Official: 2014 Subaru WRX and STI pricing announced

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru

As the sun prepares to set on the third-generation Subaru WRX, Subaru has released the pricing for the 2014 WRX and WRX STI. With redesigned versions of both cars due out next year, prices for the current car have risen by just $200 across the entire 2014 lineup resulting in new starting MSRPs of $25,995 for the WRX and $34,495 for the more powerful WRX STI (*not including destination).

The destination charge has also crept up for the 2014 WRX and WRX STI models climbing slightly from $770 to $795. A final pricing adjustment for this bodystyle’s send-off year is that the optional navigation system went from $1,000 in 2013 up to $1,100 for 2014. Scroll down for the full model pricing breakdown, and keep a lookout for the all-new 2015 WRX and WRX STI, which we’d expect to see in production form in the coming months.

*Note: WRX STI (above) and WRX (below) are pictured here in the 2013 Special Edition trim.

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2014 Subaru WRX and STI pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Nissan 370Z pricing announced, MSRP reduced by $3,000

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Nissan is up to something. The company announced pricing for the 2014 Nissan 370Z, 370Z Nismo, and 370Z Roadster, which isn’t out of the ordinary. What is, is that the standard, hardtop 370Z has received a $3,130 reduction in price for 2014. The upmarket Touring model, meanwhile, has been dropped $2,550.

That means, excluding the $790 for destination and handling, a base, six-speed manual 370Z is only $29,990. That is an excellent deal. Adding an automatic will bump the price to $31,290, while the Touring model starts at $35,270 for DIY shifters and $36,570 for autos. The top-of-the-range Nismo runs $43,020. The Roadster, meanwhile, starts at $41,470.

So what does this mean in the grand scheme? Automakers don’t just slash $3,000 off the price of a desirable sportscar because they’re feeling generous.Could this be a move to clear out stock before a replacement to the current Z arrives?

The current car, codenamed Z34 by Nissan, has been on sale since 2009 and was refreshed not so long ago. With the 2014-2015 auto show season about to kick off, clearing out parts and inventory by slashing prices could be a precursor to the debut of the Z35 later this year, or in early 2014. That said, there’s been precious little information about from spy shooters or internal sources on the next Z. Only time will tell if our guessing is correct. But hopefully, we’ll have our answer in the not-so-distant future. Read the Nissan press release, below.

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2014 Nissan 370Z pricing announced, MSRP reduced by $3,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Maserati Ghibli pricing announced for UK

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Maserati, UK, Luxury

2014 Maserati Ghibli

Maserati’s newest car, Ghibli, is a stunningly well-proportioned luxury sedan mixing the styling of the larger Quattroporte sedan and the GranTurismo coupe. We found it plenty good to in our First Drive review, and now we know how much it will cost (in the UK, at least).

Ghibli pricing announced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is for customers in the UK, but based on current exchange rates and prices of other Maseratis sold here in the US, we can estimate its MSRP for our market. The base Ghibli, with a twin-turbocharged V6 making 325 horsepower, will cost 52,275 pounds for the Bits, making $75,000 a good guess for American buyers. If that number holds true, however, the Ghibli would be in a price category above its main competition from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Take a step up to the Ghibli S, sporting a naturally aspirated V8 producing 404 hp, and you’ll have to fork out 63,415 pounds or an estimated $91,000 here.

Just for kicks, the Europe-only Ghibli Diesel, which makes 270 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque with its diesel V6, is the least-expensive Maserati 48,830 pounds. Running an estimated $70k for us, we’d really like to have that one, too. After all, the sparkplug-less engine is the same one found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel.

Maserati Ghibli pricing announced for UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racers from Germany and Spain announced for Pixar’s CARS 2

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Max Schnell in Pixar's CARS 2

Two new characters from Pixar’s CARS 2 – Click above to view all of the new characters

Pixar has released more goodies this week about its upcoming sequel, CARS 2, due to hit theaters in the U.S. on June 24. What we have for you today are the cars representing Germany and Spain in the movie’s championship race, the World Grand Prix.

First up is Max Schnell, who not only represents Deutschland, but also appears to be carrying the torch for all DTM racers in CARS 2. His last name, Schnell, is also a nice touch, being the German word for ‘fast’. He hails from Stuttgart, which is the home of both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, but we think his design is actually inspired by the Audi A4, hence him wearing the #4. He’s also won more races at the Motorheimring (Pixar-speak for Nürburgring, and also German for Motorhome-ring) than any other car in the World Torque Champion League (Pixar-speak again for World Touring Car Championship).

Miguel Camino in Pixar's CARS 2Next up, representing the country of Spain, is Miguel Camino, who hails from Pamplona. Miguel gained fame in his homeland by participating in the famous Running of the Bulldozers and competing as a toreador in the dozer ring. He now races as car #5 in the Grand Touring Sport circuit. If we had to venture a guess at who Miguel is modeled after, we’d say Spanish F1 champ Fernando Alonso. Why? The shape of his headlights suggest a Ferrari influence, and Spain’s real greatest racer drives for Ferrari in Formula One.

Finally, Pixar has also released some cool retro posters promoting the World Grand Prix in each of the four locations it’s raced. Check them out in the second gallery below, and follow the jump to watch turntable videos of Max Schnell and Miguel Camino.

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

GremAcerShu TodorokiRaoul ÇaRouleCarla Veloso

Gallery: CARS 2 World Grand Prix retro posters

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Racers from Germany and Spain announced for Pixar’s CARS 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pagani Huayra U.S. dealer network announced, both located in California

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, MISC

pagani huayra

Pagani Huayra – Click above for high-res image gallery

This is a brief announcement for the wealthy-elite amongst us. Pagani has announced that there will be two locations in the United States where the purchase of a Huayra will be possible. Should you be interested in procuring such a vehicle, we hope you like California.

The Auto Gallery of Beverly Hills and British Motor Cars of San Francisco have been selected as Pagani’s official jumping-off point here in the U.S. Both locations will sell the Huayra, yet neither location will keep a vehicle in stock. A demo car will be stateside but it will be relegated to press events – you have our contact information, Pagani – and select client viewings.

Pagani will examine a need for the addition of more dealers to its U.S. distribution network. In the meantime, Huayra deliveries coordinated through the two California locations will begin arriving towards the beginning of 2012. No word yet on the Huayra’s official price tag but bring quite a bit extra to cover the 9.75 percent sales tax in Beverly Hills or 9.50 percent sales tax in San Francisco.

Gallery: Pagani Huayra: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Pagani]

Continue reading Pagani Huayra U.S. dealer network announced, both located in California

Pagani Huayra U.S. dealer network announced, both located in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport – Click above for high-res image

Do you miss the Saturn Vue? If so, General Motors is ready to wipe your tears away. Meet the new Chevrolet Captiva Sport, a shockingly familiar crossover being offered for fleet sales here in the United States. GM is quick to point out that the Sport is a variant of the popular Captiva CUV sold in other markets, though its Saturn-badged kin can still be found all over the nation.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General’s 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.

LT and LTZ models use the 3.0-liter V6 and come standard with OnStar and Bluetooth connectivity. LTZ standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed seats (heated for front passengers), a rear-view camera and premium audio system.

Fleet companies can take delivery of the Vue Captiva Sport as early as the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for GM’s press release.

[Source: General Motors]

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Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 finalists announced for World Car of the Year

Filed under: Etc.

It’s that time of the year again, kiddies, to name the best car in the world. The selections for the World Car Awards awarded granted by an international panel of 66 automotive journalists, who have now announced their ten finalists.

Included on the shortlist are the Audi A1 and A8, the BMW 5 Series and X3, Jaguar XJ, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Nissan Leaf, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo S60/V70. The selections were made based on the jurists’ experience with each car through the course of their professional work, and each will be tasked with reevaluating the ten finalists before casting their final ballots to be tabulated by KPMG.

Intriguingly, although the Leaf EV was short-listed, the Chevrolet Volt didn’t make the cut. For an idea of the jurists’ tastes, consider the winners from years past: the Volkswagen Polo (2010), Volkswagen Golf in (2009), Mazda2 (2008), Lexus LS460 (2007), BMW 3-Series (2006), and the Audi A6 in 2005, the first time the prize was awarded.

The shortlist will be whittled down to three finalists to be announced at the Geneva Motor Show next month, followed by the awards to be given out at the New York Auto Show in April. Follow the jump for the official announcement, and check out our image gallery of the ten finalists below.

Gallery: 2011 World Car finalists

Audi A1Audi A8BMW 5 SeriesBMW X3Jaguar XJ

[Source: World Car Awards]

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Top 10 finalists announced for World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World, Green and Performance Car of the Year finalists announced

Filed under: New York Auto Show

World Car of the Year AwardThe minds behind the 2011 World Car of the Year Award have managed to slim down the contenders in all three of the accolade’s main categories – World Green Car, World Performance Car and World Car of the Year. A total of six contenders are fighting out in the green car category, including eco warriors like the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Nissan Leaf and Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. Those entries are also joined by the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell.

Meanwhile, the performance car lot is littered with 10 potential winners ranging from the Aston Martin Rapide to the Renault Megane III. Both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz managed to snag two spots each on the list, and the Cadillac CTS-V sedan is the only American-made product to make the cut.

And what about the coveted World Car of the Year? Judges have managed to thin that herd to just 10 picks ranging from the Audi A1 to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Audi and BMW were the only two automakers to take home two nominations each.

We can expect a final decision in each of the three categories when the winners are announced at this year’s New York Auto Show on April 21st. If you can’t wait that long for your award news, the top three finalists in each category will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Hit the jump for the press releases.

[Source: World Car of the Year]

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World, Green and Performance Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Top Gear Award winners announced

Filed under: Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Maserati, Porsche, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, UK, Koenigsegg

Citroen DS3

Citroën DS3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

As we said before, it’s that time when everyone starts rolling out their year-end “Best of” lists and revisits their favorite rides of 2010. Top Gear is in on the action, naming its annual award winners. Its list, as you can see, is diverse and loaded with forbidden fruit (at least for those of us in the U.S.)

  • Hypercar of the Year: Koenigsegg Agera
  • Cabrio of the Year: Maserati GranCabrio
  • Grand Tourer of the Year: Bentley Continental GT
  • Hot Hatch of the Year: Volkswagen Golf R
  • Family Car of the Year: BMW 520d Touring
  • Engine of the Year: Fiat TwinAir
  • Coupe of the Year: Peugot RCZ
  • Luxury Car of the Year: Jaguar XJ
  • Small Car of the Year and Car of the Year: Citroen DS3

Besides the standard categories, the three hosts also picked their favorites of 2010. Jeremy Clarkson is in love with the Pagani Zonda R, James May goes with the Bugatti Veyron Supersport and Richard Hammond is quite fond of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Though we’ve given you the list, it’s still worth a trip over to the Top Gear website to read the reasons behind each choice.

Gallery: Citroen DS3

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[Source: Top Gear]

2010 Top Gear Award winners announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Nissan, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf

Green Car of the Year finalists – Click above for high-res image gallery


Green Car Journal
has chosen its five candidates for the 2011 Green Car of the Year Award. Competition is fierce this time around with both the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt nabbing nods. While those two have been busy snapping up headlines over the past year, the rest of the vehicles on the list are no less impressive. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid made the cut thanks to its incredibly efficient drivetrain borrowed from the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is bound to make an impressive showing thanks to its competent highway mileage and high-tech lithium-polymer battery pack.

Of all of the eligible vehicles, the only one without a battery pack is the lovable 2011 Ford Fiesta. While the subcompact is likely to be eclipsed by the rest of the electron-powered pack, the vehicle’s 40 mpg highway is no less impressive than all of the high-tech wizardry on board the hybrids and EVs. The winner of this year’s award will be announced at the 2010 LA Auto Show on November 18. Check out our gallery of the nominees below and then hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2011 Green Car of the Year Finalists

Photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Green Car Journal]

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2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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