Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Hyundai

2011/2012 Hyundai Sonata wagon – Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently published some renderings what station wagon variant new Hyundai Sonata might look like, we now have our first actual photos the real thing undergoing testing. While it (predictably) doesn’t feature the two-door shooting brake layout we might have hoped for, it actually does look quite close to the four-door image. Hyundai designers appear to have opted more sporty slant-back look like the Audi Avant wagons than the more utilitarian box we typically get Volvo.

When the Sonata launches Europe, it expected adopt the current iXX naming convention used there become the i40 Kombi. Europeans will apparently get the wagon first, followed the sedan. At present, it remains unclear the wagon will ever arrive the States. From what we can see through the camo, the i40 will get different grille the North American model, as well as different treatment around the base the A-pillar. At least this prototype, the Euro-version has chrome trim that wraps around the mirror, while the chrome the American variant extends straight down the trailing edge the headlamp cluster.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai i40 Kombi / Sonata wagon

[Source: CarPIx]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time originally appeared Autoblog Mon, 31 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

NYC seeks Taxi of Tomorrow; is UniCab the answer?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Work, Specialty, Design/Style

A couple years have passed now since New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced its search for vehicle that would replace the taxis of New York City with something that better fits the times. The TLC created website for creative types submit ideas for “Taxi Tomorrow,” and one more interesting proposals come in over last couple years is something called UniCab.

The groundwork for NYC’s Taxi Tomorrow is quite simple:

• Meets highest safety standards
• Superior passenger experience
• Superior driver comfort and amenities
• Appropriate purchase price and ongoing maintenance and repair costs
• Smaller environmental footprint (lower emissions and improved fuel economy)
• Smaller physical footprint (with more usable interior room)
• Compliance with appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act requirements
• Iconic design that will identify the new taxi with New York City

Born out those guidelines, UniCab looks nothing like traditional taxi, aside from yellow color. The UniCab features seating for four passengers, an automated ramp for those with disabilities, an infotainment center that displays intended routes attractions along way outward sight lines that allow all passengers get great view glorious city New York. Though nothing more than design sketch right now, UniCab could change our perception taxis in future make hailing cab hip, green thing do. Hat tip Zelda!

[Source: The Taxi Tomorrow]

NYC seeks Taxi of Tomorrow; UniCab the answer? originally appeared Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec joining lineup for 2011

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

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed Autoblog that the S400 hybrid won’t remain only efficiency-minded member of S-Class family for long. The S350 Bluetec will coming U.S. market for 2011 as first diesel S-Class since mid-1990s. The S350 will use same 3.5-liter turbodiesel ͢ already used Mercedes′ ML, GL R-Class SUVs. That engine rated at 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet and includes urea injection system to treat the NOx emissions in the exhaust.

We expect S350 at least match – not beat – 22 mpg real-world results we achieved with the S400 gas-electric earlier this year, and it will probably have similar performance thanks its exceptional torque. There no word on pricing, we anticipate it will sticker at or below the S400’s $87,950 base price 2010.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: BenzInsider.com]

Report: Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec joining lineup for 2011 originally appeared Autoblog Mon, 31 May 2010 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

Video: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets switched on hydraulics

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS the switches – Click above to watch video after jump

Chevrolet products are no strangers to hydraulics, models that get the height-altering technology usually go names like Impala or Caprice, not Camaro – and they are usually decades old, not 2010 models.

We say ‘usually’ because apparently an Arizona lad has gone thrown some extra pistons underneath his gunmetal gray Camaro SS, result pony car that goes from limbo lofty couple secs. It nothing else, we can’t help but think it’d make great doppelganger Decepticon for Transformers 3. Follow the jump to check out the vid, but sadly, there’s no three-wheel motion on display

[Source: YouTube via Tampa Examiner]

Continue reading Video: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets switched hydraulics

Video: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets switched on hydraulics originally appeared Autoblog Mon, 31 May 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

Happy Memorial Day from Autoblog

Filed under: Etc.

Tribute 2010 Chevrolet Camaro – Click above high-res image gallery

It’s easy to forget that while we spend day-in day-out banging on QWERTYs chasing our tails as automotive rumors get confirmed, then denied, then confirmed again, that there men women all over the world working to keep us safe protect our families our way of life. It’s Memorial Day, so regardless where you stand political spectrum, it’s worth taking some time out your day say thanks service men and women in your life.

We’re fortunate enough to live a country where military service isn’t mandatory, and we all owe a debt to the souls that that have volunteered to serve our nation’s armed forces. So take some time between your burgers and beers to pay your respects those that have fallen the line duty and honor those that are serving right now.

Gallery: Tribute 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

[Images: Camaro5]

Happy Memorial Day from Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

Report: U.S. hires lead bank for General Motors IPO

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials

The government the United States may be actively avoiding any direct involvement in the day-to-day management General Motors, that doesn’t mean it won’t have say when the time comes for the automaker to go public again. According to The Detroit News, the U.S. Department the Treasury has hired investment bank Lazard Frères &amp Co. provide it with advice the initial public offering process.

While both General Motors and Treasury would obviously both like latter unload majority stake it owns automaker as soon as possible, that process needs done carefully. Political and public perception considerations point an early IPO, that may not smartest thing do business perspective. Selling before its clear that GM’s recovery well underway could lead getting too low share price. The bank will reportedly also look at other options disposing 61 percent shareholding.

According to the report, Lazard Frères & Co. will get paid $500,000 month for the first year $250,000 per month after that the sale hasn’t yet been completed. Estimates from various sources that the treasury will face losses of $25-30 billion on the bailouts of GM, Chrysler GMAC.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/Getty]

Report: U.S. hires lead bank General Motors IPO originally appeared on Autoblog Mon, 31 May 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

BMW experimenting with electronic noise canceling tech for diesels

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Diesel

BMW sound engineer Manuel Reichle the 635d – Click above high-res image gallery

When considering how go about improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, we typically think smaller engines, alternative fuels and electrification. One area that doesn’t typically come mind is that sound design and acoustics. While noises produced a vehicle don’t directly affect fuel efficiency, soundtracks are important because they are often a prime determinant whether a given powertrain solution is acceptable drivers and passengers.

Companies like BMW, General Motors, Honda others have been actively pursuing mechanisms of controlling noise at the source in order to create more flexibility for modifying the powertrains. A key example is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox its 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. GM added active noise cancellation so it could allow engine spend more time running at lower speeds where engine tends make more a low booming sound. Without noise cancellation technology, engine’s sountrack would turn off drivers.

Similarly, BMW has been carefully studying structures of engine blocks and engine bays. Careful application of ribs and tuning of structural shapes have allowed these structures made lighter without risk of excessive vibration. Similarly, adding insulation materials closer engine also reduces amount needed overall as well as facilitating use of other types of engines that might inherently noisier.

All these factors play into making more efficient vehicles that are appealing customers. After all, consumers don’t want buy vehicle for reasons that have nothing do function, all efficiency advantages they might offer will left stuck ‘park.’

Gallery: BMW Acoustic development

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW experimenting with electronic noise canceling tech diesels

BMW experimenting electronic noise canceling tech diesels originally appeared Autoblog Mon, 31 May 2010 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use feeds.

Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

2010 Turkish Grand Prix: Good things come to those who wait [SPOILERS]

Filed under: Motorsports

2010 Turkish Grand Prix – Click above for high-res image gallery

That driver’s chief rival his teammate one of the most pervasive enduring truisms grand prix racing. And lest we forget, constant reminders of this accelerate into view throughout the season. This one especially.

Whether rivalry is between McLaren′s “dream team” world champions returning champion and his young wingman at Mercedes ascendant frontrunners at Red Bull; or hot-blooded duo at Ferrari, we’re certainly not lacking examples, without even dipping into deep well motor racing history. This weekend′s Turkish Grand Prix was certainly no exception. Follow jump see what we mean.

Gallery: 2010 Turkish Grand Prix

Continue reading 2010 Turkish Grand Prix: Good things come those who wait [SPOILERS]

2010 Turkish Grand Prix: Good things come to those who wait [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

Report: Striking workers shut four Honda plants in China

Filed under: China, Honda

Honda has high hopes China, as the automaker plans increase sales a projected 630,000 units 2010 830,000 2012. Before it can focus hitting those targets, however, Honda′s got deal with a growing labor issue China.

Automotive News reports that Honda shut down all four its Chinese factories through at least yesterday, May 29 due labor strike. The latest problem arose when 1,850 Honda parts workers walked off the job May 17. This ultimately forced Honda temporarily shutter two plants Guangzhou May 24. On the 26th, the automaker followed suit another factory Guangzhou, as well as one Wuhan.

Automotive News quotes Honda spokesperson Yasuko Matsuura as saying the striking parts workers seek raise from about 1,500 yuan ($219 U.S. funds) per month to somewhere between 2,000 ($293 U.S.) 2,500 yuan ($366) – basically equivalent to the wages earned by workers at Honda’s Chinese auto-assembly plants. That’s big jump on percentage basis, but it’s still fraction of what Honda pays more developed markets. For perspective, you include benefits the typical Honda worker Marysville, OH likely costs the company over $366 per day.

The bigger problem Honda and other automakers that, according to Chang-Hee Lee the Internal Labor Organization in Beijing, “China experiencing a labor shortage that’s shifting the natural bargaining power to workers.” We’re thinking automakers that have invested billions dollars in China will pretty unhappy a long-term worker shortage leads to steadily increasing labor rates.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Striking workers shut four Honda plants China originally appeared Autoblog Sun, 30 May 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Read | Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this&nbsp|&nbspComments

2010 Indy 500 filled with crashes, drama [SPOILERS]

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Racing

2010 Indianapolis 500 – Click above high-res image gallery

Memorial Day weekend is always great racing fans. Formula 1 typically has its Grand Prix Monaco that Sunday, (although this year it was Turkish GP taking calendar slot), NASCAR has annual Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, “The Greatest Spectacle Racing″ takes IndyCar Series its namesake venue, Indianapolis Speedway eponymous Indianapolis 500.

The 2010 Indy 500 billed as part of Centennial Era races, celebrating birth of track 1909 and first 500 held 1911. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built by Indiana businessmen Carl G. Fisher, James A. Allison, Arthur C. Newby, and Frank H. Wheeler as a testing grounds help bolster Indiana’s burgeoning automotive industry. It wasn’t long before racing became raison d’être the facility. The original tar gravel surface was quickly replaced by 3.2 million bricks when safety became concern.

The first 500-mile race took place May 30, 1911, when Ray Harroun shocked everyone, unprecedentedly going solo his Marmon “Wasp,” the rest the field using ride-along mechanics. Harroun’s car was actually considered safety risk without that passenger, but it made up it by introducing major automotive safety device. The Wasp, you see, was fitted with the industry’s first rearview mirror. The average speed that first Brickyard endurance race was stupefying 74.602 miles per hour. This year’s polesitter, three-time defending race-winner Helio Castroneves, won last year’s Indy 500 at more than twice that speed, 150.318 mph.

While speeds way up, much at Indy has remained same. The 500 is tradition as much as anything, and so this Memorial Day, 33 cars once again lined up, set challenge each other, track, and fate – crossing bricks 200 times complete 500 miles around the2.5-mile-long squared oval. Follow jump see how 2010 Indianapolis 500 went down history books.

Gallery: 2010 Indianapolis 500

[Images: Tom Strattman, Mike Groll, Darron Cummings, Jeff Roberson, Steve Metz (AP), Chris Howell, Nick Laham, Jonathan Ferrey, Robert Laberge, Chris Graythen (Getty Images)]

Continue reading 2010 Indy 500 filled crashes, drama [SPOILERS]

2010 Indy 500 filled with crashes, drama [SPOILERS] originally appeared Autoblog Sun, 30 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tesla's Elon Musk says he's broke

Filed under: Tesla

Diving into an extremely competitive and capital-intensive business in which customers generally don′t appreciate having access beta products not good way enhance your personal fortune. In fact, Elon Musk being honest in latest court filings related his divorce proceedings, it looks like great way vaporize fortune.

After selling Paypal eBay in 2002, Musk his partners netted $1.5 billion. An unknown portion that went Musk, who promptly turned around invested several hundred million into not one, three enterprises: Tesla, SpaceX SolarCity. Neither Tesla nor SpaceX are generating enough revenue yet be self-sustaining. The last we heard from someone inside Tesla, the company was selling about 20-30 Roadsters month for likely revenue under $4 million, plus whatever it’s getting from Daimler for Smart ED battery packs.

Apparently Musk isn’t personally self-sustaining either, claiming that he has $200,000 per month expenses $8,255 income, presumably from his CEO salaries at Tesla SpaceX. Musk’s filings also list only $650,000 liquid assets. Given that disparity, it seems like there might at least bit of leeway to cut back bit. At any rate, Musk claims that he has had to start taking personal loans from friends to make ends meet.

Needless say, Musk’s estranged wife Justine sees family finances a bit differently, and reality likely somewhere between. If Musk’s financial position is, fact, as strained as he says, he’ll want complete Tesla IPO as soon as possible just so that he can cash out some his position.

[Source: CNN Money, Forbes]

Tesla’s Elon Musk says he’s broke originally appeared on Autoblog Sun, 30 May 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this&nbsp|&nbspComments

Survey outlines which qualities motivate new car buyers

Filed under: Car Buying

So, you’ve found car that catches your eye. It’s attractive, has features you want and priced within your budget. Slam dunk, right? Perhaps, recent telephone survey administered Consumer Reports proves that a number of additional factors can affect decision to purchase a new car… and we don’t mean cup holders.

Among factors tilting scales any particular automaker’s favor is brand loyalty, though CR recently found that desire purchase another vehicle same brand varies widely between men women as well as age group. That aside, most likely attributes get buyer switch brands higher quality better fuel economy.

Also important lower price, better safety record more standard equipment. Of course, we’d like to think comprehensive automotive reviews can sway buyer preference too…

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Getty]

Survey outlines which qualities motivate new car buyers originally appeared Autoblog Sun, 30 May 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: 1997 Ford Escort Cosworth Rally Car

Filed under: Auctions, Ford, Racing

1997 Ford Escort Rally Car – Click above high-res image gallery

Long before Mitsubishi Evo Subaru Impreza came to prominence in the world of rallying, the Ford Escort often dominated the world’s backwoods trails. Today’s eBay Find the Day is one the last the line before Ford retired the Escort nameplate after nearly three decades.

This 1997 Escort Cosworth did okay, it really wasn’t one of more successful line. It first competed 1997 and ran until 2006, when it was used X-Games rally competition. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produces over 300 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque. The car currently has seven-speed FFD gearbox installed, original six-speed unit included deal, as an extra engine and numerous other spares. The starting point $60,000, and there were no bids car as of this writing.

Gallery: eBay find the day: 1997 Ford Escort Cosworth rally car

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find the Day: 1997 Ford Escort Cosworth Rally Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 May 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: China-only 2011 Buick GL8 minivan spotted

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, China, Buick

2009 Buick Business Concept – Click above high-res image gallery

For years , Buick has produced GL8 minivan for Chinese market. It’s based on late-1990s Pontiac Trans Sport. With that van being severely outdated for better part of decade now, Buick’s just ready replace it an all-new design. The new GL8 (we don′t yet know if name badge will carry over) has been spotted out testing and it looks very much like Buick Business Concept that debuted last year in Shanghai.

One the more interesting visual elements the concept was its dipped beltline, similar those the Hyundai Genesis coupe more recent Honda Odyssey concept. The interior the Buick van looks very upscale, keeping with what we’ve seen the new LaCrosse and Regal.

Considering that prototype spy photos still doesn’t have completed light clusters, it’s likely that GL8 replacement won’t officially debut until next year’s Shanghai show.

[Source: auto.163.com]

Spy Shots: China-only 2011 Buick GL8 minivan spotted originally appeared Autoblog on Sat, 29 May 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use feeds.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

The greatest truck in America?

Filed under: Truck, Etc.

America’s greatest truck isn’t sitting some showroom. It’s not the one that wins the latest Big Time Magazine comparo, either. Nor it the one that ranks highest some tailor-made-for-PR survey results. The best truck America the one you see above. Okay, not that one specifically. Think of that 108,000-mile 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 as an archetype: friend’s truck, or more plainly, truck you can always borrow.

I borrowed this one earlier today for messy trip dump. Sure, all filth-ridden junk would have fit family SUV, cleanup would have been nightmare, and my truck-owning buddy lives just around corner. “Sure thing. Come on by,” he says every time ask to borrow it. And every time use that truck, desperately want one of my own. But truth is, another ride’s just not cards right now, so The Borrowed Truck king. It beloved. Long may it live.

And now it’s reader participation time. Do you have a strong relationship a borrowed truck yourself? Let’s hear about it.

The greatest truck in America? originally appeared on Autoblog Sat, 29 May 2010 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple iPad to be used as sales tool by Mercedes-Benz dealers

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

The resounding successes the iPhone iPad have Apple shareholders dancing the streets, but one area which Apple hasn’t been as successful, however, has been business applications. In fact, until recently, Apple retail stores used Windows-based devices to ring up orders. Now, Mercedes-Benz aims to be among the first companies to change that paradigm by bringing the popular iPad tablet into its showrooms.

The program, called Mercedes-Benz Advantage, puts iPad into hands automaker’s sales force. With iPad and Mercedes′ new sales tool app, associates will have lightning-fast access latest deals, while also providing quicker turnaround time customer credit application processes. Benz also says iPad will help speed up time it takes turn-in leased vehicle. Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Financial, contends Apple tablet will “provide competitive advantage our dealers increasing their service levels through more flexible financing process.”

We dig that Mercedes thinking outside box deliver an expedited shopping experience, even better, we love fact that Apple iPad might help customers avoid dreaded trip dealership’s finance room. Hit jump read over press release.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Apple iPad to used as sales tool Mercedes-Benz dealers

Apple iPad be used as sales tool Mercedes-Benz dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 May 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Remote-controlled exhaust valves now available for the Nissan 370Z

Filed under: Aftermarket, Nissan

Cobra Technology and Lifestyle dual-mode exhaust – Click above watch video after jump

German tuner Cobra Technology Lifestyle has developed range aesthetic performance parts Nissan 370Z coupe and roadster. One of them an exhaust remote-controlled butterfly valve that allows driver to control how loud it bellows. Delivering same kind of effect you’d get by revving an Aston above 4,500 rpm, you can buy 120-mm pipes flap that ranges from “discrete sportiness to pure racing sound.”

You can check it the sound range the video after the jump. Even flaps open it doesn′t seem bad at all, it might still come in handy those hamlets where any kind loud noise is a no-no.

[Source: Gizmag]

Continue reading Remote-controlled exhaust valves now available for Nissan 370Z

Remote-controlled exhaust valves now available for Nissan 370Z originally appeared Autoblog Sat, 29 May 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this&nbsp|&nbspComments