Autoblog

Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne

Alex Nunez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:31:00 EST

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Porsche Cayenne diesel

Porsche made it all official today. New European regulations that result in tax credits for diesel vehicles have spurred the automaker to drop an oil-burner under the hood of the Cayenne starting in February, 2009. Audi's 3.0L TDI V6 gets the call and will give the Cayenne diesel 240 horsepower, a peak torque rating of 405 lb-ft and a 25 mpg fuel economy number. The all-important (in Europe) CO2 emissions number is 244 g/km. There are no visual indicators to distinguish the diesel from the gas-powered base Cayenne. You have to look under the hood, where the engine cover is emblazoned with "3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel Injection" if you're hell-bent on finding some branding.

While the diesel Cayenne is a Europe-only model for now, Porsche pretty much says that other markets and countries are to follow. Will that include us? Who knows. You can bet that Stuttgart's going to keep tabs on how well Mercedes' new Bluetec trucks and Audi's forthcoming U.S.-market Q7 TDI do in the States before it makes a decision. We don't see them shipping over the Cayenne diesel unless it's pretty clear that it'll find an audience. The full press release from Porsche is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne Diesel

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne

Officially Official: Europe gets diesel Porsche Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Touareg V6 TDI price: $42,800

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Volkswagen

A gent named Chris at VW of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, just received the order guide for the Touareg V6 TDI, and the numbers reveal that it will arrive on our shores in January with a base price of $42,800, or $43,490 with the destination charge. That base price is $3,500 more than the Touareg V6 FSI, money that will get you slightly less horsepower but about 150 lb-ft. more torque and about 4.5 more mpg. Options include the Luxury Package for $2,700, Tech Package for $3,350, and Luxury Plus for $5,400. If you want to do something with your Touareg other than go get hotdogs, the rear locking diff is $700, a trailer hitch runs you $500, and you can throw in the silkiness that is the four-corner air suspension for $2,750. There's no word yet on invoice pricing, and it will be interesting to see if people stump up for the premium without getting huge deals on the lot.

[Source: Club Touareg]

VW Touareg V6 TDI price: $42,800 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS

Drew Phillips — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the edo competition Cayenne GTS

For Porsche Cayenne GTS owners who wish they would've opted for the forced induction 'ute, edo competition has come up with a performance and styling package that helps close the gap between the two models. The German tuner adds another 45 horsepower through the use of high-flow cats, a performance air filter, and a recalibration of the ECU. As a result, the Cayenne GTS is capable of reaching 60 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Handling and braking is improved with massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes and an adjustable sport suspension. Other upgrades include 22-inch forged wheels, power dome hood, a new front fascia, and a variety of interior options. Full details are in the press release after the jump, and plenty of high-res photographs can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Edo Competition Porsche Cayenne GTS

[Source: edo competition]

Continue reading edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS

edo competition takes on the Porsche Cayenne GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What does Lewis Hamilton drive?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities

Newly-crowned Formula one world champion Lewis Hamilton may have to wait a little while longer to get his hands on that bright orange McLaren F1 LM, but what does he drive in the meantime? Gunning for the title all season in the Mercedes-powered McLaren MP4-23, he certainly isn't lacking for a fast ride on the weekends, and he'd surely have his pick of any Mercedes car in the German automaker's vast lineup. But while the Mercedes SLR McLaren might be a natural choice, Lewis chooses to drive the daily grind in a diesel sport-ute. Specifically, a Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI. "At the track," explains Lewis, "I always drive on the limit, but on public roads I like to relax, kick back and cruise. The GL's perfect for that."

[Source: What Car?]

What does Lewis Hamilton drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA: Save us Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, SUVs, Subaru, Police/Emergency, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for high-res gallery of the Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle

Leave the Saint Bernards at home, honey, we've got something better. The Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle was made for the National Ski Patrol -- an organization we had never heard of until we saw this truck. On its tiptoes it has 14 inches of clearance, and the staid passenger car driving compartment is balanced by the diamond plate floor and steel walls in the rear. Its got more flashing lights than K-Mart, and a 9,500-pound winch in case you need to rescue snowcats. And apparently, when ski time is over, you can hop in the toboggan that's mounted on the roof. Or you can put injured people in it. Your choice. Have a look at the mighty mountain rescue ranger vehicle in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle

SEMA: Save us Subaru Mountain Rescue Vehicle! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura, Rendered Speculation

UPDATE: Image removed at request of owner.

At first we couldn't understand why the BMW X6 was birthed, and then we couldn't figure out why Acura of all companies needed to create something to compete with it. Top Speed has rendered unto us what such an enigma might look like, and, well, it ain't all bad. That's probably because it looks like an MDX with a descending roofline out back. Of course, it's impossible to know how much of any rendering is pure fiction, but The Majestic Shield of Acura matched with those lights and a proper amount of real estate could be the ideal pairing of design features and suitable canvas. Porsche's floating LEDs in the front bumper don't go astray, either. We still can't say it makes sense, but Acura, if you're really going to do this, have a look here first.

[Source: Top Speed]

Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:17:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, SUVs, Kia

Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Borrego Limited SEMA Concept

With the Escalade on the ropes, it looks like Kia might step in to rescue all those lovers of blacked-out blinged-up chromed-out big-wheeled SUVs. The metallic black Borrego Limited Concept that debuted at SEMA today gets chrome exterior mirrors, chrome upper and lower grilles, chrome door handles, a chrome rear bumper insert, and "flashy 22-inch Avarus chrome wheels." Inside it gets (faux) alligator skin. That's right. A Kia Borrego with (faux) alligator skin. And what good is a (faux) alligator without a TV and a DVD player to complete that "assertive and sophisticated stance fit for a motorcade as much as cruising down the Vegas strip." True, this would be generic medication compared to the Escalade's real deal, but it'll be much cheaper and probably still get the job done. Maybe. But watch out for the side effects. Have a look at the not-quite-reptilian Borrego in the gallery of high-res photos below. Oh, and for the record, the Soul will be officially revealed on the 19th, at the LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2008 SEMA: Kia Borrego Limited Concept

Gallery: Kia Borrego Limited Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression

SEMA 2008: Kia Borrego Limited Concept does its best Escalade impression originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, I.C.E., Tech, Hyundai

Not too long ago, Hyundai didn't compete directly with anything coming out of Germany (or perhaps that's the other way around). Now Hyundai is determined not to let up on its recently-made foes. Today it unveiled the R-Engine, a new diesel in two capacities that the company says "can comfortably beat the power outputs of all German and French competitors." So there.

The Euro-V compliant, common-rail lumps come in 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter flavors, each with piezo-electric fuel injectors and electronic variable geometry turbos. Refinement comes via an internal, silent steel timing chain and a lower balance shaft housed in a stiffened ladder-frame housing. Weight has also been reduced thanks to a head cover, intake manifold and oil filter housing all made from plastic.

The 2.0-liter R-Engine puts out 181 hp and 289 lb-ft. That compares to 170 hp and 258 lb-ft for Audi's 2.0-liter TDI. The 2.2 liter Hyundai diesel pushes 197 hp and 321 lb-ft. , which compares with 215 hp and 398 lb.-ft. for Mecedes' 3.2-liter BLUETEC CDI.

Hyundai says the first vehicles to get the new diesel R engine will be SUVs and large sedans sold in Europe. Unfortunately, there appear to be no plans to bring it to the U.S. where our diesel emissions standards are higher than the Old Country's, at least for now.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine

Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyker D12 finally gets green light for production

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Spyker

Click above for hghi-res gallery of the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV

You would think that with the economy in shambles and public opinion mounting against high-powered SUVs, the idea of creating a $300k exotic super-sport-utility would be a non-starter. You would think, but you'd be wrong, as the latest reports indicate that troubled Dutch niche automaker Spyker has finally given the green for its D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV.

The concept, which was designed by Michiel van den Brink (the same guy behind the 599 GTO project, among others), initially made its debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, with a pre-production version bowing the following year. Power was initially tipped to come from a VW Group-sourced 500-hp W12 engine, but later reports suggested a switch to American V8 muscle (likely from GM or Ford). Development, meanwhile, may benefit from Lotus engineering input. Previous reports also suggested the D12 would hit production sometime next year, and indicated pricing now pegs the sticker at £186k, approximately $295,000 at today's rates. In order to remain viable, Spyker will need to bring the model to the American market, but the price is sure to be adjusted closer to $200k, still making it the most expensive and most exotic production SUV known to man.

Gallery: pre-production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

[Source: Autocar]

Spyker D12 finally gets green light for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, Rumormill

We reported last month that General Motors could move the next Cadillac Escalade to its Lambda platform that's currently used by the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse, and now GM Inside News is reporting via an inside source that the Suburban/Yukon XL may also get the unibody treatment. With replacements for the smaller Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Escalade reportedly cancelled, we think all signs are pointing to each GMT900-based SUV moving over to the Lambda platform with some of the current slow-selling Lambda-based models being cut altogether.

But the craziness doesn't end there. GM Inside News also reports an even more surprising vehicle could get moved to the crossover platform: the Dodge Caravan, assuming of course that the General follows through on talks to purchase Chrysler from Cerberus. You may recall that GM abandoned the minivan market earlier this year in favor of its Lambda-based crossovers.

The Lambda platform must be extremely modular if it can be stretched enough to accommodate the size of the Suburban along with the people- and cargo-carrying capacity of a Dodge minivan. Also on the rumormill menu is a possible Chevrolet version of the minivan. These changes are supposedly set to take place by 2014, and plenty of things can and will change by then. In other words, talk this all with a grain of salt.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW V5

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

A BMW V5 prototype has been let loose under a wardrobe's worth of camo, but you can still see it remains true to the early renderings. That might be a good thing if anyone has really decided they need a stretched X6. Based on the X6's slower-than-expected U.S. sales, maybe the extra room is what people are waiting for, and the trifecta for this latest niche-creating could be: not quite car, not quite SUV, lots o' room. (See "Toyota Venza" for comparison.) BMW's name for it, however, is just as kooky as Venza: Progressive Activity Sedan. Which means things could be getting a little Pretentiously Asinine over Munich way...

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: BMW V5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure

John Neff — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Lexus

Click above for gallery of 2010 Lexus RX leaked shots

Thanks to an astute Autoblog tipster, we have our very first look at the upcoming redesigned 2010 Lexus RX ahead of its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show next month. As you can see in the gallery below, which show shots from what appears to be a Japanese brochure, the new RX will retain the same basic shape and styling cues as the current model, but has been gone over with some fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges. In traditional Lexus fashion, while the new RX may look similar to the old one, we're absolutely certain every body panel is all new. The redesigned interior also features a seriously swoopy dash.

The new RX is also rumored to be larger than the current model with a longer wheelbase that may accommodate a third row of seating for the first time. We expect a revised version of the current model's 3.5L V6 to be offered, probably with more power and better fuel economy, as well as a new version of the RX400h hybrid. Take a look at the sneak preview in the gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments. Thanks for the tip, Stan!

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX - leaked shots

2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Lexus

Click any image for a high-res gallery

Lexus decided that its presence at SEMA should revolve around its most tuner-friendly models, specifically its range of IS sedans. So in addition to the Five Axis IS F that's been making the rounds since late last year, Lexus has tapped some notable names in tuning, along with a few magazines, to create a handful of bespoke vehicles to populate its booth. But the IS 350 and four tweaked IS Fs won't stand alone. They'll be joined by another Five Axis creation built around the GS 460, along with an LX 570 SUV created by the crew at Icon 4x4 Design.

Click here for our take on each model, along with official details on each IS F, the Lexus' F-sport-tuned IS 350 and the big 'ute.

Gallery: Lexus at SEMA 2008

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570

SEMA Preview: Lexus reveals four tuned IS Fs, IS 350 and LX570 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups

Pickup and SUV sales plummeted when gas hit $4 per gallon, and many thought these gas-guzzling segments would never fully recover. That may be true, but for now Americans are once again getting more comfortable with trucks and SUVs. Truck sales fell below 10% of overall vehicle sales back in May and June, but the price of gas falling from an average of $4.11 per gallon to $2.78 has helped the share of trucks rise to 14.1% of the overall market for September. Depending on how buyers react to the financial crisis, October could be even better as gas prices have continued to go down. SUVs have seen a smaller but still significant jump in overall share, going from 1.9% in May to 2.5% in September - a big improvement for a shrinking segment.

Much of the increased interest in trucks and SUVs can easily be attributed to huge incentives on the hoods of these hefty haulers, but gas prices are a big factor, as well. And while most analysts feel the truck market won't recover until construction picks back up, we're sure automakers are happy to see an increase in sales for their most profitable vehicles, even if it takes a pile of cash on the hood to get them moving.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]

How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

The full-size SUV's future is on shaky legs and now, reports have surfaced that General Motors has killed the next generation Tahoe and Yukon 'utes, just weeks after announcing it would shutter its SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. Of course, if that pair is buried, the Suburban and the Cadillac Escalade that use the same platform must also come to an end, at least in their current form.

Past reports indicate that the ultra-lux ride from Caddy will move to the Lambda platform for its next generation. The Tahukon pair had been slated for a redesign in 2011, and since that's reportedly not going to happen, the duo's future is definitely in question. GM will probably keep churning out the current version until it's no longer profitable to do so.

These days, any story about the General would be incomplete without some mention of Chrysler, and this one's no different. America's number three automaker just announced just last week that it would be phasing out its full-sized 'utes as well. Therefore, any possible merger of the two companies would carry on without a new large SUV platform at all. How the times have changed.

[Source: The New York Times via Inside Line]

Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUVs, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Touareg 2 Race

Volkswagen Motorsport is putting four factory-backed teams in next year's 'Dakar' Rally, which will actually be held in South America, and they'll all be driving the new Race Touareg 2. The insanely intricate spaceframe chassis vehicles are being built in Germany and will use will use a 2.5-liter TDI with 276 hp and. The 15-stage race is expected to be more grueling than usual because of the extreme changes in altitude and terrain, but perhaps it will give other teams a chance to break Mitsubishi's seven-year chokehold on the winner's dais. Volkswagen's best chance at victory could be with driver Carlos Sainz, the 1990 WRC champion, and navigator Michel Perlin, a three-time Dakar winning navigator. The last -- and only -- time VW won the Dakar Rally was in 1980, with the Volkswagen Iltis.

Gallery: Volkswagen Race Touareg 2

Continue reading Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar

Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Touareg V10 TDI

When the Volkswagen Touareg first arrived around five years ago, the SUV became the first production home to Volkswagen's then-new V10 TDI engine. However, as the old saw goes, "Time waits for no man"... or machine apparently. After a relatively short run, Volkswagen's 5.0L V10 turbodiesel is soon being consigned to the scrap heap of history. Increasingly stringent emissions requirements have meant that the V10 could only be sold in 45 states for the last two years with sales in the large market of California being verboten.

The Touareg will, of course, live on, and the TDI version will be transformed early next year into a new 50-state legal version using the same 3.0L diesel V6 that propels the Q7 we drove during the recent Audi Mileage Marathon. The Touareg itself was not only the first application for the diesel V10, it was also Volkswagen's first SUV. The architecture of the Touareg was developed in cooperation with long-time "friend" Porsche who happen to use the same platform for its Cayenne. Later, Audi popped out its own longer wheelbase variant as the Q7. Find out what it's like to live with this lame duck diesel beast after the jump.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: R-Class facelift

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Mercedes-Benz

The R-Class won a design award, went on tour with the Rolling Stones, was dropped in price, and still sold so poorly that Mercedes admitted the car was a failure. Yet M-B head man Dieter Zetsche said the car isn't going away, so as one does with continuing product, the R-Class is getting some face and tail work done. Those who whisper about such things indicate that the car will end up looking more like the B-Class. We're not sure that will help it, since it looks much like the B-Class already and that car isn't exactly a looker, either. We think the R might be better served if Mercedes could explain why anyone should choose it over the E-Class wagon or GL-Class SUVs... and when the GLK arrives, well, good luck to you, R-Class.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: R-Class facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Alex Nunez — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Green, GM, Saturn, First Drive

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler closing Newark plant early, cutting shift in Toledo

John Neff — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: SUVs, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler LLC has just announced two measures to help the privately-owned automaker scale back production to meet lower demand in the marketplace. The first is to move up the closure of its Newark Assembly Plant, which builds the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, from late 2009 to December 31, 2008. The second is to eliminate one of two shifts at the Toledo North Assembly plant that builds the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty, also effective December 31. Chrysler says the Newark plant employs 1,000 workers, while 825 will be affected by the shift reduction in Toledo. According to The Detroit News, those 1,825 workers out of a job represent about 6% of Chrysler's hourly-workforce. These moves will also likely spell the end for the Durango and Aspen SUVs, as Newark is the only plant producing them and has been scaled back to one shift since July 2006.

[Source: Chrysler, The Detroit News, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Chrysler closing Newark plant early, cutting shift in Toledo

Chrysler closing Newark plant early, cutting shift in Toledo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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