The Auto Blog .ru

From what we know today, pretty much everything about the all-electric Nissan Leaf is getting bigger and/or better in 2012. From availability in Europe to 50-state availability and production in the States, it’s clear Nissan is planning big things for its EV this year. Now, Nissan’s Mark Perry has told the The Detroit News that the 2013 Leaf will get serious improvements when it launches later this year, including a better heater, a darker interior color choice and leather seats. The new Leaf will be made in Smyrna, TN.

The Leaf’s new heater is going to help with range, even if it wasn’t designed to beat the government’s mileage test, as it were. Perry tells the Detroit newspaper, “You may not see much change on the EPA rating, but in cold-weather conditions you may see 20 to 25 miles of improvements.”

This brings us to the big question: will Leaf sales also increase in 2012? Thus far, the trend hasn’t been great, dropping to 676 sales in January and then 478 in February. In some months of 2011, Nissan sold over 1,000 Leafs. There are annual variations in sales patterns, and Perry tells The Detroit News that he expects Leaf sales to cross 2,000 a month in the U.S. some time this summer, a prediction that sounds reasonable given that the model will now be available in all 50 states.

2013 Nissan Leaf update will add new heater, up to 25 miles of range in the cold

Put your money away, people. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has told a German newspaper his company will not be going public anytime soon, saying, “No, there is nothing on the agenda,” according to Automotive News Europe. According to the executive, Ferrari parent company Fiat doesn’t need the cash that would be generated by an IPO, and that while he can’t know what will happen in the far-off future, right now the automaker will continue with business as usual.

Rumor of a Ferrari IPO first hit the internet back in September after sources told Reuters that Fiat had been approached by multiple investment banks offering to list the exotic Italian supercar manufacturer on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

This isn’t the first time word of a Ferrari IPO has hit the web. Long before Fiat bought Chrysler, rumors whipped around over the possibility of an outright sale or a public offering to drum up cash. Then, a little over a year ago, Montezemolo outright denied the plans all together after the dust settled.

Montezemolo shoots down Ferrari IPO rumors

We hope you like the look of the new Lexus GS. The Japanese luxury automaker has made it clear it aims to spread the new “spindle” grille found on the sedan across the brand. During an interview with Takayuki Katsuda, chief engineer for the RX line, four teaser images were splashed across the screen, including what looks to be the next-generation LS. If that’s true, the model will wear a heavily accented version of the Predator maw, complete with a chrome or brushed metal accent frame. Likewise, the headlamps will boast metal (or metal-effect) trim work of their own, complete with a dual-projector array.

Other reports have indicated the teaser may hint to what buyers can expect to see from the LS 600h F Sport when the model arrives.

In addition to the LS teaser, the video also flashes a brief glimpse at vehicles like the GS 450h, CT 200h F Sport and the upcoming ES. Hit the jump to take a look for yourself.

Continue reading Are you the next Lexus LS?

Are you the next Lexus LS?

It turns out the rumors were true: Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has officially announced the resurrection of the company’s storied Datsun nameplate. The company will use the brand to strengthen its foothold in emerging markets from Indonesia to India and Russia, offering buyers inexpensive, fuel-efficient vehicles with loads of content ride out of the box. Last year, Nissan sold 60,000 units in the quickly growing Indonesian market, and the company aims to see that number swell to 250,000 units by 2014. That may seem ambitious, but total industry volume is set to balloon to nearly double its current size 890,000 units per year by 2017 according to analysts.

Datsun now marks the third brand in the Nissan stable alongside Infiniti. The automaker retired the Datsun nameplate in 1981 after reestablishing itself in the States as Nissan. With a new focus on low cost, small-displacement hardware geared toward emerging markets, we sadly don’t expect to see the Datsun name reemerging on our shores any time soon. Hit the jump for the brief press release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms return of Datsun

Nissan confirms return of Datsun

Strategic Vision has announced its 2011 Total Value Index (TVI) awards, and Volkswagen of America has earned its position at the top of the podium. Hyundai Motor America placed second, with Ford Motor Corporation taking third place overall. According to Strategic Vision, its Total Value award is calculated based on explicit owner statements on hundreds of (weighted) attributes with regards to immediate and expected (long-term) economic factors such as warranty, technical innovation, standard equipment, fuel economy, and so on. The company says that the current economic crisis, rising fuel costs and affordability concerns make its TVI very relevant to today’s consumers.

“An important ‘time marker’ in this year’s study is that for the first time in over ten years, American manufacturers lead the number of Total Value winners, with eleven segment leaders. This is an important milestone toward the ‘domestic comeback,’” says Chris Chaney, the company’s vice president and head of automotive research. He also notes that consumers find perceived value in alternative fueled vehicles, pointing out that the Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Leaf and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid all led their respective segments.

The Total Value Awards have been presented by Strategic Vision annually since 1995. The 2011 TVI was calculated from 68,088 buyers (of the 325,000 total who responded during 2011) who purchased models during September 2010 to June 2011. The Volkswagen CC (an updated 2013 model of which is shown above) earned the Total Value award in its Large Car segment.

Continue reading Volkswagen tops Strategic Vision Total Value Index

Volkswagen tops Strategic Vision Total Value Index

How do you make a 4,300-pound roadster accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds? Easy, just fit it with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that cranks out 621 horsepower and – wait for it – 738 pound-feet of torque. Sounds bonkers, right? Welcome to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG.

We’re all very familiar with the *63 AMG models, the majority of which are now fitted with a brand new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, but for those who want the ultimate in high-performance machinery (at an extremely high-dollar price), the *65 AMG cars are simply out of this world. We first feasted our eyes on the new-for-2013 SL63 AMG at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, but the SL will now be taking the stage at next month’s New York Auto Show to debut off its range-topping spec.

The 6.0-liter V12 is hardly a new engine, though there have been a few updates including new turbochargers, manifolds and wastegate channels. The big change for 2013, however, is the pairing of Merc’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission. (Historically, the 65 AMG cars were mated to a five-speed auto, since it was the only transmission in the automaker’s parts bin capable of handling such massive amounts of torque.)

Like the rest of the SL line, the SL65 AMG has lost a bit of weight in its overhaul – 254 pounds versus the 2012 model – mostly thanks to an all-aluminum body-on-white. The full suite of SL goodies are on tap in the 65, including the nifty Magic Sky Roof, Airscarf, speed-sensitive steering and a new sport suspension based on Merc’s Active Body Control. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in only the finest of leather – including the costly Designo options – and features goodies like a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system and the latest version of Mercedes’ Command infotainment software.

Pricing has yet to be revealed for the SL65 AMG, but expect it to be around the $200,000 mark. Hit the jump for the full details in Mercedes-Benz’s press blast, and stay tuned for live impressions direct from New York in just a few weeks.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG revs up for Big Apple debut

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG revs up for Big Apple debut

“This is most definitely not a Prius.” So says ex-Autoblog staffer Damon Lavrinc in a story written for Wired. The non-Prius-esque vehicle to which he’s referring? The Porsche 918.

We know all about the concept and how it stole the show at the at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. We know that interest in the plug-in hybrid supercar was so strong that Porsche pulled out all the stops to get the vehicle into its production plans as soon as possible. We know it will cost $845,000 and be able to hit 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.1 seconds. What we hadn’t known until now, though, is how far along into its development Porsche’s team of engineers had gotten.

It seems there are currently three 918 development mules in existence, and Lavrinc got to ride shotgun at the Nardo Test Track in one of them. Though it was limited to half its available power – full power being a generous 770 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque with an overboost offering up to 700 lb-ft for short periods – it was still an exciting ride, and it’s telling that Porsche was confident enough in its Franken-mule to allow anyone to go on record this far ahead of September 18, 2013, the car’s official launch date.

We suggest you head on over to Wired to peruse the full article, and feel free to mosey on back to let us know what you think of the 918’s potential.

Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely

Kia is shutting down the lines at its West Point, GA, factory today, after a fire struck a nearby parts supplier. According to Reuters, the Kia plant will be closed for two days, with production scheduled to resume on Wednesday morning.

Kia builds its Optima sedan and Sorento crossover at the Georgia facility, and it also provides its corporate cousin Hyundai with Santa Fe crossovers. The plant operates three full shifts and has an annual production capacity of over 300,000 vehicles.

The fire broke out at a factory owned by Daehan Solution on Saturday, according to a local TV report, which described the damage as “major,” including a partially collapsed roof. Nobody was injured in the blaze, which is suspected to have started when a hot piece of metal was not allowed to cool before being discarded.

While a Kia spokesman told Reuters that the interruption would have a limited impact on sales, due to the plant’s inventory, Hyundai officials can’t be happy about the down time. Hyundai sales have been capacity constrained for months, as the company’s rapid growth in recent years has led to speculation that it will soon be expanding its manufacturing operations in the U.S.

Kia takes Georgia plant offline after supplier fire

From what we’ve been told, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is a unique experience requiring massive amounts of upper body effort. With three wheels instead of two, riders can’t use the textbook press-and-lean method to negotiate turns. This rider apparently missed that memo. While tackling the infamous Mulholland Drive just outside of Los Angeles, this sidecar rider employed a unique method for kicking around the road’s multiple switchbacks. By shoving the sidecar into the air, the bike regains its ability to yaw far to the left. Very impressive, but what happens when the same technique is applied for a quick right-hander?

We’re guessing tragedy. Likewise, we can imagine throwing a passenger into the sidecar mix would make for an additional challenge. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

You can buy a bunch of information for $107,000.

Consumer Reports is learning all sorts of things about the Fisker Karma now that it has purchased one for testing, only to have it die with less than 200 miles on the odometer. After 48 hours in the dealer’s repair shop – under warranty – the car is back in the CR fleet and is starting to get put through its paces.

With that public breakdown making waves, CR discovered that lots of Karma owners have been reporting their own issues with their new and expensive plug-in hybrids. Things like needing a new differential after less than 1,000 miles, a car shutting itself off at 35 mph and lots of trouble with the shifter. Most of these reports were put up by owners on FiskerBuzz. Of course, before CR got its Karma, the company issued two recalls, one for a software glitch and another for battery issues.

So, with all the problems, how does CR like the Karma on the track? The design is “simply stunning,” it says, but the range-extending gasoline engine is loud when the 22-kWh battery is depleted. And the Fisker’s SUV-like 5,395-pound weight doesn’t help with handling. On the inside, CR says the touchscreen is also less than ideal, with a grayscale look and plenty of menu flipping that “makes MyFord Touch look like a brilliant design.” Ouch.

Then there’s this:

Just this weekend, for example, the speedometer and energy meter display disappeared when driving, on top of having several other rogue warning indicators appear last week. It is expected we’ll be revisiting the dealership soon. We’ve had cars in the past that have been troublesome, but never anything like this.

You can see what CR wrote about the car here and check out their new video review after the jump.

Continue reading Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma

Consumer Reports finally posts Fisker review, finds litany of owners suffering from bad Karma

Nissan took the new DeltaWing racer out for a quick parade lap at Sebring last week. The funky-looking car wasn’t exactly tackling each apex at competition speeds, but the demonstration suggests development is on the right path. Nissan says the design weighs half as much as a typical competition vehicle and has half the aerodynamic drag as well, making it far more efficient. Likewise, the car requires less power to maintain the same level of performance (Nissan has fitted the DeltaWing with a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine). Despite the way it looks, it even appears to go around corners.

According to the press release that accompanies the footage after the jump, the DeltaWing won’t run as a classified entrant in this year’s running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but will be present as a demonstration of what the design has to offer the world’s race teams. Hit the jump for a look at two videos; one (sadly audio-free) clip from the public display at Sebring and another look from testing at another facility from inside the car.

Continue reading Watch Nissan’s crazy DeltaWing racer test at Sebring

Watch Nissan’s crazy DeltaWing racer test at Sebring

In yet another case of a carmaker hoping to get media coverage by giving a vehicle to a millionaire celebrity who probably doesn’t want it (and certainly doesn’t need it), Nissan has offered to build a Titan pickup for Peyton Manning. Or at least it has issued a press release to that effect.

The hook here is that the Tennessee Titans NFL franchise is wooing the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and likely future NFL Hall of Famer, with owner Bud Adams offering Manning a lifetime contract, according to ESPN. Nissan, of course, relocated its North American operations to Tennessee in 2006. Manning also has roots in the state, as he attended the University of Tennessee, where he was the Volunteers’ all-time leading passer.

We suspect Manning has better things to do right now than help Nissan stage a further publicity stunt, given that he’s spent the past week working out for two other NFL teams in addition to Tennessee. That’s not stopping the PR team at Nissan from suggesting that Peyton might want a Titan, the slowest-selling full-size pickup in America, because it’s built in Canton. That’s Canton, Mississippi, rather than Canton, Ohio, where the NFL Hall of Fame is located.

And lest anyone get all up-in-arms over Nissan’s homer-ism, the company has said it will give Manning the truck regardless of which team he signs with “as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community.” Click past the jump to read the full press release.

*UPDATE: If a slew of reports are to be believed, it appears Mr. Manning is headed the Denver Broncos. As some readers have noted in Comments, we, too, hope that Ford takes this opportunity to build Peyton – and the rest of us – a new Bronco.

Continue reading Nissan offers to make Peyton Manning a Tennessee Titan… sort of *UPDATE

Nissan offers to make Peyton Manning a Tennessee Titan… sort of *UPDATE

In yet another case of a carmaker hoping to get media coverage by giving a vehicle to a millionaire celebrity who probably doesn’t want it (and certainly doesn’t need it), Nissan has offered to build a Titan pickup for Peyton Manning. Or at least it has issued a press release to that effect.

The hook here is that the Tennessee Titans NFL franchise is wooing the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and likely future NFL Hall of Famer, with owner Bud Adams offering Manning a lifetime contract, according to ESPN. Nissan, of course, relocated its North American operations to Tennessee in 2006. Manning also has roots in the state, as he attended the University of Tennessee, where he was the Volunteers’ all-time leading passer.

We suspect Manning has better things to do right now than help Nissan stage a further publicity stunt, given that he’s spent the past week working out for two other NFL teams in addition to Tennessee. That’s not stopping the PR team at Nissan from suggesting that Peyton might want a Titan, the slowest-selling full-size pickup in America, because it’s built in Canton. That’s Canton, Mississippi, rather than Canton, Ohio, where the NFL Hall of Fame is located.

And lest anyone get all up-in-arms over Nissan’s homer-ism, the company has said it will give Manning the truck regardless of which team he signs with “as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community.” Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan offers to make Peyton Manning a Tennessee Titan… sort of

Nissan offers to make Peyton Manning a Tennessee Titan… sort of

Poor-Man’s BMW M3 Is Sharper Than Ever

Ford has been quietly blurring the line between muscle car and sports car since the 2010 Mustang debuted at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Lighter, smaller and nimbler than rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang established itself early on as being just as happy on a road course as it was tackling the quarter mile.

With the introduction of the 5.0-liter, dual-overhead cam V8 for the 2011 year model, the Mustang found itself armed with the muscle necessary to blacken the eyes of its crosstown rivals after a painful period of trudging along with an antiquated 4.6-liter lump under the hood. Despite the additional brawn on hand, the pony has nonetheless been routinely bested in sales by the larger Camaro.

In an attempt to pull past its big-boned rivals, Ford has opted to continue its strategy of aggressive model improvements, and buyers who put their cash down on a 2013 Mustang can look forward to a new suite of technology, visual improvements, more power and available options aimed at making it an even more capable track machine. The tricks have turned one of the best performance buys on the market into an even more tempting option for buyers who want more than just a boulevard cruiser.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]

2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]

Ford of Europe has officially unveiled the production version of the Tourneo Custom Concept that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The Tourneo won’t be coming to the United States, but according to Ford, it’s part of the automaker’s plan to refresh its entire commercial vehicle lineup by 2014. The production model will officially debut at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

This front-wheel-drive van is available in both short- and long-wheelbase versions (measuring in at 195.7 and 210.2 inches, respectively), and can be had in either eight- or nine-passenger configuration. Ford also touts the Tourneo’s car-like interior with its “stylish, sculpted driver-focused instrument panel,” as well as onboard tech like SYNC, a rear-view camera, lane-keeping assist and driver alert.

Under the hood is an updated version of Ford’s 2.2-liter Duratorq inline-four, offered in 99-, 123- and 153-horsepower variants, all of which are paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. There’s also auto start/stop on board, meaning the Tourneo can deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers – about 34 miles per gallon on the U.S. cycle.

Again, we won’t be seeing the Tourneo in the States – our all-new Transit van will be based on the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive commercial line that’s set to debut later this year. Nevertheless, hit the jump for the full details in Ford’s press release.

Continue reading Ford of Europe unveils production Tourneo Custom van

Ford of Europe unveils production Tourneo Custom van

The BBC has come out in defense of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson after the Reverend Graeme Anderson, vicar of St. Mary’s Church in Radcliffe-on-Trent, complained that the entertainer “trivialized, belittled and cheapened” Jesus Christ. Clarkson has a long history of rousing the ire of different groups, and Anderson specifically took issue with a segment in which Clarkson took the wheel of the KTM X-Bow. After hearing Clarkson’s exclamations of “God almighty” and “Jesus wept,” Anderson says he was both surprised and upset. The vicar has since vowed to never watch Top Gear again.

After petitioning both Clarkson and the BBC for an apology, the network responded by saying the speech is part of everyday language, and that while its program strives to portray society as it really is, it respects the “fundamental human right to exercise freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”

Clarkson has remained uncharacteristically mute on the dustup.

BBC tells complaining vicar Jeremy Clarkson’s blasphemy is “everyday language”

Fiat scored a major hit with its commercial for the 500 Abarth starring Romanian model Catrinel Menghia. Released last November as a web-only video, the spot exploded in popularity when it hit the airwaves during the Super Bowl in February. Having proven that a dollop of sexiness is enough to get your attention, Fiat has chosen a different but equally well-proven tactic for this new 500 Abarth commercial: babies.

We’ll save the plot for your viewing pleasure below, but just mention that teaching your baby to speak Italian is way cooler than sign language.

Continue reading Baby channels Catrinel Menghia in new Fiat ad

Baby channels Catrinel Menghia in new Fiat ad

The inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring was held 60 years ago in 1952. Ferrari was the first to build a dynasty of overall wins, followed by Ford, then Porsche, then Nissan, and today we live in the era of Audi. With its main rival, Peugeot, having pulled out of endurance racing altogether this year, the only manufacturer that could prevent Audi from claiming its tenth overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring was Audi itself.

That was unlikely to happen, especially considering that Audi chose to field three teams, each driving the very capable R18 in the car’s last appearance before being replaced by the R18 Ultra and R18 e-tron quattro. Yes, the result in the fastest LMP1 class was a forgone conclusion, and Audi delivered, claiming the first and second steps of the podium. The winning R18 was car #2 driven by Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. Kristensen, who holds the record for most overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also now has a record six overall victories at Sebring. It was Capello’s fifth win at Sebring and McNish’s fourth. The team of veterans completed 301 laps of the 5.4-mile track and amazingly finished with no evidence of body contact with another car.

Continue reading 12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish

12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish

Hyundai, one of the largest employers in the state of Alabama, has been urged by a group of 15 civil rights organizations and labor unions, including the United Auto Workers and NAACP, to help overturn Alabama’s immigration law.

The law was put into effect in September of 2011, and it requires police, among other things, to check the identification and immigration status of anyone detained and suspected of being an illegal immigrant. At least two employees of foreign automakers in Alabama have had run-ins with the police over the law. Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said this in a statement:

“We came today as shareholders working within the company to press our case. By [Hyundai's] silence in Alabama, it is acquiescing to a human rights disaster. We hope we will engage leaders in thoughtful conversation about taking steps to repeal this law.”

According to Automotive News, Hyundai executives in Korea have “agreed to consider the matter.” That doesn’t sound particularly meaningful to us, and, for that matter, we’re not entirely clear on what the groups expect Hyundai – or Mercedes-Benz or Honda, other large automakers with operations in Alabama – to do about the controversial law anyway.

Civil rights and labor groups urge Hyundai to fight Alabama immigration law

Race #1 of the 2012 Formula 1 season is officially in the books. Along with a talk of a more exciting season after inconclusive winter testing, everyone has had a few words about the way the new cars look, one of the most common being “ugly.”

The stepped noses used on most of the field are how every team, save for McLaren and Marussia, dealt with new regulations. In the video after the jump, Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg explains the look of his car from front to back. With Michael Schumacher putting up a good time in mixed conditions during the first two Free Practice sessions, there just might be a swan in there somewhere.

Continue reading Watch Nico Rosberg explain why F1 cars are so ugly this season

Watch Nico Rosberg explain why F1 cars are so ugly this season