We may have out in Monterey, California, but it appears that we – and everyone else in the media – may have missed one.
If a letter sent to a Ferrari owner is to be believed (and we’re not convinced it should be), the automaker held a special gathering for a select group of owners to view a 599 Roadster prototype. The letter, which you can , thanks the attendees for their “first feedback” on this “upcoming limited edition product.” There’s no way to verify the authenticity of this letter, but if we’re honest, it looks kinda-sorta legit.
Ferrari usually does a pretty good job of keeping these things under wraps, and since we didn’t get to see the 599 Roadster during our time in Monterey, we wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up at a future auto show (, perhaps?). We’ll keep our eyes peeled.
Taming of the Mt. Washington Auto Road – Click above for high-res image gallery
In , I mentioned that my wife and I took the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT on a two-week road trip up to New England. Our ultimate destination was Bar Harbor, Maine, though a stop in New Hampshire on the way home became our most memorable vacation moment of all time.
After spending Fourth of July at the , we decided to drive up and visit the at its summit on our way out of town. I knew little about Mt. Washington, but my wife had visited this tallest peak in New England as a child and claimed she and her family had hiked up to the summit.
The story goes her father had convinced them all to hoof it up to the top rather than hitch a ride on the mountain’s by offering them each the price of the train ticket as bribe money. Sounding like something my father-in-law would do, I trusted my wife’s memory was accurate and imagined a post card-quality bluff, easily scalable by a trio of children and their persuasive father.
This is the story of how wrong I was, and how the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT fared as our mule on the harrowing eight-mile ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road.
Gallery:
Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL or their respective owners (see gallery for credits)
2011Hyundai Sonata – Click above for high-res image gallery
The has only been on sale for a few months, but it’s already winning over many American mid-size sedan buyers, and we’ve been every impressed by what we’ve found in our and . However, the rakish new Sonata could face a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into about 16,300 Sonatas due to potential steering issues.
NHTSA has received reports that cite problems with either a separation of the upper universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft assembly. The result is a complete loss of steering capability, though the universal joint was not completely separated.
says that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries connected to this issue and that it is fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation. The automaker also says that it had received reports of two vehicles with a steering problem linked to the upper universal joint, but that both were repaired without issue. Expect the results of NHTSA’s investigation to be released in the coming weeks.
Gallery:
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: ]
2011 Holden Series II family – Click above for high-res image gallery
We’ll admit it – we miss the . A lot. ‘ Americanized version of the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore met its death with the demise of last year, and of all the GM products that we’ve lost in the past twelve months, the G8 is the one we’d immediately rebirth if we could (especially the ). , however, is still alive and well in its native Australia, and the automaker has just released its Series II family, which offers up a host of small changes to nearly the full line of products.
There isn’t anything drastically different about the Series II versions of the , , , or – just the typical new model year additions. Most notably, the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines are now capable of running on bio-ethanol fuel, and slight improvements to fuel economy have been made across the range. In addition, small visual tweaks have been made to the fascias of all models and new paint colors have been added.
A similar story can be told about these cars’ interiors – minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM’s new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).
For the full list of changes, browse through Holden’s press release, available after the jump, and see the full 2011 Series II range for yourself in the high-res image gallery below. Hat tip to Neil!
is set to debut its American-spec at this year’s with the first examples being sold near the end of 2010. During the 2011 calendar year, Chrysler hopes to sell 50,000 of the fighters, including the 500 Cabrio, which goes on sale sometime in 2011.
Built in Toluca, Mexico, the 500 will be sold through a network of 165 dealers across the United States, mostly in cities that have the largest small car markets. Will Chrysler be able to move 50,000 of the new Fiats? That’s mildly ambitious, since the Mini brand only moves about 50,000 Coopers annually. Still, consider our fingers crossed.
2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery
Okay, so the isn’t exactly the modern-day CRX redux that we were all hoping for. Mildly upsetting, yes, but perhaps this disappointment tarnished our initial impression of this newest hybrid offering from . We still have many questions about its form and function, but need to accept the fact that times have changed, Honda’s product strategies have been realigned to the times and the CRX shall remain a modern classic – especially the Si. Besides, this little two-seat hybrid isn’t really all that bad. Really.
What we have here is an inherently good vehicle that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. It only has two seats and its EPA fuel economy numbers are underwhelming. A , for example, is more functional, less expensive and gets nearly the same combined fuel economy – at least compared to a manual-equipped CR-Z like our tester.
But don’t write off the CR-Z completely. It may be a tough sell when looked at from a big picture perspective, but on its own, it’s a pretty good little whip. to find out why.
A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker’s European retailers (they didn’t, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.
There’s still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.
has officially announced plans to debut its first hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The M35 hybrid first appeared – badged as the hybrid – at last fall’s , propelled by Nissan’s first in-house hybrid system. The is powered by a retuned Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-liter VQ V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack that uses the same type of cells that power the .
The motor is a disc-type unit packed between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission in a similar fashion to the systems from , , and . Infiniti claims the M35 will deliver V8 performance with the fuel consumption of a four cylinder. While the Fuga is set to go on sale in Japan this fall, the M35 hybrid arrives in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.
Remember the documentary “” Director Chris Paine created the film in 2005 and 2006 to bemoan the decision of some automakers to kill off their electric car programs. It’s now five years later and Paine and company are back with a vengeance videotaping “.”
In the original film, was reviled for its decision to deep-six the innovative EV1 all-electric two-seat car. But thanks to the impending production of the , GM is now considered one of the reasons that the EV is on the comeback trail. Paine and his crew were allowed access to The General’s Detroit Hamtramck plant to witness – with cameras rolling – the assembly production of pre-production Volt number 100. And to think that five years ago Rick Wagner and his crew would have been more likely to lend a size 14 boot to Paine’s rear end than allow him to film inside one of the company’s most important plants. My how times have changed.
There is no solid timetable for the release of “Revenge of the Electric Car” right now, but the documentary will likely align very well with the release of the Volt and Nissan , which are followed by an not long after.
When gas prices hit the stratosphere in 2008, car buyers began a frenzied search for fuel efficient transportation. One of the big winners as a result of pricey petrol was the little . A surprising 25,000 copies of Daimler’s diminutive two-seater flew off dealer lots that year, followed by solid though less spectacular sales throughout much of 2009.
There is little doubt that the Fortwo started off on the right foot here in the States, but feel-good story in the U.S. took a turn for the worse in 2010. Through the first seven months of this year, Automotive News reports that Smart has sold only 4,000 Fortwos. German news source Der Spiegel says that U.S. Smart sales will likely be only one third of the 25,000 units sold in 2008. Because of these low U.S. sales numbers, Smart is in danger of selling fewer than 100,000 units worldwide for the year, down considerably from the 114,000 units sold in 2009.
Is it surprising that the Fortwo’s luster has worn so thin so fast here in the U.S.? We don’t think so, especially considering the Fortwo’s fuel economy numbers of 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg highway aren’t as good as far more functional hybrids like the and are even beginning to be matched by larger gas-powered vehicles like the and . Nor were we with the Fortwo when we reviewed a 2009 model. At this point, the only way Smart will get back on track in the U.S. is if gas prices spike again, or if the upcoming revival of the Smart Forfour takes this country by storm.
It’s only taken seven filed complaints out of 37,889 vehicles sold, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is taking a close look at the 2009 VW Jetta TDi regarding sudden stalling. Although only a handful of complaints have come into the NHTSA, a greater number of owners in various forums like VW Vortex, TDIclub.com, and VWDiesel.net have reported the same thing: a loss of power and then the engine cuts out.
Suspicions seem to center on the fuel delivery system or the type of diesel used at the moment. Tales of $10,000 repair estimates have been related, but it’s too early to say where the gremlins truly reside, so if you’ve experienced the issue yourself, get on the horn to NHTSA.
Gallery:
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Detroit News]
Audi A1 tuned by Senner – Click above for high-res image gallery
The arrival of the A1 abroad means the tuning of pint-sized hatch begins in earnest. Germany’s Senner has taken on the angry-eyed three-door and has beefed up the 1.6 TDI model, boosting output from 103 to 138 horsepower. And just the engine mods alone will run you €899 ($1,146 U.S.).
If you have more needs and more to spend, the comprehensive Senner Tuning Package for €4,999 ($6,373 U.S.) bolts on an adjustable KW suspension, 18-inch Barracuda Voltec T6 wheels, stainless steel sport exhaust and “special painting.” For more details, check out the presser after the jump and for a look, hit up the gallery of high-res photos below.
In case you thought installing SYNC into vehicles was a ho-hum-whatever affair, that’s not the case – Ford puts a lot of thought into it. The Blue Oval’s latest assembly line advance is to have SYNC’s infotainment software installed into the via WiFi. Made possible by the the latest version of SYNC with WiFi access, the new process allows Ford to save money on parts and inventory by using a common module among vehicles in different cars and made in different plants. After the Edge, the and will gain the same systems. Follow the jump for the press release.
Officially confirming what we’ve , announced this morning that its West Point, Georgia plant will add a second vehicle to its production line, the 2011Hyundai Santa Fe. The move will also be paired with the addition of a second shift beginning October 1, although limited production of the Santa Fe is earmarked to ramp-up on September 27.
The move hasn’t been driven by a need to consolidate as much as it is Hyundai-Kia’s need to find capacity to keep up with demand. The crossover, which is also produced at the plant, is currently Kia’s hottest-selling model, and needs additional room to build more sedans at its Alabama facility, so it makes good sense to dual the two, especially as they share a sizable amount of components.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, which opened just last November, has an annual capacity of some 300,000 units, so there’s room to grow. For more details, click past the jump for the official press release.
Mazda Shinari Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
When Mazda invited us to Milan to see its new concept car, we knew it must be something important. Normally concept cars get their 15 minutes of fame at an auto show, and then it’s off to the next press conference to see what the following automaker will introduce. Not so with Mazda’s latest styling endeavor. The Japanese automaker wanted our full and undivided attention, with the center of international design and fashion in Italy as a fitting backdrop.
The Shinari concept, which roughly translates to “resistance to being bent,” will serve as a the basis for Mazda’s new design language, and many of the styling cues will make it to future production vehicles. That means that the Shinari will essentially affect the design of every vehicle coming from the Japanese automaker for the next several years. An important car for Mazda? You bet.
The Shinari was officially unveiled earlier today, and we spent several hours talking with Mazda’s artists about the design and how it will affect the automaker’s forthcoming vehicles. to learn more about the Shinari and what it means for the brand’s future.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery
My daily driver is lowered. Really low. Like damn-near-touring car low. Almost every car I’ve owned over the last decade has benefited from some kind of suspension setup that dropped its ride height. Traversing speed-bumps and steep driveways has always been a slow-speed, one-wheel-at-a-time affair for me. But with all these different cars with their low clearances, I’ve never had as many problems with scraping as I have with our long-term .
The first time it reared its ugly head wasn’t in a parking lot or on a curb, but during my initial blast down a favorite backroad. I went into a banked right-hand bend, and as the left suspension loaded up, I heard a faint scraping noise up front. I figured it was a fluke until it happened a second time. Then a third. After the drive, I stopped to scope out the damage and found the paint stripped down to the base coat under the left bumper.
Since then, it’s only gotten worse, but it’s not the lower fascia that’s taking the brunt of the abuse.
There’s a small lip on the plastic underbody tray that gets caught on driveways and a marginally steep curbs, and after a few dozen scrapes, the four plastic clips holding it to the bumper are approaching their breaking point. It’s not a major issue, but hearing plastic meeting asphalt on a regular basis is enough to make anyone cringe.
As such, I make it a point to reverse into driveways steeper than a few degrees and slowly pull out, careful to drop one wheel, and then the next, when leaving. Yes, this is a sporty sedan. And yes, some concessions need to be made. But with a suspension that’s barely lower than a stock TDI, it’s the front fascia – and specifically this underbody tray – that’s to blame. And considering this is the same kit pulled from VW’s TDI racers, a slight modification to the lower valance might have been in order for street duty. While it’s more than just eye candy and has been optimized for increased airflow over the standard Jetta, the Cup Street Edition’s lower valance must live in the real world, and so far, the real world has left its mark on our long-term tester.
It may be engineered for your grandparents, but the latest Avalon has more than a “jet-smooth ride” going for it.
The next Boxster is set to debut late next year, but development of the new mid-engine drop-top is already underway and there could be a new four-cylinder powerplant in the works.
The Shinari concept bows ahead of its public debut in Paris, proving there is life after Nagare.
Also of interest:
Murano CrossCabriolet (convertible) joining Ellure concept in LA
BMW M3 Tiger Edition for the Chinese market – Click above for high-res image gallery
’s new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the – or as one Autoblog commenter called it, “the M3 by Ed Hardy.” Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.
On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!
Eduard Gray’s Saab 92010 Sixten concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
has already talked up its hopes for entering the forthcoming 9-2 in a future installment of the World Rally Championship. But before it can, the 9-2 needs to exist. And before that can happen, Automotive News reports that Saab needs the technology and money from a partner automaker. A recent rumor surfaced that Saab was talking to BMW about building the . At the same time, another rumor came to light that Saab was discussing using .
Now word has it that ’s Victor Muller is in talks with three companies about getting the help necessary to build the 9-2. Muller hasn’t disclosed the companies’ names, but we assume one of them is BMW. The hook is that the cost of the 9-2 wasn’t included in the turnaround plan, so Saab needs its chosen partner to injects some cash as well. The model has yet to be officially confirmed, of course, so at this point, it isn’t even clear that a teardrop Saab will get off the ground at all.
