects its loyal customers to be eagerly awaiting the car’s arrival next year.

With that in mind, Ford is being very particular about how many Boss 302s each of its dealerships will get, and in many cases, a dealer might not receive any inventory at all. According to Boss302Forum.com, the allocation of cars will be decided in two ways. First, the large-volume dealers that make up 75 percent of sales will receive 75 percent of the Boss 302 allocation. The actual number of cars each dealership receives will depend on the last 12 months of sales ending in September of 2010, although each dealer is guaranteed at least one Boss 302. The distribution of the remaining 25 percent will be determined via a lottery, with each of the remaining dealers receiving one chip simply for being a dealer, and an additional chip for every Mustang it has sold within the last 12 months. Each of these dealers will not receive more than one Boss 302.

So what does this mean for those interested in buying a 2012 Mustang Boss 302? The likely outcome is that dealers will try and make the most of the limited supply and slap on outrageous “market adjustments” to the price tag. Just like with the Shelby GT500 in 2007, customers should expect to pay a premium for the most desirable ‘Stang on the market.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

[Source: Boss302Forum.com]

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF will look more like XJ for 2012

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar, Luxury

2012 Jaguar XF spy shots

2012 Jaguar XF spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Jaguar XJ is arguably the best-looking luxury flagship currently available in the United States. That’s quite a claim to stake, but stare at an XJ for five minutes and then study a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class – not as pretty, right?

Jaguar isn’t oblivious to the fact that it’s created quite a stunner here, and thus, it only makes sense that the XJ’s styling cues will make their way to the smaller XF sedan. Seen here slightly camouflaged, the 2012 XF clearly sports revised fascias, both front and rear. Look closely and you’ll see that the XF’s new headlights and reshaped bumper are similar to what we see on the larger XJ. The taillights out back aren’t getting too substantial of a makeover, but we expect that full-LED units will be in place for the 2012 model year.

Don’t expect the XF to get a whole host of changes for 2012 – the small nip/tuck to the exterior is about all we should see. That isn’t a problem, though, because even in not-so-XJ-ified form, we’re quite fond of the XF – especially the XFR. Scroll through the gallery below to see high-res spy photos of the refreshed XF.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF will look more like XJ for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Geely to be dissolved by 2012

Filed under: China, Geely

Geely LogoGeely Automotive Holdings, one of the four largest automakers in China, has announced that it will dissolve the Geely brand by 2012. The other brands under the Geely umbrella are Gleagle, Emgrand, Englon and now Volvo. The goal is to let the sub-brands emerge and strengthen sales while the Geely models fade away.

Gleagle, short for Global Eagle, is the automakers global brand, while Emgrand offers luxury options. The Englon division is responsible for the London Taxi-esqu TXN and TX4. The existing Geely Freedom Ship and Yuan Jing are going to be turned into Gleagles while the King Kong and Golden Eagle models will become Englons. If this all sounds terribly confusing to you, don’t be alarmed this just means you’re normal.

As the Geely brand dissolves, the company will focus on assisting their existing dealerships achieve greater levels of profitability and service. Also, they will begin to increase the number of Emgrand dealerships from 200 up to 250.

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT

Gallery: Geely Englon TXN Taxi

[Source: China Car Times]

Report: Geely to be dissolved by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Electric

Ford Focus EV prototype

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

When the 2112 Ford Focus Electric debuts in late 2011, it and the Chevrolet Volt will have a common feature in addition to their LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Ford confirms that the Focus EV will employ a liquid-cooled battery pack with automatic thermal management, just like the Chevy.

Ford opted for active thermal management solution in order to help maximize the Focus EV’s battery performance and lifespan. By protecting the battery from overheating, the system can help prevent the development of cracks in the electrodes. Those imperfections eventually reduce the pack’s ability to hold a charge. Conversely, warming the cells when cold will improve the battery pack’s winter performance. When the car is plugged in, the thermal management system will use grid power to precondition the battery before charging actually starts.

So far, Nissan and Mitsubishi are the only major EV manufacturers that are sticking with passive air cooling for plug-in vehicles. Nissan has committed to an eight-year warranty, but it remains unclear how well the battery will hold up over regular use in differing climates.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule

[Source: Ford]

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2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic prototype holds on to two-tier dash

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Honda

2012 Honda Civic spy shots

2012 Honda Civic spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

After seeing a handful of spy shots of the next-generation Euro-spec Honda Civic, the North American car is finally starting to show up out roaming the heat-soaked roads of Death Valley. When the new Civic arrives next year, it won’t be that much larger than the current car, and the overall shape looks to have stayed the same, though substantial changes to the front and rear fascias are definitely on deck.

2012 Honda Civic interior spy shotOur spies were able to get a peek inside the Civic’s cabin, showing that the two-tiered dash theme from the current car will likely be carried over to the new Civic. This means we can expect a digital speedometer on the top shelf with an analog tach below, and while we’ve never been big fans of this arrangement, it has its adherents among Civic fans.

We’re not expecting to see the Civic debut until sometime in 2011, possibly at the Detroit or New York auto shows. For now, check out Honda’s latest prototype from all angles in our gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic prototype holds on to two-tier dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Nissan, Electric

Prospective owners of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf shouldn’t get too excited about driving in California carpool lanes as soon as they take delivery. Late Tuesday night California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 535 into law, extending access to the high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes to certain very low and zero emissions vehicles. This new class of vehicles known as Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (enh-ATPZEVs) and includes plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles like the Leaf and Toyota’s Prius PHEV.

Unfortunately, there are some caveats. SB 535 doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2012 and even then only 40,000 of the special stickers needed for HOV access will be made available. In order to qualify, the vehicle has to be rated as an enh-ATPZEV, which brings up the second problem for Volt drivers. A General Motors spokesperson confirmed that the 2011 and 2012 Volt will not be enh-ATPZEV certified. The requirements to earn the enh-ATPZEV label are significantly tougher than the standard ATPZEV. Given the escalated development of the Volt, GM didn’t have enough time to calibrate and verify that the plug-in hybrid would meet the standard over a 10-year/150,000-mile period.

That’s also why the Volt battery only has the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty required for the non-enhanced ATPZEV. GM spokesman Rob Peterson verified that the Volt will be updated to enh-ATPZEV in mid-2012 when the 2013 model is introduced. In the meantime, you’ll just to make sure to bring a friend if you want to ride in the carpool lane.

UPDATE: We just got word from Nissan that the Leaf is eligible for the All Access stickers under a previous bill passed (AB 1500) earlier this year. That means if you take delivery of a Leaf today, you can be flying in the HOV lanes tomorrow.

[Source: General Motors]

Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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