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Our spy photographers managed to spot something curious (and decidedly hilarious) recently. General Motors has been busy testing what would appear to be Chevrolet Volt models with massive 20-inch wheels and tires in place of the low-rolling resistance pieces on the stock plug-in.

Why? Guesses are slim at the moment, but one hypothesis is that this is actually our first glimpse at a Cadillac Converj test mule. That vehicle will make use of an altered version of the Voltec drivetrain found in the Chevrolet, albeit bolted to flashier wheels. The luxury hybrid has been an on-again-off-again affair for General Motors since the concept first rolled across the stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Last we heard, the Converj is on track for launch in either 2013 or 2014. If true, now would be the time to begin working out any engineering bugs on the rumored Voltec 1.5 system. With luxury buyers more willing to hand over stacks of cash for new technology, the Converj could make quite a bit more sense to buyers than the Volt. Or bolting chrome dubs to a hybrid, for that matter.

Is this dub-rockin’ Chevrolet Volt actually a Cadillac Converj in disguise?

The slow drip of official information for Nissan’s 2013 Altima continues to spread across the internet. Today, the Japanese automaker has unveiled a (very) short video clip and a shady single image that hints at the expressive profile sheetmetal on its new family sedan. The video is very brief, but together with the other images we’ve seen depicting the new boomerang-shaped taillamps, headlamps and overhead view, we’re starting to mentally stitch together a composite view of the new car.

We couldn’t resist helping Nissan accelerate its reveal process by tinkering with Photoshop’s brightness and contrast controls a bit. You can see the result in our gallery which reveals a nicely rounded three-window greenhouse and a set of split five-spoke alloys. In addition, check out the short video after the jump while you’re waiting for live shots and impressions to drop from New York.

Continue reading Latest 2013 Nissan Altima teaser shows strong profile [w/video]

Latest 2013 Nissan Altima teaser shows strong profile [w/video]

Swedish Model Goes To The Polestar Gym, Comes Back Stronger

BMW has its M Division. Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Audi has a range of S- and RS-badged models. Volvo has… well, what does Volvo have, anyway? Yes, we’re all familiar with the brand’s sterling reputation for safety, and in recent times, for attractive Swedish design. Not long ago, with the introduction of the latest S60 sedan, Volvo even took a stab at injecting some so-called naughtiness into its machinery. And while all those adjectives are welcome, Volvo’s reputation in the United States has never really included performance, despite some credible offerings like the 240 Turbo, 850R and S60R.

Interestingly enough, that’s not necessarily the case in its home market of Sweden, where Volvo has been racing and winning in competition for years, oftentimes with the assistance of a tuning company known as Polestar. Since 1996, Volvo has been working with Polestar in an official capacity, and for 2012, the automaker is introducing its United States customers to a slew of Polestar-infused models.

Volvo’s entire range of five- and six-cylinder models have been bolstered with performance updates from Polestar, and for the purposes of this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the XC60 crossover. As it turns out, this Swedish ‘ute offers up plenty of reasons for consideration, even in the face of stiff opposition from Volvo’s formidable competition in the entry-level luxury segment.

Continue reading 2012 Volvo XC60 R-Design

2012 Volvo XC60 R-Design

Station wagons, as pointed out by ex-Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman, are boring. “It’s the penalty you pay for falling in love and having children,” he says.

Sure, just so long as your children like to go fast, at least when the chosen conveyance to move those booster seats from Point A to Point B is either the wagon version of the Cadillac CTS-V or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, as tested by Motor Trend in the video you’ll see after the break.

Without spoiling any of the salient details, we’ll say that one car was a wee bit quicker, crossing the finish line a scant 79 feet ahead of its rival after a half-mile of acceleration to speeds surpassing 150 miles per hour, while the other was deemed the overall better car for enthusiast drivers.

Which was which? See the video below for all the answers you crave, along with some brilliant exhaust notes from these two rare wagon-shaped beasts.

Continue reading Motor Trend pits Cadillac CTS-V vs Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in wagon-off

Motor Trend pits Cadillac CTS-V vs Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in wagon-off

Our spy photographers have nabbed the first glimpse at the upcoming Audi Q6 – a crossover that’s being designed to give the BMW X6 something to torment on the playground. These shots show that the Q6 will ride on an altered version of same platform underpinning the current Q5, but from the look of things, the Q6 is a good bit longer and wider than its donor with a little extra ride height to boot. Of course, this is simply a test mule undergoing development, so don’t count on the thoroughly awkward B-pillar we see in these shots making it all the way to production.

So far, the German automaker hasn’t said much about what buyers can expect to find under the hood, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see anything other than a selection of the same troop of engines currently powering the company’s stable. That means a powertrain lifted from the parts bin of the Q5 and the Q7. A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 would provide a nice foil for the 300-horsepower X6 xDrive35i, though more thrust would be necessary to parry the X6 xDrive50i with its 400-horsepower, turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The company’s home market will likely get one or two diesel powerplants, as well.

Audi Q6 mule spotted testing

Mazda’s new compact crossover is coming out of the gate strong, with the 2013 CX-5 garnering generally good reviews that include praise for its fuel economy and best-in-class handling. Now, Mazda can tout a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as well. The CX-5 snagged “Good” ratings across the board, including front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.

The CX-5 joins its stablemate, the Mazda3, on the 2012 Top Safety Pick list, which is growing rapidly. Just in the small SUV class that the CX-5 is categorized in, eight models are now listed, including the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags), Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Click past the jump to read the full press release from Mazda, as well as watch the CX-5’s IIHS crash test video.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 latest to get IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels [w/video]

2013 Mazda CX-5 latest to get IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels [w/video]

Audi has resurrected its Twitter campaign to put lucky fans behind the wheel of an R8 for a day. The program generated a massive amount of attention last year, spurring the company to bring it back for Round Two. It all got started when Joanne McCoy tweeted using the hashtag #WantAnR8 in early 2011. Audi showed up at her Washington, D.C. home with a brand-new mid-engined sports car for the day, and the company went on to share the love. So far, the hashtag has been used over 75,000 times since its inception, but that number is expected to skyrocket.

The new contest is available for entry until October 29. For 2012, Audi is splitting the campaign into four entry periods, with two winners from each period. That means there will be a total of eight winners this go around. Those who take the top prize will have the choice of either driving the R8 on a track at the company’s Audi Sportscar Experience in Sonoma, CA or have the car delivered to their house. Tough call.

Audi has released a new commercial to announce the return of the campaign. Click past the jump for a look see.

Continue reading Audi’s #WantAnR8 Twitter ad campaign returns

Audi’s #WantAnR8 Twitter ad campaign returns

So a new Sonata isn’t as exciting as a new Chevrolet Corvette, but given the enthusiasm the current Hyundai midsize sedan has generated around these parts, musing about what might be coming down the pipeline is worth at least a few minutes. Hyundai’s Korean CEO Kim Choon-ho has told Reuters that a “revamped” Sonata is due in just two years, following closely on the heels of a new Genesis in late 2013.

In case you haven’t been paying attention, we have loved the new Sonata and its Optima cousin from Kia ever since they first hit our shores back in 2010. This pair is the class of the midsize class, and we can only wonder what Hyundai has planned to keep them on top, given the fierce competition.

We’d suspect the new Sonata will be launched here as a 2015 model, which would make some sense. Though we haven’t driven it yet, the new-for-2013 Ford Fusion looks poised to bring the goods, and the next generation of the hot-selling Nissan Altima will soon be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

Revamped Hyundai Sonata due in 2014

We can’t quite explain why we’re so drawn pre-production test mules. Maybe we just like the thought of seeing a vehicle as it grows from concept to reality or being able to take a peak into the engineering behind a car that will hit production soon. Either way, videos like the one after the jump flip all the right switches for us. Like Wired, EVO recently got the chance to ride along in an early version of the 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder. With two electric motors and kicking V8, the car is good for a dizzying 770 horsepower combined.

EVO gives us our closest look yet at the vehicle’s driveline, including the 80-kW electric motor in the front and the 90-kW motor in the rear. Interestingly, as Evo points out, the 918 can be powered purely on the front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels. That’s right, this is the first production front-wheel drive Porsche, even if it’s only likely to operate as such a sliver of the time. Even with all the technological whizzbangery on board, the 918 still sounds like a true Porsche when the 570 horsepower V8 barks to life. Porsche has worked to keep as much of the vehicle’s weight below the center line as possible, and as a result, the engineers had to resort to some cleverness when it comes to exhaust routing and the like. Hit the jump to see what we mean.

Continue reading Watch and hear a Porsche 918 Spyder running chassis with Evo

Watch and hear a Porsche 918 Spyder running chassis with Evo

We Bond With Gaydon’s Gorgeous Tweener

“You need to get in touch with Steven Ewing right away,” said the instant message. It was from Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, and since fleet manager Ewing was online, I pinged him. “Hey, are you available to grab an Aston Martin Virage for the weekend?” he asked. “There’s one in New York.”

Before answering, a flurry of thoughts raced through my head. Did I have plans this weekend? How much would I really get to drive the car? I don’t usually go into the city on Fridays. Should I make the exception? Then I looked out my window, saw the Nissan Versa I was scheduled to drive that very same weekend and banged out a brief reply.

“Yeah, Steve. I can do that.”

Continue reading 2012 Aston Martin Virage

2012 Aston Martin Virage

Automotive News reports Porsche is hard at work on a plug-in hybrid version of its Panamera. According to unnamed sources, the vehicle is likely to begin production in 2014 and will be destined for the U.S. market. The move is part of a larger plug-in offensive from Volkswagen. VW owns 49.9 percent of Porsche and plans to debut electrified versions of its Audi Q7 and A3 as well as the European Passat. Those vehicles will reportedly trickle to market between 2014 and 2015. An all-electric Golf is also due in 2013.

Volkswagen has already made it clear the company believes the future of green driving lies in diesels and plug-in hybrids, saying the latter combines the best elements of electric propulsion and internal combustion without the compromises of a hybrid. So, why introduce plug-ins in the automaker’s luxury brands? Volkswagen claims high-end buyers are more likely to take long trips, and thus need the range-extending capability of an internal combustion engine as well. Us? We think it’s easier for well-heeled buyers to absorb the technology’s cost premium in their already higher MSRPs.

Porsche Panamera to get plug-in model for 2014?

Remember that new 36-mpg 2012 BMW 3 Series we were so excited about, the 328i that got better fuel economy in EPA testing than even the old 335d diesel model? Well, those early estimates haven’t held up.

BMW has confirmed to Autoblog that the EPA has issued revised numbers for the eight-speed automatic-equipped F30 328i, with highway fuel economy taking a 3-mile-per-gallon hit to 33 mpg and the city number dropping by a single digit to 23 mpg. BMW is investigating the discrepancy but says the 2012 figure will stay at 33. Spokesman Tom Plucinsky: “Unfortunately, there is no provision in the EPA rules for a re-test this year. Therefore regardless of the results of our investigation, the new rating will stand for this model year.”

Though BMW says its testing showed the car capable of 36 mpg on the highway, the EPA decided to validate BMW’s numbers and came away with different results. As we type this, the government’s fueleconomy.gov website has not yet been updated, though BMW’s consumer website reflects the new numbers. According to Plucinsky, buyers of the six-speed manual 328i can expect to see a 34 mpg highway figure on their window sticker, which fueleconomy.gov corroborates at 23/34.

What’s surprising about this situation is that when we test drove the new 3 Series last fall, BMW told our Matt Davis it was estimating only 32 mpg highway. Plucinsky suggests that perhaps the 32-mpg figure was an “early estimate was based on the previous version of the 328i.”

While the efficiency hit is disappointing, even with the downgrade to 33-to-34 miles per gallon, the 3 Series’ fuel economy figures are still class-leading, besting competitors including the Acura TL and TSX, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

With all of that said, we can’t help but wonder if this development will add fuel to the fire of those who have been clamoring for the EPA to “retest” the fuel economy of vehicles in the wake of owner complaints?

Click past the jump to read BMW’s email explanation to us in full.

Continue reading BMW forced to lower 2012 3 Series automatic fuel economy to 33 mpg

BMW forced to lower 2012 3 Series automatic fuel economy to 33 mpg

2013 Fords, Volkswagen XL1, Toyota Prius C sales, 2013 Nissan Altima

Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Zach, Dan, and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert cover our recent drive of the 2013 Ford Mustang (as well as some other Ford products), the Volkswagen XL1, the Toyota Prius C outselling the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf’s combined yearly total in three days, and the forthcoming 2013 Nissan Altima. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #274:

• 2013 Ford Mustang GT
• Volkswagen XL1 spy shots
• Toyota Prius C outsells Volt, Leaf in three days
• 2013 Nissan Altima teaser

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Infiniti FX50S
2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2013 Lexus GS 350
2012 Dodge Charger

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #274

Autoblog Podcast #274

Chrysler has a lot of proof that its Detroit-centric brand ads are a big hit, including the potentially illegal use of the “Imported From Detroit” name. Chrysler and clothing company Pure Detroit have been locked in a legal battle over the use of “Imported From Detroit,” but it appears the two sides may be willing to settle out of court.

The Detroit News reports that the parties involved have agreed to a March 27 mediation to settle the dispute. An out-of-court settlement might make sense for Chrysler, since the multi-national automaker is dropping the legal hammer on a local Detroit company that is living the “Imported From Detroit” mantra.

The Pure Detroit team has also hit hard with criticisms that the three vehicles featured in the ads were not built in Detroit, though the 200 is built in nearby Sterling Heights. Still, Chrysler has every right to defend its marketing turf, and the automaker is selling its own merchandise, with proceeds going to charity.

If the two sides cannot agree to settle out of court, a trial reportedly won’t take place until August.

Chrysler and Pure Detroit agree to “Imported From Detroit” mediation

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

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

We’re almost ready to record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast, and you can check out the topics below, add your own to the Q&A and join us live via UStream, as well, and we’ve embedded our UStream player after the jump. Thanks for listening!

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274

• • 2013 Ford Mustang GT
  • Volkswagen XL1 spy shots
  • Toyota Prius C outsells Volt, Leaf in three days
  • 2013 Nissan Altima teaser

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #274 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern

Autoblog Podcast #274 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern

“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

We record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and Chris Shunk is returning to the host chair with a vengance. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274

• 2013 Ford Mustang GT
• Volkswagen XL1 spy shots
• Toyota Prius C outsells Volt, Leaf in three days
• 2013 Nissan Altima teaser

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #274 LIVE

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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