Episode #208 is manned by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, and Zach Bowman. Listen in!
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If has any hope of meeting its goal of , the little hybrid hatchback is going to need an attractive price point. Whether or not $29,120, the rumored base price of the (*not including destination, taxes, etc.), will be enough to get foot traffic in Lexus dealerships remains to be seen.
According to the website The Lexus Enthusiast, this pricing data was mistakenly leaked a day ahead of its planned-for arrival by the official blog for Lexus of Reno, . If true, a tad over $31K out the door ought to nab you a nicely equipped CT with a moonroof and heated seats, and of course there are a slew of available options that include premium audio, navigation, leather seating surfaces and Lexus’ Pre-Collision technology.
For what it’s worth, assuming these prices are accurate, the 2011 CT 200h will be the least expensive new Lexus sold in America. The base price for the IS series and hybrid sedan is several thousand dollars higher. And, perhaps more importantly, the CT looks to be priced about $2,000 less than the .
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Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL
[Source: ]
You can make fun of the series all you want… but you know you are going to watch the next installment in the Fast and Furious franchise. The fifth film, called Fast 5, is set to be hit theaters (including IMAX) April 29th, 2011. Paul Walker and Vin Diesel are back again reprising the lead roles of Dom and Brian. Also back are Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Sung Kang (which is surprising since we’re pretty sure he died in Tokyo Drift, no?).
Fast 5 takes place in Rio de Janeiro, where the crew is forced to perform “one last job” in order to earn their freedom. A new law enforcement agent stands in their way – played by none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The film will surely be filled with plenty of gratuitous vehicular action that looks great on camera while breaking every conceivable law of physics.
The trailer for the film, which is available , features only a few clear shots at some of the cars in the flick. We spy (deep breath) an E39 , a pair of matte black police cars, a modified , a resto-mod Charger, a few glimpses of parked , some assorted SUVs that are promptly trashed, an old VW bus, a , what appears to be a Mongoose Motorsports Grand Sport Roadster replica, a and a few others we may have missed.
Live your life a trailer at a time… in the next two minutes or less… you’ll be free. Thanks for the tip, Alex!
[Source: ]
Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW’s brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany’s Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company . We’ve actually when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.
If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you’re not alone. Who could say ‘No’ to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what’s to come is said to be earmarked for next month’s Detroit Auto Show.
Gallery:
Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
[Source: - sub. req.]
Episode #208 of the Autoblog Podcast is manned by the terrible trio of Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, and Zach Bowman. We start with the Autoblog Garage and then move on to cover the official-ness of the BMW 1M, Ward’s ten-best engines, the 2012 Audi A6, the Volkswagen Golf R and wrap by coming back to the States to mull the 2011 Jeep Compass and 2011 Ford Explorer. We finish with your questions at the end for an hour and twenty-four minutes total. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #208 – Explorer, Compass, Ward’s Engines, and a German trio
In the Autoblog Garage:
News Topics:
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 1:23:58
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is recalling 76,112 trucks for a problem that may result in brake pedals that don’t return as quickly as they should. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the issue is specific to 2010 and 2011 model year diesel trucks. Models made between March 2009 and October 2010 may have been built with power steering reservoir caps with “excessive vent pressure levels.” Somehow, the faulty power steering cap causes the brake pedals to be slow to return.
We aren’t entirely clear on how the power steering cap impacts the braking system, but NHTSA says that the danger isn’t that drivers won’t be able to stop their trucks – the brakes release when they should. Instead, the vehicle’s brake lights will stay illuminated for too long, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Chrysler says it has received 175 reports of the issue, but it has received no reports of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect. Chrysler will notify owners of affected trucks that it will inspect and replace the power steering reservoir cap for free as necessary. Hit the jump to see the full NHTSA campaign report.
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Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Shunk / AOL
[Source: ]
A one-make, or spec-series race, is an exciting contest that really proves who’s got what it takes behind the wheel. The Ariel Atom is an exciting vehicle that allows a driver to explore the purest expression of driving nirvana. If you are a fan of either, then 2011 should be a very good year for you. Ariel is working with Virgina International Raceway to create the world’s first Atom racing series and it will be known as Spec Racer Atom (SRA).
The 10-race series will take place over the course of five weekends (similar to how ). There will be four 25-minute sessions for practice and qualifying followed by a 20-minute race. During the course of the series, the configuration at VIR will be set up four different ways.
The SRA Atoms are currently being built specifically for the series and first deliveries are expected to occur in April of next year. If you act quickly, you can be one of the first 10 to buy an SRA Atom and be considered a Founding Member of the series.
In addition to the racing, TMI Auto Tech (the company responsible for bringing the Ariel Atom to the states) will be offering Ariel Atom Experience events that allow you to . Currently, TMI is only going to offer this program at VIR but it sounds like it wants to expand to other venues as well. Thanks for the tip, Eric!
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Photos Copyright (C)2010 by Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
[Source: ]
For the 2011 model year, has freshened up its flagship RL sedan. What exactly does “freshened up” mean when it comes to the RL? It may not look like much more than a cosmetic touch-up, but there are quite a few new tricks going on under the nip-tucked skin.
The 2011 Acura RL continues to utilize the 3.7-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower that powers all four wheels courtesy of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. New to the powertrain, however, is a six-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission. It’s a smooth-shifting unit that allows for the occasional sporty dash courtesy of the wheel-mounted paddles while also improving fuel economy by two miles per gallon on the highway – EPA ratings come in at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.
An upgraded gearbox is nice and all, but since this is an Acura we are looking more for new technology. The 2011 RL is fitted with Hemholtz resonators in the wheels (a “world’s first” for a passenger vehicle). These chambers sit in the center portion of the inside of the wheel and help diminish road noise, which results in a quieter cabin. Coupled with increased floorboard insulation, the 2011 Acura RL behaves like a library out on the road. Unless of course you twist the knob for the ELS audio system.
Up front, the grille of the 2011 Acura RL has been revised to soften the angry-hawk nose while retaining a signature Acura look… opinions are divided on how successful the new schnoz may be. Brand new 18×8-inch 15-spoke aluminum wheels help fill out the wheel wells and get wrapped in Michelin Pilot all-season rubber.
Overall, the changes to the 2011 Acura RL are minimal, minus the upgraded transmission and in-wheel noise reduction technology. We had a chance to very briefly sample the ‘11 model on the roads north of San Francisco and there’s unfortunately not much to get excited about. The rest of the lineup, regardless of how one feels about the styling, presents a sporty driving experience that doesn’t eat into the luxury. The RL feels heavier than it should while presenting a driving sensation that feels much more aged compared to its Acura siblings. We understand that its aimed at a different segment of the market, but that doesn’t mean it should lose the driving characteristics long-time Acura buyers have come to expect.
You can read more about the 2011 Acura RL in the full press release located .
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[Source: Acura]
Australia has released a preview of what customers from Down Under can expect from the next-generation Territory. The automaker is using the new crossover to launch a massive refresh program, with 85 percent of the company’s wares receiving a significant update over the next 18 months. Along with a more stylish front fascia and aggressively-flared front fenders, the Territory is expected to bring a new turbo-diesel engine to the fray. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval hasn’t released any details on power figures or fuel consumption for any of the available power units in the 2011 Territory.
FoMoCo’s Australian arm has plenty of big changes headed its way. The company just recently introduced the sedans and hatchbacks, and both the new and global Ranger will be landing on the country’s shores within a few months. Needless to say, it’s a good time to be a Ford fan in Australia. Something tells us that the suits over at rival are going to be scrambling to keep up the pace over the next year and a half. for the press release.
[Source: Ford]
Better, But Plenty of Room For Improvement
The has the potential to succeed for two key reasons: 1) The and are nearing the end of their product life cycles, showing some crow’s feet around the eyes, and 2) now has the wherewithal to create a small car that shows its actually understands small cars.
If you consider this rare moment in time, it’s the perfect opportunity to pull a few hundred thousand buyers into GM showrooms for a closer look. Is the Cruze the car that will finally establish a strong relationship with entry-level buyers, or is it just another joker card in GM’s deck?
…
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Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT
According to Automotive News, Lancia is planning to unveil a new vehicle based on the architecture at next year’s Geneva Motor Show. Called the Thema, the new sedan will bow alongside the five-door Ypsilon on the Lancia stage in March. So far, details are slim, though it’s clear that the Italian automaker isn’t planning to sell the vehicles by the bushel load. Early projections say that the company is hoping to move somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 Thema units per year.
Lancia has a rough history when it comes to the company’s flagship. The last Thema, built between 1984 and 1994 was fairly popular, but the vehicle’s subsequent successors failed to impress buyers. Lancia’s latest effort in the large sedan segment, the Thesis, was killed off after just 16,000 units managed to make their way from the show room floor between 2002 and early 2009.
With the proven success of the Chrysler 300 here in the U.S., it’s possible that Lancia is hoping to see a repeat performance. Keep your eyes open for more information as we get closer to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
[Source: - Sub. Req.]
Many eco-friendly car buyers have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the at their local dealer since the extended-range juggernaut was unveiled in concept form nearly four years ago, and now the wait is almost over. To be more precise, the wait is nearly over if you ordered one of the first 160 retail examples of halo car and you live in one of the battery-powered sedan’s initial launch markets. The first batch of Volts have left the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant and are en-route to California, Texas, Washington D.C and New York.
Volt marketing director Tony DiSalle says that the first batch of Volts represents a milestone for Chevrolet, adding that customers will soon “experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want.”
The Volt finally hits prime time with an range of 35 miles on a single charge, and with the ability to travel up to 379 miles when also using its 1.4-liter gas engine generator. The Volt also enters the Chevy showroom with the and Car of the Year awards. Hit the jump to read over GM’s official press release.
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[Source: General Motors]
It should hardly come as news to anyone reading Autoblog that is in the midst of a hot streak. New models are coming out left and right, the automaker’s quality is reaching new heights and there are no signs of slowing down. So while the automaker’s momentum isn’t news, its sales numbers are: For the first time in its history, the Korean manufacturer has broken the 500,000 unit sales barrier in the States.
The hottest item for Hyundai this year? The aforementioned Sonata, of which 183,102 have been sold. The Sonata is followed by the and Sante Fe with sales of 120,924 and 70,082 respectively.
This is Hyundai’s 25th year in the United States and its sales are way up for the year. Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year while the has exploded – up 145 percent – and the has gained 37 percent over its prior year sales.
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Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL
[Source: Hyundai Motor America]
Oprah may have on her TV show, but now is partnering with to offer its 2011 Jetta sedan up at a very, very low price. The new has just landed at dealerships around the country, priced from $15,995, but Volkswagen will be giving away three Jettas to members of the Gilt flash sale site for $10,000 less than the normal starting price. That’s right, a brand new Jetta for under $6,000.
A total of three Jettas will be given away, starting on Wednesday of this week (one car per day). On December 15 this special offer will only be available to Gilt members with the mobile application (iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.), and the remaining two Jettas can be had by the full raft of Gilt members.
If you’ve ever thought about joining Gilt, now’s the time – there could be a 2011 Jetta in your future. For the full details, to read Volkswagen’s press release.
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Gallery photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL
[Source: Volkswagen]
It was only a matter of time before some inventive soul set about curing what ails the ; namely, the anemic hybrid drivetrain. It looks like the crew at LHT Performance have gutted the electrified bits and swapped in an honest all-star from the stable – the K20. If you recall, these guys were among some of the first to pull a similar stunt with the first-generation Honda Insight. According to LHT, their creation is the first successful K-Series CR-Z swap to have every vehicle system work as it should, including power steering, air-conditioning and cruise control, along with stability control and the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system.
Well, nearly every vehicle system. The integrated motor assist didn’t quite survive the transplant, but something tells us we won’t be hearing any sobs over that loss. Right now, the shop has only served up a quick video, and there’s no footage of the car actually tearing up the street or a track, but we’re told more photos are on the way soon. Now, would you rather have this beast or the much rumored 1.6-liter that Honda is supposedly cooking up? to check it out and decide for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Steven.
[Source: ]
Ideas for stuff that goes under the tree… the kind of car gifts that don’t cost too much but go over well with your family.
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We’re recording Episode #208 of the Autoblog Podcast is being recorded tonight, and we’ve put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers’ submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already to hear your question answered.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #208
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has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 94,000 minivans produced before the beginning of November 2010. The recall is a result of a Stop Lamp Switch Bracket placed near the parking brake. When the parking brake is fully applied it may deform the switch bracket. This could result in the brake lights remaining lit or even partial engagement of the brakes resulting in a reduction of brake effectiveness over time.
No other vehicles have been affected by the issue and no accidents or injuries have been reported as of a result. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notice in the mail by the middle of January, which contains instructions on how to handle any affects they might feel if their switch bracket has been deformed. A second notice will be sent out in February to inform customers that replacement parts are now available and appointments can be made with local Toyota service departments. for the full details.
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Photos copyright (C)2010 / AOL
[Source: Toyota]
It’s that time of year, kids. Horsepower-crazy fans are anxiously dancing around their mailboxes waiting for the latest edition of the company’s performance parts catalog to arrive. As with past years, the glossy pages are packed from margin to margin with everything you need to give your Bow Tie a little extra giddy up. For 2011, the catalog has fully embraced the , and a pair of dealer-tweaked versions of the Chevrolet muscle car show exactly what you can do with little more than a crate engine and some spare time.
DeNooyer in New York decided to plop an LSX454 in their orange Camaro, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission via the same clutch used in the mighty . The car turns over 520 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels thanks to a tune-port fuel injection system.
But that’s downright child’s play compared to what the minds at NeSmith Chevrolet in Georgia cooked up. Those wrenches plopped an LS9 behind the Camaro’s headlights. With minor tweaking, the supercharged V8 is kicking out right at 700 horsepower, and NeSmith threw in beefier axles and a Baer brake system to bring the whole party to a stop. Hit the jump to check out the press releases.
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[Source: GM]
If you’ve been itching to see exactly what the designers at have cooked up for the next-generation interior, itch no more. A photo of the car’s cabin has managed to sneak past the watchful eyes of Chrysler bosses and make its way to the web, and from what we can tell, buyers can expect to see plenty of the company’s new-found attention to detail inside. Attractive wood trim accents the door panels, dash, center stack and steering wheel, and it looks like the new 300 will make use of the same delicious touch screen navigation system that we played with in both the and .
The changes easily take care of the much harped-on interior of the current generation 300. Expect to see the big sedan bow with a 292-horsepower version of the new Pentastar V6 as well as a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. Chrysler hasn’t said whether or not an SRT8 version is in the cards, but we’d be surprised if we didn’t see a muscle-bound version of the vehicle show up in the near future.
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[Sources: , ]
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