New York: 2013 Lincoln MKZ is a big step in the right direction

2013 Lincoln MKZ live reveal with Lincoln's Max Wolff

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ has made its long-awaited debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. In an effort to further distance the model from the very successful Ford Fusion, the MKZ now wears a more aerodynamic and distinctive shape, complete with a new interpretation of the family’s split wing grille. Max Wolff, the Lincoln design director, says the grille is supposed to invoke the image of an eagle descending on its prey, though we see more splattered butterfly in the fascia. Still, the smallish, adaptive headlight arrays and contoured hood are a huge step forward for this luxury sedan.

Out back, massive C pillars dominate the design’s posterior, though the clipped tail and handsome trunk deck give the vehicle plenty of identity. Inside, the 2013 MKZ is beautifully executed as well, with attractive interiors and a clean center stack design made possible by the lack of a traditional gear selector.

The sedan will debut with a total of three driveline options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder good for 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque as the base engine. A 3.7-liter V6 is also available with 300 horsepower, while fuel-economy minded buyers can turn toward the MKZ Hybrid with its 188 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor. So far, no EPA estimates are available for the hybrid, though the four-cylinder is expected to fetch 22 mpg city and 33 mpg on premium fuel. Expect to find front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, with both non-hybrid models relying on a six-speed automatic gearbox to put power to the wheels, while the electrified four-door makes use of a CVT. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKZ is a big step in the right direction

2013 Lincoln MKZ is a big step in the right direction

    



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    New York: 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham

    2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi debuts live at New York Auto Show

    Attendees at the New York Auto Show are getting their first hands-on look at the all-new 2014 Nissan NV200, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s choice to replace much of its taxi fleet beginning in late 2013. “The Nissan NV 200 unveiled today will be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient taxi the City has ever had,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a pre-show event last night. “New York City cabs have always been iconic, and now they will set a new standard. The 600,000 passengers who use taxis to get around every day deserve the cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line safety features that this model delivers.”

    The compact front-wheel drive yellow vans, fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for fuel efficiency, are loaded with features designed to keep four passengers and the driver on the other side of the partition smiling. Grab handles and sliding doors ease entry while a transparent roof panel and independently controlled rear air conditioning allows paying fares a comfortable, panoramic view of the city. Throw in mobile charging stations, antimicrobial upholstery and active carbon headliner to absorb odors, and an amusingly named “low annoyance horn” and Nissan just may have a winner on its hands – assuming cab companies and their fares embrace the rather frumpy looking things.

    Nissan will build its 2014 NV200 Taxi in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Base price, with all planned standard features, will be approximately $29,700.

    Continue reading 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham

    2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi brings convenience, comfort, safety and homeliness to Gotham

        



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      Official: 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

      e1915 13lincolnmkz01hr opt Official: 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

      Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, which Ford hopes will turn around its stagnant luxury brand. Based on the MKZ concept vehicle that was revealed in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the production version looks largely unchanged except for practical concessions like visible door handles and larger side mirrors. Whether or not the new look, described by Lincoln Design director Max Wolff as “elegant simplicity,” will resonate with buyers remains to be seen, but it has the Autoblog team split right down the middle.

      Where the 2013 MKZ sets itself apart most from rivals are its suite of driving and safety technologies.

      We’re all in agreement, however, about the improved interior design, especially the Push Button Shift gear selector that makes for a smooth, uncluttered center console. The MKZ will of course be available with SYNC and MyLincoln Touch, which are complemented by a large 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster and 8-inch center touchscreen. The interior is covered wall-to-wall in leather, real wood trim and metal accents, and Active Noise Control, which cancels out offending audibles, is standard equipment. Optional is a unique 15.2-foot Retractable Panoramic Roof that takes sunroofs to the extreme.

      Three powertrains will be available for the MKZ at launch. Standard is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower (on premium fuel) and 270 lb-ft of torque while returning 22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. More power is available via a 3.7-liter V6 generating 300 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, which returns 18 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy. The MKZ Hybrid is also back offering a combined output of 188 hp from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric drivetrain. EPA estimates aren’t available for the MKZ Hybrid, but Lincoln says it should remain America’s most fuel-efficient premium sedan. All-wheel drive is an option for both non-hybrid models, which also receive six-speed automatic transmissions and paddle shifters, while the MKZ Hybrid is front-wheel-drive only with a CVT.

      e1915 13lincolnmkz03hr opt Official: 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for productione1915 13lincolnmkz05hr opt Official: 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

      Where the 2013 MKZ will set itself apart most from rivals are its suite of driving and safety technologies. First up is Lincoln Drive Control, which effectively coordinates every system on the car to continually refine the ride and handling in real time. The most interesting of these systems is the Continually Controlled Damping suspension system, which offers normal, comfort and sport modes and activately adjusts the dampers up to 50 times per second.

      As for safety, the MKZ may set a new benchmark for the number of sensors onboard. There’s a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read lane markers on the road, radar sensors for the adaptive cruise control and active Collision Warning with Brake Support, and more short-range wide-angle radar sensors for help with parking and backing up. The MKZ will also class-exclusive inflatable second-row seatbelts that compliment the eight airbags located elsewhere around the vehicle.

      We’re very eager to see the 2013 Lincoln MKZ in person at the New York Auto Show this week, so until we can bring you our own in-person live shots, take a look at the gallery above and scroll down for Lincoln’s official press release.

      Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

      2013 Lincoln MKZ shows final form for production

          



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        Official: 2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

        2013 BMW X1

        The BMW X1 has been leaked ahead of its official announcement at the New York Auto Show, and it seems to boasts a fresh face and a reasonable price tag. The smallest of BMW crossovers will feature a revised front fascia that includes tweaked headlights and a new bumper with silver-painted accents. The LED highlights and light rings are available only as part of the optional xenon light package.

        The same silver accents can be found on the side body sills, and BMW has penned new side-view mirrors. The rear also received a revamped bumper, plus fresh taillights. Inside changes include a shallower center console that has been tilted towards the driver, while chrome touches have been added for a more premium feel.

        Under the hood, U.S. buyers will have a choice of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The X1 28i will feature the powerful 2.0-liter turbo four, boasting 240 horsepower. The X1 xDrive35i will up the ante with BMW’s tried-and-true turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which will be good for 300 horsepower.

        Those well-regarded powertrains should provide enough punch to make the X1 a blast to drive, and luckily we won’t have to wait long to find out for sure. The X1 will arrive Stateside beginning in September with a palatable $31,545 price tag that includes the $895 destination charge. The xDrive28i tips the sales at $33,245 and the xDrive35i will start at $39,345. Not bad for an attractive little BMW, though we’re sure a few options will send the MSRP to $50,000 and beyond. Hit the jump to read over the BMW press release.

        Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

        2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

            



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          Official: Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295

          2013 Ford Fusion in white - front three-quarter view

          When the 2013 Ford Fusion goes on sale this fall, it will be the first mid-size family sedan in North America to be offered with start-stop technology. But since not all buyers are open to the idea of having their engines turn off at stop lights to save fuel, Ford will be offering it as optional equipment, and the automaker has now announced that the stand-alone feature will cost $295.

          The 2013 Fusion will launch with three powertrains (not including Hybrid and Energi variants), but only the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available with start-stop. This engine produces 172 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether or not start-stop will be available with both transmissions. The Fusion’s other powertrains – a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four – will not be available with the technology.

          According to Ford, the 1.6-liter Fusion should be good for up to 37 miles per gallon on the highway, putting it at the top of its class in terms of fuel economy. Based on its calculations, Ford estimates that drivers who opt for the start-stop-equipped Fusion will save “about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving.”

          We’ll be interested to see what the take rate is on start-stop once the Fusion goes on sale later this year. For the full details, scroll down to read Ford’s press release.

          Continue reading Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295

          Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295

              



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            Video: And the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s ‘Ring time is…

            2b578 jeep grand cherokee srt8 ring Video: And the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8s Ring time is...

            The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR currently holds the unofficial production car record for a Nürburgring lap with a time of 7:12.13. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is the first four-door to show up on the list of lap times with a 7:52.00. The Audi RS6 Avant is the quickest wagon with a time of 8:09.00, and the first thing resembling a sport utility vehicle is the BMW X6 M at 8:24.00. That right there would be the target for a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 were someone to bring one to Germany for a ‘Ring run. Last September, somebody did.

            Piloted by the eminently qualified Sabine Schmitz, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 did the deed in 8:49.00. Ouch. That’s 25 seconds behind the X6 M and slower than even the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet HHR SS (8:43.52). Still, you can’t be taken seriously as a performance machine these days until you pay tribute at the Green Hell. And watching something attempt a high-speed ‘Ring run that was originally designed to rock crawl is always fun. Scroll down to watch the official lap vid from SRT.

            Continue reading And the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s ‘Ring time is…

            And the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s ‘Ring time is…

                



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              Official: VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]

              dad15 2012 vw alltrack concept1 opt Official: VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]

              Volkswagen is bringing its diesel-powered Passat Alltrack to the States after all. But don’t get too excited – it’s only coming in the form of a concept car at the New York Auto Show. At least, for now.

              We last saw the Alltrack at the Tokyo Motor Show in November where VW announced that it would offer the all-wheel-drive wagon in the UK with two versions of the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four. The engines are rated at 138 and 168 horsepower, the smaller of which is available with a manual transmission.

              Despite the fact that the Tokyo show car was a full-on production model, VW is calling the New York-bound Alltrack a concept to presumably gauge the U.S. public’s perception. If Americans seem open to the Alltrack, it would be a welcome alternative to Audi’s pricey Allroad and granola-flavored Subarus.

              Check out our Tokyo Motor Show gallery below, and scroll down for the official press blast. Be sure to tell us if you think the Passat Alltrack should come to the states in our poll, as well.

              View Poll

              Continue reading VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]

              VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]

                  



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                Official: Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition

                2012 Skoda Yeti Urban

                As a European auto giant with a strong presence in the North American market, there are some products that the Volkswagen group doesn’t offer on this side of the pond. Like the entire Skoda and Seat brands, for example. With the exception of the Scirocco, there aren’t many that we really feel like we’re missing over here. That, and perhaps the Skoda Yeti.

                Highly praised by a publication so performance-oriented as Evo (among many others), the Yeti is said to be an excellent little sport-ute, and a cost-effective one at that. And no, there are no plans we’re aware of to bring it Stateside. But as if to rub salt in the wound of its absence from American showrooms, Volkswagen’s Czech brand has announced a new version of the capable soft-roader in the UK.

                Called the Skoda Yeti Urban, the special edition is based on the SE trim level but features a number of special touches and optional extras bundled in. Two-tone black and chrome 17-inch alloys, fog lights, flared fenders, and an interior with black or red sports seats and a whole mess of electronics are all part of the package, available with either a 1.2-liter TSI with 104 horsepower or (for a premium) a 108hp 2.0-liter TDI.

                British buyers – or 750 of them, anyway – can also choose between black, white, silver or grey, but the Yeti Urban can be had only in front-wheel drive with a manual. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release below the fold.

                Continue reading Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition

                Skoda makes us hungry for some Yeti with new Urban edition

                    



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                  Video: This is what the Toyota GT 86 sounds like with a TRD exhaust

                  63ad5 trd toyota gt 86 628 Video: This is what the Toyota GT 86 sounds like with a TRD exhaust

                  One of the inevitable pleasures of owning a vehicle like the Subaru BRZ or Toyota GT 86 (better known as the Scion FR-S on this side of the globe), is the level of go-faster, look-faster and sound-faster parts served up by any number of willing companies. Whether its from a factory-backed performance group or another reputable company, bolting on a slew of goodies is one of the easiest ways to personalize your ride. Toyota Racing Development has evidently wasted no time in coming up with a few special components for the GT 86, including a free-flowing exhaust, fully adjustable suspension and a monoblock caliper kit. TRD recently slathered those parts onto a GT 86 in Japan and let a few lucky souls behind the wheel.

                  Fortunately for us, Carnifty was on hand with a camera to capture the vehicle in action. While the shaky-hand cam business indoors does little to convey how the coupe handles, the video does give us a good idea of what the 2.0-liter four-cylinder will sound like with an easy-breathing exhaust. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

                  Continue reading This is what the Toyota GT 86 sounds like with a TRD exhaust

                  This is what the Toyota GT 86 sounds like with a TRD exhaust

                      



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                    Official: Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross

                    2012 Dodge Dart Rallycross car rendering

                    Dodge is taking its new Dart to the races in the U.S. rounds of this year’s Global RallyCross Championship with ESPN. Piloted by Travis Pastrana and built by SRT, the GRC challenger is a little different than the sedan you’d find at the dealership: it puts down 600 horsepower and more than 550 pound-feet from it’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder to all four wheels.

                    The 2012 RallyCross season comprises seven rounds, two of which will be the X Games in Los Angeles on June 30 and July 1. It’s the second domestic season for the discipline that’s considered to be “motorcross with cars,” and the number of rounds has more than doubled from the three held last year. ESPN will be airing all of them, so follow the jump for the press release on Dodge’s entry and race info, and click the picture above to enlarge.

                    Continue reading Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross

                    Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross

                        



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                      Spy Shots: Brazilians, this is your new Ford EcoSport

                      Ford Ecosport spy shot

                      When Ford unveiled the EcoSport Concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January, we were smitten. A pint-sized, good-looking CUV with thrifty engines could do well here in the States. Brazil’s Noticias Automotivas has caught what looks like a production EcoSport sans camo before it undergoes crash testing and, as promised, it looks little changed from the showcar.

                      The sparkly LED-powered headlights are gone but everything else seems to be very close to what design boss J Mays told us about in New Delhi. The final version is expected to come with two engine options: the 1.6-liter Sigma and the 2.0 liter Duratec.

                      Despite Ford’s plans to expand the EcoSport beyond Brazil, we’re not hopeful it’ll be sold in North America, as we’ve heard Blue Oval executives dismiss the Fiesta-sized CUV as too small. Be sure to check out Noticias Automotivas for additional photos of the new EcoSport.

                      Brazilians, this is your new Ford EcoSport

                          



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                        Official: Subaru confirms debut of U.S. XV Crosstrek for NY

                        2012 Subaru XV Crosstrek - orange - front three-quarter view

                        Subaru has announced it will debut the 2013 XV Crosstrek at next month’s New York Auto Show. While based on the company’s Impreza platform, engineers worked in several tweaks to the body and chassis to imbue it with a bit more crossover utility. Additional ride height delivers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a smattering of black plastic cladding helps the vehicle further stand out from its donor platform.

                        A 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine provides power and should deliver up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s not a stellar number for a vehicle this size, but as Subaru points out, it’s good enough to help the XV Crosstrek nab the honor of being the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive crossover on the market. Buyers may bolt the engine to either a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.

                        Inside, the rear seats can be folded completely flat for around 52.4 cubic feet of cargo area. With the seats up, rear passengers can look forward to around 35.4 inches of leg room. Look for the XV Crosstrek to hit dealers this fall. In the meantime, hit the jump to check out the full press release and keep an eye out for our New York Auto Show coverage starting April 4.

                        Continue reading Subaru confirms debut of U.S. XV Crosstrek for NY

                        Subaru confirms debut of U.S. XV Crosstrek for NY

                            



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                          Official: 2013 Scion FR-S priced from $24,930

                          2013 Scion FR-S

                          The highly anticipated 2013 Scion FR-S – the sister car of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 – goes on sale this spring, and the automaker’s website now shows that the cost of entry will be $24,930 including destination. That base price gets you an FR-S equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, though Scion’s site doesn’t yet say what the cost will be for cars equipped with the six-speed automatic.

                          As we already know, the FR-S is equipped with a 2.0-liter boxer four that sends 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. And just yesterday, we learned that the FR-S is good for 22/30 miles per gallon (city/highway) with the manual transmission, or 25/34 mpg with the automatic ‘box. We’ve already had a chance to drive Scion’s new sport coupe, and while it’s certainly not the most powerful vehicle in the class, we found it to have excellent balance and declared it a more engaging steer than vehicles like the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

                          Head over to Scion’s website for more information.

                          2013 Scion FR-S priced from $24,930

                              



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                            Report: Audi at work on A4 Superavant?

                            2013 Audi A4 - dead-on view

                            Audi may be looking to fill the void between the A4 Avant and Q5 with a new model, according to Automobile. The company hasn’t nailed down a name just yet, but reports suggest the vehicle will be a crossover version built on the underpinnings of the A4. That means a taller ride height, more commanding seating position and room in the rear for additional cargo. Specifically, the German automaker is aiming for the deep pockets of households with two incomes and no children as well as retirees with some extra cash to blow.

                            The company may call the creation the A4 Superavant or A4 Avantissimo, but no decision has been made just yet. Either way, Audi probably doesn’t want the crossover to resemble a minivan. Just ask Mercedes-Benz how well that works out.

                            Designers are reportedly paying special attention to elements like the rear overhang, total vehicle height and the proportion of glass to sheetmetal to keep that image at bay. There’s even some word that the vehicle will arrive with a plug-in hybrid variant, complete with the same 226-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 35-horsepower electric motor snugged into the transmission.

                            Either way, we can expect the genre-straddling model to do battle with BMW’s forthcoming 3 Series Gran Turismo, which will hopefully look – and sell – nothing like the larger 5 Series Gran Turismo. Style it with the same grace and sense of proportion that marks out the A7 and nobody gets hurt, ‘k?

                            Audi at work on A4 Superavant?

                                



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                              Report: Revamped Hyundai Sonata due in 2014

                              2011 Hyundai Sonta 2.0T - white, front three-quarter view

                              So a new Sonata isn’t as exciting as a new Chevrolet Corvette, but given the enthusiasm the current Hyundai midsize sedan has generated around these parts, musing about what might be coming down the pipeline is worth at least a few minutes. Hyundai’s Korean CEO Kim Choon-ho has told Reuters that a “revamped” Sonata is due in just two years, following closely on the heels of a new Genesis in late 2013.

                              In case you haven’t been paying attention, we have loved the new Sonata and its Optima cousin from Kia ever since they first hit our shores back in 2010. This pair is the class of the midsize class, and we can only wonder what Hyundai has planned to keep them on top, given the fierce competition.

                              We’d suspect the new Sonata will be launched here as a 2015 model, which would make some sense. Though we haven’t driven it yet, the new-for-2013 Ford Fusion looks poised to bring the goods, and the next generation of the hot-selling Nissan Altima will soon be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

                              Revamped Hyundai Sonata due in 2014

                                  



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                                Official: Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S fuel economy numbers bubble up on EPA site

                                2012 Subaru BRZ - front three-quarter view

                                Small, rear-wheel drive, manually shifted coupes can be exciting, no? Fun and zippy to drive, and because of their tighter dimensions and lower weight, they tend to be easy on the gas, right?

                                2013 Scion FRS - silver - front three-quarter viewWell, in the case of the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, maybe not as much as we’d have hoped. Sure, they have smallish 2.0-liter four-cylinders and six-speed manual transmissions, but their hunger for gasoline is just average. Official EPA fuel efficiency numbers are in, and the BRZ and FR-S with manual transmissions net 22 miles per gallon city and 30 highway on premium fuel. Still, that’s about the same as the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with the four-cylinder and manual tranny which gets 21/30 on premium, and it’s better than the aging Mazda MX-5 Miata which returns 21/28.

                                The BRZ and FR-S chug less fuel if you outfit them with the optional automatic transmission. They probably won’t be as much fun, but they will return numbers close to 25 city/34 highway.

                                Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S fuel economy numbers bubble up on EPA site

                                    



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                                  Spy Shots: 2014 Chevrolet Impala takes shape

                                  b1c25 01 2014 chevrolet impala spy shots628opt Spy Shots: 2014 Chevrolet Impala takes shape

                                  There isn’t a whole lot to get excited about in the world of near-luxury, full-size, front-wheel-drive sedans. Stalwarts like the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon continue to make their way into the driveways of gray-haired shoppers, and new entries like the redesigned Hyundai Azera are attempting to add a little bit of spice to an otherwise bland segment. In recent years, the Chevrolet Impala has nearly fallen off the map in this class simply because it hasn’t been seriously updated since its launch in 2005 as a 2006 model. (The big four-door did get a new engine for 2012, finally.) But that’s all about to change.

                                  The 2014 Impala will be based on the same front-wheel-drive Epsilon-II architecture that underpins the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XTS. But instead of sharing many of its components with the ‘Bu, reports indicate that the Impala will use a lot of the features of the XTS in an effort to give it a much more premium feel than the current model. And while the majority of the new car’s styling details are still covered up by the heavy camouflage, we can see premium features like large alloy wheels and what appear to be LED running lights up front. We just hope General Motors hasn’t just taken the easy way out and created a Malibu on steroids.

                                  Mum’s the word on powertrain offerings, but earlier reports have suggested that GM’s direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 will be on board, as well as the new 2.0-liter turbo four that’s slated for use in the Cadillac ATS. An eAssist version is also rumored to be in the cards.

                                  Look for the 2014 Impala to launch sometime during the 2013 calendar year. Production is slated to be split between GM’s Oshawa, Ontario plant, as well as the Detroit-Hamtramck facility where the Malibu and Volt are built.

                                  2014 Chevrolet Impala takes shape

                                      



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                                    Confirmed: Mazda CX-7 leaving the U.S. market after 2012

                                    b28b3 01 2011 mazda cx 7 review Confirmed: Mazda CX 7 leaving the U.S. market after 2012

                                    We had a feeling this was coming, but the cat’s now officially out of the bag: The Mazda CX-7 is being discontinued in the United States.

                                    The recently launched 2013 CX-5 will effectively replace the CX-7 (as well as the Ford-sourced Tribute), meaning there won’t really be a void in Mazda’s product lineup. “CX-5 has a clearer competitive set, unlike CX-7, which was in the middle of two segments,” explains Mazda product communications specialist Beverly Braga.

                                    Dimensionally, the CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CX-7, but actually boasts more cargo capacity and overall interior volume. With the rear seats folded, the CX-5 can hold up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo (compared to 58.6 cubic feet in the CX-7) and has a total of 103.8 cubic feet of overall passenger space (101.7 in CX-7).

                                    What’s more, the CX-5’s nifty new 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine offers substantially better fuel economy than the base 2.5-liter four of the CX-7. And while we’ll certainly miss the potency of the optional 2.3-liter turbo four of the CX-7 – a version of the mill used in the Mazdaspeed3 – we can easily do without its fuel economy ratings of 18/24 miles per gallon city/highway (or 17/21 when paired with all-wheel drive – ouch!).

                                    This may be the end of the road for the CX-7 in the U.S., but Mazda says that sales of the crossover will still continue in other markets. The CX-7 will officially be phased out at the end of the 2012 model year.

                                    Mazda CX-7 leaving the U.S. market after 2012

                                        



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                                      Official: 2013 Chevy Malibu’s turbo four rated at 269 HP, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds

                                      2013 Chevrolet Malibu

                                      We weren’t exactly smitten with the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco when we got the chance to tae one out for a spin, thanks in part to the eAssist wizardry aimed at improving the vehicle’s fuel economy. With a lackluster drivetrain, regenerative brakes and low rolling resistance tries, the Malibu Eco simply isn’t capable of keeping its head high among the competition. Even so, we were told to wait for the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder set to debut this year. Now we know why. According to General Motors, the engine is good for 269 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. More importantly, all that torque comes on at a very low 1,700 rpm.

                                      The direct-injection engine helps the Malibu hit 60 mph in a scant 6.3 seconds. Trust us when we say that’s an improvement over the Eco model. While there’s no word on fuel economy, we would expect the engine to return well better than the 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway supplied by the outgoing 3.6-liter V6, an engine that was only good for 252 horsepower.

                                      This isn’t the first time GM has dabbled with a turbocharged four-cylinder. The company supplied buyers with a 2.0-liter Ecotec in vehicles like the Pontiac Solstice GXP, HHR SS and Cobalt SS that put out 260 horsepower. See below for the full press release.

                                      Continue reading 2013 Chevy Malibu’s turbo four rated at 269 HP, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds

                                      2013 Chevy Malibu’s turbo four rated at 269 HP, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds

                                          



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                                        Geneva: 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can’t stop

                                        219b2 042012 volkswagen golf gti cabrioletgeneva2012 opt Geneva: 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just cant stop

                                        Despite the current trend, not every car looks good with its top lopped off. We’re looking at you, Nissan and Land Rover. The Volkswagen GTI doesn’t get any prettier after losing its roof and seems to get, well, a little softer, more, ok, we’re just gonna say it – girly. A bit like the earlier VW Cabriolets but with enough horsepower to leave its critics in the dust.

                                        That power comes from the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo four and six-speed gearbox (manual or DSG), which should make it a super-fun car to toss around back roads.

                                        Folks in the UK can pick one up later this year. Available in the States? Not likely, unfortunately.

                                        Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can’t stop

                                        2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can’t stop

                                            



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