Tag: testing

First pickups tested using NHTSA’s new crash testing system

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Toyota

2011 Dodge Ram crash test

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rolled in the first batch of pickup trucks to be tested using its latest Five-Star New Car Assessment Program. Three trucks were tested: the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (this truck’s scores were also applied to the nearly identical GMC Sierra 1500), 2011 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma.

Of the trucks tested, the pair from General Motors recorded the best scores, earning a Combined score of four stars. The 2011 Tacoma also managed a Combined score of four stars, but performed significantly worse than the GM trucks in NHTSA’s front crash testing, taking home just two stars for the passenger.

Bringing up the rear in this round of testing is the Ram 1500 (non-Heavy Duty). While Chrysler’s full-size pickup managed a Combined rating of three stars, it floundered in the agency’s tough new pole test with just one star being awarded. Check out PickupTrucks.com for more analysis on the results, and search NHTSA’s full 2011-model-year crash testing database here.

[Source: NHTSA via PickupTrucks.com]

First pickups tested using NHTSA’s new crash testing system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee bests Toyota 4Runner in latest Consumer Reports testing

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Toyota

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee2010 Toyota 4Runner

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2010 Toyota 4Runner – Click above for high-res image galleries

Consumer Reports, bastions of a straightforward, no-frills automotive testing regime focused on the consumer, compares in its December 2010 issue the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, both of which were completely redesigned within the last several months. Interestingly – and despite the fact that the Jeep has not yet had enough time to set a reliability score – the testers at CR have seen enough from the Grand Cherokee to vault it over its rival from Toyota, which scored too low to recommend.

The magazine praises the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee for its comfortable on-road ride and quiet interior while heaping discontent on the 4Runner in the exact same categories. When it comes to prowess off the beaten path, Toyota’s body-on-frame ‘ute regains some ground, though CR is quick to point out that the Jeep handles the rough stuff equally well when equipped with the right options, such as low-range gearing and the available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with its height-adjustable suspension.

Also drawing ire from CR‘s testers is the Toyota 4Runner’s interior with “leather seats [that] look like vinyl,” “cheap-looking plastics.” The 4Runner was also lacking some notable features one would expect at its $37,425 asking price. Want to read more from CR regarding its comparison of two classic sport utility vehicles? Click past the break, or wait for the full report in the December 2010 issue.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman and Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

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Jeep Grand Cherokee bests Toyota 4Runner in latest Consumer Reports testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

BMW 3 Series spy shots

BMW 3 Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about BMW’s plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We’ve heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It’s all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear – BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit.

BMW 3 Series interior spy shotOur sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn’t been altered too much from other development cars we’ve seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er’s reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks – it isn’t too far removed from what we’ve come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW’s new remote-sized shifter.

We’re still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we’ll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Four minutes of Ferrari 458 Challenge testing at Monza

Filed under: Videos, Ferrari


Ferrari 458 Challenge testing at Monza – Click above to watch the video

The curves. The Power. The… Ferrariness. It’s hard to get too much of the 458 Italia Challenge, and, luckily, we’ve come across some video of the race-ready Ferrari testing at Monza. The four-minute flick only shows a few angles of the pride of Maranello, but what we can guarantee is crisp images, ridiculously perfect exhaust melodies and a powerful desire to drive a 458 on track. At a few points it looks like the 458 Challenge isn’t being pushed too hard, but every now and again we would catch a glimpse of the glowing red front brake rotors, assuring us that the driver is giving the lighter, lower 458 a considerable workout. Hit the jump to enjoy the video for yourself, if only to hear just how wonderful the Challenge sounds.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Challenge racer

[Source: YouTube]

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Video: Four minutes of Ferrari 458 Challenge testing at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Lexus GS mule caught testing

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2012 Lexus GS spy shot

Next-generation Lexus GS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Following our report that the Lexus GS is scheduled to get a rather extensive overhaul next year, our spies have captured this test mule of Lexus’ next 5 Series fighter out on the road.

Even though this mule uses the current GS body, we can see that extra panels have been added around the wheel wells, meaning a wider track is probably in order. What’s more, the reworked GS underpinnings will go on to form the groundwork for the smaller, overhauled IS, which is set to debut in 2013.

Expect to see the next-gen GS show its restyled body within the coming months, with an official debut happening sometime next year. For now, click through the gallery to see high-res shots of the early-build mule roaming the streets.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-Gen Lexus GS

Next-generation Lexus GS spy shotsNext-generation Lexus GS spy shotsNext-generation Lexus GS spy shotsNext-generation Lexus GS spy shotsNext-generation Lexus GS spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Lexus GS mule caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Reborn Lancia Stratos teased during testing

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lancia

Lancia Stratos video

Lancia Stratos testing teaser – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We’ll admit it: The New Lancia Stratos project gets us all hot and bothered. This special Ferrari F430-based one-off will make its official debut sometime next month, and the pre-reveal teasers are continuing to pour in.

This time around, we see the Stratos revival team working with former Formula 1 driver Tiago Monteiro to fine-tune the chassis out on Italy’s Balocco test track. The Stratos’ body is constructed out of carbon fiber and with its slim-and-trim curb weight and 50:50 weight distribution, we have no doubts that it will be an absolute hoot out on the track.

See the latest teaser video for yourself, after the jump, and stay tuned for the full Stratos details next month.

Gallery: Lancia Stratos Shows Itself

[Source: Vimeo]

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Video: Reborn Lancia Stratos teased during testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Video: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti caught testing at Fiorano

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari 612 spy video

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti spy video – Click above to watch the video after the jump

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard any rumblings about Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti replacement. The oldest member of the Prancing Horse marque is due for an overhaul in the very near future, and while we’ve only seen a singular spy video that barely shows off the new body style, we can confirm one thing: Ferrari makes one hell of a sweet-sounding V12.

Seen here running around Italy’s Fiorano racetrack, this 612 mule is obviously testing out new engine mechanics, and the revised exhaust is an aural delight for anyone whose ears perk up at the sound of naturally aspirated, twelve-cylinder, Italian-bred powerhouses. See (and hear) for yourself, after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Spy Video: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti caught testing at Fiorano

Spy Video: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti caught testing at Fiorano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Saker GT supercar caught track testing

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Performance, Design/Style, Racing

Sakar GT caught testingSaker’s latest supercar has been caught testing and by the looks of things, the New Zealand-based sports car company has a new contender on its hands.

For the uninitiated, Sakar was founded in 1992 by engineer Bruce Turnbull and named for the Saker Falcon. In the intervening years, Sakar has been producing track-ready racecars, and in 2009 it began producing the Saker GT – its first street-legal offering. The lightweight, mid-engine sports car was available in three variations – the Saker GT220, Saker GT500 and the Saker GT Clubsport – but that was then. This is now.

The updated Saker GT appears to bring the styling into the modern era. Although it’s wearing the trendy black and white “camo” paint job, the large fenders and aggressive lines are hard to obscure.

At the moment, powerplants, chassis and suspension information is scarce, but the Dutch site Driving-Fun has more shots of the Saker GT being put through the paces, and judging by its current form, we should know more about the Kiwi’s latest entrant into the sports car world soon. Thanks for the tip, Luuk!

[Source: Driving-Fun (Dutch language site)]

Spy Shots: New Saker GT supercar caught track testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Countryman rally car shown testing for WRC

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Racing

Mini Countryman WRC

The more we hear about Mini’s quest to run the Countryman in the World Rally Championship, the less and less it sounds like a publicity stunt. The company has just finished testing its prototype rally beater at Prodrive’s private test facility, putting the car through its paces over four days and multiple road surfaces. According to Mini, most of the abuse took place on a tarmac circuit, though the team did spend plenty of time getting the car situated on a few low-grip stages. The R&D was prep for an excursion to Portugal, where the team plans to put the Countryman through a full week of gravel testing.

Despite the psycho-swirly camo, Mini says that the racer is currently wearing “an interim body and aero package” while the minds at Prodrive concoct the final lines. It remains to be seen who the company will come up with to helm its high-riding missile. We’re just happy to see Mini back in the WRC. Hit the jump for the brief press release.

[Source: Mini]

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Mini Countryman rally car shown testing for WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality

Filed under: Technology, Cadillac, GM

General Motors is ready to bring the fight to Ford’s Sync system with a reworked version of OnStar, but the salient details won’t be revealed for another seven days. However, we’ve gotten word from the General that it’s testing two new features: Audio Facebook updates and voice texting.

On the Facebook front, GM is the experimental phase of integrating OnStar with the 800-pound social media gorilla, allowing users to verbally update their Facebook status via audio recordings, with the possibility of utilizing the OnStar Virtual Advisor feature to read off Facebook status updates and news feeds.

Voice texting works in a similar manner, pairing the driver’s Bluetooth mobile phone to OnStar and allowing the system to read received SMS messages and reply using a voice command to select four pre-set messages. That’s not true voice-to-text functionality, but it’s similar to what’s being offered by other automakers.

GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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