Tag: 2014

Official: 2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video]

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

2014 Audi SQ5 - front three-quarter view

Despite the fact that the 2014 Audi SQ5 you see here is quite a bit different than the one offered in Europe, we’re still plenty glad that the folks from Ingolstadt have decided to offer a hotted-up version of its compact Q5 crossover here in the States. Now, Audi has announced that its US-spec SQ5 will be priced from $51,900 when it hits dealerships later this summer (*not including $895 for destination). That strikes us as a pretty favorable price – while the base Q5 in 2.0-liter TFSI trim starts at $35,900, the 3.0-liter Prestige model commands a full $51,400, and somehow manages to feel worth it.

We already enjoy driving the Q5 in its standard tune, and this SQ5 looks to be quite an entertaining thing. Audi has tuned its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to produce 354 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque – gains of 82 hp and 52 lb-ft over the standard 3.0L Q5. No, it’s not the awesome 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of the twin-turbo-diesel engine used in Europe, but our American SQ5 will certainly be a quick little thing. Audi is estimating a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Like all S models, the SQ5 will be a bit different visually than its basic Q5 kin. Aluminum roof rails are standard, as are 20-inch wheels (21s are available). There are revised bumpers at the front and rear, with Audi’s usual gray grille and diffuser, as well as aluminum mirror caps. Inside, leather- and Alcantara-clad sport seats are standard, though buyers can opt for a fine Nappa leather setup. Audi says that new aluminum/black wood inlays are also available, as is a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Have a look below to check out an official walkaround video from the model’s Detroit Auto Show reveal, and to see the official press release.

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2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Squirrelling Away In Motown With British Royalty

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish - front three-quarter view

As far as unexpected encounters with wild animals go, squirrels don’t normally rate. The furry little nut-smugglers are omnipresent fixtures in my neck of the woods – literally – so a chance meeting doesn’t warrant caution the way a bear or even an ornery raccoon might. But one’s list of priorities can’t help but change a bit at 175 miles per hour. That was exactly the case when I drove this Aston Martin’s predecessor, the DBS, a few years ago.

I was hammering around a closed course – Ford’s Romeo proving grounds – on the company’s high-banked 5-mile long track, 25 mph shy of the double ton, when a little red dot appeared on the surface of the track, far up the straight. It was a squirrel, which, lacking the good sense not to be on the track at that particular moment, was at least smart enough to flatten itself into a pancake (perhaps it heard the Aston’s mighty V12 closing in). I prayed it wouldn’t dart from its adjacent lane into mine, because at my closing speed, I figured I wouldn’t have time to retaliate. Naturally, the kamikaze rodent skittered on its stomach directly into my trajectory at the last minute, leaving me no choice but to issue a critical hair’s breadth correction at the wheel. Roadkill manufacturing is normally a momentary wince-inducing affair – a grimace, a quick appeal for the universe’s forgiveness – and then on with one’s day. Yet in a car as low as an Aston Martin, at the velocity I was traveling, a bit of fur flying and battered karma would’ve been the least of my concerns.

The squirrel, the DBS and I all survived to fight another day, and that 175-mph run still stands as my own personal v-max. The Aston’s high-speed stability and steering saved my bacon that morning, but in truth, I wasn’t that impressed with the car overall. So it was with some consternation that I took possession of this 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish, its replacement killer.

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2014 Aston Martin Vanquish originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2014 Audi R8 GT zooming toward Le Mans reveal

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

2014 Audi R8 GT spy shot - front three-quarter view

According to a report from Autocar in the UK, the Audi R8 is set to get something of a swan song for its own going-away party in the form of an updated GT model for the 2014 model year. If Autocar is right, this even higher-performance Audi R8 will debut at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.

The 2014 Audi R8 GT Plus will reportedly get a tuned version of the much-loved 5.2-liter V10 engine that Audi has used to good effect in past R8 models. A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic would send power to the rear wheels, enabling a 3.4-second 0-62 mile per hour run and a top speed of 199 mph.

Judging from spy shots that we’ve already seen (reprised above), the new GT Plus will be fitted with an aggressive body kit that includes a massive rear wing, a more prominent front splitter and enlarged side blade ducts. A Spyder version of the GT Plus may be on tap for 2015. Pricing, obviously, is unknown, as is any potential launch date. In other words… stay tuned.

2014 Audi R8 GT zooming toward Le Mans reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra full configurators truck in

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Work, Chevrolet, GMC

You can now put prices to your wildest option-sheet dreams of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. A microsite for the full-size pickup truck twins has been up since January, and now the full-blown configurator is live and ready to take your virtual orders. The only two chassis configurations available at the moment are the Crew Cab with either a short or standard bed – Regular and Double Cab versions will come later. In Silverado flavors that will run you $32,710 for the short box, $33,010 for the standard box, while the Sierra adds a $1,500 premium to both of those prices, and destination and handling for both models adds another $995.

Since these are American pickups the list of modifications is lengthy, but we added $11,450 in just two steps by starting with the Silverado Crew Cab and standard bed, then checking four-wheel drive and the LTZ Z71 package. Our final truck, resplendent in Brownstone Metallic paint, heated and cooled Cocoa/Dune perforated leather seating and tasty details like chrome recovery hooks, and engine block heater and LED cargo box lighting, rang up $57,285 at the candy store.

They’ll be on dealer lots sometime this summer, so now’s a good time to start practicing your box-checking.

2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra full configurators truck in originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe officially debuts, priced from $41,425*

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Well, that didn’t take long. Less than two hours after the first images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe leaked onto the Internet, we’ve been given the go-ahead to publish the whole kit and caboodle. And while we won’t say we told you so, it looks as though the car’s official details are standing true to our earlier predictions.

In other words, BMW will offer the 4 Series in 428i and 435i models, both of which can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive. Just like in the 3 Series, the 428i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, good for 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and the 435i gets BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. In three of the four models, both a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission are available; the 428i xDrive can only be had with the auto ‘box. The 428i (with rear-wheel drive, we assume) can hit 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds (though BMW doesn’t specify with which transmission), and the 435i will do that same sprint in 5.3 seconds with the manual and five seconds flat with the eight-speed auto.

2014 BMW 4 Series InteriorWe’ve already dissected the 4 Series’ visuals, but the numbers show just how different it is from the 3 Series sedan. The 4 Coupe is one-tenth of an inch longer overall, while riding on the same 110.6-inch wheelbase, is 0.6 inches wider, and has a roofline that’s a full 2.7 inches closer to the ground. It looks sleek, incorporating BMW’s new design language from the 3 Series with an overall profile that’s similar to the larger 6 Series coupe.

BMW will offer the 4 Series Coupe in three different trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport. Much like the 3 Series range, the Luxury line focuses more on overall amenities and upscale appearance, while the Sport and M Sport models are meant to offer the most driver-focused set of equipment with slightly more aggression outside. 18- and 19-inch wheels are available on all models, and M Sport models get a whole raft of equipment including better suspension tuning and upgraded brakes to make the whole package more exciting on the road. The cabin doesn’t look all that different from the 3 Series, incorporating the same suite of technological goodies and creature comforts, and is offered in a variety of hues.

The new 4 Series goes on sale later this summer, and BMW has already confirmed that pricing will start at $41,425 (*including destination) for the 428i Coupe – an increase of $1,650 versus a 328i sedan. From there, the 428i xDrive rolls in at $46,925, the 435i starts at $43,425, and the range-topping 435i xDrive will set you back $48,925. Have a look through our huge gallery above to see the new 4 Series from all angles, and scroll down for BMW’s lengthy press release with all the nitty-gritty details.

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2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe officially debuts, priced from $41,425* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG revealed in video

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

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG video

Following the reveal of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class last month, we’re eagerly anticipating the next several chapters of the brand’s flagship range, especially the all-important S63 AMG. And while Mercedes itself has done a pretty good job of keeping things under wraps, it looks like a mistake was made. As part of its celebration kicking off S-Class production at the company’s Sindelfingen, Germany plant, Mercedes released some official videos showing the new sedan coming off the line, and the one you see here is the S63 AMG.

Because of how precisely styled all of Merc’s new cars are, the AMG models won’t necessarily carry the same sort of visual assault that they’ve had in generations past. For example, take a look at the brand new CLA250, and then compare it to a CLA45 AMG. Almost identical, right? Even here with the S-Class, the larger air intakes below the front bumper are a dead giveaway about the performance underneath (as are the larger wheels), but it doesn’t look substantially more aggressive than the other S-Class models sitting in the same room.

We don’t have official details on the new S63 AMG yet, but we expect the company’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 to be found underhood, putting out something like 550 horsepower in the base model. (Like the new E-Class, an S model will likely be offered). The AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive will likely be part of the S63 AMG package, too.

Scroll down to have a look at the video.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG revealed in video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series

Because embargoes were apparently made to be broken, images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe have leaked onto the Internet ahead of the car’s official debut thanks to Car Design News’ Facebook page. As you’ll recall, the 4 Series is the replacement for the outgoing 3 Series coupe, its nomenclature falling in line with the rest of BMW’s lineup, where coupes and convertibles will be set apart from their sedan counterparts by one number.

As we can see in the photos, the 4 Series takes a lot of its design cues from the 3 Series on which it is based, but there’s a lot more in the way of attractive body sculpting, and this production model stays true to the original 4 Series Coupe Concept that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

We don’t have official details to divulge just yet, but we can discern from the photos that the range-topping coupe will be the 435i model, likely powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i. There will no doubt be a 428i model with a 2.0-liter turbo-four underhood, and we expect BMW to offer its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on both models. Much like the 3 Series, a variety of trim levels will be on offer, including a top-spec M Sport trim that you can see painted in Estoril Blue here.

Stay tuned for the official 4 Series details later today, but for now, have a glance through our gallery of leaked photos, above.

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters production

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

With the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class set to go on sale next month, the first examples of the sixth-generation ultra-luxury sedan have begun rolling off the assembly line at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany. The first car headed to customers is the silver S400 Hybrid you see above, and Mercedes executives Dieter Zetsche and Andreas Renschler were both on hand to welcome the car.

To prepare for the new S-Class, Mercedes has invested close to one billion euros in the German factory. While a half dozen models are produced at this plant, most of the recent improvements were focused on Mercedes’ flagship sedan. Also destined to be built at this plant is the upcoming S-Class Coupe, which is replacing the CL-Class. Interestingly, this name change has been speculated for some time, but the official press release posted below could be the first time we’ve seen Mercedes refer to the car as such.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Nissan Versa Note priced from $13,990*

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

With the 2014 Nissan Versa Note going on sale this month, Nissan has announced the official pricing for its redesigned subcompact hatchback. Commanding a $2,000 premium over the Versa sedan, the new Versa Note will have a starting price of $13,990 (*not including $790 for destination), which is $680 less than the 2012 Versa Hatchback.

The base model is the Versa Note S, but trim levels also include S Plus and SV starting at $15,240 and $15,990, respectively. The S Plus trim will deliver the highest fuel economy – best in class according to Nissan – for the Versa Note thanks to a CVT and active grille shutters, and the SV brings more convenience features like power windows and door locks (that’s right, the base models will still get crank windows and manual door locks). Stepping up even further, the SL Package will add push-button starter, backup camera and heated seats for $17,690 while the SL Tech Package tops out at $18,490 with navigation, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Bluetooth. More pricing details for the 2014 Versa Note are posted below in the official press release.

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2014 Nissan Versa Note priced from $13,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Fiat Abarth to join World Rally Championship by 2014?

Filed under: Motorsports, Fiat

Abarth Punto S2000

It wasn’t that long ago that things didn’t look so good for the World Rally Championship. Automakers were dropping out of the series like so many flies, while other manufacturers were heading to the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge. But things have turned around for the WRC.

While Citroën continues to dominate over Ford, Mini has joined the fight, and Volkswagen is on its way in as well. Now word comes in that Fiat could be preparing to take part, as well, with its Abarth performance brand.

Abarth 500 R3TAbarth has been contesting IRC and national rally championships with the Punto S2000 (pictured above) with considerable success, as well as mounting its own rally, touring car and junior formula spec series. But evidently looking for a new challenge, rumor has it that the Scorpion marque will challenge its European rivals on the world rally stage as soon as 2013 or maybe 2014.

If and when it does, the Punto Abarth will likely be adapted to WRC specifications (which now closely mirror the S2000 spec used in the IRC), as opposed to upgrading the 500 R3T (pictured at right) used in some lower-level rally events. We’ll have to wait for official confirmation, but one thing’s for sure: the competition in the WRC is getting fiercer by the day.

Fiat Abarth to join World Rally Championship by 2014? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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