What We Like: The editing and look of the ad fits with the excellent ads that agency Wieden & Kennedy created last year. There is an urban feel to this TV spot that is probably fitting for a vehicle like Compass, which has not had much positive said or written about since it first hit showrooms in 2007. There is authority, emotion and value in the Jeep brand, and re-igniting that for consumers is a good idea.
What We Don’t Like: Now for the bad news. For people who know Jeep and the Compass, not to mention the new Hawaii Five-O TV show, this ad has a lot of problems. For sure, the Compass has been much improved for the 2011 model year. We are not only impressed with what the new Chrysler team managed with a new interior and trim, but with how we were able to when we tested the new car. But the bones of this vehicle are highly suspect to the real Jeep fan and student of the brand. “Iconic beauty,” reads the voiceover in the ad. “A legendary bloodline.” To people who know something about the Compass, that is way, way, way over the top. There isn’t anything in common between the Compass and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is a terrific piece of work, except the logo and some talented, passionate engineers who did the best they could with the marginal vehicle they started with.
And in making the “Bloodlines” case… Laila Ali? Seriously? And actor Scott Caan? Not only are these two figures the barest shadows of their fathers (wait…maybe they do work for this ad), but in the only role Scott Caan is really known for (with respect to the reborn Oceans franchise, we’re talking about the new Hawaii Five-O), he is completely linked to a , part of the product placement deal worked out, which has vehicles all over the show. In one recent show, both Caan and the bad guy were driving Camaros. And Caan’s character, Danno, would never be caught driving a Compass.
Strategy: Play up the brand equity of the Jeep brand for all the products even if some of the current products don’t measure up. We can see how the company and agency arrived at this idea. After all, they have to sell the Compass for another 16 months or so until an all-new vehicles come in to replace it. The Compass has had very little cred in the marketplace, especially with repeat Jeep buyers. This may be the only way to juice up sales a little for the rest of the time it is marketed. The new Compass is much improved, and should get a more serious look from would-be buyers. But the halo placed on this model is a bit too much for us.
Grade: C
Watch the commercial and give it your own grade below.
released a of its sedan ahead of the car’s debut, and now, our trusty spy photographers have caught the new Subie out in public, revealing its fresh face. Rather unfortunately, the production-spec Impreza looks to be a pretty drastic departure from the that bowed in last November.
The automaker is keeping quiet about what’s under the hood of its new Impreza, but the brand has already confirmed that a revised version of the trusty boxer flat-four powerplant will be on hand and good for 36 miles per gallon on the highway – a figure all but unmatched in the all-wheel drive kingdom. Subaru will continue to offer the Impreza in both sedan and hatchback formats, and of course, AWD will be standard.
As for the design, we’ll wait until the 2012 and present themselves before making the final judgments. Slap some more aggressive styling elements on this thing, along with rally-spec blue paint and gold wheels, and perhaps we’ll be singing a different tune.
Gallery:
[Images: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]
Cayman R vs. Cayman S – Click above to watch the video
The is considered by many to be the best-handling currently available. After all, the Cayman is 90 percent with just a teensy bit more power and a fixed roof. The all-new , however, has still more power, is lowered by about an inch, loses about 100 pounds and adds the lightest wheels currently available on a production Porsche. So, which version of the Cayman really is the best-handling Porsche?
The folks at Autocar asked that very question, and they set aside some track time to find out. The S goes first, and Autocar’s Matt Prior gushes over the Porsche’s steering and handling while he slips and slides through the Silverstone Porsche driving experience track. Then comes the Cayman R, which very obviously has even less trouble keeping all four tires glued to the road. So, which one takes the cake? to find out for yourself.
Jay Leno’s Chrysler Turbine Car – Click above to watch the video
Chances are you’ve probably heard about the Turbine cars of the 1960s, but we’re betting you don’t know anywhere near as much as . The late night talk show host and car nut picked up his own Turbine, and it is featured in the latest installment of Jay Leno’s Garage.
The post-jump video is nearly 25 minutes long, and after watching it you’ll ascend to Chrysler Turbine expert. We had no idea there were only 55 units ever produced, that it can run on tequila, the bodies were crafted in Italy or that the turbine engine sounds like… well, you’ll have to hear it for yourself. As an added bonus, Jay threw in a 1960s promotional video that illustrates just how the turbine engine works. Terrific history lesson, and you can see it for yourself by .
2013 Chevrolet Malibu interior teaser – Click above to enlarge
piqued our interest last week with a of the (albeit in highly stylized rendered form), as well as a of its taillights. In the video, GM tells us the new Malibu will be wider than the outgoing Malibu with a more rakish exterior design. The teaser image goes a step further, showing us that the 2013 model’s taillights are strikingly similar to those at the butt of the .
Fast forward one week and The General is ready to give us another peek at the interior. As you can see from the photo above, the new Malibu will feature a more fluid cabin design than the current model with fewer buttons and GM’s new touch-friendly infotainment system prominently displayed.
It’s difficult to judge the new Malibu’s interior by looking at one intentionally poor-lit teaser images, but we see some serious potential. Here’s hoping the materials can match up to the LCD screen.
The Malibu will be unveiled on April 18 at the Shanghai Motor Show, and you’ll be able to watch the reveal live from .
Ketterer Continental – Click above for image gallery
We’re into camping as much as the next guy(s), and we’re really up for a few days of “roughing it” when it comes to a luxury coach motor home. And when we’re looking for the highest of the high end, few stand out more than the Ketterer Continental luxury motor home.
This monster motor home features a truck chassis, a massive, luxurious cabin that includes a real kitchen, dining with seating for five, a master bedroom with a king bed plus a shower, toilet and sky light. Actually, the main bedroom features a bath tub, too, so you can soak after a hard day of… whatever it is that the wealthy do when they’re “camping.”
And if you’re on an extended trip through the local RV parks, you probably don’t want to troll around in your mobile mansion, so this custom motor home also features a garage large enough to swallow a . Fancy. Click on the gallery below to see an RV that’s nicer than most people’s homes.
Kia is working hard to change its hard-earned image of offering low-cost, basic transportation to something more like the sportier side of a dual-headed Korean conglomerate that also includes Hyundai.
The hallmark of a Black Series Mercedes is two-fold in its simplicity: more power and better dynamics. We’re counting on more than 500 horsepower.
Jeep finally unveils a pickup, available only in kit form for the Wrangler Unlimited.
Also of interest:
Centennial Edition Corvette is all about racing history [w/video]
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Mopar Ram Runner Stage II Short Cuts video – Click above to watch
The kit makes for one very impressive . Performance modifications like beefed-up control arms, Fox shocks and 14 inches of wheel travel make us want to pit the modified Ram against the in a high-speed dirt race to the death finish line.
We’re not the only ones eager to compare the Ram Runner Stage II to the Raptor. to watch an Autoblog Short Cuts video of Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, as he explained to us why believes the Ram Runner is better than the Raptor. In fact, Sassorossi brings up the Raptor no less than four times, and throws in “best in class” for the Ram Runner’s specs another another four times.
This will be a thrilling battle when Ford’s ready-made race truck gets pitted against Ram’s D.I.Y. wonder. To see what we mean, and then answer our poll below.
2011 Volvo C30 Black Design – Click above for high-res image gallery
The is a bit of a divisive design. Some love the radical P1800ES-inspired hatch, while others find it awkward. But maybe the brand’s latest special edition can help.
Called the C30 Black Design, it’s limited exclusively to the Italian market and to just 600 examples. What sets it apart is the application of a 3M carbon-look film to the roof, pillars, grille surround and wing mirrors. There’s also 17-inch matte black wheels (upgradable to 18-inchers) and a specially trimmed interior with individualized dedication plaque.
Italian buyers can choose between the 115-horsepower D2 or 150-hp D3 turbo-diesel engines, or a 145-hp 2.0-liter gasoline four, and specify theirs in white, gray or orange. The question is, does the faux-carbon trim make the C30 look better or worse? Cast your vote in our poll below after looking over the gallery.
In the lead-in to the Shanghai Motor Show, has teased an upcoming plug-in hybrid that will be exclusive to the Chinese market. The prototype of this greener version of BMW’s midsize sedan is based on the .
The car is part of a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance. The car is the tip of an eco-friendly iceberg BMW has aimed squarely at China, a country with an increasing appetite for premium-segment cars and a serious need for green-focused, energy-efficient vehicles.
Despite its size, BMW says the plug-in will manage nearly 250 miles on a single charge and tank of gas, with up to 47 miles of those on electric power only, provided you don’t creep past 37 miles per hour. Those numbers certainly aren’t what you’d call impressive, but they’re a step in the right direction and they’d likely be a major help in the thick traffic snarls that China’s major cities are famous for. As for the U.S. market, a full plug-in 5 Series is unlikely, but BMW is understood to be planning to bring a traditional mild hybrid version of the car to our shores. For now, check out the prototype in our gallery below and via the press release after the jump.
While most would regard the reunification of open-wheel racing in America as a positive thing, it has been tough on some of the drivers that had come to dominate the Champ Car World Series. Essentially dumped into a field of IndyCar drivers, even the most accomplished Champ Car pilots have had trouble finding a ride.
Take Paul Tracy, for example. The Canadian driver – arguably the nation’s most successful this side of Jacques Villeneuve – started out long before the split after winning the Indy Lights title. He went on to win numerous Indy races, and took the Champ Car title in 2003. But since the two series were reconciled, he’s had trouble finding a ride, contesting a race here and a race there for a variety of different teams.
This year, Tracy will reportedly be back for at least a few races with Dragon Racing – the team operated by the son of his former team boss, Roger Penske, Jay, who recently split with Gil de Ferran. Tracy will drive at Long Beach, Texas, Toronto, Edmonton and Sears Point for Dragon Racing, and will contest the Indy 500 for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – a team with limited success to its name, but it’s an outfit that has fielded such names as two-time champion Al Unser, Jr. and racing scions Graham Rahal, Tomas Scheckter and John Andretti. We’ll be watching to see how Tracy does against the younger field, particularly his returning nemesis, Sebastien Bourdais.
Excited for the arrival of the new ? Well, you should be – it’s the quintessential high-performance sport sedan… the outgoing model was a something approaching a civilized supercar with four doors. But the wait is just about over.
at the Shanghai Motor Show and then at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we’ve already had the chance to see the Concept M5 in Munich for a brief to join the batch of provided by the manufacturer. But if that weren’t enough, BMW has released video footage of the M5 show car doing the roundy-round and even driving about a bit. Follow to check it out. Thanks to all for the tips!
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series – Click above for high-res image gallery
Spy photographers had previously captured images of what’s tipped to be the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series sedan. The four-door muscle car could be . At the time, there were rumors that the two-door could also be lured over to the dark side. Now are spy shooters have returned with photographic proof to back up that claim.
The hallmark of a Black Series Mercedes is two-fold in its simplicity: more power and better dynamics through things like a wider track and lightweight materials. The “standard” will pump out 451-horsepower, so we’re hoping that the Sith Lord-edition will crest the 500-hp mark. Weight can be shed through the use of slimmer, grippier front seats and by ditching the back seat entirely. Who has time for back-seat passengers when you have the keys to a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series anyway?
2012 Audi Q3 renderings – Click above for high-res image gallery
has confirmed that its small crossover will receive its worldwide unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. Before the Q3 debuts in the metal, Audi has released a series of sketches hinting what we can expect in a few weeks time.
When the production Q3 debuts it will sit on underpinnings, but will be considerably more shapely than its less costly cousin. If these sketches are to be believed, the Q3 owes a little somethin’ somethin’ to shown in Shanghai back in 2007.
The Tiguan’s engines and transmissions should carryover into the Q3, which means a turbo four producing around 200 horsepower with a diesel option for Europe.
The current A-Class might boast some innovative construction, but it isn’t exactly the most striking design the German automaker has ever come up with. The new , however, now that’s another story. While the outgoing production A-Class takes on the likes of the and , the new concept looks poised to take the fight to the , and .
Naturally, as a concept car, some of the flashier bits are bound to be lost on the road to eventual production, but overall the showcar emerges as a clear step in the right direction. But don’t take our word for it – to watch a trio of videos: two showing the A-Class Concept from all the angles in smooth silence, and a third with MB designer Mark Fetherston highlighting some of the finer points of the Concept A-Class. Thanks for the tip, John!
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and now it seems everything might be faster too. The House of Representatives in Texas has approved a new transportation bill, and it includes legislation that would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to raise speed limits to 85 miles per hour. The state’s Senate is presently considering a similar measure.
The DOT cannot simply go out and slap up a fresh new set of 85-mph speed limit signs. Both engineering and traffic studies must be done before motorists are given a green light to those increased speeds. Don’t feel too bad for those speed-restricted Texans, though. 85 mph wouldn’t be much of a stretch for Texas, since the state already enjoys 520 miles of highway with an 80-mph speed limit.
2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette – Click above for high-res image gallery
is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a fitting tribute to racing driver turned entrepreneur, Louis Chevrolet. The brand’s founding father raced in four Indianapolis 500s from 1915 to 1919, and though he never managed a victory, his motorsports expertise helped guide his car company from the outset.
In observance, the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition gets a special coat of “Carbon Flash” black paint and carries logos on the B-pillars with the number 100 and a likeness of Mr. Chevrolet himself. Inside, there’s plenty of Alcantara and contrasting red stitching to set off additional black trim, and the headrests are embossed with the same 100th anniversary logo as the B-pillars.
Outside, the Centennial Edition gets special 18 or 19-inch for the Grand Sport and standard Corvette and 19 or 20-inch rollers for the ZR-1 and Z06.
The Centennial Edition package is available on every Corvette model they sell, meaning you can get your Z06, ZR-1 or Grand Sport gussied up just the same as your standard coupe or convertible. All of the cars with the 100th anniversary package receive red painted brake calipers and Corvette’s optional (and excellent) magnetically adjustable suspension.
The Centennial Edition Corvettes go on sale this summer, but the first one will be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson tomorrow in West Palm Beach, Florida. Proceeds of the sale will go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. Full press release and video , gallery below.
Alan Mulally interview for Edison Awards – Click above to watch video
The annual Edison awards that celebrate innovation in goods and services have been handed out, and and have taken no prisoners with regards to all things automotive. Ford was the big winner, with three gold metals and one silver. Further, CEO Alan Mulally was named a 2011 Edison Achievement Award Winner.
Ford won the Applied Technology gold thanks to the inflatable seatbelts that were introduced on the . The Blue Oval took both gold and silver in the In-Car Driving Aids segment, with MyFord Touch and Sync finishing one and two, respectively. MyKey took the last gold for Ford under the Remote Driving Aids segment, besting GM’s MyLink, which took silver.
GM’s won the top spot for the Personal Transportation category, beating (silver) and the (bronze).
Hit the jump to watch a short interview with Alan Mulally, who discusses manufacturing and its impact on jobs and the economy.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Nearly four years ago we heard rumors that was considering . Oh how times have changed. The German automaker is prepping an all-new A-class (M270), and we get some insight into what it will look like courtesy of the Concept A.
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A is a stylized version of the upcoming 2012 A-Class. Falling in line with the rest of the family, the squared-off nose is aggressive and wears the Tri-Star emblem well. From the side, the Concept A shows hints of the CLS and even the . Though most of the swoopy lines seen above are concept-cool, we expect the production A-Class to to share lots of design notes with the Concept A. Yet we doubt the star-filled nighttime sky grille will make the cut.
A front-wheel-drive Benz, the Concept A will benefit from both turbocharging and direct-injection. A BlueEFFICIENCY 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is fitted under the hood, and produces 210-horsepower. That four-banger is paired with a dual-clutch transmission.
More than a styling and propulsion exercise, the Concept A aims to add first-rate features to luxury compact segment. A radar-based collision-detection system will be the first of its kind in this segment and, when paired with Adaptive Brake Assist, can help lower the risk of having someone rear-end your 2012 A-Class.
We’ll get to see this concept car in person when it debuts at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Mercedes is also bringing the Concept A to Auto Shangai 2011. Until we can bring you live images, the gallery below will have to do. Be sure to for the full press release.
