Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.30.10

Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350 is soft-riding royalty that’s lost its crown

Lexus continues to give the people what they want, but is its aging ES still the benchmark for the class?

Autoblog gets seat and simulation time with Toyota’s newest safety technology [w/video]

In our final dispatch from Japan, we get behind the wheel of Toyota’s latest prototypes and simulators, and enjoy a close-up view of two Camry sedans being smashed together at Toyota’s newest crash testing facility.

X Games 16 Preview: Autoblog rides shotgun with the stars of Rally Car [w/video]

The X Games extravaganza kicks off this weekend and we get some seat time with the series’ most competitive drivers.

Also of interest:

  • Oft-rumored Nissan Murano convertible tipped to debut at LA Auto Show
  • Mercedes-Benz unveils 2011 S63 AMG with twin-turbo 5.5L V8 [w/video]
  • 2011 Toyota Tacoma gets sweet-looking TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages
  • Toyota already set to cancel four-cylinder 4Runner
  • Nissan refreshes Rogue crossover for 2011
  • Toyota secures trademark for Supra name

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.30.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.29.10

Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious

In a world where sport compacts are mainly turbocharged hatchbacks, can the Civic Si still hold its own?

Regrets, I’ve Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog

Before Lieberman leaves for an editorship at Motor Trend, he reflects on his time at Autoblog and lists off a few things he would’ve done differently.

Toyota to recall 373,000 2000-2004 Avalon sedans in U.S. over faulty steering locks

More recalls from Toyota and this time it includes over 300,000 Avalons equipped with faulty steering locks.

Also of interest:

  • NHTSA to update 5-star testing process
  • Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]
  • Toyota recalls Lexus LX 470 for potential ‘steering shaft disengagement’
  • Rush Limbaugh tears into Chevy Volt, fails to understand how it works
  • Toyota denies Sequoia discontinuation – sort of

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.29.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Smyth Performance G3F concept – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is the tri-directive that could help us become more sustainable as a society. Soon, a kit for the G3F from Smyth Performance – a new venture by Factory Five Racing co-founder Mark Smith – will follow those guidelines, enabling you to convert a previously-enjoyed Volkswagen Jetta into something you can really look forward to driving. The finished product will be lighter, faster and burn less biodiesel than the original vehicle, offering up to 60 miles per gallon and boasting a very naughty top speed of 140 miles per hour. All for about $10,000 and less than 100 hours of labor.

It’s a simple recipe. You start by procuring a TDI diesel Jetta four door sedan. Cut away about 800 lbs of metal, reusing a large chunk of the chassis, including the entire safety structure. The engine gets chipped, modded and moved from in front of the driver to behind. Add the body, seats, wheels and all the other included bits from the kit and voila! You now own a recycled VW that increases your joy of driving while reducing the amount of petroleum product you’ll need to pump.

Okay, maybe we’re making it sound a little easier than it actually is, but Smith is confident there is enough interest to make a go of it with a line of depositors already being formed. Despite deliveries (optimistically) planned for September, the original prototype is still under construction. The operation doesn’t have an official website either – that’s coming this fall – but you can follow the progress of both car and company on both Facebook and the unofficial Factory Five forum. Hit the jump for video of Mr. Smith explaining his concept and tell us what you think.

[Source: Boston.com]

Continue reading Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.28.10

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition

Mitsubishi needs a WRX competitor, but does the Ralliart Sportback fit the bill?

2011 Chevrolet Volt requires… premium gas?

Considering its meager output, it may come as a shock that the Chevy Volt needs premium gas. Could such an insignificant detail hinder sales?

BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production

Porsche has confirmed it will build the 918 Spyder, a hybrid supercar due to arrive in 2013.

Also of interest:

  • 2012 Porsche Cayman Clubsport headed for LA Auto Show
  • Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Magnum interior revealed
  • Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works
  • 2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495
  • Jack Roush in serious but stable condition after (second) plane crash [w/ video]

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.28.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.27.10

First Drive: 2011 Nissan Leaf doesn’t change the game, just the players

We finally score some seat time in a production version of Nissan’s all-new Leaf, and come to realize that an EV isn’t just a low-mileage toy.

Mini confirms entry into 2011 World Rally Championship with Countryman

For the last year, rumors have flown around that Mini was looking to re-enter the world of rallying, and today, it’s official: A race-spec Countryman is coming to the WRC in 2011. But can Mini’s soft-roader really be competitive, even with the help of Prodrive?

2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease

Chevy’s slapped a sticker on its extended-range plug-in hybrid, and not only can you lease the Volt, you can buy it outright.

Also of interest:

  • Nissan announces Leaf rollout plans, 8-year battery warranty
  • Austin F1 track location revealed
  • Videos: 2011 Ford Explorer shows off its tech
  • Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series five-door caught with rumored turbo’d four
  • Report: Toyota to kill Sequoia, Tundra redesigned in 2014
  • Spy Shots: Pagani C9 supercar gives up its gullwing doors
  • Chevrolet Caprice police car to patrol America’s streets beginning April, 2011 [w/video]

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.27.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.26.10

2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order

For part two of our in-depth look at the 2011 Ford Explorer, we’ll take a look at its new powertrains and improvements in fuel…

2011 Audi A7 Sportback shows its shapely rump in Munich

There’s a new automotive segment being born as we speak. Previewed by the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and BMW…

BREAKING: General Motors to announce Chevy Volt pricing/ordering on Tuesday [w/poll]

The three-year-long wait for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt’s official U.S. price tag will finally be over in less than 24 hours. At…

Also of interest:

  • Hyundai reveals 2011 Equus details, range topper to come in two U.S. flavors
  • 2011 Ford Explorer configurator already up and running, pricing starts at $28,190*
  • Study: Americans prefer tolls over fuel taxes… how about you?
  • Porsche testing three electric Boxsters in 2011
  • Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear
  • Report: Contrary to rumors, Toyota FT-86 development on track, expected Nov. 2011
  • BMW reportedly green-lights 6 Series Gran Coupé concept for production
  • Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

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Autoline Daily for 7.26.10

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.26.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.23.10

Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX – Driving the world’s cheapest car

What’s it like to drive the world’s cheapest car? We headed to Germany to try out Tata’s $2,500 Nano.

Spy Shots: Are you the next Chevrolet Aveo sedan?

It could be the Aveo sedan or it could be some other small offering from General Motors. Check out our spy shots and weigh in yourself.

Dodge releases 2010 Mopar Challenger pics

Enough with the renderings. We’ve got shots of the Mopar Challenger looking hot for 2010.

Also of interest:

  • Ford to report $2.6B second-quarter profit
  • 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen won’t be based on new Jetta
  • Buick to expand line with coupe, convertible and wagon?
  • VW shows off hotted-up 2011 Jetta at Waterfest
  • Rumormill: Next Focus RS to get all-wheel drive with electric motors

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.23.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.22.10

Quick Spin: 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic proves money can buy happiness

The Porsche 911 Sport Classic is the embodiment of everything we love about the 911. But is it worth the price?

New study suggests that women drive dirtier than men – at least in Britain [w/poll]

Around 56 percent of female Brits say they leave their vehicle unwashed for six months or more. As for males, it’s less than half. The reason? Find out.

2012 Dodge Durango (or is that Magnum?) revealed on Twitter

Through the miracle of Twitter, we’ve gotten a production-ready glimpse of the next Dodge Durango. And it’s not half bad.

Also of interest:

  • Mini Countryman to enter Rally Italy in 2011
  • Salon Privé 2010 fires up as Europe’s largest luxury and supercar show
  • New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris
  • OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video]
  • GM to buy AmeriCredit Corp for $3.5B

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.22.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.21.10

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets with the (American) program

The story of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta begins and ends with price. A 2011 Jetta in “S” trim will set you back just $15,995. Clearly, the “German premium” has finally been addressed. But at what cost?

ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

ICONIC has formed a partnership with AC Cars, and has scheduled a 2011 release date for its Shelby-lookalike AC Roadster. It’s currently taking orders.

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Wrangler to get color-matched hardtop?

Usually, changes to the iconic Jeep Wrangler are frowned upon by its rabid fan base. It appears the 2011 Jeep Wrangler will get an update that most loyalists may approve of: A color-matched hardtop option and a new front bumper design.

Also of interest:

  • Jay Leno a Chevy Volt intender? Umm… not so much
  • Video: 17-year-old swaps old phone for Porsche Boxster on Craigslist
  • 2011 Kia Sportage to start at $18,295*
  • MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video]
  • Audi confirms A7 Sportback global reveal for Monday

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.21.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10

Review: 2010 Ural Patrol T takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’

For just the right kind of adventure-seeker looking to cover highways and dirt roads, the $12,399 Ural Patrol T is truly in a class of one.

Jeep to offer Trail Edition Camper as official Mopar accessory

What good is a vehicle capable of overlanding to the remotest parts of the planet if there’s no place to lay your head when you arrive at your for-the-night destination? Here’s a bit of good news for you world travelers: Jeep has just announced a new Trail Edition Camper that will be available as an official Mopar accessory from any Jeep dealership.

Autoblog Podcast #187 – Lamborghini rumors, Explorer economy, media plants, a sporty Leaf and premium Germans

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are the crew for Episode #187 of the Autoblog Podcast.

Also of interest:

  • Video: Subaru’s new ads and their double-entendres
  • Toyota reportedly subpoenaed for steering rod documents
  • Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight
  • Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi renders its attractions
  • Automotive X-Prize: Finals Stage begins, Edison2 remains only team that can win mainstream class, $5 million

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.20.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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