Official: 2014 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year long list released

Filed under: Etc.

North American Car of the Year crystal award

Is it that time of the year again already? The 2014 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year award “long list” has just been revealed, with 29 nominees sliding into the car category and 19 up for consideration in the truck/utility space. As ever, both NACTOY lists serve to illustrate the ever-widening scope of product that our industry has to offer. Tiny electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Spark EV and luxury bruisers like the new Maserati Ghibli bookend the car list, and the truck/utility nominees continue to illustrate the growing popularity of crossovers.

Last year, the Cadillac ATS claimed the car award (the Ram 1500 took home the truck category), and this year, General Motors has a healthy crop of nominees, including two from Cadillac (CTS, ELR) and four from Chevrolet (Corvette, Impala, Spark EV, SS). On the other side of the fence, the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra twins are also vying for the coveted cut crystal. Kia and Mercedes-Benz also have a lot of vehicles up for consideration. The Korean brand is represented by the Cadenza, Forte, Soul, and Quoris on the car side, and the Sorento on the truck/utility front, while Daimler will see its B-Class, CLA-Class, E-Class and S-Class models in the mix.

As ever, the long list gets its name because it serves as broad brushstroke roundup of new or substantially updated vehicles released in time for consideration. Given the fluid nature of new vehicle releases, the long list shows which vehicles are eligible for consideration – some of them may not have been seen or driven by the NACTOY’s 50-strong juror pool yet. Select vehicles may thus fall off the list if they do not become available for judging in a timely fashion, while other vehicles not shown on the list may be still be added at this stage. Later this fall, after jurors have driven the vehicles, a first round of voting will be held, and the resulting “short list” of a dozen or so vehicles will trigger further assessment followed by another vote that will result in three finalists for each category. A final round of voting will commence, and the winners will be announced at January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Check out both lists of nominees by scrolling below, then have your say on who you think should win in Comments.

*Full Disclosure: Author is a NACTOY jury member.

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2014 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year long list released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: F1 driver Kubica released from hospital

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Celebrities, Skoda, Racing

Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica has finally been released from hospital following his terrifying February rally crash. In case you forgot, Kubica hit an Armco barrier, which punctured the cockpit of his Skoda Fabia S2000, nearly severing off his hand and casting doubt on the future of his driving career.

Kubica’s release is an important step in his overall recovery, but hardly means the Polish Formula One ace will be back in the cockpit any time soon. According to doctors, his recovery is moving along apace, but he still has seriously limited use of the injured appendage. The main concern is the extensive nerve damage Kubica’s crash caused in the affected limb. How long the nerves will take to right themselves is anyone’s guess.

For now, Kubica will spend some time at home in Monaco before going back to Italy to start a long and extensive rehab program. It may be months or even years before the full implications of the crash on the 26-year-old Pole’s F1 driving career are known, but we’re glad to hear he’s out of the hospital and on to the next stage in his recovery.

[Source: Crash.net]

Report: F1 driver Kubica released from hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio released in U.S. “just in time for spring”

Filed under: Convertible, Chrysler, Fiat

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio – Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news, lovers of open-air motoring: Fiat has just announced that its diminutive little 500 Cabrio will be hitting the U.S. market “just in time for spring” as a 2012 model. That’s a little nebulous, mind you, as the announcement doesn’t specifically say when we should expect the droptop 500c to actually hit a dealership near you.

In any case, the North American 500 Cabrio mimics its European cousin with an electrically powered fabric roof that can be opened while driving at any speed up to 60 miles per hour. Unlike most convertibles, the 500 Cabrio keeps its fully-framed side windows, as the top slides back and forth on roof rails instead of folding down into a pile at the rear of the car.

Fiat will offer the 500 Cabrio with three different soft top colors, 14 exterior colors and 12 combinations of interior colors and fabrics. Customization is a good thing, no? We’ll get our first live impressions of the 500c at the New York Auto Show next week. Hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to check out some fun-in-the-sun motoring in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500c

2012 Fiat 500c2012 Fiat 500c2012 Fiat 500c

[Source: Fiat]

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2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio released in U.S. “just in time for spring” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q3 sketches released ahead of Shanghai debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Audi, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

2012 Audi Q3

2012 Audi Q3 renderings – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has confirmed that its 2012 Q3 small crossover will receive its worldwide unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. Before the Q3 debuts in the metal, Audi has released a series of sketches hinting what we can expect in a few weeks time.

When the production Q3 debuts it will sit on Volkswagen Tiguan underpinnings, but will be considerably more shapely than its less costly cousin. If these sketches are to be believed, the Q3 owes a little somethin’ somethin’ to Audi’s Cross Coupe Quattro concept shown in Shanghai back in 2007.

The Tiguan’s engines and transmissions should carryover into the Q3, which means a turbo four producing around 200 horsepower with a diesel option for Europe.

Gallery: 2011 Audi Q3 sketches

2011 Audi Q3 sketches2011 Audi Q3 sketches2011 Audi Q3 sketches2011 Audi Q3 sketches2011 Audi Q3 sketches

[Source: Audi]

Audi Q3 sketches released ahead of Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has finally released official details on the 2012 C63 AMG. Buyers can expect to be met with the same 451-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 under the hood, though an optional AMG Development Package can crank that figure all the way up to 481 ponies. Bolted behind that miracle mill is the company’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox, though the transmission now comes with new mapping to squeeze as much efficiency as possible from the drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz calls the mode “controlled efficiency,” and along with a new, more efficient power steering pump, the company says that the 2012 C63 AMG will boast a 10 percent nudge in fuel economy over its predecessor.

EPA figures are still pending, but Mercedes-Benz says that the sedan will clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds with the optional performance kit. With acceleration like that, who needs fuel economy?

The Silver Arrow has also been kind enough to include a handful of aesthetic tweaks, including a redesigned grille, lower apron and daytime running lights that were heavily influenced by the company’s SLS AMG. Inside, a new dash and LCD screen dominate the conversation, though a new three-spoke tiller is also part of the package. Look for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to touch down in the United States this fall. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai sports coupe officially named Veloster, new teaser vid and site released [*UPDATE]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai Veloster teaser

Hyundai Veloster flashes its LEDs for us – Click above to watch video after the jump

Hyundai is bringing its hotly anticipated sports coupe to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and it appears from a new teaser video and microsite that that the car will indeed be called Veloster, ending months of speculation that the affordable model could be named something else (Tiburon, FS, π, etc.).

Hyundai has also released a video of the Veloster, but it’s pretty low on the fulfillment meter and heavy on the teasing. The clip, which you can watch after the jump, tells us the Veloster will have a direct-injected engine, a dual-clutch gearbox, hit an estimated 40 miles per gallon and will come with Bluetooth connectivity. At this point we can only stare at the pretty blue LED lights seen above and continue to pour over camo-clad examples in spy shots.

*UPDATE: Through some Photoshop wizardry, readers Brendon and APV have managed to provide a better look at the Veloster. Click to see Brendon’s image & APV’s image. Thanks to both of you!

[Sources: YouTube, Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai sports coupe officially named Veloster, new teaser vid and site released [*UPDATE]

Hyundai sports coupe officially named Veloster, new teaser vid and site released [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5’s lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll]

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

Forza Motorsport 4 trailer teaser

Click above to watch the video after the jump

November 2010 was a big month for driving simulator-loving PlayStation 3 owners. Gran Turismo 5 finally hit store shelves nearly six years after GT4 set the gaming world aflame. GT5 is a PS3-only affair, though, so xBox fans have little to get excited about. But then again, most xBox champions probably feel they already have a hyper-realistic driving simulator courtesy of the Forza series. And according to the official Forza Motorsport website next Fall will see the debut of Forza 4.

That’s right; just one year after GT5 finally graced our presence and only two years after Forza 3 was minted, an all-new Forza is waiting in the wings. We’re a little shy on details at at this point, but we’re guessing the game will build upon the 500 cars in the Forza 3 Ultimate Collection, with more tracks, more racing styles and, hopefully, even more stunning graphics. Hit the jump to watch the Forza Motorsport 4 teaser, and chime in on the battle of Forza versus Gran Turismo in our poll below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

View Poll

Gallery: Forza Motorsports 4 Trailer Screen Shots

Forza Motorsports 4 Screen ShotForza Motorsports 4 Screen ShotForza Motorsports 4 Screen ShotForza Motorsports 4 Screen Shot

[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Continue reading Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5’s lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll]

Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5’s lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer released

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer – Click above to watch video after the jump

We’ve already seen plenty of action on the set of the third installment in the Transformers. Unplanned accidents and injured cast members seemed to dominate the news, but now the film is heading into post-production and we can get a glimpse at what type of action to expect on the big screen. The first trailer has been released for Transformers: Dark of the Moon and we can honestly say the teaser does a good job at raising our excitement level for the new film… even though we know it’s going to suck as bad as the last two.

The trailer shows the 1969 Moon landing in glorious HD, but also reveals a secret motive behind the mission. We won’t spoil it for you, so just jump and try to figure out how this relates to cars… again.

[Source: MichaelBay.com]

Continue reading Video: Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer released

Video: Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: First teaser trailer for Cars 2 released

Filed under: Videos, Celebrities, Humor

Mater and Lightning McQueen ride again – Click above to watch video after the jump

Everyone’s favorite animated autos are back. Pixar just released the first teaser trailer for Cars 2, and the film looks to bring back the same cast of wayward four-wheel stars as before. Details are still scarce at the moment, but judging from the trailer, Mater and Lightning McQueen will leave Radiator Springs and partner up for some Mission Impossible-style antics. We’re guessing that hilarity ensues.

Pixar says that we can expect to see Cars 2 hit theaters sometime during the summer of 2011, but the animation studio isn’t saying much beyond that. Hit the jump to take a look at the brief trailer.

[Source: YouTube]

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Video: First teaser trailer for Cars 2 released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti G25 Sedan – Click above for high-res image

Infiniti now has a online configurator for the G25 powered by a 2.5-liter V6, and the details are, quite frankly, a bit of a mixed bag. We already knew that the base G25 starts at a very reasonable $30,950 ($31,825 with $875 destination), or $4,100 less than the base G37 Journey. That starting price won’t come with such niceties as Bluetooth, dual climate control or a USB interface for your electronic gadgets. To reach that level of refinement you’ll have to step up to the G25 Journey, which stickers for $32,350 ($33,225 with destination). To add all-wheel drive to your G25 you’ll have to come up with still more cash. The G25X has all the standard equipment of the G25 Journey, but adds AWD and a snow mode for $33,950 ($34,825 with destination).

You’ll undoubtedly save money up front if you opt for a G25, but you’ll also save at the pump… a little. The G25’s EPA numbers read 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad for a luxury sled, but it’s also only fractionally better than the far more powerful G37, which nets respectable 19/27 numbers. The G25X tells a similar story, with 19/27 numbers only marginally better than the G37X’s 18/25 totals.

There is little doubt that there’s a market in the U.S. for the G25. After all, there are plenty of folks out who will be happy to rock a G Sedan with a lower MSRP and better fuel economy than the now up-level G37. But the G25’s 2.5-liter V6 with 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque is 110 horsepower and 82 lb-ft behind the G37’s fabulous 3.7-liter V6, and when you consider the mediocre improvement in fuel economy, we’re inclined to keep saving pennies until we can afford the G37.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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