models Archives | Page 7 of 8

Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti FX

2011 Infiniti FX – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Infiniti FX has just received that rare gift of a price cut, with $2,600 coming off the FX50’s MSRP and $1,250 in savings for the FX35. Looking at Infiniti’s numbers for 2010, the division has been outperforming 2009 by anywhere from 10 to nearly 50 percent since February 2010, but the picture comes into focus when you separate the FX from the herd.

Despite good divisional performance, the swoopy FX is off 12.4 percent calendar year to date, according to the Nissan North America sales report for August 2010. It’s not like 2009 was a banner year, of course, so to help spur FX sales, Infiniti has lowered the base MSRPs on its FX models to $41,600 for the rear-wheel-drive FX35, $43,050 for the FX35 with all-wheel drive and $56,400 for the V8-powered FX50. To sweeten the pot, Infiniti is also throwing in a standard power liftgate, too. We’ll know soon enough whether the pricing gambit has worked. Official press release posted after the jump. Hat tip to Zach!

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti FX

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011

Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011”

Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volvo, Luxury

2011 Volvo S60 R-Design

2011 Volvo S60 R-Design – Click above for high-res image galery

Volvo has been so kind as to give us an inkling of what to expect from the company when it arrives at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The Swedish carmaker will display new R-Design versions of both the S60 sedan and the V60 wagon. According to the press release, both cars will receive the usual go-fast treatment, starting with a few aesthetic changes outside. The R-Design cars will wear a more aggressive fascia up front, unique 18-inch alloys, revised sports seats inside and a few suspension tweaks to help everything stay planted through the twisties.

That means firmer bushings all the way around, a strut-tower brace up front and lower, stiffer coils on all four corners. The icing on the cake is a new corner traction control system that uses a torque-vectoring system to make for smoother cornering, a compelling feature that we just tested on the plain-jane S60 T6 all-wheel drive. Don’t look for any extra horsepower under the hood, though. Volvo has left the usual array of engines completely untouched. Both the R-Design S60 and V60 will debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show next month. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60 R-Design

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut

Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut”

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Rumormill

Chrysler has a whole cabinet full of pots on the fire, unleashing as it is a slew of heavily revised or completely new cars and trucks over the next couple of years. If you’re thinking that this seems like a good time to leap-frog its way back to the head of the pack in terms of vehicle specification, we’re right there with you.

And according to reports, so is Chrysler’s new management from Italy. We’ve heard rumblings that the Fiat-controlled automaker will introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles in 2012, and now rumors indicate that the Pentastar’s next trick will be a nine-speed slushbox for its front-wheel drivers, which should have a suitably positive effect on fuel efficiency.

According to company head Sergio Marchionne, both the eight- and nine-speed gearboxes will be adaptable for use in all-wheel-drive applications and will come ready to accept hybrid bits and pieces. As of now, there isn’t any timetable on when we should expect to see the new nine-speeder.

*Update: Full text of Marchionne’s speech can be found after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models”

Report: Ecoboost for all Ford models

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Ford Ecoboost V6

Once again, reports are making the rounds that each model in Ford’s stable will soon be available with an Ecoboost engine option. While this isn’t the first time we’ve heard such murmurings, The Detroit News reports that Jim Farley, the Ford global head of sales, says that his company’s product plans include direct-injection and turbocharging at the core of each vehicle’s future powertrain lineup. Don’t think that those high-tech, smaller-displacement engines will command a price tag that’s any easier to swallow, though.

Farley believes consumers will be willing to pay more for Ecoboost-powered vehicles. Why? Because the fuel economy savings can offset the MSRP premium in as little as two years. That may help to explain why the Blue Oval has priced the Ecoboost four-cylinder Explorer above the equivalent V6 model.

Even so, Farley didn’t make mention of whether or not the Blue Oval is meditating on situating a forced-induction engine into the likes of the mighty Mustang. While we know the new F-150 will arrive with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 under its hood this fall, the brand’s pony car has been hallowed ground for the naturally-aspirated faithful… for now.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Ecoboost for all Ford models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Ecoboost for all Ford models”

Tally Ho: Porsche delivers over 22,500 Panamera models in year one

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S – Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps on the corporate side Porsche hasn’t had much to gloat about lately, but on the product side it’s cigars and bubbly and told-ya-so’s. When the Panamera took to the track it won its very first race in the Italian Supercar series, and that came just as the 25,000th four-door was being built at the Leipzig factory. It’s a good thing the factory was working so hard: 22,518 of those Panameras have been sold after just a year on the market.

A finer peek into the numbers reveals the Panamera 4S is the sales king, followed by the Turbo and the Panamera S. And in the “No Surprise At All” file, Los Angeles leads individual markets with 890 deliveries. Follow the jump for the press release on the ugly-but-quick duckling turned sales swan.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Porsche Panamera V6

Photos Copyright (C) 2010 Drew Philips, Michael Harley / AOL
[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Tally Ho: Porsche delivers over 22,500 Panamera models in year one

Tally Ho: Porsche delivers over 22,500 Panamera models in year one originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Tally Ho: Porsche delivers over 22,500 Panamera models in year one”

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Shelby Mustang Concepts – Click above for image gallery

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it’s proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

Gallery: Shelby Mustang Concepts

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500”

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

toyota corolla

2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix – Click above for high-res image gallery

toyota matrix Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE“

Report: Two new models coming from Morgan

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, UK, Luxury

Morgan LIFEcar 2 diesel-electric hybrid – Click above for image gallery

We suppose it was only a matter of time before mighty Morgan threw its cap into the electric car realm. With everyone from Mercedes-Benz to Audi toying around with motor-powered supercars, the eclectic purveyor of long-hood wonders was bound to follow suit. According to Autocar, we can expect to see a pair of new models to emerge from Morgan in short order. The first, called the LIFEcar 2, is especially mouth watering. The svelte coupe supposedly gets its power from a diesel-electric powertrain and will pack a range of around 1,000 miles. Despite its city car name, the LIFEcar 2 will be a sports car above all else.

As for the second model, Autocar was able to drum up very few details, other than it will be more extreme with a focus on entertainment.

If you’re thinking this sounds like the standard Brit-pub rumor mongering, think again. Morgan says it will bring the LIFEcar 2 from prototype to production, and that it will weight a scant 1,700 pounds when it hits the road. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Morgan LIFEcar 2

[Source: Autocar, Morgan]

Continue reading Report: Two new models coming from Morgan

Report: Two new models coming from Morgan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Two new models coming from Morgan”

Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of “Good” in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle’s roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a “Good” score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.

Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it’s not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an “Acceptable” score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a “Marginal” rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS”

Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models

Filed under: Bentley, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed 80-11 Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Pebble Beach is fast becoming one of the best places for new car debuts. Besides seeing the McLaren MP4-12C, Fiorvanti SP1, Perana Z-One, Morgan EvaGT, Jaguar XK175, Jaguar XJ75 Platinum, Boss 302 Mustang, Veyron Super Sport, Lotus Exos T125, Lotus Evora GT4 Cup, and so on and so on, we just got to see the new Bentley Continental GTC and GTC Speed 80-11 Editions. These 80-11 models, designed exclusively for the North American market, will be limited to just 80 units each. The “11” in the title refers to 2011, the model year of these specials.

These are basically trim packages, adding things like 20-inch, 14-spoke polished wheels, and red calipers on the Speed, but they at least look tasteful. While the 80-11 Editions will be available in any Bentley color, they’ve introduced a new color – Midnight – that will be exclusive to these models.

If the wheels or special color don’t tip you off to the special nature of these vehicles, you might be able to spot them by their little Union Jack badges on the front fenders. Check out the full press release after the jump for more details and be sure to peruse our gallery as well.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Bentley Continental GTC Speed 80-11 Edition

2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed 80-11 Edition

Continue reading Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models

Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Monterey 2010: Bentley unveils pair of limited edition Continental GTC models”