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Official: Toyota, Ford decide to end hybrid collaboration before it starts

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Truck, Ford, Toyota

Not all so-called Memorandum of Understanding pacts end in actual collaborations. For instance, after a two-year “feasibility study,” Toyota and Ford have just announced that they will not be developing hybrid systems for use in light trucks and SUVs as previously planned, and the two automakers will instead continue to develop their own hybrid technology independently.

The would-be collaboration was first announced in August of 2011, and would have seen a rear-wheel-drive hybrid platform that would “improve the efficiency of trucks and SUVs while still allowing them to be driven in the way customers expect,” according to our initial post on the topic.

Keep in mind that this announcement isn’t to say we shouldn’t expect hybrid pickups and SUVs from the two automakers, but that they probably aren’t coming very soon – Ford says it will have a system “before the end of this decade” and we haven’t heard much from Toyota on the hybrid truck front since the 2008 A-BAT Concept (pictured above) – and that they will not share any components between them (and they never have, for what it’s worth).

In any case, Ford and Toyota are continuing to work together on “next-generation standards for telematics and will consider other areas for future collaboration as well.” Feel free to read announcements from both automakers below.

Continue reading Toyota, Ford decide to end hybrid collaboration before it starts

Toyota, Ford decide to end hybrid collaboration before it starts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will get 49 mpg city in US, starts at $37,260 in Japan

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid - black - front three-quarter view

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid JDM - front three-quarter view Two bits of news about the upcoming 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid have been released, but still not enough to have a complete picture of the revamped gas-electric that will come to the US this October.

First, and this applies to the US model, the Accord Hybrid has been given an estimated 49-miles-per-gallon EPA city fuel economy rating along with 45 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined thanks to some high-tech wizardry – a.k.a. two-motor hybrid powertrain – that is similar to what’s already available in the 115 MPGe Accord Plug-In. The Accord will be Honda’s first hybrid to be assembled in Marysville, OH. You’ll find many more details in the press release below.

Over in Japan, where we already knew fuel economy estimates, the story is a little more complete. Namely, that pricing for the new Accord Hybrid will start at 3,650,000 yen (US $37,260). That’s a whopping 610,000 yen ($6,227) more than the competition is charging for the Toyota Camry Hybrid and also a lot more than the standard Accord in Japan, which starts at around $25,500. Analysts say this price premium is “a good strategy” for the extra fuel economy and should keep the Accord nipping at the Camry’s heels, saleswise.

The big question is: does this help us guess how much the Accord Hybrid will cost stateside? Not really. Honda’s Jessica Fini told AutoblogGreen, “We don’t have pricing on the US version yet. That information will be available closer to the on-sale in October. It would be challenging to compare the Japan pricing strategy to what will happen with the US model since the markets are pretty different.” For example, she added, “The Accord in Japan is a premium model – in the article they compare it to a Lexus in the US – so that should also provide some perspective on how they are pricing it here. Certainly the US Accord has a different position here in the market.”

In the US, the standard Accord starts at $21,680 while the 2014 Plug-In begins at $39,780, and we’re pretty certain the hybrid will slot between the two. Bold prediction, right?

Continue reading 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will get 49 mpg city in US, starts at $37,260 in Japan

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will get 49 mpg city in US, starts at $37,260 in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has brought its latest iteration of the new-for-2011 Jetta – the turbocharged GLI – to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, and we’re quickly falling in love with the Autobahn-ready VW. The Jetta’s already handsome (if decidedly sedate) looks are emphasized by larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia and smoked taillamps, and when the whole package is painted in pull-me-over red, we can’t help but daydream about whipping the new Jetta GLI around our favorite set of twisty backroads.

The Jetta GLI appears eager to perform, too. Under the hood is Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Both a manual and dual-clutch transmission are available, the latter of which allows the Jetta GLI to achieve up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Not bad.

The big change, of course, is that the GLI will benefit from a more sophisticated independent rear suspension than the standard Jetta, and VW has ported over its XDS cross differential technology from the GTI.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to go on sale later this year, priced from $23,495. Check it out for yourself in our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Chicago 2011

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495

Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti EX

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

The biggest news for Infiniti’s 2011 model year lineup may be the all-new M sedan, QX56 SUV, G25 sedan and IPL G coupe, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the automaker’s portfolio sails into the new year unchanged. The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

Curiously, Infiniti is still offering the EX with its smaller 3.5-liter V6, even though the majority of its products now use the more powerful 3.7-liter mill. Still, with 297 horsepower on tap, the EX35 should continue to be a surprisingly engaging steer, and with a new seven-speed gearbox in place, fuel efficiency should be improved for 2011, especially in the all-wheel drive models.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Other changes for 2011 include Active Blind Spot Warming being added to the EX’s technology package and a revised premium package that encompasses both the upgraded Bose audio system and around-view camera system.

The 2011 EX is making its way to dealerships as you read this, priced from $34,150 (*excluding destination fees). A top-end EX35 Journey AWD will set you back $37,750, drastically undercutting the price of BMW’s new (and admittedly larger) X3 xDrive35i that we recently tested. Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti EX

2011 Infiniti EX

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus

2011 Hyundai Equus – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has released pricing information for the all-new 2011 Equus, and the full-size luxury sedan we drove earlier this year, will start at $58,000 in Signature form. Option up for the top-tier Equus Ultimate and the sticker swells to $64,500. So what does the extra $6,500 nets you?

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
First-Class passenger-side rear seat with leg support and a massage system
Cooled rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor
Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
Rear-seat power up/down head rests
Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
Forward-view cornering camera
Power trunk lid

All 2011 Hyundai Equus’ features Hyundai’s new “At Your Service” ownership experience, which includes a plethora of service options ranging from valet pick up and drop off to the use of a Hyundai Genesis while the Equus is in for service, not to mention no-cost maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles. Every authorized Hyundai dealership will play host to an Equus Champion; a product expert who is available to answer any questions about the car. New Equus owners also get to enjoy an Apple iPad in place of the traditional owner’s manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Equus will begin arriving at select dealerships this December and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus: First Drive

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000

2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Woodward Dream Cruise: Autoblog’s Livestream starts Saturday, 10AM EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows

Woodward Dream Cruise

1.5 million people. 40,000 cars. 16 miles of famous Woodward Ave. It’s that time of year again to cover our favorite event near the city of Detroit (we love the Detroit Auto Show, but c’mon, it happens in the dead of winter): the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Like years prior, we’ll be on-hand for the official cruise day tomorrow, though Detroiters have had their classic cars out on Woodward Ave. all week before the thousands of classic car gawkers show up on Saturday and slow things down to idle on the street.

In a nutshell, you can expect Autoblog to make you feel like you’re there even if you choose not to make the trek to D-town.

We’ll be covering the 2010 Woodward Dream Cruise on three fronts:

Livestream: Come to Autoblog.com at 10AM EST on Saturday to watch the cruise all day via livestreaming. Our setup this year is the best it’s ever been.
Twitter/Facebook: Follow therealautoblog on Twitter and Like the Autoblog Facebook page for cool car tweets and updates throughout the entire day.
Galleries: Like always, we’ll bring you plenty of high-res image galleries of the best cars cruising on Woodward. And we’ve made a promise to ourselves this year to label each and every image so you know what you’re looking at.

Make sure to check us out this weekend so you don’t miss a minute of coverage!

2010 Woodward Dream Cruise: Autoblog’s Livestream starts Saturday, 10AM EST originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960*

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan

2011 Nissan Juke – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has just released pricing for the 2011 Juke – the company’s new baby CUV. Buyers looking to scramble into the driver’s seat can look forward to a base MSRP of $18,960 (*plus destination) for the Juke S when equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Prices for the range-topping Juke SL with a CVT and all-wheel drive hit a ceiling of $24,550 before any options are added.

All models will come from the factory with a new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Nissan says that when bolted to the company’s efficient CVT, the Juke should return 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Meanwhile, six-speed manual-equipped models start at $20,260.

Buyers wanting to take advantage of the Juke’s torque-vectoring all-wheel drive can hop into the Juke S AWD. That model, which is available only with a CVT, starts at $20,460, landing it squarely in Subaru Forester and Mini Countryman territory. With a low price, plenty of onboard tech and quirky, youth-oriented styling, we’re expecting to see plenty of these on the road in short order when it goes on sale this October. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Nissan Juke

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960*

2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Explorer configurator already up and running, pricing starts at $28,190*

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ford

It’s been less than 24 hours since Ford took the wraps off of the 2011 Explorer, but in an effort to keep the buzz going about the all-new crossover due to hit dealerships later this year, Ford’s online configurator is already up and running.

At the moment, only models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 can be optioned, ranging from the base $28,190 front-wheel drive Explorer (*Don’t forget to add $805 for delivery fees) all the way up to the top-trim Limited 4WD ($39,190 plus destination). A fully decked-out all-wheel drive configuration will set you back $48,075* – and that’s before the optional accessory list is looked over.

If you have some time to waste, head over to Ford’s configuration page and spec out the Explorer of your dreams. Additionally, be sure to scroll through our gallery of color choices, showing the nine available paint jobs.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Colors

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

[Source: Ford]

2011 Ford Explorer configurator already up and running, pricing starts at $28,190* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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