The Auto Blog .ru

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon	2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid	2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
2011 Subaru WRX sedan	2011 Infiniti QX56	2011 Nissan Juke
Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon	2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport	2011 Scion tC
2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo	2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid	2011 Scion iQ
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco	2011 Kia Sportage	2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon	2011 VW Touareg Hybrid

	Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] It wasn’t that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect.
	2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG! Ever since Hyundai announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it would add a turbocharged variant to its all-four-cylinder lineup in the new Sonata, there has been considerable speculation about how much power the engine would produce.
	Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG If there’s one thing we’re clamoring for here in the U.S., it’s more diesel engines in passenger cars. Mazda will soon be answering our cries, as it plans to launch its all-new SKY-D powertrain in its “next-generation mid-sized car” (read: Mazda6) sometime in 2012.
	Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced at $183,000 for the U.S. Mercedes-Benz announced pricing today for its all-new, homegrown gullwing. We don’t have an official MSRP breakdown yet, but our man on the NY Auto Show floor tells us that the 2011 SLS AMG will start at $183,000 in the U.S. when it begins to go on sale this summer.
	2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport lands on show floor, V6 and hybrid not happening “You’ll turn blue in the face if you’re holding your breath waiting for a V6 Kizashi.” That was the word from a Suzuki spokesman at last night’s insider preview of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport. Don’t count on the hybrid anytime soon, either.
	Ford and Microsoft announce Hohm electric vehicle charging partnership At this year’s New York Auto Show, Ford announced an extension of its partnership with Microsoft (see also: Sync) into the electric vehicle (EV) recharging realm: The free Hohm energy management application.

We obsessively covered Day 1 of the…

There was a time, not too long ago, when a BMW M-badged vehicle was feared. In the late 1990s, the E36 M3 Coupe was often regarded as the best-handling two-door on the planet and its sibling, the E36 M3 Sedan, was the fastest four-door in showrooms. The droptop M Roadster offered a viable alternative to a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, while the bad-to-the bone E39 M5 ran without peers thanks to its 400-horsepower V8 .

Today’s M models offer excellent performance, but the bar has been raised so high that cheaper upstarts like Mitsubishi and Subaru can give them a run for the money on tracks, not to mention surging premium competitors like Audi and arch rival, Mercedes-Benz and their AMG offerings. Kay Segler, the new chief of BMW’s performance-oriented M brand, has taken notice. However, instead of pushing the well-respected division to the head of the pack with even greater levels of performance, Segler says it is time to rethink what his division stands for – meaning BMW M may no longer offer the fastest or most powerful cars possible.

“The measurement of 0 to 100 (km/h) isn’t as much a thrill anymore,” Segler tells TheDetroitBureau.com. He goes on to explain that it’s how a car feels via the driver’s “butt-o-meter” matters more. Furthermore, he says the performance M brand needs to shift directions. “We want to make M young again.” Segler’s goal “is to go towards affordability and freshness.” Those are big changes considering the current M lineup represents the flagship of each model range – priced accordingly – along with gigantic SUVs like the 5,368-pound X5 M. Undeterred by the news, we are still holding our breath for a production version of the Concept 1 Series Tii.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

BMW M looking to be more youthful, get more affordable?

The fine folk at Auto Express are reporting that the powerful Ford Fiesta ST has gotten the official go ahead from the suits in Europe. If all of the whispers making their way around the internet right now are true, our cousins across the pond will be getting a crack at a 180-horsepower version of the Blue Oval’s tiny hatch very soon.

All of that pep should come courtesy of a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, and should help the Fiesta get to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Odds are the forced induction engine will be coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or the company’s new dual-clutch gear box.

But does that mean we’ll get to enjoy the same kind of fun in our neck of the woods? It’s hard to say, but since Ford is openly embracing a new global philosophy, a Fiesta ST for America isn’t completely out the question. Consider our fingers crossed.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets the nod… but will we?

Even when McLaren makes mistakes, it makes money. Lewis Hamilton was busted putting a little a lotta extra temperature into the tires of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG loaned to him during his stay in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. The car was impounded by the Victorian State Police, Lewis paid a fine to remedy his deed and McLaren paid to get the car out.

Turns out there are so many buyers interested in owning said car that Mercedes dealers are bidding to win the car so they can re-sell it. Tips suggest the dealers will have to pay a healthy slice more than the $AUD 148,900 ($136,198 USD) MSRP, and Mercedes will donate any amount above market value to charity. The eventual retail, however, will add another premium above what the dealer paid, and it’s a good guess that the dealer won’t be donating that money to charity. For that extra dough, the retail buyer will get a surprise “special item” to help tell the story… and maybe justify a markup likely to be on the far side of absurd. Great tip, Andrew!

[Source: Brisbane Times]

Followup: Hamilton’s Hoontastic Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG slated for charity auction?

General Motors has been cranking out the Chevrolet Corvette in Bowling Green, Kentucky since 1981, employing around 500 people at the same time. Early in this year’s legislative season, Bowling Green Representative Jody Richards introduced a bill into the state House of Representatives to name the Corvette the official Kentucky state car. But that was before GM came out in opposition of legislation that would force the company to give former General Motors dealers first dibs on new franchise opportunities.

Now both the House bill and a similar piece of legislation in the Kentucky Senate have been sent to committee to die a slow, painful death. Why? No one knows for sure, or at least they aren’t willing to go on record and give any solid reason. If you believe Representative C.B. Embry Jr., who had introduced similar legislation back in 2007, the move is a snub to GM for closing a number of dealerships in the state last year as part of the company’s post-bankruptcy restructuring plan. There’s still a chance either bill will pass, but with scant few days left before a legislative recess, it doesn’t look good.

[Source: Business Week]

Bill to make Corvette the Official Car of Kentucky killed to snub GM?

When General Motors first announced it was sending Pontiac packing, our first thought was a pang for the loss of the most excellent G8 GXP, followed quickly by concern for Holden, the automaker’s Australian subsidiary. After all, the General’s Australian arm had done well by providing America with left-hand-drive versions of the Commodore to sail under the Poncho flag. Turns out Holden is now feeling the loss of that deal in a big way. According to a report in The Age, the company just announced a loss of $192 million USD. Thanks to the American thirst for Australian V8s, Holden pulled in $5.3 billion in revenue in 2008, but just $3.6 billion last year.

The pinch doesn’t just fall on GM shoulders, though. Like the rest of the automaking world, Holden saw sales plummet due to a global recession last year. The loss of the Pontiac contract only added fuel to the fire.

[Source: The Age]

Report: Holden tallies $210M loss, blames Pontiac

Volkswagen has just unveiled its 2011 Touareg for the first time in the States, giving us Americans a chance to see the slimmed down SUV and its hybrid sibling that we first saw at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. This second generation Touareg will still have a diesel option, but for those who like to feel even better about themselves while they gently crush wildflowers in the Arctic National Preserve, there’s also a hybrid model offered for the first time in a VW SUV.

The hybrid model gets a 3.0-liter, supercharged, direct injection V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission that help it to a mileage rating of 21 miles per gallon city and 25 highway. That V6-plus-electric-motor combo also combines for 375 horsepower and 428 lbs.-ft. of torque, allowing a healthy towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. There’s a full rundown of the details in the press release you’ll find after the jump, and a gallery of live images from the show floor here at the 2010 New York Auto Show below.

[Source: Volkswagen]
Live photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: Second generation Volkswagen Touareg makes U.S. debut, Hybrid too

New York 2010: Second generation Volkswagen Touareg makes U.S. debut, Hybrid too

Meet the Lamborghini of the Links – the Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit. Aside from that exotic roof, this golf car (don’t you dare call it a cart) boasts a serious pedigree bedecked with names like Porsche, Ducati and Aston Martin. Sort of. See, this little caddy-mobile gets glued together in the same factory that’s responsible for the Cayman, and uses a frame from the same supplier as Aston Martin, Volvo and the like. The gearbox? It comes straight from a Ducati supplier.

Buyers can choose their own exterior color, and get treated to niceties like two-tone seats stitched by hand and a Alcantara headliner. Sadly, there are no power numbers on hand, but the company did supply us with one very important figure – $17,499. That’s how much the base version will set you back. Start tacking on the optional built-in refrigerator or partake of the personalization program, and this little sucker will hit you up for closer to $52,000. Expect to see the Garia Editioin Soleil de Minuit unveiled at this year’s Top Marques Monaco. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Garia]

Continue reading World’s priciest and most luxurious golf cart features carbon-fiber roof, just like your BMW M3

World’s priciest and most luxurious golf cart features carbon-fiber roof, just like your BMW M3

There’s quite a phenomenon at this year’s New York Auto Show. Two – yes, two wagons have debuted. The first was the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon (our current pick for Best In Show, we might add), and the second is from Acura. The U.S.-market Acura TSX is the Honda Accord overseas, and the wagon variant that other markets will finally come to our shores to fill out the TSX lineup.

From all appearances, the only differences between the Euro Accord wagon and the TSX Sport Wagon are the addition of Acura badges and a slightly more upscale interior. Powering the Sport Wagon is the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the sedan, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission. Official fuel economy numbers haven’t been finalized just yet, but Acura claims that the wagon will achieve around 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Sadly, the TSX wagon is only available with front-wheel drive, as Acura says that it has no plans to offer its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system in the TSX range. A pity, since we’re big fans of this grips-at-all-paws setup. This could prove to be a sticking point for some consumers, however, especially since Acura’s claimed competitive set (BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, namely) both offer all-wheel drive.

Still, we’re always pleased to see another wagon on the road, and we’re hoping that consumers will feel the same when the TSX Sport Wagon hits dealerships in late Fall. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in Acura’s press release and click through our attached galleries to see the new wagon from all angles.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

Here’s the skinny: The Cruze RS is an appearance package for Chevy buyers who want a Cruze with a higher level of panache. That out of the way, the RS sports sexier front and rear fascias along with more aggressive rocker panels. Don’t forget the pretty OK-looking fog lamps. There’s a slick rear spoiler, too. We’re also pretty smitten with the big, aluminum wheels that are slathered in some impressive rubber – 235/40/19 to be specific. That’s pretty large. Inside features a blacked out interior with leather seats and fabric dash materials.

The Cruze RS get’s the same 1.4-liter VVT turbo as the Cruse Eco (as well as 70% of all Cruzes, so says Chevy) and should be coming on line just after the regular Cruze (finally) arrives in the third quarter of this year to eventually replace the aging Cobalt. Until then, make the jump to read the press release.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: Chevrolet Cruze RS ups the entry level ante

New York 2010: Chevrolet Cruze RS ups the entry level ante

The original Kia Sportage was one of the vehicles that led the Korean automaker’s initial charge into the American market. Those early SUVs (they were body-on-frame back then) were inexpensive and honest, but that’s about the best thing you could say about them. After a near brush with extinction, Kia is a very different kind of automaker today. Like the rest of the company’s recent introductions, the Sportage features crisp, aggressive styling that won’t leave you embarrassed to be seen in one.

The new Sportage actually had its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show early this month, but the New York Auto Show is considered the crossover’s U.S. coming out party, even though it actually showed up at the Atlanta show just recently. Like sister brand Hyundai’s new Tucson, the American-spec model gets a new 176 horsepower variable valve timing 2.4-liter inline-four that beats the power and efficiency of the old 2.7-liter V6 with the buyer’s choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

Later in the 2011 model year, the Sportage will finally get some real sport when it gets the new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected inline four that’s going into the Optima and Hyundai Sonata. A snazzy looking, 274 hp Sportage? What is this world coming to?

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New York 2010: Kia’s 2011 Sportage comes to America

New York 2010: Kia’s 2011 Sportage comes to America

If there’s one thing a Mandarin enjoys, it’s being chauffeured. And because China has no small number of the world’s Mandarins, BMW has created a long-wheelbase 5 Series exclusively built in and provided for that market. The model is produced in BMW’s Shenyang plant, where it’s given an extra 5.5 inches for the rear passengers who travel in “luxurious grand touring comfort” due to the rear axle tailored to each model. These CDM specials even get a bespoke rear seat.

Three engines are to be offered in outputs starting at 204 horsepower and going up to 306 hp. You can check out all the info in the presser and videos after the jump, and get good looks at 7 Series-sized 5 Series in our high-res gallery below.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Big Stretch: BMW reveals long-wheelbase 5 Series for China [w/video]

Big Stretch: BMW reveals long-wheelbase 5 Series for China [w/video]

For the past week, we’ve been hearing all about the latest iteration of the Chevrolet Cruze, the 40-mpg Eco model. While the name is rather uninspired (Eco’s the best they got?), the technology that allows the Cruze Eco to hit that lofty number is anything but. Here’s the really interesting part: Chevy is claiming that fully 70% of Cruzes will feature the 1.4-liter variable-valve timing turbo I-4, including the Eco model. But wait a moment, how does the Cruze Eco achieve such lofty mileage with the same engine (same power, too – 138 horsepower @4,900 rpm, 148 pound-feet of torque @1,850 rpm)? Keep reading.

Starting with the front of the Eco, there’s a new, wind tunnel-massaged front fascia complete with a class-first “Aero Shutter.” Take a look at the air inlet area below the grill. During low speed driving (say stop and start city type stuff) the aero shutter is open. However, at higher speeds when cooling the turbocharged engine isn’t as much of an issue, the shutter shuts, allowing air to more efficiently stream around the vehicle.

There’s also a slim lower chin spoiler and “tire blockers,” which we typically call spats. Moving on to the rear, there’s a new fascia back there that’s also been wind tunnel tested for more slippery-ness. Surface area is further decreased by lowering the car by 10 mm compared to other Cruzes. There’s a full-body underpanel to keep air from getting hung up on stuff like the exhaust and suspension components, as well as ultra low rolling resistance tires shared with the Volt. Finally, there’s an ultra-tall 6th gear (the Cruze Eco is manual-only) that allows the rpms to greatly drop when the vehicle is at cruising speed.

As you may imagine, Chevy has also done its very best to reduce mass as much as possible, going to far as to shave welds down by a millimeter. But here’s the thing: while working on the body in white, Chevy discovered that the mass-saving measures they made to the Eco could easily be applied to other Cruze models, which means that the not-quite-yet-on sale Cruze will have across the board improved mileage. Nice, no? The Chevy Cruze should go on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2010 with the Eco (probably) making it out of the gate by the 4th quarter of this year.

As far as the seemingly random “not a stripper” fragment in the title goes, Chevrolet has made the decision not to totally decontent the Eco. According to Chevy, people’s tastes are changing (ya think?) and they want high mileage vehicles to have lots of creature comforts. For instance, the Eco ships with 17-inch forged aluminum wheels. Nice. Make the jump to read the press release.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper

New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper

Well, well, well – it looks like Toyota’s iQ is coming to the U.S. after all, only it will be (as reported) sporting a Scion badge. Makes sense. Especially as according to Scion, the world’s smallest four-seater is aimed squarely at a very young demographic. Not just young, but hip and urban, too. In fact, we were told that the iQ represents a “new urbanism,” and is a vehicle for a “progressive buyer.” We can hear Glenn Beck’s aneurysm from here.

As for details, the “mini-er, smart-er” iQ sports a 1.3-liter engine delivering its not-yet-divulged power through a CVT. Mileage should be in the high 30s, which is reasonable but far from overwhelming for such a small package. The iQ will also ship with stability control, traction control and ABS, as well as ten – count ‘em – ten airbags, as well as the industry’s first-ever rear window bag. As for now, that’s the whole story. We’ll update you on price, performance specs, and on-sale date when we know more. Press release after the jump.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing

New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing

Chrysler’s engineers have been busy lately. Mark Allen, head of the Jeep design studio, has introduced a total of eight new concept vehicles at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. Each one has been worked up by the company’s off-road engineering team, and while most are nothing more than pure fantasy, at least a few can be crafted out of parts available from the Mopar go-fast catalog. Even better, all have the off road guts to go anywhere you please.

That includes the Jeep Wrangler J7. Consider this the stripped-down beast we would build if Chrysler gave us the keys to the kingdom for a week. Fluffy stuff like carpet, the stereo and alloy wheels have been ditched in favor of more utilitarian goods. New all-steel bumpers, complete with helicopter hooks, join a sturdy rear gate and steel wheels wrapped in 35-inch rubber. A small 2-inch lift helps accommodate the larger rollers, and the eye-searing Mustard Plug paint sets the truck apart from the crowd. While we have no problem with the 3.8-liter V6, we would probably swap the four-speed automatic gear box for a row-your-own.

Speaking of rowing your own, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is more than happy to accommodate third-pedal lovers everywhere. While Wrangler guys may be quick to rag on the baby Jeep, this Patriot is more than capable of dispatching rough terrain. A two-inch suspension lift gives the trail-rated package just a little more clearance, and custom rock rails protect the bodywork from getting too close to the trail. We’re also digging those 16-inch TJ Moab wheels, extra lighting on the bumper and roof rack for… snowboards?

Chrysler says it turned out the Wrangler Trail Boss (right) just to show off all of the products available from the Jeep trail catalog. The truck’s specs read like a recipe for a Wrangler wish list. Outside, the most noticeable difference between the Trail Boss and a standard Wrangler is the addition of new AEV off-road bumpers, complete with a Warn 9.5ti winch, though the half-doors and sun bonnet do much to alter the truck’s attitude, too. A 3-inch lift kit allows for healthy 35-inch rubber down below, wrapped around those slick Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels. Click the jump to read about the rest of the Mopar monsters.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

The big reveal for Scion at the 2010 New York Auto Show is staring you square in the face. Meet the 2011 tC. Scion describes the car as defining “refined aggression.” They called it, “masculine,” too. Even though the new car borrows fairly heavily from the 2006 Fuse concept (not to mention the outgoing tC), our collective jury is still out on the refined aggression part. But we’ll go ahead and agree that the new model does indeed look more masculine, which is good for Scion, as the tC demographic not only skews young (most youthful in the industry it turns out), but very male as well.

As for what’s new, the engine is now a 2.5-liter I-4, up from 2.4 liters. Power is up as well. The new tC ships with a respectable 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. That’s plus 19 ponies and 11 pound feet. The suspension is now “sport tuned” and the power steering is electronic, which Scion assured us better allows the engineers to dial in more steering feel. Uh-huh.

The new tC also gets better gas mileage than the previous car (no word yet on exactly how much better) and comes with two new transmissions. There’s a six-speed automatic that features sequential-shift (Scion-speak for a manual shift mode) as well asa six-speed manual that promises more refined shifting than the old five-speed.

Other goodies include 18-inch wheels and larger tires, bigger brake rotors (Scion claimed 16-inch rotors front and back during the press conference, but that’s… insane) and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The tC has been our favorite Scion ever since Scion replaced the fist-gen xB with the fatter second-gen model. As such, it looks as if we have a new favorite. Press release, after the jump.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: Scion reveals better looking, more powerful 2011 tC

New York 2010: Scion reveals better looking, more powerful 2011 tC

If there’s one thing we’re clamoring for here in the U.S., it’s more diesel engines in passenger cars. Mazda will soon be answering our cries, as it plans to launch its all-new SKY-D powertrain in its “next-generation mid-sized car” (read: Mazda6) sometime in 2012.

The big news about this engine is that it’s expected to achieve up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, trumping the current class-leader of fuel economy in the mid-size sedan department, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. This powerplant will be mated to a brand new six-speed automatic transmission, called SKY-Drive, and will not only meet Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, but will meet North America’s strict emissions standards.

In addition to the SKY-D diesel engine, Mazda has said that it plans to build a new SKY-G gasoline engine that when coupled to the SKY-Drive six-speed automatic will provide 15 percent better fuel economy than the its petrol poweplants currently in use. Hit the jump to read the full details in Mazda’s press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

Alongside the debut of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at this year’s New York Auto Show, Ford announced an extension of its partnership with Microsoft (see also: Sync) into the electric vehicle (EV) recharging realm. The new space that Microsoft and Ford want to take over is your garage; the method of attack is the free Hohm energy management application.

Hohm is a cloud-based system that can be used today to manage and control home energy usage. When it comes to future EVs and home charging, the system will be able to automate and optimize recharging and, most likely, communicate with a smartphone to relay information and update settings (need to turn off your dryer for some reason while you’re at work, Hohm can let you do that). The MyFord Touch and Sync technologies could also be integrated into the system, allowing your car to tell you it wants to be recharged at night during off-peak hours.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer appeared via satellite during Ford’s press conference to promote the new direction that these two companies are going in together. Ballmer said, “electric cars are going to transform so much of our society” and that information technology will be critical in getting EVs on the road. Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally said that this partnership “makes electric vehicles viable.” Ford’s group vice president of global product development, Derrick Kuzak, said that Hohm will make EVs “a reality for everyone, not just a lucky few” because it manages the cost for the end user and helps utilities manage and understand the EV load.

But Kuzak also said that Hohm will help people evaluate if their home is ready for an EV, implying that not everyone will be able to use Hohm (an obvious point, but it negates his pie-in-the-sky “EVs for everyone” statement). We’ll be able to draw our own conclusions once the all-electric Focus becomes the first Ford EV to use Hohm, probably some time in 2011.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New York 2010: Ford and Microsoft announce Hohm electric vehicle charging partnership

New York 2010: Ford and Microsoft announce Hohm electric vehicle charging partnership

When a legitimate Ferrari 250GT Spyder California goes on sale at auction, the ultra-rare droptops can fetch $10 million or more. The are two reasons the 250GT fetches so much cash: because there were fewer than 100 copies made between 1958 and 1963 and because we’re talking about a gorgeous Ferrari. Now switch out the legit Ferrari with one of the many replica 250GTs, the payout would likely be so insignificant many auction houses wouldn’t bother.

That’s almost universally true, but if you’re talking about the actual 1961 Ferrari 250GT replica used in the classic John Hughes movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the same rules don’t necessarily apply. The one-of-a-kind replica, built off of a far more pedestrian MG platform, is being auctioned off at the Bonhams Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia auction on April 19 at the RAF Museum London. The price tag for a piece of automotive movie history? The auction house is reportedly looking to snag £30,000 to £40,000 ($45,000 to $60,000 in U.S. funds) for the little red ragtop. The fake Ferrari is reportedly ready to be driven, but rumor has it that the replica wasn’t even reliable when the movie was being shot back in the mid-80s.

Maybe we’re just big fans of the film, but we thought it might go for a bit more – perhaps it would have more potential at a Stateside auction. Either way, we’re hoping that whoever just bought Cameron’s house (it was up for sale last year) splurges a little and reunites these two. Bonus video footage of both from the movie available after the jump.

[Sources: Telegraph, Motorator]

Continue reading “If you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up” [w/video]

“If you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up” [w/video]

It wasn’t that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata.

As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them. The body alterations drops the hybrid’s projected drag coefficient from the standard Sonata’s already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25. As you might suspect, the really important stuff, however, is under the skin.

Follow the jump to learn more and check out a video.

*UPDATE: Live photos added from New York

Live photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]

New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]