The Auto Blog .ru

The 2011 Kia Optima appears to be a quantum leap improvement over the 2010 model, with improved aesthetics, powertrains and technology. But do all those improvements come at a cost? According to Kia, the 2011 Optima will start at $18,995. That’s $1,000 more than the outgoing model, but still $1,000 or so lower than many competitors’ midsize offerings, and lower still than its cross-Korean cousin, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. With the base model comes standard power window and door locks, Sirius Satellite radio and a USB interface for your iPod.

Move up to the LX trim level with a six-speed automatic transmission and the starting price is $20,495. The LX comes standard with alloy wheels, cruise control and an eco mode for more efficient driving. The EX is the next step up the luxury ladder with leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, 17-inch wheels and push-button start.

If horsepower is your thing, the EX Turbo supplies 274 horsepower, a revised front grille and special interior accents for a reasonable $24,495, which in this case actually costs a little more than the Sonata Turbo at $24,145. The top-end Optima, the SX, starts at $25,995. Standard features for the SX include a host of interior upgrades, 18-inch wheels, revised lower trim, a sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps and LEDs out back.

$18,995 is a very reasonable starting price to pay for a vehicle that appears to have gone from being a rental fleet afterthought to a midsize contender in a single product cycle. But what about resale value? The residual value experts at ALG, inc. claim that the 2011 Optima will retain 53 percent of it’s value after 36 months, a 66 percent increase over the outgoing model. That’s not at the resale level of a Honda Accord, mind you, but a definite step in the right direction. Hit the jump to read over Kia’s official press release.

[Source: The News Market]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Optima officially priced from $18,995

2011 Kia Optima officially priced from $18,995

One could be excused for thinking that the definition of urban luxury might be the Cadillac Escalade, but apparently the hive mind at General Motors’ most luxurious division have other thoughts on the subject. In fact, it seems Cadillac is thinking the exact opposite. To wit, take a gander at the Urban Luxury Concept that’s being debuted at the 2010 LA Auto Show.

As would seem appropriate for a car intended for urban confines, this Caddy concept features rather small exterior dimensions, but the automaker claims that it’s large inside with seating for four occupants. Wheelbase comes in at a hair over 97 inches and overall length measures 151 inches. Width is listed at 68.1 inches and height at just under 57 inches.

Ingress and egress takes place through a pair of scissor doors that extend outward and rotate forward when opened – supposedly a boon for tight urban parking spaces. The rest of the exterior carries the brand’s Art and Science motif to new levels and could sort of be described as a Smart Fortwo or Aston Martin Cygnet drawn with nothing but a straight edge. We wouldn’t call it pretty, but striking would certainly be an apt descriptor.

Interior space is recovered by the lack of the expected gauges and control surfaces. Instead, we have projectors and a slew of capacitive touch screens that glow Tanzanite blueish-purple. There’s a hide-away right-hand touch pad and the back of the folding passenger seat converts into an Orbit Baby SmartHub.

Power comes from a 1.0-liter turbocharged three cylinder engine (perhaps the unit that was originally planned for the Chevy Volt?) that makes up part of a hybrid drivetrain. GM claims the system would provide a completely theoretical 56 miles per gallon in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

To get the full story of the Urban Luxury Concept, you really need to take a look at our high-res image gallery below, and you’ll also find the complete press release after the break.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading LA 2010: Cadillac unwraps Urban Luxury Concept

LA 2010: Cadillac unwraps Urban Luxury Concept

Jeep is preparing to rumble in to the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show with a pair of upscale variants on two of their most popular models: the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and the Liberty Jet.

The Overland Summit edition of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee stands among the most luxurious and equipped vehicle the Chrysler division has ever made. Jeep has chromed the grille, fog lamp bezels and 20-inch rims and painted it a new shade of Rugged Brown (optional alongside gray, beige and black), decking out the interior with Black Olive veneers, two-tone Nappa leather and Berber floor mats.

The Liberty Jet edition also adds a load of chrome to the wheels, lower grille, side moldings, tailgate, roof rails and mirror housings, while blacking out the headlamps to compliment the silver, charcoal, black or blackberry colors available. Inside the Liberty Jet packs a nine-speaker audio system and a host of optional features bundled as standard.

The Overland commands a $42,495 MSRP (before destination) in two-wheel drive spec and $45,995 for the 4×4, while the Jet package adds $1,495 to the Liberty Sport or $995 to the Liberty Limited. Both will be unveiled at the LA show before opening the order books in December, but you can check out the details in the press release after the jump right now along with the pair of high-res preview images in the gallery below. Hat tip to Brian!

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims

LA Preview: Jeep rolls out premium Grand Cherokee and Liberty trims

As much as we’d like to say that we didn’t see this one coming… well, we did. But, despite the fact that it would seem to be the obvious choice to take home the Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year award, the voting crew claims that it “wasn’t a shoo-in.”

In fact, claims Automobile, “the Chevrolet Volt endured more scrutiny and skepticism than any of the nine other semifinalists.” We don’t doubt it, either. There’s no denying that the Volt has and will continue to receive more close scrutiny than just about any other vehicle that will be introduced this year or any other, and the voters are well aware of this fact. In other words, if the Volt wins a bunch of awards and turns into a major flop, the award-givers will have plenty of explaining to do…

Fortunately, it seems that the Chevy Volt is mostly worthy of the admiration it is receiving from the automotive press (the Volt was also named the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year). Automobile Magazine calls the Volt a “game changer,” and, with its innovative powertrain that should allow a large number of owners to drive almost completely without the use of gasoline, it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

Click past the break for a video of Automobile’s Editor-in-Chief, Jean Jennings, explain why the Chevy Volt is a worthy recipient of Automobile of the Year. When you’re finished, feel free to click here for a massive 10-page missive on the same topic.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt wins Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year award

2011 Chevrolet Volt wins Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year award

The U.S. government is investigating the possibility of raising fuel economy standards to 62 miles per gallon by 2025. The Detroit Free Press reports that Hyundai isn’t yet endorsing that number, but CEO John Krafcik feels 50 miles per gallon is well within reach. The Korean automaker already features two vehicles capable of 40 miles per gallon in the Sonata Hybrid and the new Elantra, and the next 15 years promises to show further gains in efficiency.

And that’s not the only reason Krafcik is optimistic. CAFE fuel economy is actually figured out differently than the formula used by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Freep points out that while the monroney on an Elantra will show 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, the compact’s CAFE number will be 44 mpg. What a difference a formula makes. The outspoken chief executive says that taking a hard look at the CAFE numbers makes 50 mpg seem “a heck of a lot more doable.”

Doable, yes, but 50 mpg still isn’t an easy task. Hyundai’s two best vehicles are still under that number, and the rest of the company’s fleet is far below the magic total. But 15 years is a long time in research and development years, and we’re thinking most automakers will have at least a fighting chance to reach the big five-oh by 2025.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Hyundai CEO targets 50 mpg by 2025, but that figure isn’t as high as you think

We admit to spending an inordinate amount of time trolling eBay Motors, and soon enough we’ll be able to browse the auto related goods with a dedicated iPhone, Android or iPad app. The new program will enable users to search for vehicles more efficiently than the current eBay app, eliminating much of the ancillary cruft we normally get while searching for four-wheeled rarities and oddities.

The purpose-built Motors app will make searching by year and model far easier with a custom home screen search, along with features like VIN scanning and a virtual garage. And of course you can also search for vehicles and parts through the traditional year/model format, plus you’ll have access to details, specs, a photo gallery and the all-important vehicle history report.

The most trick option appears to be the garage app. The function will enable users to scan vehicles you own by bar code (via the iPhone camera) for easy retrieval, which is plenty easier than manually entering a 17-character VIN. You can also store part searches like “crankshaft for 1991 Taurus SHO” or set up a to do list for that project car you’ve been neglecting. The app is set to arrive in early 2011.

[Source: CNET]

eBay Motors to launch its own iPhone app

Ever since the introduction of the 350 GT in 1964, every twelve-cylinder Lamborghini has used a derivative of the same engine, straight through the Miura, Espada, Countach, LM002, Diablo, Murciélago and Reventón. Now, the Italian automaker is throwing that old design in the trash bin and starting fresh with a clean-sheet design. And what a design.

Destined for duty in the upcoming Murcielago successor, this 6.5-liter V12 is an all-new engine – designed, developed and produced entirely in-house at the company’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory. It features four-valve cylinder heads made from an aluminum-silicon alloy, short stroke and lightweight construction to deliver an output of 700 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque.

Along with the new engine, Lamborghini introduces a new type of gearbox called the Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission. Employing dual shifting rods, the ISR is said to be able to shift nearly 50 percent faster than a comparable dual-clutch gearbox, while weighing considerably less. Follow the jump for the full details in the official press release and check out the images in the gallery below.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini reveals all-new 6.5L V12 engine and ISR gearbox

Lamborghini reveals all-new 6.5L V12 engine and ISR gearbox

Nissan unveils its new JDM minivan, the Serena – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has pulled the wraps off its updated Serena minivan, a feature-packed people mover that’s only sold in the Japanese market. For the past three years (2007 to 2009), the Serena has been the top-selling minivan in Japan. Now it appears to have gotten even better.

The all-new Serena is roomier, has updated user-friendly features and a newly-developed MR20DD engine. The MR20DD boasts direct-injection, twin valve timing control (VTC) and Nissan’s new Idling Stop control. Paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, the Serena achieves a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing model. Also, compared to the 2005 Serena, the new van produces 75% fewer exhaust emissions.

Full specs on the new Nissan Serena are available in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan Serena minivan unveiled in Japan

New Nissan Serena minivan unveiled in Japan

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, was on hand at the London Transport Museum today to unveil his city’s future of public transportation. A full-size mock-up of the bus was on display and the design is clearly a nod to the past. Modeled after the original Routemaster, this updated double-decker brings the style into the 21st century while keeping touches of the old bus’ charm. The new bus, which is being manufactured by Wrightbus, features an open platform in the rear, which marks the return of the traditional hop-on-hop-off service.

Quickly moving from rendering and video to this mock-up, the first Wrightbus prototype is scheduled to be delivered next year. After that, five production buses will enter service in 2012, just in time for the Olypmics. Check it out in the gallery below or watch the video after the jump.

[Source: BBC News]

Continue reading London’s new double-decker bus unveiled [w/video]

London’s new double-decker bus unveiled [w/video]

There’s so much going on at SEMA it’s all-too easy to miss a few things. And while there are a ton of Mustangs, one would think that this Shelby prototype would have caught our attention – particularly since we were aware of its existence. Back in September we reported that on some potential future Shelby models, one of which was a 1,000 rwhp twin-turbo GT500.

Nicknamed “Code Red,” this particular GT500 was created in collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines – the same firm responsible for the 1,800 horsepower Mosler MT900S. The heavily modified 5.4-liter V8 features twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers along with a dual fuel system that includes cells for both race and street gas as well as an electronic boost controller that can vary boost for each gear.

If Shelby offers a production of the “Code Red” GT500, expect plenty of other goodies to be included like Baer 14-inch brakes, Shelby/Eibach adjustable suspension system, 9-inch Currie rear end, 10-point roll cage, and plenty more? Price tag? Shelby estimates that the package (car not included) would cost around $100,000.

You can get a better look at the Code Red from the photos below courtesy of Nelson Racing Engines, and we’ve also included a video with Tom Nelson and Shelby’s Gary Patterson testing the car out on the street after the jump.

[Source: Nelson Racing Engines, Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype [w/video]

Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype [w/video]

We recently spied two next-generation Porsche 911 prototypes out testing, showing off its slightly revised shape and new exterior features. We can only imagine what sort of rigorous testing procedures are involved with creating a new 911, so it doesn’t surprise us to see the the almost-naked Porsche back out on the road again.

Mum’s the word on exactly what lies underneath the 911’s new skin, though earlier reports have stated that the 3.6- and 3.8-liter flat-sixes will carry over unchanged, though a new electro-hydraulic steering could be on hand in an effort to improve overall efficiency. We’ve heard rumblings about more spacious rear seats and an electronic parking brake being fitted to the new 911, as well.

We expect Porsche to take the wraps off of the new 911 sometime early next year, possibly at March’s Geneva Motor Show. Until then, get another glimpse at Porsche’s pride and joy in our gallery of spy snaps below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 struts its stuff

As if the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 wasn’t tempting enough with 440 horsepower and killer good looks, Ford is throwing in a few extra goodies to make it that much more desirable.

First off, the Blue Oval announced today that owners of the new Boss 302 will receive a dual set of keys, one of which, ‘TracKey,’ activates a secondary PCM race tune that alters nearly 200 engine management parameters for the 5.0-liter V8. “From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” says Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.” The TracKey also features a two-stage launch control feature similar to the one on the Cobra Jet Mustang that can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

Not wanting all of that new technology to go to waste, Ford has also announced that it will be offering customers a complimentary track day to test out their new ride. Offered through Team Mustang and Ford Racing, Boss 302 owners will be treated to driving instruction and track time at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT. Owners will need to book their own travel arrangements, but once there, everything is free of charge.

With the way things are shaping up for the Boss, we’re already pondering second mortgages and/or raiding our children’s college funds for one of the coolest pony cars ever. If you’re good at resisting such temptations, hit the jump and read all of the details in the press releases from Ford.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Mustang Boss 302 to come with special key for race calibration, free track day

2012 Mustang Boss 302 to come with special key for race calibration, free track day

This January Ford CEO Alan Mulally will take the stage as one of the keynote speakers of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It’ll be the fourth time Mulally has headlined CES, and this time he’ll have one of The Blue Oval’s most anticipated new products in his corner. The 2012 Focus has been named the official car of 2011 CES, an honor that will give the forthcoming C-Segment blockbuster the spotlight right in time for its launch. The Focus enters the market early in 2011 with most of Ford’s latest technology including Sync, MyFord Touch and Wi-Fi capability.

Ford Marketing, Sales and Service VP Ken Czubay calls the Focus the best of what Ford has to offer, adding that the vehicle will deliver “class-leading features and technologies as well as an expected 40 mpg.” Ford will showcase the Focus in several ways at CES “including more product-specific signage, displays, demonstrations and materials.”

The Focus is actually the second straight Ford to claim the title of “official car of CES,” as the Taurus held the title at CES 2010. Hit the jump to read the Ford’s release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus named official car of 2011 CES

2012 Ford Focus named official car of 2011 CES

Work trucks are the heart and soul of the U.S. It’s nice to have a big, powerful V8 engine under the hood, but the current crop of V6 mills provide both power and solid fuel economy numbers. PickTrucks.com wrangled up three 2011 V6 work trucks and decided to see which one is the new king of the hill.

Mike Levine and his team lined up the 3.7-liter Ford F-150, 4.3-liter GMC Sierra 1500 and 3.7-liter Ram 1500. All three pack V6s and automatic transmissions, with a regular cab, short-bed and rear-wheel drive setup. A 2011 Toyota Tundra was slated to be part of the test but was badly damaged during its cross-country transport.

Each truck ran through a gamut of testing to see how it would fair as a full-on light-duty work machine. We won’t spoil the winner, but let’s just say few others really determine just how good a truck is like Mike Levine and his crew. Check out the full story at PickupTrucks.com.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com Image: PickupTrucks.com]

PickupTrucks.com features V6 work trucks in latest shootout

If your jaw dropped at the site of the Audi Quattro concept unveiled in Paris, you weren’t alone. The aluminum and carbon fiber throwback was one of the best looking – and all-around most enticing – show cars on display at Versailles. And if you ask the people in charge, it could be destined for showrooms in short order.

The thing about Audi is that when it does a concept car, it does just do a rolling model. It engineers the thing. It does its homework. And in the case of the Audi Quattro, three years of development work have reportedly already gone into it. According to Motor Trend, both Audi’s and the Volkswagen Group’s chief execs are eager to put it into production, although their visions for how it’ll get there are a little different.

Group CEO Martin Winterkorn reportedly wants to put it into serial production at around 35,000 units annually in order to keep pricing to a reasonable level, offering a full range of engine options in the process. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, meanwhile, sees the Quattro as a niche product, sticking with the solitary turbo five and all-wheel drive set-up that featured in both the show car and the ’80s icon that was its inspiration.

The biggest clue, however, could come down to the car’s designer. Audi’s design director Wolfgang Egger came to Ingolstadt after having designed the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, a limited-production halo vehicle that’s driving the styling direction for a new generation of Alfas. If that’s the role that’s destined for the production version of the Quattro concept, Audi could do a lot worse.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Audi Quattro reportedly destined for the green light – but in what form?

A Cobra radar detector has mated with the iPhone, and the Cobra iRadar is the result. When you pair your iPhone with the Cobra unit via Bluetooth you can control a host of displays and features, along with alerts for all radar and laser guns, speed and red light cameras, speed traps and dangerous intersections.

This is a bit of a change-up from the detector Cobra launched two months ago that came built-in with GPS (and Escort followed with its own GPS-enhanced product a month later). By pairing it with your iPhone, you get portability and a slimmer form factor for the Cobra unit. It’s also cheaper: just $169.95 at the Cobra store. Take a look at it in the gallery of photos below.

[Source: Cobra]

Cobra iRadar gets jiggy with the iPhone

Okay, it’s no Top Gear, but MEGADRIVE is about stunts involving machines, along with a healthy dose of hi-jinx and hilarity. The show has but one host, the baby-faced comedian Johnny Pemberton. He doesn’t even look old enough to buy cigarettes, but what he lacks in terms of grizzled experience or a five-o’clock shadow he makes up for with fearless dialogue.

We were hoping MEGADRIVE would at least be watchable, and 45 seconds in, it is… if just barely. The show’s opener features a Smart ForTwo, a flaming arrow and some explosives. We don’t want to spoil the show’s stunts, so check out the entire first episode after the jump, complete a jet-powered semi, a high-flying prop plane and an industrial logger.

[Source: MTV]

Continue reading Video: Watch the first episode of MTV’s MEGADRIVE

Video: Watch the first episode of MTV’s MEGADRIVE

GT1 road cars are hard to come by. Manufacturers are required by some motorsport sanctioning bodies to homologate their racecars with production versions, but these often fetch millions of dollars and are only made in extremely limited quantities. All the more so for Sbarro’s GT1 show car.

Built to celebrate Mercedes‘ victory at Le Mans in 1999, the GT1 is a one-of-a-kind (well, two of a kind if you could the twelve-cylinder GT12 that followed the next year) concept built using many Mercedes components. The biggest is the 7.4-liter V8 engine producing 450 horsepower – which may not seem like much for such a big engine, but a huge amount of power by any other measure… especially over a decade ago.

The engine sits as a stressed member of the competition-style chassis, with a composite monocoque acting as its centerpiece, propelling the GT1 to sixty in 4.9 seconds and on to a 200+ mph top end. The cabin features two seats moulded directly into the body and covered in Alcantara (the pedals adjust to compensate) and are accessed through gullwing doors – another Mercedes tribute. And of course the styling is pure Sbarro. But the best part is that this one-off is up for sale. A million euros is the asking price, and if you’re interested you can check out the listing here.

[Source: The Car Experience via autoblog.nl]

Find of the Day: 1999 Sbarro GT1 show car

We first saw the next-generation Mazda5 when it debuted in Geneva earlier this year, but now Mazda has confirmed that the version destined for the United States will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Badged as a 2012 model, the U.S.-spec Mazda5 won’t differ all that much from its European kin in terms of appearance. A good thing, since the mini-minivan benefits from a healthy does of Mazda’s swoopy Nagare design language.

Unsurprisingly, the 2012 Mazda5 will be powered by the same 157-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four that we enjoy in the Mazda3 and Mazda6. Happily, Mazda will still be offering the 5 with a manual transmission in addition to the standard automatic, making it more attractive to those of us who prefer the engagement that row-it-yourself gearboxes have to offer. Multi-configurable seating for six is available inside with the usual list of standard and optional features.

In addition to the new 5, Mazda will be bringing its Shinari concept that we had the chance to check out a few months back. It previews the next generation of Mazda styling language and we’re eager to get up close and personal with it once again at the LA show. Follow the jump for Mazda’s official press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading U.S.-spec 2012 Mazda5 coming to LA Auto Show

U.S.-spec 2012 Mazda5 coming to LA Auto Show

General Motors‘ advertising department has seen quite a shakeup over the past year. GM chief marketing officer Joel Ewanick may have hand-picked San Francisco-based Goodby, Silverstein and Partners as his ad agency of choice, but the good ol’ boys from Campbell-Ewald still have some tricks up their sleeves for Chevy Trucks.

The world may not completely understand how and why Chevy runs deep (to be fair, we’re going to give it some time…), but nobody is going to miss the hidden meaning of GM’s new “Max and Al” campaign, which features the recognizable faces of Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, Rules of Engagement) as Max, and Craig Robinson (The Office, Last Comic Standing, Hot Tub Time Machine) as Al.

What hidden meaning, you ask? You’ll see it clearly when you watch the videos, naturally, but basically what we have here is a message that GM’s Duramax diesel V8 engine and Allison transmission is a time-tested and proven combination that is the thinking man’s obvious choice in a segment that also includes Ford’s Power Stroke and Ram’s Cummins series.

There’s a website (www.maxandal.com), a series of videos (which you can find after the break along with the press release) an upcoming online game and even a downloadable app that’s said to be coming soon to the iPhone App Store. Oh, and what modern-day marketing campaign would be complete without a FaceBook page and a Twitter account? Not this one, that’s for sure.

Check out all the facets of this far-reaching HD pickup advertising campaign and let us know what you think of it. Us? Well, let’s just say Chevy’s got our stamp of approval so far on this one.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Videos: Chevrolet releases new “Duramax & Allison” ad campaign to promote Silverado HD

Videos: Chevrolet releases new “Duramax & Allison” ad campaign to promote Silverado HD