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It seems that the Volvo S60 is set to get a wee bit less naughty for the 2012 model year as the Swedish automaker rolls out a base model for the American market. Sure, we’ve sampled the 2011 edition and were mostly impressed by the safety-first company’s latest effort, but so far, only the range-topping S60 T6 model with all-wheel drive (shown above) has been available.

While Volvo has yet to offer up all the details of what’s in store for 2012, a document from the Volvo Overseas Delivery program managed to make its way online, and it leads us to believe that the base engine for the S60 will indeed be a turbocharged five-cylinder as before. The good news is that the workhorse mill, otherwise known as the T5, has been upgraded a bit for its new duty, reportedly putting out 250 horses rather than the 227 currently on offer.

In related news, the same documentation indicates that the cost for a new S60 using Volvo’s overseas delivery program will be $29,880. Expect the U.S. MSRP to be somewhat (though not substantially) higher. In addition to the T5 engine, that will net you a front-wheel drive S60 without the T6’s Dynamic Chassis, speed-sensitive steering or leather seats (Volvo’s T-Tec upholstery will be standard). Want to know more? Hit up the Kilometer to see the full leaked document.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL
[Source: Kilometer Magazine]

Report: 2012 Volvo S60 to get updated turbo five-cylinder as base engine

Lexus Tries To Build A Better European Luxury Hatchback

“Stealing” seems a touch harsh, so let’s go with “uninformed borrowing” instead. After all, Lexus did hand me the keys to a U.S.-spec CT 200h hybrid, along with a vetted and approved route book through Northern France, but I had different plans. I was on a mini-mission.

You see, the wife doesn’t ask much when I travel abroad. A phone call or two a day, keep hydrated and avoid the brothels. A simple list. But when she caught wind I’d be in France for the Paris Motor Show, she requested one thing: macaroons. Specifically, the meringue confections from Paris’ world-famous Ladurée.

So with a willing driving partner and the sat-nav set to a location a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe, we headed south to snag some pastries and give Lexus’ hybrid hatch a thorough testing in its natural (read: European) environment.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

First Drive: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Review: 2011 Infiniti M37

Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the Infiniti M is bigger and better than its predecessors ever were. But can it compete with BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac?

Autoblog Podcast #199 – Scion FT86, Toyota Prius MPV, Chevrolet Volt controversy

Zach Bowman makes his debut on Episode #199 of the Autoblog Podcast. We discuss the Toyota Prius MPV, the Chevrolet Volt’s transmission and rumors of Scion getting the FT86 instead of Toyota.

Officially Official: 2011 Chrysler 200 gets first full pics, additional details

After a steady drip of teaser photos and information, Chrysler has finally dropped the mother load on its pivotal new 200 sedan, coming to a dealership near you for 2011. Is it enough to get Chrysler back into the family sedan game?

Also of interest:

• Chevrolet statement looks to clear the air on how Volt works
• Video: Opening lap crash at 2010 Bathurst race
• By the Numbers: Your statistical chance of dying in an unrepaired recalled Toyota
• Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister
• Hyundai teases Rhys Millen Racing’s Equus for SEMA

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.12.10

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Sources: Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff, LLC, BimmerFest, Daily Finance]

Continue reading Class action suit alleges BMW N54 turbo engine unsafe, causes Unintended Deceleration

Class action suit alleges BMW N54 turbo engine unsafe, causes Unintended Deceleration

According to Autocar magazine, Porsche chairman Matthias Müeller has announced that the German automakers plans for future models are currently being put on hold. This includes both a small, sub-Boxster roadster and the Cajun small crossover. The company needs to review currently proposed new models and see where they fit into the current lineup of Porsche vehicles. A business case needs to be presented and many questions have to be answered before Porsche proceeds. The planned strategic review is understood to not impact revisions of models that are currently in production.

This is not to say the vehicles won’t be built. Müeller says the ideas for both of the smaller Porsche models are still very much alive, but each design needs to make financial sense. The business cases will be presented and the questions will be answered, with a decision-due date set for the end of this year.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche puts all new model plans under review

Zach Bowman makes his debut on Episode #199 of the Autoblog Podcast. Show stalwarts Chris Shunk and Dan Roth guide the conversation from the teased Toyota Prius MPV, the tempest in a teapot over the Chevrolet Volt’s transmission and the rumors of Scion getting the FT86 instead of Toyota. We cover some of your feedback from our Q&A and answer an email question before wrapping up at an hour and twenty-six minutes. See you next week!

In the Autoblog Garage:

Nissan Rogue
Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD

News:

• Prius MPV Teased
• Toyota FT-86 may begin life as a $25,000 Scion
• Submit your picks for Internet Car and Truck of the Year
• Did General Motors lie about the Chevy Volt?

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 1:26:06

Autoblog Podcast #199 – Scion FT86, Toyota Prius MPV, Chevrolet Volt controversy

Can Luxury, Technology and Style Win Your Soul?

Not too long ago, the Infiniti M was the lesser sibling to the flagship Q. It was the middle child. During the 2006 model year, when the Q was less than a year from being dropped from the lineup, Infiniti gave the M a strong shove in the back in the form of a 4.5-liter V8 and quietly told it to climb up on the soon-to-be-vacant throne. With the Q gone and unlikely to return anytime soon, the Infiniti M is now tasked with being the automaker’s flagship sedan.

Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the Infiniti M is bigger and better than its predecessors ever were, but it still can’t fill the Q’s empty shoes. Shorted the substance and stature to battle the Lexus LS, the newest Japanese luxury sedan is relegated to fighting wars with the aged Lexus GS and Acura RL. But those two are the easy enemies. BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac are the ones fielding today’s worthy adversaries.

We spent a week with the “entry level” Infiniti M37. While it isn’t the range-topping M56, it does boast a proven 330-horsepower V6 and a luxuriously appointed cabin. Did we miss the eight-cylinder power? Should the Sports Package be a required purchase? What unique features does the gizmo-laden four-door offer? Most importantly, how well will it fare in this lion’s den of a segment? Hit the jump to find out.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Michael Harley / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Infiniti M37

Review: 2011 Infiniti M37

Reports are surfacing once again hinting at possible future collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. Earlier reports had forecast that the two firms could share engines and even platforms, the aborted Lagonda crossover concept reportedly having been based on the Mercedes GL-Class. Additional reports had further suggested that Daimler was looking at buying stake in Aston, however neither bit of gossip has materialized into anything tangible as of yet.

That could change, however, according to Britain’s weekly Autocar magazine, in speaking with Mercedes chief Dieter Zetsche. The affable Dr. Z hinted at possibly sharing technology – the kind of stuff which a small company like Aston couldn’t develop on their own – with AML in the future. That could include, of course, anything from airbags and spark plugs to engines and platforms, leaving the door wide open for speculation, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

[Source: Autocar]

Benz, James Benz: Rumors resurface of Aston/Mercedes tie-up

Review: 2011 Kia Sportage

Kia likes to say it has the Power to Surprise, but does that tagline hold up when the brand isn’t just about bargain basement prices anymore?

Chrysler 200 gets teaser site, shows (nearly) full frontal

The Chrysler 200’s slow striptease continues with a smattering of new images that give us a clear view of the Sebring’s successor.

GM: Yes, the Volt’s gas engine can power the wheels

With journalists finally afforded an in-depth look at the Volt’s powertrain, a new facet of GM’s plug-in hybrid is revealed.

Also of interest:

• Video: AMS Alpha 10 claims new quarter-mile record for Nissan GT-R
• Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S.
• Infiniti still mulling halo sportscar model?
• Aston Martin Cygnet gets the green light
• Toyota Prius MPV teased on billboard

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.11.10

Nissan has released a sketch of the next-generation Versa, and in the process has confirmed the new model will be sold in the United States. The 2011 model benefited from minor equipment and pricing changes, but the next Versa looks to take on much more stylish design language, with the Versa adopting some of the familial lines of its larger Altima and Maxima siblings.

Details are still very limited at this point, in fact we only have the above image and confirmation that this next-gen Versa will be sold here, but with the auto show season just ramping up, we’d expect to see Nissan’s new compact bowing at the LA Auto Show this November.

Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S.

Infiniti has got its hands full these days. Between the launch of the new M range, development of its own luxury version of the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and plans for a rival to the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and new Lexus CT200h, to say nothing of the manifestation of its Infiniti Performance Line, there’s plenty on the Nissan premium division’s plate. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t take on one more big project, if the latest reports from overseas come to fruition.

According to British weekly Autocar, Infiniti chief Toru Saito is keen to top the brand’s model lineup with a full-on range-topping sportscar. The segment is one which rival Acura had previously attacked with the iconic NSX and which Lexus recently tackled with the LFA supercar (albeit at a stratospheric level), but which Infiniti hasn’t broached until now. Although previous rumors surrounded the use of the Nissan GT-R’s platform, if it comes to be, Autocar says that Infiniti’s sportscar would likely take its cues from the critically acclaimed Essence show car displayed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, and possibly draw on parent company Nissan-Renault’s recently-penned partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

[Source: Autocar]

Infiniti still mulling halo sportscar model?

Jeremy Clarkson has created a new two-disc video titled The Italian Job, where the Top Gear host goes it alone with some of the best supercars money can buy. The video will feature Jezza hooning around Imola and Fiorano in typical shouty, animated fashion – and with good reason. He’s got a range of dream cars at his disposal, including a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Pagani Zonda R, an off-roading Lamborghini Gallardo and a V-8 Ariel Atom (nevermind that it isn’t Italian). Actually, the preview alone contains more vehicles than we care to list. There’s even a helicopter to capture the action.

The goal of Clarkson’s adventure is to prep the TG host for his first-ever Classic Touring Car Race in England against 20 experienced drivers. And while the two-disc DVD (or Blu-ray) doesn’t go on sale until November 15, we’ve got a 4:36 preview with just about everything we could ask for. Hit the jump to see it for yourself, and try not to get too excited. November 15 is, after all, over a month away. Hot tip, Nick!

[Source: Oyster Productions via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Clarkson teases his own take on The Italian Job

Video: Clarkson teases his own take on The Italian Job

Another Korean Competitor That Beats Expectations

Kia likes to say it has the Power to Surprise. Back in the day (oh, five or so years ago…), the Korean automaker’s customers were supposed to be pleasantly surprised that their new car, crossover or SUV was a better vehicle than expected. Perhaps you’ve heard the drill: “I bought it because it was cheap… and you know, it’s really not that bad.”

These days, though, being less mediocre than expected simply isn’t good enough. See not-so-(inter)stellar brands Saturn and Mercury for proof thereof.

In other words, each new Kia has to be completely on-target and every bit as good as its competitors from America and Japan – and judging by the ambitions of its corporate partner, Hyundai, you might even be inclined to include Germany on that list.

And we’ve come to expect exactly that from Kia. If the company’s first Sportage was a passable entry with a cut-rate price to make the masses take notice, and the second go-round was, you know… “not that bad…” then this crossover, the third-generation Kia Sportage, had better be good.

So, were we pleasantly unsurprised by the 2011 Kia Sportage?

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Kia Sportage

Review: 2011 Kia Sportage

We recently spent some time with the 2012 Ford Grand C-Max and came away with mixed feelings about it. It’s an excellent compact minivan, but that’s a low-volume segment and we’re unsure of how well the Grand C-Max will sell here. One particular feature we do know people will be impressed by is the disappearing middle seat found in the second row.

Ford engineers designed the Grand C-Max so that the second-row middle seat folds out of sight into a compartment under the adjacent seat cushion. Doing so opens up a clear passageway to the third row seating. Also, both rear seating rows fold flat to accommodate sizable cargo loads. To see it all in action, check out the video after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max shows off its magic middle seat

Video: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max shows off its magic middle seat

The 2011 Nissan Juke has what some might call ‘controversial’ styling. It’s downright polarizing. So, where did Nissan pull its inspiration from in order to craft these lines? Alfonso Albaisa is the Vice President of Nissan Design Europe and he’s here to explain exactly why the Juke looks like it does.

Albaisa states that the essence of the Juke “captures the pure life of a 30-something year-old guy.” The vehicle is aimed at a younger demographic of new car buyer and Nissan’s goal was to turn lifestyle elements into design features. The interior is supposed to be reminiscent of a person wearing a wetsuit while the front end is intended to invoke visions of a rally car.

Automotive designers are always entertaining to listen to, and Alfonso Albaisa is no exception. His descriptive language wended its way into our brains giving us a greater appreciation for Nissan’s little sporty crossover. Don’t believe us? Listen to the man in the clip after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Juke film answers the question – What were Nissan designers thinking?

Video: Juke film answers the question – What were Nissan designers thinking?

Retro Spin: 1988 BMW M5

“How would you like to drive a 1988 M5 up Highway 1?” That wasn’t a call I was expecting, but you can guess what my answer was.

Video: Jay Leno’s Garage hosts Scarab revival

The original Scarab was a race car built as a race machine for Lance Reventlow, a wealthy young playboy who was the only child to Barbara Hutton, the heiress to the Woolworth’s fortune. Jay Leno samples a reproduction.

Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS caught going out for lunch

Looks like the 2012 Buick Regal GS boasts a set of heavily-bolstered Recaro seats and a six-speed manual transmission. Expect a more hardcore and snarlier character that should appeal to diehard enthusiasts.

Also of interest:

• Report: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to start at $44,315*
• Report: Student finds GPS tracker stuck to car, FBI asks for it back
• Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use?
• Report: Audi building business case for limited-edition Quattro concept

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.8.10

The Toyota Prius, launched in Japan in 1997 and introduced in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000, is without a doubt the best-selling hybrid vehicle ever produced. With a market that spans more than 70 countries and regions, the Toyota Motor Company’s economical hybrid is the most widely distributed gas-electric in this land (and just about every other one, too).

Selling at a rate of about 400,000 annual units worldwide, the Prius sits head-and-shoulders above any of its so-called competitors. All these sales mean you get to reach milestones now and again. Last month, the Prius reached another one, shattering the two-million sales mark worldwide. By the end of September, sales of the Prius stood at 2,012,000 and counting. You can hold back the applause for now, as the Prius’ record-setting run is far from over. Oh, yeah, a congratulatory pat on the back is welcomed as we also celebrate ten years of Prius sales in the U.S. which takes place, appropriately enough, on 10.10.10. Hit the jump for more on the Prius’ sales totals and plans for its ten-year anniversary celebration.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Worldwide Toyota Prius sales crack 2-million mark,10-year anniversary celebration planned

Worldwide Toyota Prius sales crack 2-million mark,10-year anniversary celebration planned

25 Years After Launch, Original M5 Still Stirs The Soul

“How would you like to drive a 1988 M5 up Highway 1?”

That wasn’t a call I was expecting, especially in the late summer of 2010. As far as I was concerned, any car from the 1980s still on the road was sure to be showing a few hundred thousand miles, springs coming through the seats and air conditioning blowing warm.

However, BMW North America was on the other end of the phone, and the vehicle we were discussing had been pulled out of a factory museum on the East Coast and shipped to California in a covered truck. Not only did it have low miles, but this unique model was in near-mint condition.

The 1988 BMW M5 is special in more ways than one. In addition to being the first-generation M5, its production was extremely limited and each and every copy sold in North America was jet black with blacked-out trim. And there was the powerplant… BMW had essentially dropped the M1’s 24-valve 3.5-liter racing engine under the hood.

You can guess what my answer was.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 Michael Harley / AOL

Continue reading Retro Spin: 1988 BMW M5

Retro Spin: 1988 BMW M5

First Drive: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max

A new generation of consumers, uninterested in minivans and SUVs, are apparently waiting in the wings, and Ford thinks it has exactly what they’re looking for.

Volkswagen Eos updated with GTI engine, crisper looks

The trouble with hard-top convertibles is the added weight penalty. German automakers have proven adept at counteracting the drawbacks, but sooner or later you’re just going to need more power. And that’s exactly what Volkswagen is doing with the Eos.

First Look: 2011 Dodge Durango interior

Details about the 2011 Dodge Durango are trickling out, and while we’ve already seen the exterior, the interior has only been teased… until now.

Also of interest:

• Chevy Volt home charger priced at $490 or nearly $2K with installation
• SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth
• Mini Countryman to start at $22,350
• Shelby releases final specs on GT350 Mustang, power output ranges from fast to furious
• Maserati’s baby Quattroporte coming late 2011

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.7.10

At the Mercedes press conference during last week’s Paris Auto Show, the company rolled out its CLS – the car everyone was really there to see – for dessert. We couldn’t have our pudding without eating our meat, though, so there were five courses served before it: the Smart Ad Lib, Smart scooter, Smart bicycle, Mercedes A-Class E-Cell, and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel S-Class, throughout which time Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche and Smart head Annette Winkler took a good thirty minutes to stress the consumer and environmental friendliness of the brand’s offerings.

This will not be an isolated incident, either. Zetsche said “We want to be efficiency world champions … and we will be,” and to do so will require initiatives that were “previously unthinkable,” such as the hybrid S-Class and the coming four-cylinder. While there’s no timeline placed on his pronouncement, it is clear that if M-B is going to stay with BMW and Audi in the emissions and efficiency stakes it will need to take a sledgehammer to conventional ideas of the brand.

Audi has laid out its electronic initiatives and BMW has its Efficient Dynamics, but so far Mercedes has only laid out a range of different projects under no particular umbrella, such as an all-hybrid S-Class line, more efficient ICE engines, and a new range of small cars for America. We wait to see if there is one particular way M-B will ultimately go to fulfill its aim… and if that way will include euthanizing Maybach…

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz will do the ‘unthinkable’ to go green