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We’ve been racking up some serious miles on our long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus. Since its delivery in March, we’ve added nearly 11,000 miles to the odometer, and after that many miles of commuting, road tripping and cargo-shlepping, the interior of the big Hyundai was starting to get a bit dusty. During the month of July, we treated the Equus to some much-needed TLC.

In addition to an hour-long cleaning session at a local do-it-yourself wash and vacuum station, our Equus went in for its second oil change. After our issues with the valet service in May, we opted to just drop the car off at the dealership this time around, mostly because of timing issues on our behalf. Submitting a request for Equus service with an Apple iPad is still as easy as ever, and the dealership request for an appointment went flawlessly.

11,000 miles might not seem like enough time to accumulate lots of wear and tear on a vehicle’s cabin, but upon closer inspection, our Equus is starting to show signs of aging.

Keep your eyes locked on the official Autoblog Facebook page for the majority of our updates, as well as the official Autoblog Twitter account (@therealautoblog, look for the #ablongterm hashtag).

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: July 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: July 2011

2012 Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Cruze diesel, bending Ford SVT Raptor frames

Episode #240 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Executive Editor Chris Paukert hold down the fort. We start with the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept and spend a while talking about its sharp new styling before moving on to ponder what the now-confirmed Chevrolet Cruze diesel means for fuel economy and fun when behind the wheel. Our last news topic is bending frames on some Ford SVT Raptor pickups before we move on to your feedback. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #240:

• 2012 Honda CR-V
• Chevrolet Cruze diesel
• Ford SVT talks about bending Raptor frames

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 BMW X3
2011 Mazda RX-8 GT
2011 Kia Forte SX
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #240

Autoblog Podcast #240

We record Episode #240 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and it goes out live at the same time if you can’t wait until Tuesday. Check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we’ll talk about this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #240

• 2012 Honda CR-V
• Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
• Ford SVT talks about bending Raptor frames

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream – 10PM Eastern on Monday, July 25, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #240 LIVE

The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission has approved the Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala, which join the Ford Transit Connect, on the list of vehicles approved as interim taxi cabs for the Big Apple. According to USA Today, New York cab companies are permitted to purchase those models for fleet duty until the Nissan NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow” goes on sale. The NV200 beat out competitive designs from Ford and the Turkish Karsan V1 to earn the taxi commission’s nod, though the Nissan isn’t set to be available until 2013 at the earliest.

In the meantime, cab companies are going to need vehicles to replace their aging fleets of Ford Crown Victoria sedans. That’s where the new models come in. Once incorporated into cab company stables, they can remain until they retire, even past the 2013 arrival of the NV200. Once that date arrives, however, the Nissan Van will be the official vehicle of the New York taxi service.

Click past the break for an official press release from Nissan.

Continue reading Non-hybrid Altima and Impala also approved as NYC taxis, but not for long

Non-hybrid Altima and Impala also approved as NYC taxis, but not for long

The possible return of the Dodge Magnum, Subaru WRX going its own way, Mercedes-Benz tries to reinvigorate Smart

Episode #238 of the Autoblog Podcast is here done, and this week Chris, Dan and Zach are joined by Executive Editor Chris Paukert. We start with the rumored return of the Dodge Magnum and then move on to reports of the Subaru WRX being separated from the Impreza line, only to finish with Mercedes-Benz trying to revive the Smart brand in the U.S. Your questions and comments wrap it up, and this was the return of our live podcast, available at our UStream channel. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #239:

• Possible Dodge Magnum successor
• Subaru taking WRX off on its own?
• Mercedes-Benz to try reviving Smart in the U.S.

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Audi A7
2011 Nissan 370Z
2011 Mazda RX-8 GT
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #239

We record Episode #239 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re bringing back a live cast now that we’ve had some practice. Check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we’ll talk about this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #239

• Possible Dodge Magnum successor
• Subaru taking WRX off on its own?
• Mercedes-Benz to try reviving Smart in the U.S.

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream – 10PM Eastern on Monday, July 18, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #239 LIVE

With Android outselling Apple’s iOS devices by a lofty margin, we’ve been asking every automaker when Android connectivity will finally come to cars. Automotive supplier Harman International has answered the call with its latest infotainment system, which integrates the Android Open Accessory Protocol to allow users to connect their Google-powered smartphone or tablet and control their devices through the head unit, steering wheel buttons or voice commands.

By adopting and implementing the Android protocol, Harman’s systems have access to user’s music, movies and navigation apps, along with SMS and email functionality. Other integrated apps – particularly nav and POI programs – are already available, including Harman’s own Aha Radio app, which allows users to hear Facebook and Twitter updates, get customized news feeds, listen to podcasts, traffic and weather alerts and Internet radio streaming.

The protocol currently supports Android 3.1 running on tablets and 2.3.4 on smartphones, and the first automaker to bring the system into their vehicles is set to win big. And not just with geeks. Make the jump for the full details.

Continue reading Harman to bring Android integration to cars… finally

Harman to bring Android integration to cars… finally originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Review: 2012 Honda Civic EX Sedan

Like that indecisive companion desperately trying to find just the right outfit, the 2012 Civic would probably have been a more entertaining date had it just stuck with what it was wearing initially.

Spy Shots: Lexus GS takes its turn on the ‘Ring

The Lexus LF-Gh Concept from this year’s New York Auto Show is slowly making the journey from pure conceptual creation to full-on production car, albeit, in the form of the GS sedan.

Autoblog featured on Flipboard for iPad

Own an Apple iPad? Like the Flipboard app? Love Autoblog? It’s officially your lucky day.

Also of interest:

• Official: Toyota UK reveals new Yaris hatchback
• Official: NYC fleet adds 70 plug-in vehicles, including Chevy Volt cop cars
• Breaking: 2012 Scion iQ priced from $15,995*
• Official: Toyota Hilux pickup gets fresh skin, more power for 2012
• Official: 2012 Audi A5, S5 get a nip/tuck [UPDATE]

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

What you missed on 7.13.11

As much as the average driver doesn’t really have to worry about “range anxiety” during a normal driving day, we will grant you that an electric police car that could run out of juice during a car chase is a bad idea. That last scene in Blues Brothers wouldn’t have been all that impressive and crash-y had all those cop cars shifted into limp mode at some point. On the other hand, pure EVs can work wonders in reducing a city fleet’s fuel use, and so can most certainly find a home in urban areas. Yesterday, NYC’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, announced a best-of-both-worlds addition to his city’s fleet:

• 50 Chevrolet Volt hatchbacks (some to be used as police vehicles)
• 10 all-electric Ford Transit Connect cargo vans
• 10 all-electric Navi-star “E-star” utility trucks

Part of PlaNYC, the plug-in vehicles will join 360 other EVs in the city’s fleet as a component of an effort to reduce emissions and to have the Big Apple “lead by example,” Bloomberg said. Nine different city departments – including FDNY, NYPD and the Department of Environmental Protection (see the whole list after the jump) – will use the vehicles, all in “non-emergency duties” for now. NYC’s plug-in vehicle fleet now stands at 430 vehicles and is being called the “largest municipal electric vehicle fleet in the country.” Hey, Chicago or Seattle or LA or whoever… step up, would ya?

Continue reading NYC fleet adds 70 plug-in vehicles, including Chevy Volt cop cars

NYC fleet adds 70 plug-in vehicles, including Chevy Volt cop cars

Having a real-life Batmobile in your driveway sounds like a fun idea. Upon closer inspection, however, it’s not going to be that exciting. Most often, Batmobile replicas are powered by something like a junkyard-salvaged General Motors 350, featuring an interior reminiscent of a hastily cobbled together 24 Hours of LeMons racer. A man by the name of Casey Putsch decided he wanted a Batmobile to call his own, but he wasn’t ready to settle for second-rate.

This particular Putsch is the same man behind Putsch Racing, an outfit that restores, designs and appraises all manner of items automotive. When we said that Casey Putsch wasn’t going to settle for a low-rent Batmobile, we meant it. Instead, Putsch has assembled what he says is the only turbine-powered Batmobile in the world.

Under the long hood of Putsch’s Batmobile sits a Boeing turboshaft engine plucked from a naval drone helicopter. The power output is rated at 385 horses, which is good for a vehicle that weighs around 2,800 pounds.

Besides the engine upgrade, this Batmobile has an interior that would make Bruce Wayne nod approvingly. That’s all you can hope for really, since it’s impossible to make Mr. Wayne jealous. Putsch strapped an Apple iPad into the center stack of his super(hero)car, which then acts as his avionics system and also supplies GPS information.

We have footage of Casey Putsch driving his creation available for you after the jump, which is worth it for the sound alone. We also have a handful of photos in the gallery below. Be sure to check out Todd Cooperider’s website for more information on this mad machine.

Continue reading Man creates world’s only turbine-powered Batmobile [w/video]

Man creates world’s only turbine-powered Batmobile [w/video]

Own an Apple iPad? Like the Flipboard app? Love Autoblog? It’s officially your lucky day. The Flipboard crew has deemed Autoblog worthy of being featured in its Living section, and that means you’ll enjoy a more magazine-like reading experience for both our features and daily news. All you have to do to add Autoblog to your Favorites page is click the red “More” tab in the upper right hand corner of the app, select Living and choose Autoblog from the list. Once the feed is up, tap the plus button in the upper left and you’re all set. Enjoy!

Autoblog featured on Flipboard for iPad

Mugen and Honda go together like vanilla ice cream and apple pie. Sure, the pie can stand on its own, but a nice scoop of ice cream takes it to another level. Mugen rolled out a pair of tuned CR-Z hybrids at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the blokes from Auto Express asked to spend a day with one of them. Their team also wrangled away the keys to another “unlimited power” vehicle: a Mugen-tuned Ariel Atom.

How do the two compare to each other? Let’s be real here… they don’t. One is a naked track assassin while the other is a juiced-up hybrid wearing a body kit. Both vehicles have had Mugen wrenches applied to their engines, but that’s pretty much where the comparison should end. Still, we can’t say it’s not entertaining.

Click past the jump to see how they “stack up” against each other.

Continue reading Honda CR-Z Mugen compared with…. Ariel Atom Mugen?!

Honda CR-Z Mugen compared with…. Ariel Atom Mugen?!

Jaguar XFR Brake, Hyundai supercar, Lamborghini manuals, Red-light cameras

Episode #238 of the Autoblog Podcast is here done, and this week Chris, Dan and Executive Editor Chris Paukert are joined by Senior Editor Damon Lavrinc. We start with the idea of Jaguar making a sport wagon XF-R and then move on to discuss Lamborghini giving up on traditional manual transmissions, contemplate a Hyundai supercar and finally chew on a study about the public feeling positive about red-light cameras. Your questions and comments finish us up, and live podcasts will be back soon at our UStream channel. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #238:

• Jaguar “brake” to have XFR version?
• Hyundai developing a supercar?
• Lamborghini says arrividerci to manual transmissions
• The people want red light cameras

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #238

Autoblog Podcast #238

We record Episode #238 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, so check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we’ll talk about this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so to hear your question answered by our esteemed panel of ‘casters.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #238

• Jaguar “brake” to have XFR version?
• Hyundai developing a supercar?
• Lamborghini says arrividerci to manual transmissions
• The people want red light cameras

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #238

Cruze beats Camry, V8 Supercars to race in Austin, HOV stickers expire, 2012 Toyota Camry

Episode #237 of the Autoblog Podcast is done, a day later thanks to us celebrating the 4th of July holiday. Chris, Zach, Dan and Chris Paukert start with the Chevrolet Cruze outselling the Toyota Camry in June. Other topics include Australia’s V8 Supercar race series invading Austin, California’s Hybrid HOV access stickers expiring and the 2012 Toyota Camry. Your questions and comments finish us up, and live podcasts will be back soon at our UStream channel. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #237:

• Chevrolet Cruze beats Toyota Camry in June
• V8 Supercars headed to Austin, Texas
• California’s hybrid HOV stickers expire
• 2012 Toyota Camry coming soon

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
2011 BMW 1M Coupe

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #237

Autoblog Podcast #237

We record Episode #237 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re going to go with our “legacy” format. We’ll be back with live ‘casts, but for this week, we’re going to take your questions and comments in our Q&A module. It’s been a slow week, so check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so to hear your question answered by our esteemed panel of ‘casters.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #237

• Cruze beats Camry in June
• V8 Supercars headed to Texas
• California’s Hybrid HOV stickers expire
• 2012 Toyota Camry coming soon. Whoo.

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #237

Hillclimb Records, Lambo SUV Or Sedan, Nissan Power88, Wrangler Demand

Episode #236 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, one day later than usual. Chris, Zach and Dan start with a chat about the hillclimb records that were smashed at Pikes Peak and Mt. Washington and then we move on to consider whether Lamborghini should create an SUV or sedan. Nissan and its exceptionally ambitious Power88 plan is our next topic before we discuss the intense worldwide demand for the Jeep Wrangler and lament the reported shelving of a pickup derivative. Your questions and comments finish us up, and it’s a tidy hour and twenty-three minutes this week. Live podcasts will be back soon at our UStream channel, but we went with the legacy format this week because of schedules. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #236:

• Pike’s Peak and Mount Washington Hillclimb time records fall
• Should Lamborghini go with an SUV or a sedan?
• Nissan’s Power88 plan – possible lunacy?
• International Jeep Wrangler demand high, pickup shelved?

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #236

We record Episode #236 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re going to go with our “legacy” format. Don’t worry, we’ll be back with live ‘casts, but for this week, we’re going to take your questions and comments in our Q&A module. Check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so to hear your question answered by our esteemed panel of ‘casters.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #236

• Pike’s Peak and Mount Washington Hill Climb time records fall
• Should Lamborghini go with a Crossover or Sedan?
• Nissan’s Power88 plan – possible lunacy?
• International Jeep Wrangler demand high, pickup shelved

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #236

Aston Actually Makes An App For Drivers

Automaker apps are a dime-a-dozen. But unless you’re shopping for a new car or a hyper-obsessive brand devotee, they’re about as entertaining as a trip to the service department. So when Aston Martin put out its Experience iPhone app, we weren’t entirely enthused. Nor were we ready to shell out $5.99 for another me-too marketing ploy. But then we took a closer look.

In addition to the standard model listings and engine/exhaust sound player (surprise! the One-77 doesn’t sound as sweet through a puny set of phone speakers), Aston upped the app game by including a video function that can record your drive, a telemetry display that shows your speed and Gs, and a database of the world’s best roads. That last part sold us.

So we called up the crew from Aston and made a pitch. Let us test out the app on one of the routes in North America. All you have to do is supply the car. Two weeks later, Autoblog Director of Photography Drew Phillips and I are blasting up the Pacific Coast Highway in the world’s largest iPhone accessory: A 2011 Aston Martin Rapide.

Continue reading Aston Martin Experience iPhone App

Aston Martin Experience iPhone App

Chevrolet Sonic pricing, Factory Five crowdsourcing, Coral Gables bans pickup parking, 2012 BMW M5

Episode #235 sends Chris, Dan and Zach off on topics like the official pricing for the Chevrolet Sonic, Factory Five’s crowdsourced car design contest, the Coral Gables, FL ban on parking pickups overnight in driveways and the 2012 BMW M5. Weaving it all together are tangents aplenty as we respond to the feedback of our live listeners and deal with Zach’s cranky Skype connection. The Q&A Module is also fertile ground for feedback, and that’s how we close out the show. We’re having lots of fun with the live podcasts, and your feedback is welcome as we refine the experience.

Hear how it went down live, or catch it as it happens next week at our UStream channel, as well as the traditional ways we’ve always offered. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #235:

• Chevrolet Sonic priced
• Factory Five’s crowdsourced car contest
• Coral Gables fining pickup truck owners leaving rigs out overnight
• 2012 BMW M5 details

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Hyundai Genesis R Spec
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8
2011 Hyundai Accent
2011 BMW X3
2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #235

Autoblog Podcast #235