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Official: 2014 Kia Soul to get quasi-SUV look for Europe [w/poll]

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Crossover, Kia, Design/Style

European 2014 Kia Soul will come standard with a SUV Styling pack that won't be available in the US.

The 2014 Soul is bigger and more refined, and Kia says its look has been inspired in part by the Track’ster concept. Interestingly, European buyers will get the option of a different look than what we’ll see in our showrooms. They’ll be able to specify the SUV Styling Pack seen here, which includes matte-black cladding on the front and rear fascias, along with what Kia refers to as piano-black trim on the wheel wells and side skirts. The roof is available painted black, white or red. With all of that black trim and slightly tougher look, the styling reminds us of the Fiat 500L Trekking, a model the Soul will compete directly against.

European markets also have the ability to spec their Souls like our North American version, which substitutes body-color trim for most of the black pieces. Currently, there are no plans to bring the SUV Styling Pack to the US. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never be able to buy this butch-look Soul on our side of the Atlantic. Company spokesperson James Hope confirms to Autoblog, “[Kia] has no plans to offer something similar to the EU-spec Soul at this time. However, we are always monitoring the market and if we saw an opportunity we would certainly look into it.”

Feel free to peruse the press release below for more details on the Euro-spec Soul – which is slated to debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show – and then let Kia know if they should bring the SUV Styling Pack here by participating in our poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading 2014 Kia Soul to get quasi-SUV look for Europe [w/poll]

2014 Kia Soul to get quasi-SUV look for Europe [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lexus to replace GX SUV with new TX crossover

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

2012 Lexus GX

There’s been a lot of news regarding future Lexus products recently, including spy shots of new RC coupe and NX compact crossover, and reports that a 2+2 coupe based on the LF-LC concept is heading for production. Now, Automotive News says that Japan’s #1 luxury automaker is planning to replace the fullsize, body-on-frame Lexus GX SUV with a three-row crossover called the TX.

The article says that the GX, which is based on the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, will get a styling update for 2014 before being phased out in 2016. In a similar move as Infiniti made with its three-row JX/QX60, the new TX will be car-based, but details are still unknown as to whether it will be front-wheel-drive riding on the Toyota Avalon platform or rear-wheel-drive using the Lexus GS platform. Either way, this new luxury crossover could join the Lexus lineup as soon as late 2016.

Lexus to replace GX SUV with new TX crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C to lead new SUV, Giulia sedan on journey to America… when they’re ready [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Videos, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept – Click above to watch the video after the jump

If this story sounds familiar, that’s because we’ve seen it before: Alfa Romeo will arrive in the United States with a sportscar that will spearhead the arrival of a broader range of models. That was the line with the 8C Competizione, but that model has come and gone without its junior stablemates. And when Alfa unveiled the 4C Concept in Geneva a couple of months ago, that was the story once again: not only would it see production, but it would headline the marque’s return to the North American market.

Now we’ve got a few more details, though. Rather than bringing over existing models like the MiTo and Giulietta, Alfa Romeo is hard at work preparing new models specifically for American tastes. One model is expected to be an SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee – leaving us to wonder if this will come instead of, or in addition to Maserati’s rumored version. But beyond that is the new Giulia sedan that will replace the 159.

The project was reportedly well under way until the design landed on Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s desk, prompting him to order a full redesign. Apparently the styling was rather derivative and lackluster. For his part, the company’s experienced styling chief Lorenzo Ramaciotti says he and his team are doing the best they can with what they’re given: the company’s Compact Wide architecture based on the Giulietta’s platform, which Ramaciotti says is like designing a suit for a fat lady instead of a model.

The literal “back to the drawing board” order from Marchionne’s office may lead to further setbacks, so to keep your interest piqued we’ve dug up this rather intriguing video of the 4C Concept heading from the studio to the show floor in high speed. At this point, we thought we’d seen concept cars from just about every angle, but this is something different, so why not click past the jump to watch the brief clip for yourself.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo 4C to lead new SUV, Giulia sedan on journey to America… when they’re ready [w/video]

Alfa Romeo 4C to lead new SUV, Giulia sedan on journey to America… when they’re ready [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, Shanghai Motor Show

Autoblog podcast logo

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #225 features Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We start with Ward’s Auto‘s ten best interiors for 2011, speculate about the Subaru XV concept and a Jaguar SUV before contemplating what one million U.S. Prius sales means. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales

Ward’s picks the best interiors
Subaru XV
Jaguar SUV rumor
One million US Prius sales

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Nissan Juke SV AWD
2011 Volvo S60 T6
2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
2011 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:20:38

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #225: Best interiors, Subaru XV, Jaguar SUV, a million Prius sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Mystery Chevrolet SUV spy shot

Mystery Chevy SUV prototypes – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Crossovers have gained the lion’s share of America’s utility attention over the past few years, but the SUV is anything but dead and gone. Until gas prices began to spike, those surviving body-on-frame (br)utes were actually selling fairly well. So is General Motors kicking itself for ending Trailblazer production instead of refreshing it? New spy video from Inside Line suggests that The General may have another off-road- and tow-ready utility vehicle on the way.

The post-jump video shows a pair of mid-size SUVs that appear to be based off the 2013 Chevrolet Colorado, a prototype of which also makes a cameo in the video. Judging by the chunky-looking running boards and solid rear axles, these prototypes are definitely SUVs and not tall cars. The heavily camouflaged vehicles appear to be tall and very square in appearance, and the shape of the Chevrolet grille appears pominently despite efforts to conceal its identity. Inside Line speculates that the finished product will likely hit the world stage in the next year, with production likely for 2013, though just because these prototypes were spotted around Detroit is no guarantee that the model will find its way into U.S. showrooms.

If such a vehicle were to arrive stateside, we expect GM to improve fuel economy with small engine options and perhaps a truck version of the company’s eAssist hybrid technology. Hit the jump to watch the spy video for yourself. Top tip, Ed!

Gallery: Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup?

Video: Is Chevy readying a mid-size SUV on its new Colorado pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep confirms B-segment SUV

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Jeep, Rumormill

Jeep

According to Autocar, Jeep CEO Mike Manley has confirmed that his company is working on a new B-segment SUV. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Manley said that there’s room in the small SUV market for an offering from Jeep, and that the vehicle should touch down in 2013. If that’s the case, odds are high that the company will turn to Fiat for the pint-sized SUV’s bones. That may mean that Americans will finally be able to sink their teeth into the Grande Punto, even if the vehicle does wear significantly different sheet metal.

Jeep may also make use of Fiat drivetrains for the project. European buyers will likely be able to enjoy the Italian automaker’s 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter diesel mills while Americans are more apt to see a 1.4-liter Multiair gasoline four-pot under the hood. All three of those lumps are typically associated with a front-wheel-drive transaxle, though Manley said that four-wheel drive will make an appearance on top-end models.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Report: Jeep confirms B-segment SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche CEO denies Chinese SUV rumors

Filed under: Performance, China, Europe, Crossover, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche Shield

It would seem that some of the rumors surrounding the upcoming Porsche Cajun were greatly exaggerated. Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has announced that his company won’t be producing a new small SUV based off of the Audi Q5 in China or anywhere else, for that matter. Müller said that while the future may force his company to consider moving production of one or more models overseas, right now the automaker will stick to cranking out vehicles in Germany. Previously, Porsche had said that it was taking some time to consider a new manufacturing facility in China – one of the fastest growing car markets on the planet.

Interestingly enough, Porsche hasn’t said that the Cajun is dead all together. Müller simply made it clear that the vehicle wouldn’t be based on any bones currently bumping around the Volkswagen family tree. The vehicle is intended to land just below the current Cayenne and allow younger buyers to jump into the exclusive Porsche brand at a more accessible price point. Early reports have the Cajun landing in show rooms no sooner than 2014.

[Sources: The Truth About Cars, Gasgoo]

Report: Porsche CEO denies Chinese SUV rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: VW readying seven-passenger SUV

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Touareg

It looks like a few more details have shown up on the rumored addition to the Volkswagen SUV family. According to Auto Express, the newcomer will have its sights set dead on the American market and will boast seating for seven. It will also carry a slimmer price tag than the current Touareg, all of this courtesy of VW America guru Jonathan Browning.

Auto Express is also reporting that the new crossover/SUV will most likely be built here in the U.S. at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing facility alongside the new Passat.

The German automaker has made no secret of the fact that it wants nothing more than to carve out a larger chunk of the American auto market, and doing so will require a portfolio of vehicles that caters more specifically to Yankee tastes. By 2018, VW wants to sell 800,000 vehicles in the land of the free. Last year the company managed to move 256,830 units.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: VW readying seven-passenger SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAIC launches 007 SUV, James Bond shaken and stirred

BAIC 007 Sport Utility Vehicle – Click above for high-res image gallery

It may have his code number on it, but we highly doubt that James Bond would be caught driving the BAIC 007 SUV. The Chinese automaker is reportedly getting ready to launch the somewhat dowdy compact sport utility vehicle, and whether by coincidence or on purpose, it bears the name of MI6’s greatest agent.

According to China Car Times, this new 007 SUV starts at just over 80,000 RMB or right around $12,100 U.S., so at least Mr. Bond wouldn’t have to feel too badly if he wrecked a few dozen of them in the course of making his appointed rounds. The base BAIC 007 SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while higher trims are available with a 2.4-liter engine and a navigation system.

Gallery: BAIC 007

BAIC 007

[Source: China Car Times]

BAIC launches 007 SUV, James Bond shaken and stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloomberg: VW eying expanded SUV lineup for U.S.

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Volkswagen, Rumormill

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

2011 Volkswagen Touareg – Click above for high-res image gallery

All signs may be pointing to ever steeper gas prices by the end of the year, but according to Bloomberg, that may not be enough to stop Volkswagen from unleashing a new wave of SUVs (or more than likely, CUVs) on the American market. VW head honcho Jonathan Browning has been quoted as saying that the company wants to expand its portfolio of compact SUVs in short order, and that eventually, there may be room for growth in the larger SUV market as well. Of all the vehicles sold in the U.S. last year, SUVs and crossovers made up 29 percent of the mix.

As of right now, Volkswagen only offers two utility vehicles in the States – the compact Tiguan crossover, which, according to Bloomberg, sold 20,946 units last year and the larger Touareg SUV. Volkswagen only managed to move 4,713 Touareg models in the U.S. in 2010, but the new model (shown above) is expected to help the line’s fortunes. The company’s planned expansion of its SUV offerings is part of a larger offensive designed to net the company U.S. sales of one million vehicles by 2018. Doing so would mean tripling the company’s current sales, so the automaker is invested in exploring new ways to bring buyers to the showroom.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

[Source: Bloomberg]

Bloomberg: VW eying expanded SUV lineup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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