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In addition to the scorched orange 1 Series M Coupe at the BMW booth in Detroit was the new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible. Under the sharply creased (and rather long) hood lies a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, direct injected V8 that manages to shove out 450 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. All that grunt will be sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW claims the new 6 Series Convertible can drop its flying-buttress-equipped fabric top in exactly 19 seconds an there’s also a 10.2-inch screen to control the standard iDrive technology package. Not bad, but such niceties are to be expected when you are asked to pay a wallet-busting $91,375 for the privilege of owning one, which you’ll be able to do sometime in the spring of 2011.

Take a gander at the live photos in our high-res image gallery below, and if you decide this is exactly what your garage is missing, now would be a good time to start saving those pennies.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible goes topless in the Motor City

Nissan hasn’t attended the Detroit Auto Show for the last three years, and that includes this year’s show. All that will change for 2012, according to an announcement by the North American International Auto Show. The release quotes Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares saying that Nissan will return to Detroit in 2012, adding that “it is an excellent forum for us to place a spotlight on products that will be carrying us all into the future.” Hit the jump to check out the official release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms return to NAIAS in 2012

Nissan confirms return to NAIAS in 2012

Honda dusted off concept versions of the ninth generation Civic Coupe and Sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show today, and the automaker says that along with mildly updated exteriors, both vehicles will wear improved interiors compared to the current-generation Civic. Judging from the history of Honda concepts, there’s a good chance that the production versions of both the four and two-door Civics will be very similar to the vehicles you see above. That means that the Civic Coupe will wear styling influenced heavily by the current Accord Coupe.

Meanwhile, four-door buyers can expect an exterior design very similar to the 2011 Civic. Though the sedan’s front-fascia wears a little bit more menace than the current design, the carried-over grille and headlights are more than a little familiar. Out back, new tail lamps and a re-sculpted trunk deck dominate the view.

Honda says that for the first time, buyers in all 50 states will be able to get their hands on the natural-gas Civic. Previously, the green machine was only available in select markets. Additionally, the Civic Hybrid will now boast lithium-ion batteries as opposed nickel-metal hydride. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Live Photos Copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan Concepts are visions of compact future

Detroit 2011: Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan Concepts are visions of compact future

After the usual tease of spy shots and teasers, the sheet has finally been pulled back on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Not only does the Veloster take aim at wannabe efficient sports cars like the Honda CR-Z, it reinvents the way we look at the shape of coupes and hatchbacks, employing a unique three-door design that’s surprisingly better in execution than we expected.

Hyundai is using its 2012 Veloster to unveil a slate of new technologies, including a brand new engine and transmission, as well as the automaker’s first foray into the safety and convenience telematics realm with Blue Link. Hyundai is promising class-leading fuel efficiency with a truly sporty driving experience all wrapped in a wholly unique package, but does the Veloster meet the criteria? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading…

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster reinvents the affordable sports coupe

Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster reinvents the affordable sports coupe

Hyundai’s Curb concept moves the automaker’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language in a more youthful direction. While we’ve seen plenty of urbanized concepts and production vehicles that use the traditional box-like design pioneered by the original Scion xB, Hyundai chose to create something substantially more curvaceous and sleek. “We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” Hyundai’s designer, Jason Brown, says.

The basis for the Curb’s powertrain is Hyundai’s new 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four, though the addition of a turbocharger means output is boosted to around 175 horsepower. Combined with a dual-clutch transmission, the Curb is efficient enough to achieve around 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. That power runs to the ground through a large set of 22-inch five-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin tires with a custom saffron-colored tread pattern. Funky, yes, but definitely fitting for an urban concept car.

Other forward-thinking exterior design elements include exhaust vents that open to reveal a bike rack, a pop-up roof rack and a third rear access door for easier ingress and egress to the rear seats.

The interior features a large acrylic screen that allows information to be passed between all of the passengers inside the Curb, and a heads-up display provided by Continental shows navigation information as well as screens for the cameras used in place of side mirrors. Saffron interior accents compliment the tire tread, and three-holded A-pillars increase the driver’s cornering visibility. Hyundai’s new Blue Link technology is used to keep owners connected with their electronic systems at all times, as well.

It’s all very funky and hip, and we’d like to see this sort of design come to live as a sub-Tucson urban utility vehicle. Follow the jump for Hyundai’s official press release and stay tuned for live images direct from the Detroit show floor.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Hyundai Curb Concept is a small crossover for the urban scene

Detroit 2011: Hyundai Curb Concept is a small crossover for the urban scene

The Toyota Prius V may be the newest production-ready addition to the automaker’s hybrid line, but the family of Prius vehicles will continue to grow in the coming years. Toyota gave us a preview of what to expect by showing the Prius C Concept at the Detroit Auto Show – a car that will come to life in the first half of 2012. Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn’t need a plug) and will be the most “value-oriented hybrid” in the United States. You’ve been warned, Honda Insight.

It might look like a cartoon frog from certain angles, but what strikes us as odd is that the smaller C Concept keeps the Prius’ five-door design. We were originally tipped to believe this model would be a coupe or hatchback, but even so, we aren’t too put off by this five-door concept. It’s pretty cute, and once its concept-spec lines are toned down for actual production, we’re sure it’ll fit right in with the rest of the Prius clan.

Click past the jump for Toyota’s official words about the Prius C Concept and see it for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius C Concept is higher efficiency in a smaller package

Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius C Concept is higher efficiency in a smaller package

Nearly one million Prius Hybrids have been sold in the U.S. over the past decade, and with the third generation model sitting in every other politician and Hollywood starlet’s garage, its appeal is at an all-time high. In Toyota’s estimation it’s a great time for the Prius brand to expand and kicking things off is a new crossover with the kiddies in mind.

The 2012 Prius V is packing all the hybrid goodness of the standard Prius but with 34.3 cubic feet of space for your stuff, 38 inches of rear leg room and the fuel economy most vehicles can only dream of. The V is five inches longer and an inch wider than the O.G. Prius with the same 1.8-liter four cylinder hybrid power source, so it won’t match little brother’s 50 miles per gallon efficiency. Sill, the roomy MPV will net 42 miles per gallon in the city and an also lofty 38 mpg on the highway, or better than most anything on the road. The efficiency quotient is helped with a .29 drag coefficient and creative engineering feats like a resin panoramic moonroof that helps keep weight in check.

Technology will likely be improved as well, typified by Toyota’s Entune infotainment system that combines improved navigation, a rich interface, Bluetooth, and XM Satellite Radio. The Prius V hits dealer showrooms this summer but before you put down a deposit, hit the jump for the details and check the live gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips and Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius family adds a V for volume

Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius family adds a V for volume

While we have already met the 2012 Audi A6, we weren’t clear on what the A6 Hybrid would look like. As it turns out, we had a pretty solid idea, as Audi officials say they have gone out of their way to keep it aesthetically true to the conventional gas-powered model.

The new A6 hybrid is a front-wheel drive affair that offers Audi’s 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder with a 45-horsepower/155 pound-feet of torque electric motor sitting ahead of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. A modest 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is resident in the trunk to generate 39 kW. Audi quotes an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 38 miles per gallon, noting that the A6 Hybrid can be coaxed up to 62 mph strictly on electricity, and it has a pure-electric range of three kilometers (1.86 miles).

Audi isn’t confirming when this new model will go on sale, but it is widely understood that the gas-electric model was conceived with the U.S. in mind, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it roll into American dealerships before it hits the rest of the globe.

[Source: Audi]

Detroit 2011: Audi A6 Hybrid is Teutonic efficiency

2012 Audi A6 – Click above for a high-res image gallery

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that’s not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW’s old “One sausage, three sizes” design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

No word yet on U.S. availability or pricing, but we’ll have more news on the hybrid model shortly, so stay tuned. While you’re waiting, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome

Detroit 2011: 2012 Audi A6 is predictably handsome

Minivans are the automotive equivalent of cargo pants – plenty functional but not exactly what we’d call stylish. Kia is out to tackle that little problem with its KV7 Concept by doing what the company does best and embracing the box. Along with trick styling traits like massive gull-wing doors and a seemingly continuous string of windows from the A-pillar to the rear of the vehicle, the KV7 also boasts a host of similarly fancy interior bits. Occupants can take advantage of custom swivel seats, and the rear of the KV7 Concept holds a mini-lounge for kicking back with friends.

Even better, there’s enough onboard tech to keep everyone entertained. Kia has built in a floating table-top touch-screen computer, and the Wi-Fi enabled cabin allows up to six users to connect their smart phones at the same time.

Surprisingly enough, Kia has decided to skip the typical concept electric drivetrain in favor of showing off the company’s turbocharged gasoline direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With 285 horsepower bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, the KV7 would theoretically have no problem moving all of that glass around. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept peers into the future of the van

Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept peers into the future of the van

The Ford C-Max combines the look and feel of a hatchback with the people and cargo-hauling capability of a crossover. And did we mention that Ford is striving for best-in-class fuel economy at the same time? That’s a formula sure to intrigue buyers, but there are some who will want all that utility with the added bonus of even better efficiency.

The first step up the efficiency ladder is the C-Max Hybrid. Ford promises efficiency above and beyond that of the Fusion hybrid, which means more than 41 miles per gallon in the city and an EV-only top speed of at least 47 miles per hour – not a big surprise given improvements to Ford’s Powersplit technology. The C-Max hybrid will also utilize Ford’s 2.0-liter engine running on the Atkinson cycle, which is quite a bit smaller than the 2.5-liter mill motivating the Fusion.

A quantum eleap beyond the C-Max hybrid is the Energi; an extended range people-mover that can be motivated via battery power, gasoline or a mix of the two. Ford isn’t ready to spill beans on the Energi’s EV-only range, but The Blue Oval is willing to tell us that owners can expect to travel over 500 miles with a full tank and a complete charge. The Energi’s battery pack will be built in-house and based on lithium technology, which tells us this green-approved CUV should be able to drive several miles on batteries alone. And Ford will make it easier for smartphone owners to check out battery life with its upcoming MyFord Mobile app.

Both the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energy will be produced at Michigan Assembly Plant starting in 2012. Click on the galleries below to peruse the high-res images.

Detroit 2011: C-Max Energi mixes plugs and petrol

So much for the maxi Mini. The X-Raid Countryman rally raider, whose development we’ve been following from the get-go, was forced out of the Dakar rally over the weekend, ending the rally-prepped Mini’s campaign even faster than it started.

With French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit behind the wheel, the Mini Dakar had gotten up as high as ninth place overall by the sixth stage on Friday. But when the convoy came to a rest on Saturday, Chicherit took the opportunity to get in some practice runs and reportedly got into a big crash that sent the car tumbling end-over-end. Chicherit sustained a minor head injury, as rally medical personnel monitored his condition at the on-site medical center.

While the Mini is out of the running, this year’s rally is far from over for the X-Raid team as one of their BMWs – driven by Stephane Peterhansel – is running third behind the Volkswagens of Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah.

[Source: Autosport]

X-Raid Mini Countryman reportedly crashes out of Dakar

BMW’s latest introduction to the U.S. market bowed today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and it’s a machine that’s meant to light the true enthusiast’s heart aflutter: the 2012 1 Series M Coupe. We must say, it looks rather striking in the metallic orange hue you see in our live photo gallery below.

Even more importantly, the 340 horsepower put out by its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine is said to “capture the soul of the original M3.” Or so they say… BMW claims this new sportster was inspired by the 1988 M3, and the German automaker’s intention is reportedly to “illustrate its ability to build race car performance into a small car, capable of everyday use.”

Expect to see the new 1 Series M Coupe hit dealership lots in the spring of 2011 for $47,010, in limited quantities according to BMW. In the meantime, check out the live photos in our high-res image gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Detroit 2011: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe revs its beating heart

Volkswagen has serious plans for its market share here in North America. The automaker hopes to sell 800,000 cars per year in the United States by the year 2018, and it’s vehicles like the refreshed 2011 Jetta and this, the all-new 2012 Passat, that will be the bread-winners moving forward.

If your first thought about the Passat’s design is “big Jetta,” you aren’t alone. The last-generation Passat wasn’t exactly a looker, but at least it stood out within Volkswagen’s lineup. The new Passat honestly and truly looks like a longer, wider, taller Jetta, and the nondescript design language makes it look extremely unforgettable. It isn’t bad looking, but it doesn’t spark any emotion within us.

Much like the Jetta, the Passat gets a much lower price point for the 2012 model year – base pricing is expected to start around $20,000 when the car goes on sale later this year, some $8,000 below the 2011 model it replaces. Both five- and six-cylinder gasoline engines will be available, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel inline-four (the same engine we enjoy in the Golf and Jetta currently). Interior quality is much better than the dumbed down cabin of the Jetta, though we’d still like slightly more refinement, especially considering how good the interiors of $20K competitors are these days.

We’ve just returned from checking out the 2012 Passat live at the Detroit Auto Show, so scroll through our high-res gallery of live shots below to see the new car for yourself.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 John Neff / AOL

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Passat is one big, fat Jetta

Detroit 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Passat is one big, fat Jetta

BMW rolled out the excitement this year at the Detroit Auto Show with new debuts like the 1 Series M Coupe and the new 650i Convertible. But while we knew most everything about these powerful new Bavarian two-doors, we were missing one thing – the make-it or break-it factor for many potential buyers: pricing.

So with the veils lifted on both these models, BMW North America has announced official pricing for each. The compact, six-cylinder 1 Series M Coupe will start at $47,010, while its much larger eight-cylinder, drop-top counterpart, the 650i Convertible, starts out at nearly double that: $91,375.

Of course, options on either will take you far beyond their listed MSRPs, but the prices quoted include destination and handling charges. BMW’s official announcement – including pricing on the updated 1 Series coupe and convertible range – can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe priced from $47,010, 650i Convertible from $91,375

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe priced from $47,010, 650i Convertible from $91,375

The crew from Autoline are broadcasting live from the Detroit Auto Show today and tomorrow. The stream kicks off at noon EST and runs through 2:30 PM each day, with interviews, discussions and impressions from the show floor. Hit the jump for the live stream and keep your eyes peeled for an Autoblog staffer running by in the background.

Continue reading Autoline is live from Detroit

Autoline is live from Detroit

If you were wondering how General Motors was planning to differentiate the 2012 Buick Verano from its Chevy Cruze counterpart, wonder no more. According to Buick, its newest addition will offer the quietest ride in its segment thanks to heaps of laminated glass, triple door seals and a host of other muting technologies. Buick calls the cabin “library quiet,” though there’s no word as to whether the interior smells of old books. They’ve also made sure to throw in the same levels of refinement as found in the likes of the Lacrosse, and drivers can expect to find the same high-quality leather and a host of tech goodies as the bigger four-door.

That’s all fine and good, but we’re more excited about what Buick has thrown under the hood of the 2012 Verano. Buyers who opt for the base car will be met with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, Buick is shooting for around 31 mpg highway. The really juicy news is that the Verano will also be available with the same turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder found in the Regal Turbo, and again with your choice of six-speed manual or automatic! That means this significantly smaller, lighter four-door will be available with a full 220 horsepower. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Buick Verano is quietly powerful

Detroit 2011: 2012 Buick Verano is quietly powerful

A Ferrari is a heck of a first car to start off with. But then John Lennon was a heck of a guy. The famous singer-songwriter and Beatles frontman didn’t get his driver’s license until 1965. By then he was 25 and one of the most famous – and famously wealthy – figures in the world. So when news broke, car dealers didn’t wait for him to come to their showrooms; they brought their showrooms to him.

The dealers lined up outside his residence at Kenwood with Maseratis, Aston Martins, Jaguars and this ‘65 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. Lennon ultimately picked out the blue Ferrari for £2,000, and though he soon bought a Rolls-Royce Phantom V and a Mini to go with it, the 330 GT will always have been his first car.

The French racing blue GT is now heading to the auction block in Paris under consignment to Bonhams for February 5 with pre-sale estimates placing its value around €120,000 – 170,000 ($155-220k). Details can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading This Ferrari was John Lennon’s first car, and it’s up for auction at Bonhams

This Ferrari was John Lennon’s first car, and it’s up for auction at Bonhams

The Chrysler 300C was the brand’s savior when it went on sale back in 2005, but six years is a long time to stand behind a boxy, gangsta-looking sedan with a grille ripped off a Bentley. Team Pentastar finally got around to overhauling the 300 for 2011, with changes that include a new powertrain, sleeker sheet metal, a vastly superior interior, fancy LED-encrusted headlamps and a lowered (thankfully) belt line.

Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois, who found time to quote the entire opening lyrics from Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself” in a thick French accent (not kidding), told the sizable crowd at the Detroit Auto Show that the company invested a jaw-dropping $1 billion on the redesign. Francois also reaffirmed that an eight-sped transmission is on the way that will help the 292-horsepower V6 achieve 30 miles per gallon.

Chief designer Ralph Gilles took the stage long enough to add that Chrysler conducted focus groups showing current 300 owners the new grille. The result? There was some definite resistance, but designers decided not to listen. Good news, though. You can still get your hands on the heritage “Bentley” grille through the Mopar store. Click on the image above or gallery below to view live shots and find Chrysler’s official press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips, Chris Shunk, Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Detroit 2011: New Chrysler 300 goes from 8 Mile to the world

Detroit 2011: New Chrysler 300 goes from 8 Mile to the world

It may look like the strange lovechild of the 2012 Ford Focus and the European-spec Kuga crossover, but the Blue Oval’s new Vertrek crossover concept is indeed a visual upgrade compared to current small CUV offerings. The Vertrek, which makes its world debut here at the Detroit Auto Show, previews what’s in store for Ford’s new global small crossover, set to replace both the Escape here in North America as well as the Kuga abroad.

Powering the Vertrek is Ford’s new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, and the addition of Auto Start-Stop technology means it will be even more efficient. Ford has said that Auto Start-Stop will quickly spread across the brand’s product portfolio, and since 90 percent of Blue Oval-badged vehicles will have an EcoBoost option by 2013, fuel efficiency is expected to rise quite dramatically across the automaker’s entire lineup. What’s more, Ford will be incorporating regenerative braking into its gasoline-powered vehicles, and this system works with the Vertrek’s turbocharged engine and start-stop system to boost fuel economy even higher.

The Vertrek also builds upon Ford’s Kinetic design language, first seen on the Fiesta hatchback and then carried over to the new Focus sedan and five-door. Sure, the large wheels, small headlamps and futuristic mirrors are purely conceptual design, but Photoshop on some bits from the Focus (with which the Vertrek shares its platform) and a possible production car is indeed in sight. The interior, too, is wholly forward thinking, and while we’d love to see this sort of design on a road-ready crossover, we fully expect a much more toned-down approach.

We’ll have live shots of the Vertrek shortly, but in the meantime, click through our gallery of official high-res shots below, and follow the jump for Ford’s official press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Detroit 2011: Ford Vertrek Concept previews future global small crossover

Detroit 2011: Ford Vertrek Concept previews future global small crossover