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Video: Porsche teases Detroit-bound show car

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Porsche, Racing

Porsche’s show car en route to Cobo Hall – Click above to watch after the jump

Automakers typically try to keep prying eyes away from the show cars that they wheel into convention centers for major auto shows. Porsche, however, made a video of the process and posted it online.

With only hours to go until the German automaker marks its return to the Detroit Auto Show after a four-year absence, speculation has been running wild as to what Porsche has in store for us. Earlier reports pointed towards a racing car based on the 918 Spyder concept from Geneva, then Stuttgart announced it was bringing a concept car.

From watching the video after the jump, it seems both could be right. The camouflaged shell seems to blend elements of the 918 with the tail of the all-conquering 956, and has the precise effect of revving up our anticipation even more. Whatever it is, we’ll be finding out very shortly, 6:30AM EST to be exact. But in the meantime, we invite you to check out the footage after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche teases Detroit-bound show car

Video: Porsche teases Detroit-bound show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BYD to unveil Lexus RX-influenced S6 hybrid in Detroit

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, China, Crossover, Electric

BYD S6 DM

BYD S6 DM – Click above for high-res image gallery

Whenever we hear that a Chinese automaker is working on a vehicle that’s “influenced” by some other successful model from an established global company, we wince a little. After all, we’ve seen quite a few less-than-convincing attempts to go along with a few couldn’t-tell-the-difference carbon copies. And neither of those options are acceptable.

From what we can tell, BYD’s S6 (shh – don’t tell Audi) DM crossover could be considered a little of both. From the profile, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a couple-year-old Lexus RX. From the front, we see clear influence from General Motors’ European arm, Opel. That said, it appears to be a passable effort on the styling front, and it’s what’s underneath that derivative skin that’s what really counts.

The DM in the ‘utes name stands for Dual Mode, as in a hybrid that can be powered by electricity only or a combination of the electric motors and gasoline engine. The drivetrain consists of a 14-horsepower electric motor that powers the front wheels and a 102-horsepower gasoline engine powering the rears. That’s not a lot of power, but at least the two systems can work together to offer all-wheel drive.

We’ll be on the lookout for this machine at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next week. In the meantime, check out a few images in our gallery below.

Gallery: BYD S6 DM

BYD S6 DM

[Source: China Car Times]

Report: BYD to unveil Lexus RX-influenced S6 hybrid in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Kia

Kia KV7 Concept

Kia KV7 concept teaser – Click above to expand

A few weeks ago, Kia released a teaser sketch of its new KV7 concept that will debut next week at the Detroit Auto Show. The initial sketch showed us that the Korean automaker is working on what appears to be a tall hatchback or small crossover, with the most interesting design feature being a set of gullwing doors for rear seat passengers.

Now, Kia has released this close-up shot of what appears to be the KV7’s front three-quarter view, showing off the rather unique headlamp units and full LED bar below the front bumper. Kia explains:

“Conceived as a challenge to the industry’s current interpretation of the van, the KV7 incorporates several innovative lighting elements currently being evaluated for future Kia production vehicles.”

Not only are we eager to see what the concept looks like in the flesh, but we’re curious as to just how big the KV7 is. As Kia states, this is an “interpretation of the van,” so we’re thinking this could be some sort of futuristic minivan concept, or perhaps something similar in size to Ford’s new 2012 C-Max. Either way, we’ll have the full details live from Cobo Hall next week, so stay tuned. Kia’s (short) official statement is available after the jump.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut

Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Fiat

Moparized 2012 Fiat 500

Mopar gets frisky with Chrysler’s newest vehicles – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler loves to show off its Mopar-accessorized vehicles, and the 2011 Detroit Auto Show provides the perfect stage to reveal some new ones. Two vehicles slated to make an appearance are the 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S and 2012 Fiat 500.

The Chrysler 200 Super S is dropped three inches and sports a black and tungsten paint scheme. The bodywork gets updated with a slew of parts including lower chin and rear decklid spoilers. Riding on a set of 19-inch wheels, the 200 Super S gets a major shot in the style department… for better of for worse.

Mopar is also turning to its new Italian cousin, the 2012 Fiat 500, and offering styling treatments in the same vein as the 200 Super S. Chrome trim sets off the blacked-out exterior while the black and blue leather interior features various carbon fiber accents. Underneath the skin sits a Mopar strut tower brace to add a bit of stiffness.

Be sure to hop the jump and read the full press release for even more Mopar goodies making an appearance in Detroit.

Gallery: Mopar for the Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500

Moparized Chrysler 200 Moparized Fiat 500

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment

Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Cadillac releases images of CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car ahead of official debut

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Cadillac, GM, Racing

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, General Motors announced that Cadillac would be returning to the SCCA World Challenge with an all-new, menacing version of the CTS-V Coupe. The race car will officially debut on January 10 at the Detroit Auto Show, but GM has released this first set of photos early, showing the hot new Caddy that’s set to storm the SCCA circuit starting in March.

Two CTS-V Coupe race cars will be commissioned for SCCA duty, driven by Johnny O’Connel and Andy Pilgrim. The first race is set to take place on March 25 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and we’re eager to see what these new CTS-V Coupes look like flying around the track. We’ll have live impressions of the race car live from Cobo Hall next week, but in the meantime, scroll through our high-res gallery of stock shots below. GM’s official press release is available after the jump, as well.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac releases images of CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car ahead of official debut

Detroit Preview: Cadillac releases images of CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car ahead of official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai bringing Curb concept to Detroit Auto Show

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Hyundai

Hyundai Curb concept vehicle

Hyundai Curb concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has announced that it is bringing a new crossover concept – the Curb – to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next week. We only have two teaser shots of the new CUV, and while the big wheels and overly swoopy lines are concept car-spec through and through, we won’t rule out the possibility of a sub-Tucson crossover coming down the pipeline in the next few years. The interior has been given the typical not-gonna-happen future-tech layout, but it is indeed eye-catching and definitely draws our interest.

The Curb concept will be rolled out on Monday, January 10, and we’ll be on hand to bring you the full suite of details and photos live from Cobo Hall. In the meantime, you can check out both teaser images in high-resolution glory in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hyundai Curb Concept Vehicle

Hyundai Curb Concept Vehicle Hyundai Curb Concept Vehicle interior

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai bringing Curb concept to Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Auto workers planning protest on eve of Detroit Auto Show

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, GM, UAW/Unions

Members of the United Auto Workers will once again protest the Detroit Auto Show this year. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, members of the union are upset about some of the concessions that the organization made when General Motors and Chrysler underwent bankruptcy. Now workers want those concessions back, even while both automakers struggle to protect profits and pay off sizable government loans. This comes as UAW President Bob King struggles to paint his union as a kinder, gentler labor organization. King has also made it clear that he wants the UAW to be part of the picture at manufacturing facilities owned by European and Asian automakers here in the states.

As part of that effort, King has called off protests at Toyota dealerships for their part in the closing of the NUMMI facility. Still, it seems that King is paying attention to the unrest in his organization. The UAW president is expected to ask for a larger share of the domestic automakers’ profits later in 2011 in a bid to appease his critics within the union.

[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]

Report: Auto workers planning protest on eve of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to unveil competition-spec 918 in Detroit?

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Porsche, Racing

2013 Porsche 918 RSR rendering

2013 Porsche 918 RSR renderings – Click above for high-res image gallery

Some automakers are in it for the racing. Others make cars to preserve some sort of legacy. But most are in the business, like any other company, to make money. And Porsche is certainly no exception. But while its road car division rakes in the dough hand over fist, the German automaker has made a science out of making its racing division profitable.

How is that, you ask? Because unlike some of its rivals, Porsche first and foremost provides factory-built racing machines to privateer customers. That’s how the 911 dominates GT racing grids around the world with such variants as the recently unveiled GT3 RSR. And if the latest reports from Germany are anything to go on, Porsche could be preparing a new racer at the rapidly approaching Detroit Auto Show.

Now we already knew that Porsche was planning something big for its return to the NAIAS after a four-year absence. And the signs seemed to point towards a new variant of the 918 Spyder concept we saw in Geneva last year. But the latest word from Auto Bild suggests that instead of a roadgoing production coupe version as some had suspected, Stuttgart will instead unveil a racing version of the new mid-engine flagship supercar in Cobo Hall.

The reports further suggest that the race-spec 918 will carry a more conventional V8 powertrain than the hybrid setup of the previous concept, and that the car will – like the rest of Porsche’s aforementioned customer racing paddock – be available to privateer teams to purchase and campaign on the world’s racing circuits. Sounds tempting – and profitable – and fortunately we won’t have long to wait before we find out one way or another.

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority | Images: TeamSpeed]

Porsche to unveil competition-spec 918 in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: AB reader erects unique billboard outside of Detroit, needs help adopting baby

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Adoption billboard

Autoblog reader Josh and wife Wendy need your help – Click above to watch video after the jump

A lot of emails arrive in our inbox every day, as you might imagine. We’re not able to respond to all of them, sadly, and besides, we don’t know why the bed of your 1993 GMC Sierra squeaks and we apologize in advance for not looking at your blog chronicling the hottest auto trends of Belarus. That said, we do respond to as many as possible, and we appreciate all of your tips. Every now and then, we receive very special emails that we take to heart and help out in any way we can. One such electronic letter arrived the other day from an Autoblog reader named Josh.

Josh says that he’s a fanatical reader of the site (never hurts…), the owner of a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and he even works for General Motors in Flint, Michigan. Josh is also a man looking to adopt a child with his wife, Wendy. The couple has gone through the process of applying for an adoption, passed with flying colors and now have been told they must simply wait.

Well, they’ve been waiting… and waiting, with no calls from the adoption authorities. Rather than dismiss the process or wait for years, the two have taken to marketing themselves. First, they printed up t-shirts and business cards. Now, Josh and Wendy have decided to go even bigger – as in billboard big. Alongside Michigan’s Interstate 75 in Grand Blanc, you might see their smiling faces as well as a phone number to call and get in touch with them. The billboard in question looks like the one above (okay, so we’ve taken the CBS Outdoor art and touched it up a bit so you can see the information a bit more clearly).

It’s a sad state of affairs when an approved and eager couple aren’t able to find a baby waiting to go to real home. Their extraordinary promotion efforts says a lot about how much Josh and Wendy are eager to raise a bundle of joy, and we wish them luck. It’s not just Autoblog trying to lend a helping hand, CNN caught up with Josh and Wendy and you can view the clip after the jump.

[Source: CNN | Source Image: CBS Outdoor/numberstumber – C.C. 2.0]

Continue reading Video: AB reader erects unique billboard outside of Detroit, needs help adopting baby

Video: AB reader erects unique billboard outside of Detroit, needs help adopting baby originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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