The Auto Blog .ru

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik is rarely one to hold back his opinions, and today’s topic of discussion is marque’s upcoming Equus luxury flagship. Hyundai has moved up in the automotive ranks so quickly over the past 15 years that many people have wondered if the brand is overreaching with the Equus.

Krafcik addresses the obvious comparison to the U.S. market failure of the Volkswagen Phaeton. The way Krafcik sees it, VW skipped a few pricing steps going straight from the Passat to its ill-fated Phaeton range-topper, noting that there was a much larger gap between the Passat and the Phaeton than there will be with Hyundai because they’ve taken the trouble of bringing the Genesis sedan and coupe to market – the former of which verified that consumers are willing to pay $40,000+ for a Hyundai.

Of course, that’s no guarantee that consumers will pay $55,000-60,000 for an Equus but it seems more plausible than $80,000+ for a Phaeton. Krafcik also addresses the fact that each Equus buyer will get an Apple iPad with the owner’s manual. As he explains it, the tablet PC is meant to provide a more useful resource for people to figure out how to use all the technology in this flagship, hopefully avoiding the pitfalls of some other luxury machines.

The iPad will also have an application that allows owners to schedule service appointments. When the appointed time arrives, Hyundai will send a driver to the Equus owner’s home or office with a loaner, and then return the Equus when the work is done. As Krafcik sees it, other luxury automakers have spent millions of dollars to gussy up their dealerships – building things like coffee bars, fancy seating areas and water features. Problem is, nobody really wants to visit their dealer even with those added niceties, so Hyundai plans to remove it from the equation with its pick-up and delivery service. In other words, the ultimate luxury is never having to take your car to the dealer at all. Fair enough.

The Equus goes on sale this Fall.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it’s no VW Phaeton

Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it’s no VW Phaeton

Click above to watch the videos after the jump

At its best, Top Gear represents nearly everything we’ve ever wanted in a show about cars. It’s well-written, funny, beautifully shot and simply enjoyable to watch, even if ultimately it’s more about entertainment than full-fledged reviews. The advertising types at Hyundai have picked up on the cheeky part of Top Gear in an overseas commercial for the ix35 crossover (Tuscon here in the States). The ads, which apparently air in South Africa, very overtly spoof the BBC program, but with three animals making up the “Top Deer” team. Clarkson, Hammond and May are replaced with a wildebeest, hamster and a turtle. The Stig is replaced with a deer called “The Stag.”

We usually loathe commercials that replace humans with adorable forest creatures, but this is a different animal altogether. The first spot features a one-on-one track battle between the ix35 and the Stag, and the second ad stars the Clarkson-esque wildebeest behind the wheel of the ix35. Very funny stuff. Hit the jump to view a couple of well-executed videos.

[Source: Hyundai via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hyundai goofs on Top Gear for new ix35/Tucson ads

Video: Hyundai goofs on Top Gear for new ix35/Tucson ads

First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

After putting some miles on the new Heavy Duty trucks from GM, we found they offer superior ride quality, engine refinement and features like smart exhaust braking over its rivals.

BMW teases new U.S.-only model lurking in the shadows

If there’s one thing the auto world loves, it’s a good tease. BMW has been happy to oblige this afternoon by dropping three photos of a new model fit just for U.S. consumption.

BREAKING: New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaks ahead of official unveiling

Thanks to a leak from the boys at Auto Express in the UK, we can show you these few shots of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, along with a couple of salient details.

Also of interest:

• First Drive: 2011 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty technical deep dive
• Report: Auto Czar Montgomery stepping down
• Video: Supercar Porn – MT pits Benz SLS AMG vs. Audi R8 V10 vs. Porsche 911 Turbo in Vegas
• Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed
• Video: Mini responds to Porsche, still ready to race
• 2011 Hennessey Venom GT glamor shots prove poison can be very pretty

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

Autoline Daily for 6.14.10

Subscribe to Podcast Listen on Phone

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 6.14.10

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a new spot for its freshly-minted E-Class, which features the new Brake Assist System Plus (BAS +) that interprets the driver’s inputs and increases braking force as necessary to avoid an accident. It may be an impressive lump of tech, but it’s not the sexiest thing in the world, nor is it the easiest to demonstrate in an advertisement.

That’s never been something to stop the Silver Arrow’s team of ad gurus though, and the company’s newest commercial does its best to make light of a potentially life-saving safety system. In it, a loyal Mercedes-Benz driver suddenly finds Death in the passenger seat. Literally. Hilarity then ensues as the driver manages to outsmart the specter with help from his trusty luxury sedan. Hit the jump for a look-see.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz ‘Sorry’ spot looks death in the eye

Video: Mercedes-Benz ‘Sorry’ spot looks death in the eye

We’ve grown quite fond of our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT over the past few months, but we can’t help but be somewhat jealous of the STI-tuned Legacy that’s just been released in Japan. Subaru’s in-house tuning department has laid hands on the new-for-2010 Legacy sedan (and the not-for-U.S. wagon!) to create the B4 2.5GT tS, which features a host of cosmetic and dynamic enhancements, even though the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer remains unchanged.

Visually, the tS (which stands for “Tuned by STI”) gets a new front lip spoiler, as well as a subtle deckled spoiler out back (fixed to the roof on wagon models). New 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45-series rubber sit at the corners and appropriate badging is applied all around. Inside, there’s a revised instrument cluster, sport seats, carbon trim, a leather-wrapped STI steering wheel and, of course, STI branding on the shifter and floor mats.

Where the tS gets good, however, is in its performance upgrades, which include a sport exhaust system, a more robust Bilstein suspension, and new strut tower bars. Because the turbocharged flat-four keeps its stock output – 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – this hotted-up Legacy won’t be any quicker on the street. The other tweaks should make it even more poised during sporty driving, though.

While this may seem like just another juicy piece of Forbidden Fruit, we’re sure that STI has upgrades for the U.S.-spec Legacy in the pipeline. (Please!) Scroll through the gallery below to see the Legacy tS’s upgrades in detail.

[Source: Subaru via Carscoop]

STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan

For those planning to watch the 55 cars starting 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, a spotter’s guide is a must-have. Thankfully, Andy Blackmore has created a two page, high-resolution, full-color guide with all the latest liveries and driver lineups that can be downloaded and printed out.

The 2010 Le Mans spotters guide is available at SpottersGuide.com and Blackmore is asking anyone that appreciates his efforts to kick down a few dollars to Miles to End Malaria. The site also features guides for numerous other series including ALMS, Formula Drift and British Touring Cars. The race starts at 9:00 AM EST on Saturday with live coverage on Speed TV

[Source: Spotters Guide]

Get your 24 Hours of Le Mans spotters guide for this weekend’s race

For a while there, it seemed like the 2010 Saab 9-5 might have never seen the light of day. Thankfully, that worry has been wiped away, and we’ve now had our chance to experience the 9-5 firsthand in Gothenburg, Sweden.

In this video, available after the jump, Saab’s performance integration manager of vehicle dynamics, Stefan Rundquist, pilots the new sedan around a Swedish handling track, pointing out the different features that make the 9-5 an enjoyable steer (complete with moose test footage!). Maybe it’s not the most interesting footage ever released – “We have a high level of front-end grip… Um, we also have a very high level of rear-end grip…” – but it’s always nice to see a sporty sedan being put through its paces.

We know we’re pretty impressed with now the 2010 9-5 turned out, and we’re eager to get another stint behind the wheel, this time in America.

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2010 Saab 9-5 gets workout on Swedish handling track

Video: 2010 Saab 9-5 gets workout on Swedish handling track

When the 2011 Volkswagen Passat sedan launches later this year, a wagon variant won’t be too far behind. Our spies recently snapped these photos of the next-generation Passat estate touring wagon running around, and even though a leaked photo has revealed what the car’s face should look like, we’re still squinting and staring to see if we can make out the wagon’s rear features.

From what we can tell, it looks to be all business out back, which means that interior load space should be pretty darn capacious, especially with the rear seats folded flat. Will it come to America? That’s hit or miss right now, but if it does, expect Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbo four to be under hood, while other markets will get a range of diesel powerplants. We’ll have a better idea of what to expect closer to the Passat sedan’s reveal at this year’s Paris Motor Show. In the meantime, take a look for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reveals its roomy rump

The Isle of Man is a veritable gearhead’s paradise. It’s located in the Irish Sea right between England and Ireland, but is its own independent island. Like Monaco (and a few other examples around the world), the Isle of Man has no speed limits. Which could explain, in part at least, why Jeremy Clarkson and Nigel Mansell chose to live there.

The Isle also plays host to the famous Tourist Trophy – commonly known as the TT – an all-out romp through the Manx countryside, covering 1,300 ft of elevation at ludicrous speeds: The first time it was run, in 1907, the race winner’s average speed came in around 38 miles per hour. Today? 132 mph, hitting a top speed in excess of 200 mph.

For such a test of testicular fortitude, you’re not going to hand out just any chintzy trophy, now are you? Of course not. That’s why Anglo-Swiss watchmaker Graham-London – sponsor of the event for the past two years running – was charged to make a special run of timepieces to be awarded to the winners in each of the 18 categories.

The Chronofighter Oversize Tourist Trophy Bi-Compax Chronograph packs a Calibre G1734 automatic movement with built-in shock absorption into a giant 47-mm PVD-coated stainless steel case. The galvanized black face features a 30-minute stopwatch counter styled after a 30-mph speed limit road sign, with the second dial bearing the Triskelion, the Manx coat of arms. It also features a domed, double-anti-reflective sapphire crystal, date indicator, and non-slip guard over the fast-action actuator. Only 211 examples will be made, but none will be as coveted as those 18 handed to the race winners.

[Source: Graham-London]

Graham creates a trophy watch for the Tourist Trophy

One or two of you may have noticed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs “officially” revealed the new fourth-generation iPhone today at the Apple World Wide Developers Conference. What you may not know is that the Nissan Leaf played a small part in his demonstration of Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform. Nissan will apparently be using the iAd system to promote its upcoming electric car with some cool interactive features.

The ad begins with a small banner that shows up at the bottom of the iPhone screen. iPhone users can tap the banner to expand the ad to full screen where they will find the Leaf on a pedestal. A swipe across the screen will spin the pedestal to reveal different features of the car. One of the pages allows users to register for the Leaf reservation list and even enter an iAd-exclusive contest to win a Leaf.

Users will be able to check out the ad on iPhones, iPod touches and iPads after it goes live on July 1.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple demos Nissan Leaf ad on iPhone 4 with exclusive contest

The blueprint goes something like this: Take an aging sports car and raid the corporate parts bin for a few high-performance items likely stolen from a flagship model. Tweak the suspension tuning, throw on some wider rubber, pare down the standard features, add a smidgen more horsepower and then make a few cosmetic changes so it stands out on the showroom floor. Finally, slap on a more expensive price.

We’ve seen it done many times, but rarely executed so well. Using the recently freshened Boxster S as a starting point, Porsche has developed an entirely new Spyder model that joins the Boxster lineup as its new flagship. While the two-seater follows the aforementioned recipe, we have to admit that it appears to be anything but kit-based and shortsighted.

Porsche recently gave us some seat time with its latest concoction in the mountains above Malibu. What has the automaker done to distinguish the Spyder from its lesser Boxster siblings? What key ingredients have been added – or are missing – to make it so special? Is it the best-handling Porsche model in today’s lineup? This and much more to be answered after the jump.

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder drops a weight class and hits harder than ever

First Drive: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder drops a weight class and hits harder than ever

First came the Luxgen7 MPV, now comes the Luxgen7 SUV from Taiwan’s first passenger carmaker. The Luxgen7 SUV is as wide as a Mercedes-Benz M-Class, but about about a half-inch longer, and touted as having the “largest exterior dimensions in its segment” and a “coupe-like profile” (*ahem*).

Styling aside, its most compelling attributes might be the Think+ infotainment system and a host of features seemingly cribbed from a Mercedes order book, including optional night vision, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning system. On thing the Three-Pointed Star doesn’t have, though: an anti-theft system that automatically slides the driver’s seat forward and leans it against the steering wheel to thwart would-be thieves. Take that!

The Luxgen7 SUV ranges in price from NTD 838,000 ($25,831 U.S.) to NTD 1,148,000 ($35,386 U.S.). You can read all about it in the presser after the jump, and have a few looks at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

[Source: Luxgen]

Continue reading Taiwan’s Luxgen unveils high-tech new crossover

Taiwan’s Luxgen unveils high-tech new crossover

With an increasing number of new cell phones offering free, integrated turn-by-turn navigation, the days of the standalone navigation device must surely be numbered. Of course, those dedicated navigators still offer some features you can’t (yet) get elsewhere, such as the Darth Vader or Dennis Hopper voices for TomTom and downloadable vehicles for the Garmin Nuvi.

Garmin users can replace the regular old arrow that shows your direction with dozens of vehicles ranging from classics like the BMW Isetta, to space shuttles, to Bumblebee, as seen above. Does it improve the functionality of your Nuvi in any way? Of course not, but it can make the little screen more fun to look at. The Nuvi vehicle downloads are free from a non-Garmin-affiliated third party, while most of the TomTom voices cost extra. Will this sort of thing have us trading in our Droid? Not a chance.

[Source: Vehicles for Garmin Nuvi]

Vehicle downloads for Garmin Nuvi (sorta) make us want one

This was bound to happen sooner or later. Over the last ten years, Mercury’s sales numbers have plummeted, and currently, the brand only accounts for 0.8 percent of Ford Motor Company’s overall market share. In a press conference this afternoon with Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, and Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of product development, the automaker has officially announced that Mercury will be discontinued in the fourth quarter of this year.

With all of the forward momentum that Ford has been experiencing over the past few years, no brand-specific models were introduced to the Mercury lineup. What’s more, the vast majority of recent Mercury purchases were made through discounts offered to retirees, friends and family. Mercury’s dealer network (coupled with the Lincoln brand) is currently in the process of being notified about Ford’s decision, and owners are reassured that existing Mercury products can still be serviced at any Ford or (newly standalone) Lincoln dealer.

But it isn’t all bad news down in Dearborn – Ford is using Mercury’s demise as a better reason to seriously beef up the Lincoln brand. Including the 2011 MKZ Hybrid and refreshed 2011 MKX, Ford is expanding the Lincoln lineup with the addition of seven all-new or wholly refreshed vehicles, including the brand’s first-ever C-segment vehicle, possibly related to the C Concept that we saw at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Furthermore, Lincoln will be offering EcoBoost powertrains across the entire lineup, including the next-generation Navigator full-size SUV. Ford is committed to making Lincoln substantially more prosperous in America, saying that the brand will house more useful features and technology than any other competitor, as well as offering the most fuel-efficient lineup of luxury vehicles.

For full details about Mercury’s demise and Lincoln’s expansion, follow the jump to read Ford’s official press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford kills Mercury to expand Lincoln lineup

Officially Official: Ford kills Mercury to expand Lincoln lineup

Anticipation of a new sportscar from Panoz has been mounting for some time now. Initial reports back in October forecasted the arrival of a successor to the current Esperante, followed by confirmation a couple of months ago, and finally the first cropped teaser image just a few weeks ago. Now the independent constructor has released its second image as it prepares to unveil the first prototype next week during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Called the Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans”, the new sportscar features a number of new technologies for Panoz, including Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System (REAMS) construction and a new TrifectaCooling system developed to improve both performance and efficiency.

The Abruzzi – apparently so named in reference to and solidarity with the recently disaster-striken Italian region – will be officially unveiled at La Sarthe at noon on Tuesday, June 8, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can check out the press release after the jump and the pair of high-res teaser images in the gallery below.

[Source: Panoz]

Continue reading Panoz Abruzzi teased again ahead of Le Mans debut

Panoz Abruzzi teased again ahead of Le Mans debut

Another day, another special Zonda. The Pagani supercar is set to speed off into the sunset soon and be replaced by a new model. But before it does, the Modenese exotic automaker has been keeping (themselves and us) busy with special editions. The Cinque was one, followed by an additional run of Cinque Roadsters. Then came the track-bound Zonda R, followed by the Zonda PS, and the Tricolore edition unveiled in Geneva. And now this, the Zonda Uno.

Reportedly commissioned by a member of the Qatari royal family, the Zonda Uno bares the same turquoise paint scheme as the rest of the prince’s motor pool. Otherwise, it features elements borrowed from the Zonda R and the previously-mentioned Cinque, including the air scoop and rear diffuser, and the latter’s 690-horsepower 7.3-liter V12.

Nice work if you can get it, and you can bet the Al-Thani family payed dearly for it.

[Source: teamspeed.com via World Car Fans]

Pagani says goodbye to the Zonda yet again with one-off Uno edition

A couple of years have passed now since the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced its search for a vehicle that would replace the taxis of New York City with something that better fits the times. The TLC created a website for creative types to submit ideas for the “Taxi of Tomorrow,” and one of the more interesting proposals to come in over the last couple of years is something called the UniCab.

The groundwork for NYC’s Taxi of Tomorrow is quite simple:

• Meets highest safety standards
• Superior passenger experience
• Superior driver comfort and amenities
• Appropriate purchase price and ongoing maintenance and repair costs
• Smaller environmental footprint (lower emissions and improved fuel economy)
• Smaller physical footprint (with more usable interior room)
• Compliance with appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act requirements
• Iconic design that will identify the new taxi with New York City

Born out of those guidelines, the UniCab looks nothing like a traditional taxi, aside from the yellow color. The UniCab features seating for four passengers, an automated ramp for those with disabilities, an infotainment center that displays intended routes and attractions along the way and outward sight lines that allow all of the passengers to get a great view of the glorious city of New York. Though nothing more than a design sketch right now, the UniCab could change our perception of taxis in the future and make hailing a cab the hip, green thing to do. Hat tip to Zelda!

[Source: The Taxi of Tomorrow]

NYC seeks Taxi of Tomorrow; is UniCab the answer?

So, you’ve found a car that catches your eye. It’s attractive, has the features you want and is priced within your budget. Slam dunk, right? Perhaps, but a recent telephone survey administered by Consumer Reports proves that a number of additional factors can affect the decision to purchase a new car… and we don’t mean cup holders.

Among the factors tilting the scales in any particular automaker’s favor is brand loyalty, though CR recently found that the desire to purchase another vehicle from the same brand varies widely between men and women as well as by age group. That aside, the most likely attributes to get a buyer to switch brands are higher quality and better fuel economy.

Also important are a lower price, a better safety record and more standard equipment. Of course, we’d like to think comprehensive automotive reviews can sway buyer preference too…

[Source: Consumer Reports Image: Getty]

Survey outlines which qualities motivate new car buyers

If Albert Einstein were alive today, he’d be very old and quite wealthy. In fact, the world famous scientist still banks about $10 million per year solely from corporations purchasing one-time rights to his likeness. Einstein has been dead since 1955, though, but an institution is still collecting money on his behalf, and there is a rather substantial price to pay to use his likeness. Just ask General Motors.

The Detroit News reports that The General is being sued by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem for $75,000 over a fall, 2009 print ad that contained Einstein’s likeness without the school’s blessing. The ad, which appeared in the September issue of People Magazine, features Einstein’s head Photoshopped onto the body of a young, muscular guy with the tagline “Ideas are sexy, too.”

But while the Hebrew University feels it has an open-and-shut case, GM claims that it purchased the rights to Einstein’s image from a reputable firm. GM spokesperson Ryndee Carney told the DetNews that the company guarantees that clients have rights to use the images selected.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: GM sued for unauthorized use of Einstein

The plug-in aficionados of the Japan Electric Vehicle Club hit the track this weekend in a Daihatsu Mira Van with a 74 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery to see how far they could go on a charge. The last time the crew attempted this feat in November 2009, they managed to squeeze out 345 miles before running out of juice.

This time out, the members reduced some mass with new features likes a carbon fiber seat and even lower rolling resistance tires from Toyo. The van used the same Sanyo battery as the previous record drive and continued rolling for an amazing 623 miles before running out of electrons.

Seventeen drivers participated in the 27.5-hour drive with an average speed of just under 25 miles per hour. While getting over 600 miles on a charge is certainly impressive, we aren’t likely to see many 74 kWh batteries in production vehicles any time soon thanks to their prohibitive cost. Plus, the driving style on the closed course was doubtlessly extremely conservative, which doesn’t bode well for real-world driving. Regardless, it’s quite a feat. A tip of the hat to Paul!

[Source: Electric Vehicle News]

Electric car travels record 623 miles on single charge