2012 Acura TL teaser – Click above for high-res image
is set to debut the revamped 2012 sedan at the this week, and the automaker has just released this teaser image, showing the car’s slightly refreshed rump. It doesn’t appear that the rear design has changed too much versus the current TL; this refresh is more than likely similar to the updo that the smaller received for the 2011 model year.
What we’re most curious about, however, is the 2012 TL’s front fascia. Acura’s new corporate face wasn’t too well-received by members of the media when it debuted on the 2009 TL, and we’re curious to see if the angular lines have been smoothed out for the new model year.
Additionally, we’d expect that the sedan’s powertrain options – currently a pair of 3.5- and 3.7-liter V6s – have been refined ever so slightly. We’ll have the full details during this week’s Chicago Auto Show festivities, so stay tuned.
Now that the V6 achieves 30 miles per gallon on the highway, is apparently looking to up its game by offering a more efficient version of its ponycar. Reportedly given the 2LS trim designation, this new Camaro will be available for order through dealers starting at the end of this month, and its 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 reportedly hits the magic 30 mpg highway figure.
If GMInsideNews has it right, the Camaro 2LS will only be available with The General’s six-speed automatic transmission, and will be fitted with a rear spoiler, 18-inch steel wheels and a 2.92 rear axle ratio. The website also reports that the Camaro 2LS will still wear a 2011 model year badge, and that pricing is expected to be set around $24,700, including destination charges.
2011 Hyundai Elantra – Click above for high-res image gallery
is on a big-time roll right now, as evidenced by hot-selling new product like the and . The Korean automaker could likely take a quick product development catnap and wake up with a still-fresh lineup, but apparently that isn’t in the plans.
Automotive News reports that Hyundai informed dealers who attended the automaker’s make meeting that there will be two new italic H-badged vehicles by January 2012. The first and perhaps most interesting new Hyundai will take the size and shape of an Elantra Coupe. And we won’t have to wait very long to get our hands on the Elantra two-door, either, as sales will reportedly commence by spring.
As expected, the will also be fitted for new duds by next January with all-new sheetmetal and a revised 3.3-liter V6 capable of at least 260 horsepower. Hyundai expects the redesign of the Azera to result in much higher sales, from only 3,051 in 2010 to up to 20,000 for 2012.
Robert Kubica’s crash at the Andora Rally – Click above to watch the videos
The motor racing community and the public at large are watching and waiting to see what becomes of Robert Kubica. The Renault Formula One driver his at the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy over the weekend and was medevac’d to a local hospital where he is currently recovering.
For those who haven’t been following , Kubica (pronounced, incidentally, “koo-bee-tza”) sustained severe damage to his right leg, arm and hand, and surgeons operated in shifts around the clock to repair the damage. The big question is whether the multiple fractures and severed tendons can be repaired, or whether his promising career is effectively over. Fortunately his fellow Polish co-driver Jakub Gerber appears to have escaped unscathed from the guard-rail that pierced the vehicle.
While we don’t have actual footage of the crash taking place, a video showing the carnage after the crash has emerged and someone has actually created a simulation of what happened. If accurate, we can see the Kubica is very lucky to have only sustained the injuries he has. Check out both the footage and the simulation videos .
Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’d be all too easy to assume that and are the only Korean automakers out there. After all, together they’re the fourth largest automaker in the world. And with Daewoo officially going the way of the dodo – replaced, in name at least, by – they are the only ones we get in North America. But overseas buyers can also pick up a Ssangyong.
The other South Korean automaker makes vehicles – not the best, mind you, but they make ‘em just the same – like the Actyon. And at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Ssangyong will be unveiling a new pickup version called the SUT 1 Concept.
Apparently a concept in name only, the SUT version is set to go on sale overseas early next year. And when it does, it will be available with manual or automatic transmissions, in either two- or four-wheel drive, mated to a 2.0-liter diesel with a whopping 153 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. We know you’re excited, so you’ll want to check out the preview renderings in the gallery below and the press release below the fold.
to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month. According to The Age, the car may be our first look at what the company has planned for a sub-Z4 model designed to spar with the Mazda MX-5 and the host of shared-platform convertibles that the Volkswagen army is rumored to be slaving over. A representative from BMW supposedly confirmed that a baby drop top will be the company's star attraction in Geneva this year. BMW, meanwhile, says that the concept car itself will not go into production, but that some elements of the design may show up in future products down the line. The Age is reporting that the concept will make use of some fairly outrageous design cues, including the retractable doors of the ever-awesome Z1. Murkier still is what kind of drivetrain will find its way under the concept's hood. This could be a good excuse for BMW to start strutting its new front-wheel-drive bent or even to play around with a compact hybrid set up. Either way, we'll find out in a few short weeks. Thanks for the tip, Mark! [Source: The Age]" class="right border" src="http://theautoblog.ru/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/40820_bmw-concept-250.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;border-style: solid;margin: 4px;float: right" />The internet is afire with word that is planning to bring a small convertible concept to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month. According to The Age, the car may be our first look at what the company has planned for a sub- model designed to spar with the Mazda MX-5 and the host of shared-platform convertibles that the Volkswagen army is rumored to be slaving over. A representative from BMW supposedly confirmed that a baby drop top will be the company’s star attraction in Geneva this year.
BMW, meanwhile, says that the concept car itself will not go into production, but that some elements of the design may show up in future products down the line. The Age is reporting that the concept will make use of some fairly outrageous design cues, including the retractable doors of the ever-awesome Z1.
Murkier still is what kind of drivetrain will find its way under the concept’s hood. This could be a good excuse for BMW to start strutting its new front-wheel-drive bent or even to play around with a compact hybrid set up. Either way, we’ll find out in a few short weeks. Thanks for the tip, Mark!
European Honda Jazz/Fit Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
The is unquestionably the , and for the past 20 months Toyota’s gas-electric has held the title of the top-selling automobile in Japan. Well, the fuel-sipping Prius has finally relinquished its perch atop the Japanese sales chart and the new champ is a pint-sized contender ready for the big leagues.
In January, the subcompact overtook the Toyota Prius, capturing the number one spot. Fit sales in Japan surged to 14,873 units in the first month of this year, a 14 percent increase over the sales it tallied in January 2010. In addition, nearly half of the 14,000-plus buyers opted for the Fit Hybrid. Part of the appeal of Honda’s subcompact gas-electric lies in its ¥1.59 million ($19,331 U.S. at the current exchange rate) price tag, which is approximately $3,500 less than the and undercuts the Prius by a similar margin. Perhaps, as one analyst previously pointed out, it really is time for .
When debuted the with technology at the last year, the automaker told us that this new fuel-saving feature would quickly spread across many other models in its portfolio. Now, GM has taken the wraps off of the eAssist-equipped 2012 , which makes its official public debut at the this week.
Most significantly, the addition of eAssist to the Regal’s 2.4-liter inline-four powertrain means that the sedan is now capable of achieving 26 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Like the LaCrosse, the Regal eAssist uses a small, 15-horsepower electric motor to give assistance during acceleration, and when combined with things like regenerative braking and automatic start/stop, it means a substantial increase in fuel economy. It’s not exactly impressive, but still quite good when you consider that the standard Regal only musters up 19/30 mpg ratings.
Unlike the larger LaCrosse, eAssist will not be the base powertrain for 2012 Regals. Buick has positioned the Regal eAssist to be part of larger family, which includes the Regal Turbo and upcoming GS. Model-specific changes over the base Regal include things like lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels (smaller than the standard Regal’s 18-inch set), an eco mode for the air conditioning system, an eco gauge on the instrument panel and a powerflow readout in the seven-inch infotainment screen.
We’ll be seeing the 2012 Regal eAssist live in Chicago this week, so stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, to read GM’s official press release, and see the new electrified Regal for yourself in the high-res gallery below.
Congratulations, Packers fans, your team just won Super Bowl XLV. And fret not, Steelers fans, your team mounted a thrilling comeback and turned the game from a would-be snooze-fest into a down-to-the-wire fourth-quarter nail-biter. Nicely done all around.
That out of the way, our notoriously short attention spans turn to the commercials. Our own David Kiley shared his well-informed opinions on what his favorites were and weren’t, and you can . As a refresher, here are some of the choices from , , , , , , , , , and .
We’re curious… Who do you think had the best automotive ad from the Big Game? Was it , for either its impossibly cute ‘The Force’ ad or its imaginative ‘Black Beetle’ ad? Or did steal the show with its two-minute-long plug introducing the Imported From Detroit tagline? Neither?
Take part in our completely unscientific poll below and let your voice be heard.
Autoblog’s long-term 2011 Mini Countryman – Click above for high-res image gallery
Last week, we presented you with four different and for the one that you want to see as the newest member of Autoblog’s long-term test fleet. The poll is now closed, the votes have been tallied, and we’ve officially sent in our order form to USA. We’ll be adding a True Blue Countryman – option #3 for those of you who voted – to the long-term pool in the coming months.
As much as we’d like to say it was a close race, the truth is, Countryman #3 earned a staggering 7,907 votes – 42.7 percent of the 18,446 total votes. The Oxford Green Countryman (#4) came in second place, earning 24.2 percent of your votes, while the Bright Yellow car (#2) garnered 20.1 percent and the Surf Blue Countryman (#1) brought up the rear with 12.9 percent.
We’re looking forward to taking delivery of our 2011 Countryman, complete with the 181-horsepower turbocharged inline-four, a six-speed manual transmission and All4 all-wheel drive. We’ve also outfitted such amenities as the premium package, sport package with additional sport suspension setup and cold weather package – an absolute must for those of us who live in frigid climates.
We’ll be sure to post a formal introduction as soon as the vehicle arrives, and thanks to all who participated in the poll. You can see some screen captures of the winning Countryman in our high-resolution gallery below.
A drive across the winding roads of the South African coasts proves that the new 6 Series continues to be more GT than sports car.
With his recovery still in the critical phase after his accident, it is looking ever more likely that Robert Kubica will be out for the season, and possibly for the rest of his career.
With the Big Game behind us, we analyze what really matters: the ads.
Also of interest:
’s Darth Vader [w/video]
: Are you the Audi RS7?
in Shanghai
Explorer faces recall for seat recline mechanism
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was responsible for one of the more memorable Super Bowl ads Sunday night with its spot for the 2012 Passat thanks largely to the efforts of one tiny Darth Vader. As it turns out, the pint-sized Sith lord was played by none other than six-year-old Max Page. The actor got his start last year by playing Reed Hellstrom on The Young and the Restless soap opera, and according to Volkswagen, the junior thespian was nothing but professional during the Super Bowl ad shoot. Tim Ellis, Volkswagen of America vice president of marketing, said that the instant they began shooting, he knew the commercial was going to make waves.
Page is special for more than one reason. Despite a recurring role on daytime television and some excellent comedic timing, he also has a congenital heart condition that has required care at a Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. to check out the spot one more time.
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon – Click above to watch video
Transformers fans saw a little treat get tucked amongst the slew of high-dollar ads during last night’s Super Bowl. Michael Bay and company unleashed another at the next film in the mighty morphing machine saga with a trailer for Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. Judging by the quick clip, we can look forward to more of what made the first two flicks so enjoyable to begin with: intense CG fight scenes, massive destruction and more than a few slow-motion moments.
Shia Labeouf also makes a return appearance.
Labeouf’s new co-star, , also makes a brief appearance during the trailer. We’ll reserve judgment on whether or not she’s a suitable replacement for Megan Fox until we actually see the movie. Just don’t blink during the trailer or you’ll miss Huntington-Whitley entirely. You can to check out the video for yourself. Also be sure to take a look at a slew of production stills courtesy of AB pal . Thanks for the video tip, Ace!
Gallery:
[Sources: , F - images reproduced with permission]
Being a dealer in the 21st century has been anything but easy, as has been looking to shed its luxury brand dealers the past couple years. Then Blue Oval recently killed off , a brand Lincoln dealers traditionally used as a feeder program. And perhaps the biggest challenge has been coaxing buyers into the showroom, as the brand’s 2010 sales total of just 85,828 units clearly illustrates.
The sledding apparently won’t get much easier for 2011 either, as Automotive News reports that Ford has added a few more regulations to be completed by October of this year. Fortunately, at least one of those standards is focused directly towards customers, as each Lincoln dealer will be required to feature owners’ privileges perks like a car wash with every service stop and a loaner for when vehicles are being worked on. Ford will also ask each Lincoln dealer to have a dedicated service manager and sales staff. That could be a tough pill to swallow for dealers who have Ford and Lincoln stores on the same site. Lincoln dealers will also be required to ditch all that old Lincoln-Mercury signage and instead feature a Lincoln-only sign featuring the four-pointed star. Lastly, all dealer lots will need to be filled with at least 30-percent certified pre-owned vehicles.
Those demands don’t sound all that unreasonable to us, but we’re betting Lincoln dealers won’t be too pleased with the prospect of spending more money without a lot of new products in the next year or so. Then there is the fact that Ford is reportedly looking to cut another 100 dealers in the top 130 markets in the year ahead. But while dealers likely won’t love these changes, there may not be much choice in the matter. Dealers who don’t comply with the new rules will reportedly receive smaller discount profit margins.
Caterham SP/300R – Click above for high-res image gallery
When Caterham launched the new just last month, it was only the second time (following the ) the company had veered away from the 7 formula into new territory. But it won’t be the last. Not according to the latest reports.
Britain’s Autocar weekly cites Caterham chief Ansar Ali on plans to expand beyond the 7 and the SP/300.R with an additional range or even several new models. The inspiration apparently comes from companies like that have expanded beyond their traditional sportscar roots with great success.
There’s no word on what form the next offering from Caterham could take, but Ali promises it won’t be far off from the purist performance machines for which it is known. Nor will it be abandoning the 7, either: to the contrary, Ali insists that the Seven will always be at the heart of Caterham’s range.
Super Bowl XLV car ads – Click above to see the videos and their rankings
The Super Bowl is a contest of advertisers as much as it is for two football teams seeking championship rings, the big trophy and bragging rights.
The Super Bowl is one of the few times a year that most of the country is gathered around a single event.
This year, twelve of the advertisers are from the auto sector: , , , , , , , , , , Cars.com and .
Why so many car related ads? 2011 is widely seen as a breakout year for the auto industry. In 2008 and 2009, sales fell below 11 million, about one-third less than the industry had been doing in the early part of the decade. Sales in 2010 were better and sales are forecasted to come back even stronger this year.
The slowly recovering economy has kept a lot of consumers out of the new car showrooms. But cars and trucks are getting older. The U.S. has seen a sales rate below the annual scrap rate for a few years now. The stock market is back to where it was before the 2008 economic meltdown. Unemployment is ticking down. Things are looking up.
“The Super Bowl is one of the few times a year that most of the country is gathered around a single event,” says marketing chief Joel Ewanick, who bought five ads at $2.7-$3 million per to advertise models. marketing chief Olivier Francois says, “There is no better place for a real coming out,” referring to a slate of newly designed vehicles Chysler is releasing this year. Chrysler bought an unprecedented two-minute ad.
Continue reading and to see the rankings of the Top 10.
Honda CR-V – Click above for high-res image gallery
looks to be hanging its recovery hopes on the U.S. light truck market. According to Automotive News, North America was the only market to see sales growth for the company during the last quarter. The six-percent jump was fostered largely by the and the , and Honda hopes to be able to keep up that momentum with a new version of the popular CUV. Reportedly set to debut by fall of this year, the 2012 CR-V will be a complete generational model change, though the company hasn’t revealed too many details about the new vehicle just yet.
Globally, Honda has seen its sales fall off by around seven percent, with operating profit declining by 29 percent. The company hopes that focusing on light trucks will help boost the company’s total U.S. volume to 1.28 million vehicles by the end of its fiscal year.
News of the next-generation CR-V goes a long way toward explaining why the 2010 and 2011 models received such skimpy updates. Engineers managed to pull another 14 horsepower from the engine and designers slapped on a slightly adjusted grille, but otherwise the vehicle has stuck pretty close to its 2009 recipe. Keep your ear to the ground for more information on the next-gen crossover.
is on track to have a new entry-level model that slots below the , and the automaker has announced that it’s bringing a concept that previews this new small(er) car to the next month. With vehicles like the and , , and the and on the market, Infiniti would likely do well to have a contender in the small luxury car segment.
The only information we have as of this writing is the official teaser sketch you see here, previewing what could possibly be a hatchback rather than a traditional sedan or coupe. Infiniti says that the new entry-level car will be “completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” We’ve heard that line before, but nonetheless, we’ll see what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve in just a few weeks. for Infiniti’s very brief press release.
Frolicking Topless Under The African Sun In BMW’s Latest Big GT
2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery
To say that the second-generation BMW 6 Series caused a bit of a scene when it hit the world stage in 2003 would be to underplay its shock value. The Dingolfing, Germany-built coupe and convertible’s styling seemed to win admirers and ruffle traditionalists’ feathers in equal measure, but regardless of how you feel about its aesthetics, the 6’s long model run has been a success, resulting in nearly 118,000 units sold.
Despite this victory (and despite what BMW officials tell us), there has been a clear bit of design capitulation in the halls of Bavaria, as Chris Bangle’s controversial surfacing treatments and high trunk lines have been smoothed out in newer models in favor of less polarizing designs throughout the empire.
So it is with the 2012 6 Series range, which launches with the 650i convertible model shown here, a model that’s due to hit showrooms this April (just in time for top-down season). With North America enduring a hyperborean winter, it was only appropriate that we head to more temperate climates for some quality top-down running. BMW evidently had the same thought, so they sent us to Cape Town, South Africa. Famous for its finned and pointy-teethed population coursing offshore, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate spot to sample the 6 Series’ reborn shark nose look.
Frolicking Topless Under The African Sun In BMW’s Latest Big GT
2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery
To say that the second-generation BMW 6-Series caused a bit of a scene when it hit the world stage in 2003 would be to underplay its shock value. The Dingolfing, Germany-built coupe and convertible’s styling seemed to win admirers and ruffle traditionalists’ feathers in equal measure, but regardless of how you feel about its aesthetics, the 6’s long model run has been a success, resulting in nearly 118,000 units sold.
Despite this victory (and despite what BMW officials tell us), there has been a clear bit of design capitulation in the halls of Bavaria, as Chris Bangle’s controversial surfacing treatments and high trunk lines have been smoothed out in newer models in favor of less polarizing designs throughout the empire.
So it is with the 2012 6-Series range, which launches with the 650i convertible model shown here, a model that’s due to hit showrooms this April (just in time for top-down season). With North America enduring a hyperborean winter, it was only appropriate that we head to more temperate climates for some quality top-down running. BMW evidently had the same thought, so they sent us to Cape Town, South Africa. Famous for its finned and pointy-teethed population coursing offshore, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate spot to sample the 6-Series’ reborn shark nose look.
