We record Episode #277 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re joined by of Autoline. Drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Our main focus will be recapping what we saw at the New York Auto Show, but who knows where the conversation will take us! Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #277
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Despite having a media center that’s plagued with bad coffee and prone to , the is one of our favorite automotive expos. It’s not an all-out automotive blitzkrieg like , but the vast majority of New York debuts are actual, honest-to-goodness production cars rather than spiffy concepts that only show what could be possible. And if you’ve paid attention to , some mighty big nameplates had some show-stopping debuts here in the Big Apple. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
We’ve walked the show floor, sipped some free coffee, shook hands with plenty of executives, and after two days of New York madness, we’ve come up with our picks for the five best reveals here at the show. Which of the took top honors? You’ll have to to find out.
The has officially vomited on its shoes, stumbled out of the bar and taken a seat on the subway between a homeless person and RuPaul impersonator (actually, it might really be RuPaul). That’s right folks, the party’s over, and the Big Apple has told us that we don’t have to go home, but we can’t stay here.
Like a wasted hipster on his hands and knees scrounging loose change off the floor, we’ve gathered together all of the cars and concepts that debuted at this year’s show. Enjoy perusing our while we pop a Tums and concentrate on surviving the cab ride to LaGuardia.
has announced base pricing for the 2013 XTS, its all-new, full-size luxury sedan. The car goes on sale this spring with a starting MSRP of $44,995 (*including destination charges).
The front-drive XTS will be available in four specifications: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. All-wheel-drive will be available with any of the three trim packages. Cadillac will be deploying , its new capacitive touch infotainment system, as standard equipment and every XTS will be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control.
Not mentioned today was the specific availability of Cadillac’s new or any further pricing information about the specific packages. Cadillac did say it will be releasing a CUE Apple iPad app next month that will replicate the XTS’ center screen. Click to read the full press release, then comment on whether you think Caddy’s pricing is a fair shake in Comments.
If the orange you see here looks familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it before. Not only that, . So why, then, would choose to unveil its high-riding yet again here at the ? It’s coming to America, that’s why. And the car displayed here in the Big Apple is the official U.S. model.
The XV Crosstrek is, essentially, a lifted Impreza that speaks to the Outback Sport models that came before it. It boasts a surprising 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru states that its engineers have made quite a few tweaks to the body and chassis to make the XV substantially more rugged than its Impreza kin.
Power comes from the same 2.0-liter boxer four that’s found in the standard Impreza, putting out 148 horsepower and mated to either a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard, and because the XV is capable of achieving up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, Subaru touts that it’s the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive CUV on the market.
The XV Crosstrek goes on sale this fall and official pricing will be announced closer to that time, but we’re guessing it’ll start off somewhere in the neighborhood of the 2011 Outback Sport’s $20,720 price of entry. for Subaru’s press release.
It takes a special type of individual to take a look at a twin-turbo V8 roadster with 530 horsepower like the new and say, “Nope, that’s not enough.” And for just such an individual, now presents the new SL65 AMG.
Unveiled here at the alongside the facelifted and crossovers, the replaces its predecessor with a pair of turbos and twelve cylinders good for a monumental 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a seven-gear Speedshift transmission that has been beefed up enough to handle all that twist in place of the five-speed that soldiered on through the last model.
All that is packed, of course, into the newer, (relatively) lighter new , complete with Airscarf and Magic Sky Control and all that jazz. The new roadster sits at the very top of the SL range, and if the outgoing model is any indication, this droptop is likely to receive a starting price well over $200,000.
We were on hand for the new SL65’s unveiled here at the Javitz Center, and you can join us for a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery above and the press release .
SL65 AMG packs an earth-moving 738 pound-feet of torque
Episode #276 of the is here, and this week, Chris, Zach and Dan cover the known knowns so far at the , the ChevroletCamaro 1LE, and the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #276:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , ,
Runtime: 01:17:04
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[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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[] Download the MP3 directly
We record Episode #276 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics, or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #276
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
Bucking The Downsizing Trend For All The Right Reasons
Sometimes in life, you hit the nail right on the head, sink a hole-in-one or strike a perfect bullseye. It happens in all walks of life – from the original Star Wars trilogy to the Apple iPod. It even happens from time to time in the automotive realm. Take, for instance, the 1965 or the original Acura Legend.
Other times, we’re not so lucky. Like the ill-begotten Star Wars prequel trilogy, the automotive world has played host to a long line of underwhelming encores. The Mustang II comes to mind, and so does the .
Of course, every so often, automakers release a car to market that’s just isn’t quite fully baked, like the ill-timed and poorly received Edsel from Ford. Though not nearly as obvious, the first-generation falls into this unfortunate camp.
Originally marketed to the upwardly mobile male Gen-X population – a guy named Jason back in 2006 – it turns out that well-to-do, tech-savvy men aren’t actually all that interested in an entry-level premium crossover from Honda’s luxury division. And that’s why, for 2013, the Acura RDX is being re-aimed at the heart of the market: namely, baby boomers and young couples – defined by Acura as DINKS – “Dual-Income, No Kids” – who prefer quiet, comfortable and composed to quick, nimble and raucous.
Episode #275 of the is here, and this week, Chris, Zach, and Dan cover the BMW 3 Series EPA fuel economy numbers game, GM holding the ChevroletCamaro ZL1 to sort out an un-disclosed issue, and the recent pricing and road test information about the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #275:
/
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , ,
Runtime: 01:17:04
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[] Download the MP3 directly
We record Episode #275 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and Chris Shunk is returning to the host chair with a vengance. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #275
/
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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If you’re an Autoblog reader, we suspect you probably prefer not to leave the driving to others – regardless of who they are. But even car nuts like us have occasion to take the bus every so often. can be a cost-efficient way to go pick up a car you’ve spontaneously bought on eBay when no buddies can be rounded up for a road trip, for instance.
Of course, in this age of paranoia, you might wonder if your bus is held together with bailing wire and duct tape, or whether your driver habitually shows up for work three sheets to the wind, which brings us to .
A free iOS app, courtesy of the United States Department of Transportation, SaferBus allows mobile access to the US DOT’s database for motor coach safety violations, including five categories of records, according to . The app gets monthly database updates and the information dates back a full two years, plus you can use the app report a safety complaint yourself.
News of an impending automotive debut, especially one as big as the next , generally come straight from the mouths of the automakers. Interesting, then, that the is the first bit of confirmation we’ve seen that the 2014 Impala will be making its worldwide debut in The Big Apple.
All we have to go along with that confirmation is the teaser image you see above (click on the pic to enlarge), so we can’t glean too many details just yet. We can see a Hofmeister-esque kink in the C-pillar, strongly accented in chrome trim, along with the well-known leaping impala emblem.
Past that, have revealed that the front-wheel-drive Impala will boast plenty of passenger room from its Epsilon-II architecture, the same guts that underpin the and . We’re also expecting GM’s well-regarded 3.6-liter V6 underhood, along with a possible turbocharged four and e-Assist hybrid setup.
This news comes on the heels of by General Motors that it plans to replace the Impala in its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effort with a new nameplate that will also see a production model offshoot, leading to renewed speculation that the automaker will not only sell a new full-size Impala, but potentially a large rear-wheel drive sedan to offer as well, possibly based on the company’s Zeta platform that underpins the Holden Commodore and recently introduced law enforcement special.
The is slated to kick off on April 4, but in the meantime, feel free to go over the teaser above with a fine-toothed comb, and stay tuned for any more details we find ahead of its debut.
UPDATE: GM has confirmed the Impala with the issuance of a press release and official image. In addition, it has confirmed that a revamped crossover will also bow in New York. The Traverse will be available with GM’s new front, center-mount airbag first revealed in the updated , the Traverse’s twin. See the official release after the jump and note the addition of a Traverse interior image above.
confirms 2014 Chevy Impala debut via Facebook [UPDATE]
Episode #274 of the is here, and this week, Chris, Zach, Dan, and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert cover our recent drive of the (as well as some other Ford products), the , the outselling the and combined yearly total in three days, and the forthcoming . Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #274:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , , ,
Runtime: 01:21:01
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[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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How do you make a 4,300-pound roadster accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds? Easy, just fit it with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that cranks out 621 horsepower and – wait for it – 738 pound-feet of torque. Sounds bonkers, right? Welcome to the .
We’re all very familiar with the *63 AMG models, the majority of which are now fitted with a brand new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, but for those who want the ultimate in high-performance machinery (at an extremely high-dollar price), the *65 AMG cars are simply out of this world. We first feasted our eyes on the new-for-2013 at the earlier this month, but the SL will now be taking the stage at next month’s to debut off its range-topping spec.
The 6.0-liter V12 is hardly a new engine, though there have been a few updates including new turbochargers, manifolds and wastegate channels. The big change for 2013, however, is the pairing of Merc’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. (Historically, the 65 AMG cars were mated to a five-speed auto, since it was the only transmission in the automaker’s parts bin capable of handling such massive amounts of torque.)
Like the rest of the SL line, the SL65 AMG has lost a bit of weight in its overhaul – 254 pounds versus the 2012 model – mostly thanks to an all-aluminum body-on-white. The full suite of SL goodies are on tap in the 65, including the nifty Magic Sky Roof, Airscarf, speed-sensitive steering and a new sport suspension based on Merc’s Active Body Control. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in only the finest of leather – including the costly Designo options – and features goodies like a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system and the latest version of Mercedes’ Command infotainment software.
Pricing has yet to be revealed for the SL65 AMG, but expect it to be around the $200,000 mark. for the full details in Mercedes-Benz’s press blast, and stay tuned for live impressions direct from New York in just a few weeks.
We record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and Chris Shunk is returning to the host chair with a vengance. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
Like Elvis and Tupac before him, Apple icon Steve Jobs is showing up in all kinds of unexpected places after his passing. This latest sighting comes in a commercial for a SCR 110 scooter that channels The Jobs himself. Up close, the male actor isn’t a ringer, but the black turtleneck and design theme leave no doubt about his inspiration.
The Chinese-language tag for this commercial says “Wuyang HondaMotorcycle.” We don’t know if they made it, but a post house called CN Post Production takes credit for some of the work on it. to check out the bizarre advertisement, and for thie other side of strange, you can check out their .
Episode #273 of the is here, and this week, Dan hosts and is joined by Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert and Zach Bowman. Topics range far and wide around our recap of the . Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #273:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , ,
Runtime: 01:21:01
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[] Download the MP3 directly
We record Episode #273 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’ll be recapping the huge , which just wrapped up. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #273
[] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
SPEED’s Brad Fanshaw joins us, Bentley EXP 9 F Concept, Chevrolet Volt production idle, SLP Grand National and GNX Regals
Episode #272 of the is here, and this week, of joins Chris, Dan and Zach. Topics include the Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept, Chevrolet idling Volt production and new high-performance Buicks. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our , thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #272:
In the Autoblog Garage
Hosts: , ,
Runtime: 01:12:34
Get the podcast
[] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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If you’re an Autoblog reader, we suspect you probably prefer not to leave the driving to others – regardless of who they are. But even car nuts like us have occasion to take the bus every so often. can be a cost-efficient way to go pick up a car you’ve spontaneously bought on eBay when no buddies can be rounded up for a road trip, for instance.
