Tag: 2014

Video: 2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot

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

Spy screenshot of the 2014 Merecedes-Benz S65 AMG

Hot on the heels of a video showing Mercedes-Benz testing its 2014 S65 AMG sedan around the Nürburgring, here’s yet another glimpse of the German automaker’s luxury flagship sedan, which is set to go on sale in March of 2014. Though the new S65 AMG won’t be officially unveiled until this November’s LA Auto Show, eagle-eyed Gnepiah caught it naked on camera during a recent commercial shoot in the Netherlands.

The video shows a few exterior modifications as compared to the outgoing model, including more chrome on the front grille, shiny mesh on the front bumper, and new multi-spoke alloy wheels. But the most exciting change is one we can’t see: the S65 AMG’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, which is expected to produce more than the current model’s 621 horsepower and will certainly make for a quicker ride (as we previously noted, we could be looking at a run as quick as 3.6 seconds).

Watch the video below to see the new S65 AMG for yourself – and don’t miss the cameo of the 2014 S63 AMG at the end.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot

2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot

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

Spy screenshot of the 2014 Merecedes-Benz S65 AMG

Hot on the heels of a video showing Mercedes-Benz testing its 2014 S65 AMG sedan around the Nürburgring, here’s yet another glimpse of the German automaker’s luxury flagship sedan, which is set to go on sale in March of 2014. Though the new S65 AMG won’t be officially unveiled until this November’s LA Auto Show, eagle-eyed Gnepiah caught it naked on camera during a recent commercial shoot in the Netherlands.

The video shows a few exterior modifications as compared to the outgoing model, including more chrome on the front grille, shiny mesh on the front bumper, and new multi-spoke alloy wheels. But the most exciting change is one we can’t see: the S65 AMG’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, which is expected to produce more than the current model’s 621 horsepower and will certainly make for a quicker ride (as we previously noted, we could be looking at a run as quick as 3.6 seconds).

Watch the video below to see the new S65 AMG for yourself – and don’t miss the cameo of the 2014 S63 AMG at the end.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot

2014 Mercedes S65 AMG caught undisguised at video shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Meet the main man behind the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 video

We have yet to catch our breath from our first drive of the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3, but if you’re still not sold on the fact that this track-ready 911 is only offered with a PDK transmission, then you should take it up with Andreas Preuninger. Preuninger is the guy who led the team responsible for the latest GT3. Porsche has released a video giving a little backstory of what went into the development of the car, which had as its goal the creation of a pure, rewarding 911 driving experience.

The video captures the sights and sounds of the GT3 perfectly. Perhaps the best part is listening to Preuninger describe one of the defining moments that resulted in replacing the GT3’s manual gearbox with the PDK. We don’t want to ruin the video for you, so scroll down to check it out for yourself.

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Meet the main man behind the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Nissan Maxima gets new Limited Edition model, pricing

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan

2014 Nissan Maxima

With a new Maxima expected to debut next year for the 2015 model year, Nissan is only making small changes to its big sedan for 2014. Buyers looking to get behind the wheel of Nissan’s “4-Door Sports Car” will be happy to know that the base price for the 2014 Maxima carries over from 2013 starting at $31,000 (*excluding the $810 destination charge).

Aside from two new colors, the only change to the base Maxima S is the addition of a new option group. Sounding very similar to the Sport Package available on the SV, the $750 Limited Edition Package adds smoked Xenon headlights, dark-accented 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and fog lights. Stepping up to the SV trim level, the Maxima now comes standard with a rearview camera, Xenon headlights and a seven-inch screen, but its price has also been increased by $850, so it starts at $34,090. Scroll down for more info on the 2014 Maxima.

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2014 Nissan Maxima gets new Limited Edition model, pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2014 Porsche Cayman S

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Second Fiddle Moves To First Chair

2014 Porsche Cayman S

In the interest of full disclosure and a bit of bloodletting, allow me to admit that while I’ve always coveted the Porsche Boxster and its hard-hatted Cayman cousin, I’ve never really warmed to them visually. They’ve always had a certain push-me, pull-you, can’t-decide-which-way-they’re-going aesthetic that I’ve never really wrapped my head around. Porsche achieved the same thing with the original 550 Spyder’s overturned bathtub bodyshell that would come to inspire the Boxster, but somehow that classic’s even more symmetrical nature works for me. Fast-forward to this third generation, and at least for this enthusiast, Porsche’s manchild has well and truly come of age as a design.

It’s all there – a piercing stare thanks to squircle headlamps inspired by the 918 Spyder hypercar, newfound directional thrust afforded by a longer wheelbase and elongated greenhouse, and muscular rear haunches with a wider stance emphasized by larger side ductwork and snubbed overhangs. The body’s teardrop shape terminates with an active spoiler that integrates into a gorgeous arc with the taillamps like a budding ducktail nod to 1973 911 Carrera RS. Despite casting a longer shadow than its predecessor, the 2014 Cayman still looks tidily proportioned, smooth and wieldy, the perfect skipping stone to ricochet down a canyon river road.

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2014 Porsche Cayman S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Mazda3 configurator zoom-zooms to life

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mazda

2014 Mazda3 Configurator

The 2014 Mazda3 is probably going to be on a lot of shopping lists, thanks to its striking good looks, clean interior treatment, fuel economy and driving character. If it happens to be on your personal list of new cars to test, you’ll be happy to see that the configurator for Mazda’s newest product has officially gone online.

In terms of build-your-own web items, configuring a 3 isn’t much of a departure from the rest of the Mazda range. Most of the work comes from choosing one of the three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – and selecting either the 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder or its larger sibling, the 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter, Skyactiv four. From there, a simple range of color and interior finishes are available, before a slim list of packages, options and accessories. Really, Mazda’s made it easy to get through this build process.

Click on over to the configurator and take a look at the options, colors and prices for Mazda’s newest five-door hatchback.

2014 Mazda3 configurator zoom-zooms to life originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Honda Odyssey first minivan to earn Top Safety Pick+ award [w/video]

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Safety, Videos, Honda

2014 Honda Odyssey IIHS crash test

You know an automaker is confident about the safety of its vehicles when it asks one of the top crash test agencies to destroy one of its newest models. That’s exactly what happened with the 2014 Honda Odyssey. According the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Honda requested that the agency run the updated Odyssey through its full barrage of tests, and for good reason.

Aside from slight styling upgrades and a new optional HondaVac built-in vacuum cleaner, the 2014 Odyssey was also given a more rigid passenger compartment using high-strength steel to help better protect occupants. It obviously worked. Following the crash tests, the 2014 Odyssey became the first minivan to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating, but, more importantly, it did so with “Good” ratings in all five crash categories (four “Goods” and one “Acceptable” are enough for the TSP+). Impressive.

Scroll down for the crash-test video from the IIHS along with a press release.

Continue reading 2014 Honda Odyssey first minivan to earn Top Safety Pick+ award [w/video]

2014 Honda Odyssey first minivan to earn Top Safety Pick+ award [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Chevy Malibu rated at 25/36 mpg, priced from $22,140*

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

After a single model year on the market, Chevrolet gave its midsize Malibu a big makeover for 2014, but the changes aren’t all about styling. Although the refreshed sedan isn’t on sale yet, Chevy has released some important numbers for its new ‘Bu: namely its EPA fuel economy figures and MSRP.

Styling included, the biggest improvement for the 2014 Malibu is its fuel economy. For the base models equipped with the 2.5-liter engine, adding stop/start technology, a new transmission and Intake Valve Lift Control (which helps the engine breathe more efficiently) all help the sedan deliver 25 miles per gallon city and 36 mpg highway. That’s up from 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for 2013. Not only are these ratings good enough to put Malibu with the top of its of the base-engined midsize class, but they are almost the same as the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist (25 city/37 highway).

Factoring in this fuel economy jump, the 2014 Malibu’s new base price $22,140 (*not including $825 for destination, which itself has risen by $15) is an increase of $145, but it is also about $1,000 lower than the 2013 Malibu Eco – removing the premium for optimal fuel economy. We’re still waiting to get behind the wheel of the refreshed sedan, but Chevy is definitely righting some wrongs on its eighth-gen Malibu to make it more competitive in the segment. Scroll down for more information in Chevy’s official press release.

Continue reading 2014 Chevy Malibu rated at 25/36 mpg, priced from $22,140*

2014 Chevy Malibu rated at 25/36 mpg, priced from $22,140* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Aug 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Kia Soul priced from $14,700*

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Crossover, Kia

2014 Kia Soul

Kia has announced pricing on the refreshed 2014 Soul. At $14,700 (*plus a destination charge of $795), the new funky crossover undercuts its two primary competitors, the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, by $2,850 and $2,060, respectively. That base model includes 16-inch alloys, cruise control, wheel-mounted audio controls and a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque.

The mid-range model, the Soul Plus, demands $18,200 and adds a spate of exterior items, like 17-inch wheels and chrome trim, to class up the Soul’s look, not to mention a 164-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Plus customers also have access to a number of option packages, including a $400 pack that adds Kia’s UVO infotainment system and a backup camera. A $1,400 Audio Package adds navigation, an eight-inch display, an Infinity stereo and automatic temperature controls. A $3,000 Primo Package adds a few notable luxury items, like a panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, and push-button start. Finally, a $400 Eco Package adds stop-start technology and replaces the 17-inch wheels with 16s shod in low-rolling-resistance tires.

The top-of-the-line Soul Exclaim starts at $20,300 and comes with LED running lights, LED taillights, 18-inch wheels and the Plus’s UVO Package as standard. Buyers can opt for The Whole Shebang, a $2,500 option pack that apes the Primo Package from the Plus. Weirdly, the Audio Package from the Soul Plus is an extra $1,200 on the Exclaim, and has been rebranded the Sun and Sand Package. Feel free to peruse the press release below for more.

Continue reading 2014 Kia Soul priced from $14,700*

2014 Kia Soul priced from $14,700* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Aug 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2014 Toyota Corolla

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Toyota, First Drives

Reprising The Recipe For A Perfect Slice Of Toast

2014 Toyota Corolla

My toaster broke the other week. Halfway through the process of cooking my gourmet Pop-Tart breakfast, the thing crapped out with a small bang, leaving my delicious morning treats trapped inside. To rectify the situation, I ventured out to a big box store, located the toaster aisle, and ran a couple of questions through my mind. Do I need two slots or four? Do I need to spend more than 20 bucks on this thing? Should I just buy a toaster oven to give me a wider range of bachelor-pad cooking functionality? After no more than two minutes of contemplation, I grabbed the cheapest one on the shelf, paid and left the store. The new toaster works just fine.

This sort of unemotional shopping experience is how I suspect people decide to purchase the Toyota Corolla. It’s a perfectly fine appliance, and to a good number of people in the world, the bond between a car and a driver is no more important than the connection I feel to my toaster. Does it seat four people relatively comfortably? Does it get decent fuel economy? Is it easy to drive? Reliable? Safe? The Corolla checks all of these boxes, and because of that, Toyota managed to move just under 300,000 examples of the tenth-generation car in 2012 (though that number does include sales of the Corolla-based, now-deceased Matrix) – a vehicle that, at the time, was already six years old.

From a business perspective, that means the Corolla is a massive winner, and so to no one’s surprise, Toyota hasn’t rocked the boat too much in the creation of its eleventh-generation 2014 Corolla. It seats four people comfortably. It gets decent fuel economy. It’s easy to drive. It’s (predictably) reliable. It’s safe. And hey, it sort of looks good now. The new Corolla is actually a whole lot nicer than its predecessor. But it still doesn’t, shall we say, toast my bagel.

Continue reading 2014 Toyota Corolla

2014 Toyota Corolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Aug 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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