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Official: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S named Motor Trend Best Driver’s Car [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Porsche, Racing, Comparisons

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Best Driver's Car video

Motor Trend has named the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S its best driver’s car for 2013. The annual
competition for the title included some of the best performance cars that have gone on sale in the past year. The new C4S follows the 2012 Best Driver’s Car award winner, a two-wheel-drive Carrera S.

Determining the winner of the coveted title isn’t easy. Each vehicle is pushed through Motor Trend‘s normal battery of instrumented tests. Editors then spend time with each car over a 500-mile tour of mixed conditions before a final batch of testing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with pro racer Randy Pobst at the wheel.

The video below features one of the Carrera’s hot laps with Pobst at the wheel, providing commentary on just what the car is like at its limits. Also, there’s plenty of that sweet, distinctive, Porsche flat-six howl. Take a look below for the full video.

Continue reading Porsche 911 Carrera 4S named Motor Trend Best Driver’s Car [w/video]

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S named Motor Trend Best Driver’s Car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM sales chief Batey to be named global head of Chevrolet

Filed under: Europe, Chevrolet, GM, Middle East, Russia, South America

Alan Batey, General Motors executive The Wall Street Journal is reporting that General Motors is on the verge of naming current US sales chief, Alan Batey, as the new global head of the Chevrolet brand. Batey has been accruing relevant international experience with GM for quite some time now, holding executive management positions in Europe, Korea, the Middle East and the US before getting this latest nod as Chevy’s global leader.

It was Batey who helped to launch the automaker’s “Find New Roads” campaign in February during his stint as Chevy’s interim marketing chief. That tag line, chosen in part for its ease of translation into multiple languages, is currently being rolled out globally.

Batey’s appointment also comes in front of a major product offensive for Chevy, both at home and abroad. The automaker has plans to launch some 13 new or updated vehicles in the US this year, along with 12 more in global markets. Escalating sales in China, Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America have helped to cement a need for Batey’s new gig. According to the WSJ, Batey has decried the regional-based strategy that Chevy has used across the world so far, saying, “That’s over. From now on we will operate as one.”

Bringing cohesion to Chevy models, technology and dealers across the world will be no mean feat, we’re certain. High on the list of Batey’s tasks will be right-sizing the relationship between Chevy and the slightly upmarket Opel brand in Europe, as well as expanding the company’s reach in booming markets like China, Russia and Thailand.

GM sales chief Batey to be named global head of Chevrolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoSmart automotive smartphone accessory is ironically named

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Videos

gosmart clip on a lexus wheel

GoSmart Clip in action – Click above to watch the video after the jump

In a world chock-full of bad ideas, the makers of the GoSmart Clip have found a way to stand out. The device is actually quite simple in form. It’s a plastic phone holder that clips onto many smartphones, and utilizes an elastic strap to adhere itself to the steering wheel. The device retails for $29.95, and it comes in both red and black.

A $30 price tag isn’t too horrible for any chunk of useful plastic, but this testament to distracted driving takes “smart” to an entirely different level. The device is obviously for those who like to play on their phone when they’re going 75 miles-per-hour, though the device’s FAQ page tells owners not to text and drive and recommends using Bluetooth when you’re on a call. That was responsible of them. And if you’re wondering if the device blocks the gauge cluster, we’re guessing the answer is almost always yes. But don’t worry, the FAQ says that if the gauges are blocked, simply move the device too 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock on the steering wheel. Problem solved, right?

With over 5,000 deaths per year attributed to distracted driving, the GoSmart seems like one of the worst accessories ever. Luckily, the company made a video to prove how sturdy the device is, and you can check it out by hitting the jump.

Continue reading GoSmart automotive smartphone accessory is ironically named

GoSmart automotive smartphone accessory is ironically named originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Equus named IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hyundai, Luxury

hyundai equus top safety pick

2011 Hyundai Equus IIHS Top Safety Pick – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our long-term Hyundai Equus has already impressed our staff with its copious level of luxury refinement and general largess. Now Hyundai can put another notch in the belt of its luxury sedan after being designated an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

The Equus won the award by scoring a “Good” in front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. The Equus also manged to surpass the stringent IIHS requirement for roof strength, as the big sedan was found to have a roof that can support a force equal to 4.87 times its weight. To receive a “Good” score, a roof must be able to support at least four times its weight. The Equus also features electronic stability control; another must-have to receive a Top Safety Pick designation.

Click on the gallery below to see high-resolution pics of a $60,000 luxury sedan getting destroyed in the name of science and safety.

Gallery: Hyundai Equus IIHS Top Safety Pick

Hyundai Equus IIHS Top Safety Pick

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

2011 Hyundai Equus named IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Altima outsells Camry, Accord in March, named best-selling sedan in America for first time

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan, Earnings/Financials

2010 Nissan Altima sedan

Nissan Altima – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan says it achieved a 9.7 percent U.S. market share in March, the highest single month in company history. Complementing March’s heady number is an overall market share of 9.3 percent for Nissan in the first quarter of 2011. That represents a 0.3 percent gain in market share, building on 2010’s 0.4 percent gain.

March also saw the Nissan Altima take the title of best-selling sedan in America, another company first. The Altima contributed 32,289 units to Nissan’s 121,141-car total, which is nearly a 27 percent bump over last year’s March figures. It isn’t immediately clear what incentives Nissan had on the car during the month of March to aid sales, but presently, the Japanese automaker is offering zero-percent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 percent APR financing for up to 72 months, or $1,250 cash back.

Had enough numbers? Too bad, Nissan isn’t quite done. Monthly sales were up 28.4 percent for the division, another record, and Infiniti saw a 13.5 percent sales hike in March. With numbers this big, Nissan is looking at a banner year.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Sedan

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan Altima outsells Camry, Accord in March, named best-selling sedan in America for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Mercedes-Benz named top brands in new Harris polls

Filed under: Ford, Mercedes-Benz

The latest Harris polls are out, and the big winners in the automotive sector are Ford and Mercedes-Benz. The two brands made the top of the list for full-line and luxury automakers by scoring highest in terms of customer connection, commitment, equity and trust.

Ford took the top spot for full-line automotive due in part to strong new products, beating out Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. Chevy finished second, while Toyota dropped from first place to fourth overall. Hyundai and Kia were pointed out as fast risers in the survey, though neither automaker made the full-line top 10.

On the Luxury front, Mercedes-Benz took the top prize away from Lexus, though Toyota’s luxury arm only slipped one spot to number two. BMW, Infiniti and Acura round out the top five.

A total of 25,099 people aged 15 and up were randomly asked about 60 brands out of a total of 1,273. Each brand was given a total of at least 1,000 responses, with rankings chosen based on a calculation of Familiarity, Quality, and Purchase Consideration. Hit the jump to read over the Harris Interactive press release.

[Source: Harris Interactive]

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Ford, Mercedes-Benz named top brands in new Harris polls originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: CFO Liddell leaving GM, Treasurer Dan Ammann named replacement

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM

GM Executives

General Motors has announced that Chris Liddell (above left), the company’s vice chairman and chief financial officer, is leaving the automaker. Liddell joined GM in January 2010 and was instrumental in guiding the manufacturer through its recent initial public offering. At this point, the reasons for Liddell’s departure remain unclear.

According to Automotive News, Liddell was initially viewed as one possible successor to Ed Whitacre as CEO of GM, though that changed when Whitacre unexpectedly announced his plans to retire.

Since then, Dan Akerson has been picked to lead GM.

Dan Ammann (above right), who currently serves as the automaker’s treasurer, will succeed Liddell. Ammann has been with GM for less than a year, having joined the company in March of 2010. Before joining the automotive industry, he served as the managing director and head of industrials investment banking at Morgan Stanley for four years. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Sources: General Motors, Automotive News – sub. req.]

Continue reading Report: CFO Liddell leaving GM, Treasurer Dan Ammann named replacement

Report: CFO Liddell leaving GM, Treasurer Dan Ammann named replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Edge named Canadian Car and Utility of the Year

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, Canada

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Click above for high-res image gallery

Both Chevrolet and Ford have something to brag about at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show. The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada named the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze the Canadian Car of the Year; the 2011 Ford Edge took Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year honors. According to General Motors, AJAC members cited the compact sedan’s efficiency, refinement, and price as the key factors, and that added bonuses like 10 standard air bags helped seal the award for the Cruze.

The 2011 Ford Edge crossover, won over journos with its extensive redesign and came out ahead following both road and track tests. Additionally, the Edge’s onboard technology features helped drive home the win. Hit the jump for both press releases.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT: Review

2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Edge

[Sources: General Motors, Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Edge named Canadian Car and Utility of the Year

2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Edge named Canadian Car and Utility of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 Italia named 2011 Robb Report Car of the Year

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ferrari, Luxury

Robb Report 2011 Car of the Year issue Motor Trend may prefer the Chevrolet Volt, but the well-heeled readers of the Robb Report have a considerably different set of priorities when it comes to picking the best of the best. That’s why the luxury magazine has decided to name the Ferrari 458 Italia as its Car of the Year.

The 458 scores high marks for its exterior design, interior materials and overall performance, and the Prancing Horse beat out thirteen other vehicles for the award. Says the magazine:

The stunning Italian sports car topped (in order of finish) the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, Bentley Mulsanne, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, Audi A8L, Aston Martin Rapide, BMW Alpina B7, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Jaguar XJ Supersport, Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, and Lotus Evora.

Click past the break for the complete press release.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: Robb Report]

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia named 2011 Robb Report Car of the Year

Ferrari 458 Italia named 2011 Robb Report Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 coupe to be named Scion FT-S?

Filed under: Coupe, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We know the Toyota rear-wheel-drive coupe will wear a Scion badge, and now we might finally know what it’s going to be called. The just-make-it-already Toyota FT-86 concept has evolved into the Scion FT-86 and word on the web is that the production version will be known as the Scion FT-S.

Look for the Scion FT-S coupe to make its debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Rumor has it that a 2.5-liter engine, not a 2.0-liter, will power the rear wheels and that Toyota plans a heavy marketing push aimed at the drifting crowd.

The Subaru version is slated for a Geneva debut, and the rumormill now suggests that all-wheel drive is planned for the Subaru coupe, which should easily differentiate it from the Scion FT-S and help keep the two cars from cannibalizing each other’s sales. If anyone’s listening, we’ll take an AWD Subaru coupe in full STI trim, please.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept

[Source: Toyobaru]

Toyota FT-86 coupe to be named Scion FT-S? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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