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Last week, spy photos showed us that the 2011 Wrangler’s exterior looks like it will get some fresh upgrades including a body-colored roof and sleeker, more aerodynamic-looking front bumpers. Now it looks like the Wrangler’s interior is getting a desperately needed boost as well. Our friends at super-fan website Allpar possess a high quality interior spy pic that shows off what appears to be a big-time upgrade from the outgoing rock-climber’s Playskool-inspired innards.

The first thing that catches our eyes is what looks like an abundance of high-quality soft touch dash and door insert materials, but we won’t know for sure until we can get our hands on a sample. The outgoing Wrangler’s steering wheel is a real dud with no redundant controls – even on the $34,000 Rubicon model, but that appears to be changing for 2011 as well. The new piece looks to have all the modern redundant controls, and we don’t see the current model’s awkward cruise control stalk either, and that’s a very good thing. Finally, we see plenty of polished aluminum-look trim adorning the doors, dash and vents, giving the new Wrangler a more uplevel feel.

Click on the image on the right to head over to Allpar where you can see the uncropped image. We’re thinking that while the photo doesn’t exactly show a beautiful interior, it sure shows a clear, functional upgrade versus the 2010 model’s cabin. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Allpar]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Wrangler getting substantial interior redo

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there’s been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC’s Squawk Box this morning, Ford’s president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says “new Ranger,” which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we’ve seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we’ve been wondering about anyhow, as we’ve seen more Stateside evaluations of this ‘overseas’ truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn’t come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we’ve continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we’re beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we’re on about, follow the jump to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally’s Ranger remark. A big ol’ tip of the cap to Dan!

*UPDATE: Ford continues to tell Autoblog that the new global Ranger is not planned for North America. As we’ve previously reported, the new F-150 will receive an EcoBoost powertrain that should deliver similar economy figures to the Ranger while providing improved size and capability, thereby negating the need for bringing a smaller pickup in this market.

[Source: CNBC]

Continue reading Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there’s been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC’s Squawk Box this morning, Ford’s president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says “new Ranger,” which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we’ve seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we’ve been wondering about anyhow, as we’ve seen more Stateside evaluations of this ‘overseas’ truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn’t come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we’ve continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we’re beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we’re on about, follow the jump to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally’s Ranger remark. A big ol’ tip of the cap to Dan!

[Source: CNBC]

Continue reading Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market?

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market?

After reviewing this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in the previous episode of the Corvette Racing video series, the latest installment looks at the off-track activities that preceded the race. Once the cars and drivers have established their place on the starting grid, they’re able to take a short break from competition to interact with the fans – especially the rabid Danish crowd that showed up to cheer on Jan Magnussen. Judging from the narration, you’d think that eight overall victories at the Circuit de la Sarthe aren’t enough for Tom Kristensen to gain any attention from his countrymen. (If you’ve seen Truth in 24, however, you know full well that the Danes treat TK like a rock star, too.)

Apparently the narrator missed the memo from the marketing department about referring to Chevrolet as Chevy. Rather than vuvuzelas, Le Mans fans prefer to express their enthusiasm using air horns, so the Corvette crew brought a very special one of their own this year. Wanna see? Then check out video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 7 – Le Mans pre-race activities

Video: Corvette Racing Episode 7 – Le Mans pre-race activities

We revel in watching someone get their wits scared out of them in the passenger seat of a car. It’s why we take the time to watch Subaru’s slew of new ads for the 2011 WRX STI sedan any time we’re feeling down. It would appear that we’re in good company. During filming of a somewhat recent episode of the UK’s Fifth Gear, Tiff Needell was charged with scooting the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet around the show’s test course with Jason Plato in the passenger seat. Based on the outtakes, it looks as if it took a few tries to get Plato around the course without a profusion of expletives.

It’s no secret that Needell is one of the hottest shoes around when it comes to coaxing big speed from a vehicle. With a racing resume packed with references to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula One, the guy could run the wheels off a shopping cart. Hit the jump to see Tiff make Plato hold on for dear life. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear Follies – Tiff puts a scare into Jason aboard Porsche 911 Turbo

Video: Fifth Gear Follies – Tiff puts a scare into Jason aboard Porsche 911 Turbo

General Motors may be in the process of acquiring AmeriCredit as a step toward securing a captive in-house financing operation, but the company says it will continue to nurture its relationship with Ally. As you may recall, Ally (formerly GMAC) has financed dealer floor plans for years, and GM says that it will continue to rely on its former financing arm for that very reason. While AmeriCredit has been able to weather the rise and fall of consumer confidence with nary a scratch, the company doesn’t boast same level of assets as other lenders. Note also that AmeriCredit has next to no experience financing dealer floor plans, and it’s easy to see the holes in GM’s financing strategy.

Ally seems happy to fill in those bald spots. According to Automotive News, the company provided financing for around a third of all GM vehicles sold at retail during in the first quarter of 2010 and 90 percent of The General’s vehicles in inventory. That leaves AmeriCredit to take care of subprime borrowers and leasing duties. Consider the two the dynamic duo of GM financing.

[Source: Automotive News]

Despite agreement with AmeriCredit, GM said to keep deal with Ally

The idea of driving around with a glass of water on your dashboard may seem ludicrous, but if Toyota told you that a single glass of water could help you reduce your fuel consumption by 10 percent, would you think differently? Now, Toyota doesn’t want you to literally place a glass of water on the dash. Instead, the company is pushing the idea that driving in such a way that a theoretical glass of water there remains full would reduce fuel consumption significantly. To spread the word about this fuel-saving concept, Toyota has created a website appropriately called “A Glass of Water.”

So, how do you keep this imaginary glass of water topped off at all times? Well, provided you aren’t in a hurry to get somewhere, it should be quite simple. Begin by accelerating gracefully, leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead, brake gently, and apply tactics used by hypermillers.

If you’d like to learn more about Toyota’s “A Glass of Water” challenge and are interested in giving it a try, then click here. iPhone users can also download a virtual glass of water app by clicking here.

[Source: A Glass of Water]

A glass of water a day can help keep your fuel consumption at bay

How does one make the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class more exclusive than it already is? If you’re Mercedes, you unveil the gonzo AMG variants. Appearance-wise, changes are minimal for the 2011 CL63 and CL65 AMG, save for the addition of Mercedes’ new corporate face, which includes the standard LED running-light strip and some small tweaks to the rear fascia. The big news, however, centers on the changes underhood.

Gone is the naturally aspirated 6.3 6.2-liter AMG V8 in favor of a smaller and more powerful 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged mill. In base form, this V8 cranks out 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque (increases of 18 and 125, respectively), and with the optional AMG Performance Package, these numbers increase to an even more robust 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. Sweet stuff, and when matched with Mercedes’ AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic, 0-60 runs will take just 4.4 seconds (4.3 if you opt for the more powerful setup). What’s most impressive, though, is that even with this added power boost, fuel consumption has been reduced by 27 percent. The range-topping CL65 AMG will carry over its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, though Mercedes has managed to coax an additional 17 horsepower from it for 2011. Output for the CL65 is now rated at 621 horses and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Both AMG CLs get a host new standard equipment as well. Mercedes-Benz’s Direct-Steer system is on hand, as is a new crosswind stabilization feature that alters wheel-load distribution to keep things in line during heavy breezes. From there, a new torque-vectoring brake system applies one-sided braking during instances of understeer. The full suite of Mercedes-Benz driver aids is thrown in as well, including drowsiness detection, night-view assist, active lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist. After all, with so much power on tap, you’ll need a nanny (or several) to help keep things in line. Interior upgrades are similar to what we’ve already seen in the 2010 S-Class.

Official pricing hasn’t been released yet, but expect MSRPs to increase slightly over the 2010 models ($145,200 for the CL63 and $207,170 for the CL65). Shoppers in that tax bracket shouldn’t have any trouble shelling out a few grand extra for the latest in CL-Class exclusivity.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG

In life, Mercury was an under-funded brand mainly composed of waterfall grilles stapled to bone-stock Ford models. In death, however, Mercury apparently gets to see some of the money it always dreamed of having when it was alive. According to Automotive News, Ford CFO Lewis Booth claims that shutting down Mercury before the end of this year will cost the Oval roughly $500 million overall. Booth says Ford already took a $247 million charge in the first half of 2010 to cover the neglected marque’s mercy killing.

The lion’s share of the money being spent will go toward buying out 700 of the 1,700 Mercury dealers across the United States. Back in June, we told you about a package that Ford was presenting to dealers who sign a termination agreement. The reported buyout totaled as much as $200,000 per dealership. (Actual dollar amounts for individual dealers were based on the number of vehicles they sold over a three-year period; more cars moved meant more FoMoCo cash received.)

Would a half-billion invested in updated Mercury product instead of a cash-lined casket have made a difference? Mercury’s sales numbers (or lack thereof) suggest that few car shoppers would have even noticed. Ditching Mercury to concentrate on bread-and-butter Ford has seemed like a no-brainer for years. More importantly, Lincoln, which hasn’t exactly lit up the monthly By the Numbers reports of late, should only benefit from the much-needed infusion of resources that were previously being wasted keeping Mercury afloat.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ouch! Killing Mercury said to cost Ford $500 million

A year ago, General Motors needed a $50 billion U.S. government bailout to stave off liquidation. One year later, the Detroit-based automaker is on the precipice of filing for one of the largest initial public offerings in American history. Automotive News quotes unnamed sources who claim GM will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 16. These anonymous sources reportedly added that the goal is to complete the company’s IPO before the November elections – unsurprising when you consider the highly-political nature of The General’s current status (the federal government holds a 60.8% stake in the automaker).

Assuming GM files by August 16 as AN’s sources allege, the move would come just days after the company’s second-quarter earnings announcement. If that’s indeed the case, we think GM plans to announce a sizable profit for the quarter that ended on June 30. After all, there’s nothing more unattractive to investors than a fresh batch of red ink on the ledger.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req.]

GM shooting for mid-August IPO filing?

Our collective blogging heart goes out to Mikko Hirvonen. It’s a shame to see a driver with galaxies worth of talent constantly banished to the lower rungs of the podium by the likes of Sebastien Loeb. Perpetually optimistic, the Finnish hoon seems to be a rarity among the racing driver species. Even in the face of repeated defeat, the guy typically keeps his cool and hopes for the best. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s content to sit back and watch Citroën continue to dominate the WRC and Hirvonen has been beating the life out of his Focus RS racer in preparation for the upcoming Finland Rally.

Fortunately for us, a video of the testing action has made its way to the YouTubes, complete with plenty of shots of the mean Blue Oval in defiance of the laws of gravity. At some point, if we’re very lucky, we just might figure out how the guy manages to get that hatch to pivot mid-air. Click past the jump to waste a little time in the best way possible.

[Source: YouTube via WebRidesTV]

Continue reading Video: Mikko Hirvonen tests WRC Ford Focus, enters low orbit

Video: Mikko Hirvonen tests WRC Ford Focus, enters low orbit

Buick conducted another in its series of webchats and this time product marketing director Roger McCormack attended the party. One of the first real signs of the brand’s rebirth came three years ago with the debut of the Riviera concept. Since then, Buick has focused on launching its mainstream, higher volume products like the LaCrosse and Regal, and the Riviera coupe has languished on the sidelines.

However, McCormack says the coupe concept could live on as a production model. He acknowledged that a coupe is receiving “very strong consideration” and admitted that a convertible would help excite customers, but wasn’t prepared to make any announcements. Even a wagon was not ruled out and could be among the first to join the lineup. A be-hatched version of the Insignia already exists in Europe and a prototype with Regal badges has been spotted in Michigan in the past. No doubt Buick will be watching the sales of the Acura TSX Sportswagon when it arrives this fall in deciding what to do with the Regal. The full transcript of the chat is available here.

[Source: Buick]

Buick to expand line with coupe, convertible and wagon?

Those of you unenamoured of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have an alternative if you’re still interested in procuring one of V-Dub’s entry-level runabouts.

The current SportWagen variant of the Jetta will carry on unchanged for the 2011 model year, complete with better materials, a more sophisticated rear suspension and that useful hatch.

According to TheCarConnection, the decision not to migrate the wagon over to the all-new platform of the 2011 Jetta sedan was a cost-saving measure, so it will continue to be built in Germany using the Mark V’s underpinnings.

But it’s not all wine and roses. While the gas-fed 170-hp five-cylinder and 140-hp TDI diesel four will carry over (the Reagan-era Two-Point-Slow won’t be an option), you’ll still have to deal with the somewhat cramped rear legroom of the current model, as VW has no immediate plans to utilize the new Jetta’s architecture anytime soon. However, expect a few cosmetic upgrades to happen at some point next year to bring the styling more in line with the rest of the VW lineup.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Report: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen won’t be based on new Jetta

Now here’s a curiosity. Our legion of spy photographers managed to lay their lenses on a small sedan testing with a bevy of 2011 Chevrolet Aveo hatchbacks. We aren’t exactly positive, but our best guess is this little guy is the four-door version of the bottom of the Bow Tie line. If true, this is the best look we’ve had at the Aveo sedan – save a few patent drawings – but there are a few complications with the theory.

For starters, very little of this car dovetails with what we’ve seen of the five-door. We could gloss over inconsistencies like vastly different doors, complete with incongruous handles and side view mirrors, but things get murkier when we have a look at the two cars’ lug pattern.

This new creation clearly rocks four lugs, while every other camo’d Aveo we’ve seen uses five. Chances are General Motors probably isn’t interested in using completely different spindles, rotors, wheels, etc. just for a different body style of the same vehicle. So what is it? Your guess is as good as ours.

Spy Shots: Are you the next Chevrolet Aveo sedan?

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has been in U.S. dealerships for over a year now, and demand for Chevy’s newest pony car has been strong from the get-go. And though the Camaro is based off the Australian Zeta platform and built in Oshawa, Canada, it still rocks a Bowtie badge and carries a 6.2-liter small block V8 under the hood. That makes the Camaro an American pony car in our book; one that will (finally) officially go on sale in England early next year.

But before our allies to the east get a chance to pick up a Camaro of their own, Fifth Gear host Jason Plato took the reins of a Bumblebee-flavored Camaro out on the track. Hit the jump to watch Plato show no mercy to the 3,860-pound coupe. In typical UK-reviewer-on-American-car-ese, we definitely hear words like “lazy” and “heavy,” but Plato still looks like a very happy man behind the wheel. If you like smoking tires, oversteer and burnouts you’ll definitely like this video.

[Source: Fifth Gear via Camaro5]

Continue reading Video: Fifth Gear rips it up in Chevrolet Camaro SS

Video: Fifth Gear rips it up in Chevrolet Camaro SS

Oh so tasty. Few things on this planet push our buttons like a cleanly modified car, which is exactly why we’re still drooling over the shots of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta that VW Vortex spotted at this year’s Waterfest. Ze People’s automaker graced the crowd with one squeaky example of its new four-door, complete with a host of new look-faster parts, presumably pulled straight from the Volkswagen Accessories Catalog. Look closely and you’ll spot a smattering of aero additions, including a reworked front bumper, sculpted side skirts and similarly sexy rear fascia. The company also threw a lip spoiler on the rear deck and bolted up a set of blacked-out wheels.

As far as we know, VW didn’t lay a finger on the car’s engine bay, which means that even if the Jetta is packed with the company’s most potent turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, we’re still looking at around 200 horsepower. If it were us, we’d be hunting up an ECU reflash to eek out a few extra ponies to match the menacing looks. If you want to put your eyes on a few extra shots of the car, head on over to VW Vortex for the full monty.

[Source: VW Vortex]

VW shows off hotted-up 2011 Jetta at Waterfest

Good news if you’ve been itching to get a look at something other than a renderings and grainy detail shots of the Mopar ‘10 Challenger. Dodge has just dropped a hefty batch of photos of the model in full. Supposedly, the company is only building 500 examples of the car, each of with a price tag of $39,000 if you want a six-speed manual. If you can live your life with a slushbox, Dodge will give you the car for $38,000. For that kind of coin, you get a raucous hood scoop and your choice of three accent colors.

Likewise, the interior will also wear a slew of new niceties, including Mopar logos embroidered in the side bolsters of both front seats, matching thread accents and a new steering wheel. Unfortunately, the car is based off of an R/T model, so don’t expect to see the heavy-breathing 6.1-liter V8 from the Challenger SRT8 under the hood.

[Source: Chrysler]

Dodge releases 2010 Mopar Challenger pics

There’s crazy, and then there’s this level of all-out insanity. A group of longboarders in New Zealand have taken to hopping onto the local highway and coasting down a sizable hill while overtaking local traffic. The speed limit? A heady 56 mph. Police first became aware of the daredevils via a video posted on YouTube. Apparently Canadian Andrew Chapman first posted the quick film on Facebook. From there, it didn’t take long for the exploits to make their way to the rest of the internet – and the law.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the boarders cover about 1.5 miles of State Highway 1 before pulling off the roadway and coming to a stop. If that’s not bat guano enough for you, one of the characters in the video is clearly seen riding barefoot. Interestingly enough, the crew isn’t forbidden from using their boards on the road. Since it changes from a motorway to an expressway at the top of the hills, though, law enforcement could technically charge the longboarders with failing to keep left or reckless driving. Hit the jump to see the video.

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]

Continue reading Video: Crazy Kiwi skateboarders draw ire for passing trucks at high speed on busy road

Video: Crazy Kiwi skateboarders draw ire for passing trucks at high speed on busy road

Toyota and Honda may be improving the images of their minivans, but we mustn’t forget about the company that started it all: Chrysler. The very first Dodge Grand Caravan went on sale 27 years ago, and through all of the ups and downs that the automaker has faced over the years (especially in recent times), the Grand Caravan and Town & Country twins have always been a mainstay.

The current pair of minivans was introduced for the 2008 model year, so it’s only fitting that a slight mid-cycle refresh is on deck, and the folks at The Detroit News have snagged some spy shots of a Town & Country prototype out testing. In addition to modest exterior updates that include things like LED taillamps and a reworked rear bumper, expect Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to be slotted under the hood. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, this should account for a healthy improvement in fuel economy, not to mention power.

What’s most important for minivan shoppers, though, is interior refinement, and the 2011 T&C is expected to get a host of cabin upgrades. More comfortable seats, higher-quality materials and an integrated center console will be on hand, and we’d expect the nifty Stow ‘N Go and Swivel ‘N Go seating configurations to carry over, as well. Look for similar improvements to make their way into the Dodge Grand Caravan, as well. Thanks for the tip, Aaron!

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country nip/tuck spotted

Want more proof that Ford is really starting to pick up some serious momentum? The Wall Street Journal is reporting that The Blue Oval will follow up its $2.1 billion first quarter profits with another $1.6 billion $2.6 billion in black ink for the second quarter. That’s a far cry from the $424 million the automaker lost in the second quarter of last year and another big step towards sustained financial success. Ford is making money in part because of restructured costs, but also because of increased awareness in its well-reviewed new products.

Ford is looking better on many fronts, including models with more competitive pricing, higher residual values, improved quality and sales increases that are outpacing most of its rivals. Ford now has a competitive small and midsize car lineup for the first time in decades, but the big money is still coming from larger vehicles. F-150 sales, for example, are up 25 percent for the quarter, while Super Duty sales are reportedly up 55 percent. In terms of average transaction prices, another success has been the revamped Taurus, which is fetching a whopping $6,300 more than the outgoing model and $850 more than the average Toyota Avalon.

UPDATE: Ford officially announced earnings of $2.6 billion for Q2, 2010. Revenue for the quarter was $31.1 billion, up from $26.8 billion in Q2, 2009.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req.]

Report: Ford to report $2.6B second-quarter profit