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Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept brings Italdesign to the people

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen, Design/Style

$Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept$

Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, famed design house Italdesign Giugiaro became part of the Volkswagen Group, and the longtime collaborators are are presenting their first joint concepts at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

The Italian design firm calls the Tex an “interpretation of tomorrow’s sporty Volkswagen,” incorporating coupe-like lines into a hatchback shape. In execution, it looks a bit like the current Euro-spec Honda Civic hatch to our eyes – especially up front. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if we’re honest, we expected something a little bolder from the company that has penned some of the most gorgeous designs of all time.

The Tex Concept is powered by Volkswagen’s Twin Drive plug-in hybrid system, which we’re told has a range of 35 kilometers (about 21 miles) with just the battery driving the wheels.

Inside, the Tex uses a driver-focused cockpit, and unlike the vast majority of concept cars that we’ll be seeing in Geneva, the Giugiaro interior looks nearly production-ready. We like the implementation of the flat-bottomed steering wheel, supportive seats and funky new shift knob.

While the Tex is merely a concept right now, there’s no telling if Volkswagen will use this as a basis for a future sports car, perhaps even a Golf or GTI far along down the road. Hit the jump to read the full details in Volkswagen’s press release, and see the Italdesign Giugiaro Tex Concept for yourself in both of our high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept

Gallery: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept brings Italdesign to the people

Geneva 2011: Volkswagen Giugiaro Tex Concept brings Italdesign to the people originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Filed under: Technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet MyLink

Chevrolet MyLink – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is finally bringing the smartphone battle to Ford with the introduction of Chevrolet MyLink, an integrated infotainment system that connects to your smartphone and allows you to access apps through either the steering wheel controls or the console-mounted touchscreen.

The wraps officially came off at tonight’s Engadget Show and boasts similar functionality to Ford’s AppLink and Toyota’s recently revealed Entune system. MyLink connects your Android or Blackberry device over Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly access apps. And if you’re partial to Apple’s iOS devices – namely the iPhone or iPod Touch – you get the same functionality, but can only be controlled by plugging it in via USB.

At launch, MyLink is only compatible with Stitcher and Pandora radio, with other apps due to be released later this year. The Chevrolet Volt and Equinox will be the first two models to come equipped with the new system, and in addition to voice-control functionality courtesy of Nuance, both models will be available with PowerMat’s inductive charging system, so you don’t have to worry about your Bluetooth-tethered phone running out of juice. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect MyLink to be available within the next few months. Hit the jump for the official release and get more details at our tech-obesessed sibling site Translogic.

Gallery: Chevrolet MyLink

Continue reading Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune

Chevrolet MyLink brings the app fight to Ford Sync, Toyota Entune originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Subaru of Canada brings back the sexy sumo wrestlers in new Forester ad

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Subaru, Canada

Subaru Forester sumo video

Sexy sumos pose with the 2011 Subaru Forester – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Remember the sexy sumo wrestlers that starred in a Canadian Subaru Forester commercial in 2008? They’re back, and, uh, hotter than ever?

In this new ad spot for the updated 2011 Subaru Forester, the sumos are once again put front and center, striking poses at the gas station, the beach and – of course – the car wash. Subaru says that with the Forester, sexy comes standard, and if this is the automaker’s definition of what’s attractive, then, well, so be it. Still, these Japanese wrestlers don’t hold a candle to Tawny Kitaen.

Follow the jump to see the 60-second ad spot for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Forester: Quick Spin

2011 Subaru Forester

[Source: Subaru of Canada via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Subaru of Canada brings back the sexy sumo wrestlers in new Forester ad

Video: Subaru of Canada brings back the sexy sumo wrestlers in new Forester ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat

2011 Dodge Durango Heat – Click above to enlarge

Dodge is lighting a figurative fire under its entire lineup of vehicles these days, and one vehicle that’s igniting the match is the redesigned-for-2011 Durango. Perhaps it’s fitting, then, that the automaker has just announced the new Heat package for the 2011 Durango, which is basically an R/T minus the Hemi V8 engine.

In place of the brawny V8 beast is a version of the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine boasting 295 horsepower (up five ponies from other V6 Durangos) and 260 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, the main benefit is improved fuel efficiency, with the Heat earning EPA ratings of 16/23 (city/highway) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 for the all-wheel-drive model. That’s up from 14/20 with the more powerful V8.

Besides the engine, most everything about the Heat matches that of the R/T. Included among the changes over less sporting models is a body kit that includes a monochromatic front fascia with a lower air dam, suspension lowered by 20 millimeters, 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires and a dual exhaust system. Dodge saves a bit of weight by ejecting the third row; the Heat is available as a five-passenger model only.

Pricing for the 2011 Durango Heat begins at $30,295 ($32,295 with all-wheel drive). Want to know more? Click past the break for the full press release.

[Source: Dodge]

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Chicago 2011: Dodge brings 2011 Durango some Heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Technology, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept

Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has taken another step towards making the one-liter car a reality, and this 200 mile-per-gallon dream could be on the roads within the next few years.

The Formula XL1 Concept combines a two cylinder TDI engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to achieve an astonishing 0.9L/100 km – just over 260 mpg to us Yanks. The included plug-in system, along with the XL1’s low drag and extensive use of lightweight materials has the potential to make the concept the most efficient vehicle to ever grace public roads.

The XL1 is making its debut at the Qatar Motor Show this week, and while it might look familiar to previous iterations, this latest version is more production read than its predecessors. Check it out from every angle in the gallery below and click past the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality

Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gooding brings the Best of Britain to Amelia Island

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Jaguar, Lotus, Rolls-Royce

1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy – Click above for high-res image gallery

Amelia Island is the place to be this coming March for collectors and lovers of classic British sportscars. Last year Gooding & Company auctioned off over $16 million in classic automobiles at the annual event, including a $2.75 million 1931 Voisin and a $1.7 million ’61 Porsche RS61 Spyder formerly owned by Sir Stirling Moss.

This year’s consignments have already begun coming in, starting off with a rare 1949 Jaguar XK120. The alloy-bodied roadster – the only one made in Blue Sheen paint – was the first XK120 to come to the United States, and is expected to fetch as much as half a million at auction. Next up is one of only four ’33 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sedanca Drop Head Coupes (got all that?) with Gurney Nutting coachwork, likewise estimated around the half-million mark. Finally Gooding has a ’62 Lotus 23B on the docket with considerable racing pedigree projected at around $200k.

The auction will take place on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Details in the press release after the jump, with high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Gooding & Co.’s Best of Britain – Amelia Island 2011

[Source: Gooding & Company | Image: Scott Nidermaier/Gooding]

Continue reading Gooding brings the Best of Britain to Amelia Island

Gooding brings the Best of Britain to Amelia Island originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been a year since the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was discontinued. 2,000 examples of five different variants of the extravagant supercar were made over the course of five years of production. And in its wake, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have gone their separate ways, both on the track and off. Both have been keeping plenty busy since the divorce, but they’ve apparently gotten back together for one last hurrah.

Apparently created by McLaren as an aftermarket kit for existing models and unveiled at the Essen Motor Show (think of it as Germany’s SEMA), this McLaren Edition SLR packs revised aerodyanamics, steering, suspension and interior. The result is an exclusive swan-song for the exotic McMerc (only 25 examples will be offered), and it looks like it’s mated with a MG SV. Take a closer look with the images below and the video after the jump, where you may notice that the Mercedes part of the equation has been decidedly de-emphasized.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Edition

[Source: Autoblog Germany]

Continue reading McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song

McLaren brings back the SLR for a limited-edition swan song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Making its public debut here at the LA Auto Show is the first production hybrid sedan from Infiniti, the M35h. Set to hit dealerships in the spring of 2011, the M Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

When paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor, the M35h’s 3.5-liter V6 is estimated to produce a stout 360 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. What’s more, the electric motor produces an additional 199 lb-ft of twist off the line for acceleration, and we’re told that the sedan can travel up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Official fuel economy figures are not available as of this writing, but Infiniti expects the M Hybrid to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (27 combined). Sure, that might sound impressive, but for the sake of comparison, we’d like to direct your attention to the new 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 from Hyundai, which is estimated to net 26 mpg highway with a whopping 429 hp on tap. Just sayin’.

The M Hybrid does come standard with a laundry list of technological features, such as Active Noise Control and an audible pedestrian warning system for times when the car is silently cruising in electric mode. On top of that, the usual host of functions like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio are all on hand – this is a top-tier Infiniti, after all.

Follow the jump for the full details in the automaker’s press release, and click through our galleries of live and stock shots to see the new M Hybrid from all angles.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Buick, GM, Luxury

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist – Click above for high-res image gallery

Full-size luxury sedans are typically guilty pleasures since they can be either coddling, comfort machines or all-out speed freaks. One thing they haven’t been is fuel efficient… until now. Making its debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist.

Power for the LaCrosse eAssist is provided by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct-injection. It gains an efficiency boost through the addition of a 115V lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the fuel system to take a nap during certain conditions. These two power systems working together, along with the six-speed automatic transmission, allow the Buick LaCrosse eAssist to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway – a 25% percent improvement compared to the 2.4-liter flying solo. Consider this the reinvention of GM’s long lost mild hybrid system.

Pricing for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist is expected to start around $30,000. What’s more, the hybrid system will be fitted standard to all LaCrosse models equipped with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. More green luxury information is sprouting just after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan

LA 2010: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist brings efficiency to the full-size luxury sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Cleveland brings Fastest Lawnmower crown back to USA [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Specialty, Racing

World's Fastest Lawnmover

World’s Fastest Lawnmower – Click above to watch video after the jump

One minute, you’re the king of going fast on a lawnmower. The next, you’re number two behind a man from the UK. That’s what happened to Bobby Cleveland, but he didn’t sit idly by on his grass clippings – he went out and brought the title of World’s Fastest Lawnmower back to the United States with a new speed record of 96 miles per hour.

Cleveland set a world record back in 2006, with a speed of 80.792 mph. His mark was then bested by Don Wales whose Project Runningblade mower was clocked going 87.833 mph. Bobby Cleveland wanted to be the first to cross the 100 mile per hour threshold, but 96 mph is still a mighty leap over Wales’ mark. The way these two are going back and forth it’s only a matter of time before one of them hits that magic number, but until they do, check out Cleveland’s latest run after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Bobby Cleveland brings Fastest Lawnmower crown back to USA [w/video]

Bobby Cleveland brings Fastest Lawnmower crown back to USA [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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