The Auto Blog .ru

Do you miss the Saturn Vue? If so, General Motors is ready to wipe your tears away. Meet the new Chevrolet Captiva Sport, a shockingly familiar crossover being offered for fleet sales here in the United States. GM is quick to point out that the Sport is a variant of the popular Captiva CUV sold in other markets, though its Saturn-badged kin can still be found all over the nation.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General’s 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.

LT and LTZ models use the 3.0-liter V6 and come standard with OnStar and Bluetooth connectivity. LTZ standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed seats (heated for front passengers), a rear-view camera and premium audio system.

Fleet companies can take delivery of the Vue Captiva Sport as early as the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for GM’s press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

Saturn Vue Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

It’s difficult to comprehend, let alone describe, the massive amount of damage an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and closely following tsunami could incur on a densely packed island nation such as Japan. While we struggle to wrap our minds around such catastrophic levels of destruction, one particular image strikes a chord with us auto-obsessive types.

Clearly, the leveling of a couple hundred automobiles pales in comparison to the actual loss of lives caused by Japan’s most recent natural disaster, but, in automotive terms at least, this is the kind of image that can make a big impression on our often one-track minds.

The image seen above (click to enlarge) was taken above Hitachinaka city in Ibaraki prefecture, and we don’t have any information as to which manufacturer’s cars were located here. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: STR/AFP/Getty]

Tsunami in Japan destroys fleet of cars ready for shipping

Does It Have What It Takes To Snuff A Porsche?

Nestled in a secluded valley in the south of Spain is the Ascari Race Resort. Celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful tracks, the private 3.2-mile ribbon of perfectly smooth blacktop challenges drivers with 26 corners, 10-degree climbs and 18-degree banks as it weaves through the mature oak trees that dot the landscape. Named after Alberto Ascari, the first double world Formula 1 champion, the well-manicured decade-old venue is the type of circuit enthusiasts fantasize about.

Our private shuttle takes us through the manned guard gate towards the main clubhouse. As we round the corner, and head down the shallow hill, the sun reflects off something in the distance. Parked in the paddock are a dozen glistening sports cars – some coupes, some roadsters – each still dripping wet from the overnight shower that leaves the air fresh and crisp. The vehicles, the latest offering from Aston Martin, are the enthusiast-targeted Vantage S Coupe and Roadster.

Nine times zones from home with jet lag extinguished by a morning café grande, I figure it is time to get behind the wheel. Only one thing is more enjoyable than driving the new Aston Martin Vantage S through the mountains of Spain – spending a long afternoon with the sports cars on the wide-open Ascari race circuit.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin Vantage S…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL and Aston Martin

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

First Drive: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

Following the death of the Town Car, Lincoln will be prepping its MKT crossover for a variety of livery duties in the coming years. We recently spied an MKT Hearse doing its first rounds of testing, and now our men in the trees have snapped this stretch limousine version of the luxury crossover.

Ford says that its upcoming livery products will be powered by the automaker’s 3.7-liter V6 – the base engine in the standard MKT – with both front- and all-wheel drive configurations available. Obviously, this stretched MKT’s middle body panels are simply in place for the purpose of powertrain and chassis testing, and we have no doubts that the finalized limousine will be nothing short of ultra-luxurious.

Now, let’s just hope Ford offers some sort of panoramic moonroof so glammed-up high school girls have no problem standing up and waving to their friends on prom night. See all three high-res spy photos of the MKT limo in our high-res image gallery below.

[Images: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT limo does its best private jet imitation

The Prius V is set to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, but the model being sold in the U.S. won’t be the same as the European and Japanese versions. The New York Times reports that the hybrid wagon will come with only two rows of seating here in the U.S., while three rows will be offered overseas.

Toyota spokesman John Hanson gives several reasons for this decision, but two stick out above all others. Perhaps most important is the fact that the U.S. version of the V will come only with a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which takes up a lot of room in the hybrid’s hind-quarters to offer a sufficient third row. The Euro and JDM models will feature lithium tech, which is smaller and more compact.

Another reason for the move is cost. Hanson points out that foregoing the third row and using the same battery tech as the current Prius helps keep cost down, which should make the fuel-sipping MPV more attainable to the masses. In Japan, the Prius V with lithium will reportedly be priced about $8,000 higher than the nickel-metal-hydride model.

So will the lack of a third row be a big problem for the Prius V? We doubt it, especially as we would expect the third row to be very tight for America’s typically larger builds. In the end, however, consumers could have the last word on the subject. If it turns out that green-conscious buyers do want that third row more than Toyota is expecting, Hanson claims that both versions could be made available at some point.

[Source: The New York Times]

Report: Toyota to limit U.S. Prius V to five seats, other markets seat seven

According to the minds at Motoring File, Mini may be on the verge of offering a five-seat option for the Countryman. Right now, the vehicle is only available as a five-door hatch with seating for four thanks to two bucket seats out back, though reports have emerged that for 2012, Mini will add a rear bench to the mix. Chances are that the vehicle will still come standard with four thrones, meaning that the back bench will available at an additional cost to interested parties. Mini hasn’t outright confirmed the rumor, though we have to think that being able to cram one more passenger indoors couldn’t hurt the crossover’s sales appeal.

It’s unclear how Mini will get around the space-consuming center rail on bench-equipped models. Our guess is that company engineers will likely delete the feature in favor of leg space for the center passenger, which means that bench buyers will be without one of the more interesting features of the Countryman’s interior.

We’re all for extra seating capacity, but we’ll be really impressed when Mini starts offering up a front bench seat. Bonus points if it’s vinyl.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Motoring File]

Rumormill: Mini to add five-seater option to Countryman

We’ve been hearing quiet whispers for a while now of an upcoming super 911 GT3 RS from Porsche. Now more rumors are surfacing that say the monster coupe will show its face on April 7th. Word on the virtual street is that this super RS will be powered by a 4.0-liter engine producing 500-horsepower. That’s 50 more than the currently-crazy 2011 GT3 RS.

The new car is also said to be lighter than the current RS. This means the extra power will push the car harder than our brains can comprehend. Expect a super price-tag to go along with this super sports car when it finally makes its entrance… assuming, of course, that this rumor is accurate.

[Source: Auto Guide]

Rumormill: Limited Edition Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0L to bow in April?

Founded way back in 1886, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. And with a portfolio full of enticing products, the German automaker has plenty to choose from to turn into a commemorative special edition – the SLS AMG, C63 AMG or even the formidable G-Wagen, for example. So which did Mercedes go with? The Viano.

The special Avantgarde edition of the Silver Star van sold overseas gets a load of chrome trim to compliment the black or silver paint, plus 19-inch wheels and an interior decked out with six individual bucket seats (upholstered in either Lugano leather or Twin Dinamica microfiber).

Two V6 engines are available in the two-ton special edition Benz van: a 3.5-liter unit burning gasoline and churning out 258 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter diesel with 224-hp that will sprint to 60 miles per hour in 9.1 seconds. Read all about the surprising special edition after the break.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125th anniversary with special edition Viano

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125th anniversary with special edition Viano

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen is recalling 12,612 Routan minivans for an ignition fault. The recall covers 2010 model year vehicles manufactured between October 2009 and June 2010, and NHTSA says that the vehicles’ ignitions may inadvertently switch between “run” and “accessory,” effectively shutting off the engine.

If that sounds familiar, it should. Chrysler, the automaker that makes the Routan for Volkswagen, recently announced a recall covering nearly 250,000 Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey models for the exact same issue.

NHTSA is concerned that if the ignition turns off the engine in the Routan, an accident could occur, though at this point it’s unclear if any injuries have resulted from the default.

Volkswagen will replace the ignition modules free of charge, and the recall campaign is expected to get under way during April of this year. Hit the jump for the full recall notice.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volkswagen recalling 12,612 Routans for same ignition problem as Chrysler minivans

Volkswagen recalling 12,612 Routans for same ignition problem as Chrysler minivans

Not to step on John Stewart’s toes or anything, but it’s now time for your moment of Zen. After seeing yesterday’s smoking-hot photos of the first production Singer 911, we thought this week just couldn’t get any better. We’re happy to tell you that we were completely wrong. The good people of Motor Authority have been so kind as to slip the web a taste of the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage S courtesy of a lengthy, high-definition slice of B-roll.

The video is a full eight minutes and six seconds of ocular and audio bliss, recorded at the Ascari Race Resort in beautiful Spain. The footage isn’t marred by such blemishes as traffic or stoplights, and the buttery smooth surface of the track is free of aggravations like potholes or road salt. Instead, there’s simply the meaty Aston Martin and nothing to do but lay waste to every apex. Hit the jump to indulge yourself.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin Vantage S is music to our ears

Video: Aston Martin Vantage S is music to our ears

We’ve gotten word from a very reliable source that Toyota is planning two big debuts at the New York Auto Show, although neither is wearing a ToMoCo badge.

First up is a fully redesigned Lexus GS, something that we’ve reported on and spied before. Although it’s unclear whether the GS we’ll see in NYC is a concept or a production model, we do know that it will be underpinned by an all-new platform that will also be used on the next-generation IS, due out sometime next year.

The current GS has been on the market since 2005 and, despite consistent sales, it’s overdue for a refresh. Expect many of the same V6 and V8 powerplants to carry over, although we haven’t gotten word on an F variant or whether the 450h hybrid will soldier on.

More intriguingly is word that Scion will bring its own version of the FT-86 to the Big Apple’s auto show, although don’t expect a production version – this will be yet another concept similar to the version we saw at the Geneva Motor Show, just with new badges and a few stylistic tweaks.

Expect more details to follow in the coming weeks.

FT-86 images copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Rumormill: Toyota bringing Lexus GS, Scion FT-86 to New York Auto Show

First Drive: 2011 Porsche Cayman R

We’ll have to wait to get one in the dry for a full slate of impressions, but from this unfortunately brief first dance, the Cayman R has all the earmarks of the Total Package. For the first time since its introduction, Porsche’s middle child has the potential to one-up its ass-engined brethren right from the factory.

New Media Strategies loses Chrysler contract after F-bomb tweet *Update

A New Media Strategies employee dropped an F-bomb on Chrysler’s official Twitter account. Now, Chrysler has relieved NMS of its social media duties.

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Taurus SHO spotted in the wild – are there 400 horses underhood?

Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a few photos of the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO splashing through the rain.

Also of interest:

• Rumormill: Volkswagen green lights Bulli for production
• WikiLeaks reveals disturbing business practices of Buffett’s BYD
• Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option
• Report: London mayor Boris Johnson wants $200 fines for unnecessary idling
• RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video]

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

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.10.11

The first Bugatti Veyron Super Sport has touched down on United States soil. It’s one of only five examples produced that will hit the same top speed as the 268-mile per hour world-record setting version. The other 35 examples to be built will be limited to just 258 mph, because, you know, that extra 10 mph would simply be overkill.

Symbolic Motors of San Diego, California is the lucky dealership holding the keys to this amazing machine. It retails for $2.58 million, though we’re pretty sure that this one was snatched up before it even arrived Stateside. Click past the jump for a video walk-around of the very first Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to hit the States. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: DragTimes.com]

Continue reading Video: First Bugatti Veyron Super Sport comes Stateside

Video: First Bugatti Veyron Super Sport comes Stateside

According to Autocar, Volkswagen is expected to announce its participation in WRC by the end of this month. The automaker has been rumored to enter WRC ever since the racing series announced a shift to 1.6-liter-based rules.

If the rumors are to be believed, the car, which is already under development, will be based on the Polo. Volkswagen has tapped Fracois-Xavier Demaison, who has led rally projects for Peugeot and Citroen, to get the diminutive Polo ready to race.

The driver for VW’s WRC assault remains undetermined, though apparently the German automaker has tried – and failed – to get Sebastien Loeb. Petter Solberg’s name has also come up as a possible pilot for the effort.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: VW poised to join WRC by month’s end

What did you think of Volkswagen’s Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it’s going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don’t know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen green lights Bulli for production

Are Chinese cars nothing more than cheap copies of other automaker’s products in other parts of the world? That’s a question that’s been asked rather widely for the last several years as the numbers of large Chinese automakers has risen dramatically, and even more so as they have shown their wares at major auto shows outside their home country.

There is certainly no doubt that many, if not most, cars rolling out of factories in China bear a striking exterior resemblance to popular models from Japan, Europe and the United States. But do those exterior facsimiles go more than skin deep, and if so, does it matter? What about the actual guts of the vehicles – are Chinese automakers creating their own important new technologies, especially in the burgeoning eco-friendly segment?

These are the questions bandied about in a special report from Reuters, targeted specifically in the direction of BYD, the Chinese automaker that has been buoyed by major investments and backed by Warren Buffett. The big draw for Buffett and his money was BYD’s proprietary battery technology, which it uses on its own branded electric cars, some of which are supposedly coming to America.

Reuters, though, citing documents it received by a third party from WikiLeaks, charges that BYD’s battery tech may not be all its cracked up to be, and that sales of its EVs are painfully slow. Further, officials such as Guanzhou Consul-General Brian Goldbeck reportedly said two years ago that BYD’s vehicles may pass China’s lax copyright laws, but aren’t likely to in other countries.

Just as damningly, unnamed consultants claim BYD’s vehicles are very unlikely to pass U.S. safety standards, saying of one of BYD’s models, “If you shut the doors too hard, they fall off.” Removable doors… not good. Some automakers polled by Reuters claim that BYD requests just enough parts from reputable suppliers to reverse engineer the designs and then assemble them itself using inferior materials.

What all of this means for BYD and for Warren Buffett’s billion-dollar investment into the company remains to be seen, but it can hardly bode well for the brand’s chances in such competitive markets as the United States.

[Source: Reuters]

WikiLeaks reveals disturbing business practices of Buffett’s BYD

Toyota may have a few more changes in store for the FT-86. The company recently unveiled a second swipe at the car’s exterior at the Geneva Motor Show, but from the sounds of things, a new front fascia won’t be the only surprise when the car touches down. Auto Express is reporting that the Japanese automaker is open to the possibility of a hybrid FT-86 at some point in the distant future. The company’s engineers specifically reworked the vehicle’s front fascia and windshield to be more aerodynamic – a trait that would be more than handy on a hybridized version of the vehicle.

As of right now, though, the FT-86 is supposed to arrive with a Subaru-sourced powerplant under its swooping hood. There’s some indication that the production version of the vehicle will debut later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, and that Subaru will yank the sheets back on its own version of coupe at the same time. We’re guessing that all of drivetrain and styling questions will be answered as we get closer to that event.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option

Trucks and racing don’t normally belong in the same sentence, but a few exceptions exist – the NASCAR Craftsman series, the Dakar rally, and, of course, Pikes Peak.

The legendary hill-climb competition has bred some of the most jaw-droppingly monstrous machines known to man. It also inspired the creation of the GLK350 Hybrid Pikes Peak Project which Mercedes-Benz tuner extraordinaire RENNtech unveiled at SEMA in 2008.

Three years later, RENNtech has revisited the concept crossover with a second version, bearing the most aggressive body kit this side of a Star Wars film set and coated in 3M’s carbon-look vinyl wrap. (So, no, the body has not be recreated in actual carbon fiber.) Ostensibly based on the 3.5-liter V6 model, RENNtech’s concept packs an additional electric boost developed in-house.

The show car is going on tour across America before it’s retired to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Museum in Irvine, California. Follow the jump for the press blast and video footage, and check out all the images in the mega-gallery below.

[Source: RENNtech]

Continue reading RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video]

RENNtech fine-tunes its Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Hybrid [w/video]

Typically, automakers unveil new cars at or before a major auto show, not after. Then again, Lamborghini indeed had its hands (and show stand) full at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month with the all-new Aventador. This special edition Gallardo simply would have been overlooked.

Following the Bicolore edition announced a month ago comes the new Tricolore, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. But rather than upgrade on the former with the addition of a third color, the Tricolore arrives in white with the three colors of the Italian flag as an offset stripe, running over the top of the car and through the cabin. And hopefully, unlike its cross-town rival’s latest grand prix racer dedicated for the same occasion, its name won’t be subject to legal action.

The limited edition model is set to be unveiled next week in Turin, when we can expect more details – including the quantity to be built and the specific drivetrain configuration. The Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10 engine is currently offered in 550-, 560- and 570-horsepower states of tune, driving either the rear wheels or all four, and with manual or e-gear transmissions. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Lamborghini Gallardo Tricolore commemorates 150 years of Italian unification

The 2012 Ram Cargo Van may be based on the more pedestrian Dodge Grand Caravan, but make no mistake, this van is ready to work. The minivan’s seats have been removed, meaning there’s 144 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, and with tie-down hooks integrated into the flat load floor, the Cargo Van is capable of hauling up to 1,800 pounds.

Our friends at PickupTrucks.com were on hand at the NTEA Work Truck Show this week to see the 2012 Ram Cargo Van make its official debut. Senior editor Mike Levine gets in front of the video camera to show us the C/V’s features, so follow the jump to get an up-close look at Chrysler’s new work van.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van

Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van