autos map: September 2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Oshkosh Defense L-ATV

he U.S. Army's Humvee multipurpose vehicle is on its way to being retired, and Oshkosh Defense's L-ATV is a top contender for its replacement.

Oshkosh's Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, which helps increase its potential range compared to the outgoing Humvee. In this case, more range means it can spend more time on the front lines and conduct lengthy missions without the worries of running out of fuel.

The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept, which previews the production model set for debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, was unveiled on Thursday.

The concept debuted at the 2011 Orange County International Auto Show here.

Honda is clearly taking an edgier design approach with the 2012 CR-V, saying its intent was to make it look more like an SUV. The concept gets beefy fender flares, a more aggressive-looking face and a lower front bumper. The CR-V Concept also gets large five-spoke machined alloy wheels and a more dramatic take on the CR-V's vertical taillights.

The 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle outperformed the 2013 Ford Police Interceptor in recent Michigan State Police testing, said General Motors in a statement on Wednesday.

Ford said that its 2013 Ford Police Interceptors did well in Michigan State Police testing, but avoided citing specific performance statistics.

GM said the Caprice PPV 6.0-liter V8 was the best-in-class in the 60-zero mph braking test for the second straight year with a 125.8-foot stopping distance.

The redesigned 2012 Hyundai Azera will be unveiled in November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, confirmed Hyundai on Wednesday. The 2012 Hyundai Azera will go on sale early next year.

"We're in the final stages of ride/handling tuning for the 2012 Azera, and it's dialing in nicely," said John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America on the company's Twitter account.

After a slow striptease on Facebook, the Infiniti JX concept, a preview of the 2013 Infiniti JX due out in the spring, made its world debut on Thursday at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The production version of the seven-passenger 2013 Infiniti JX will debut in November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The BBC is defending Top Gear's jokes about Mexicans being "lazy" and "flatulent" during a recent review of the Mastretta, a Mexican sports car. The remarks have caused an outrage in Mexico, where lawmakers are considering a motion of censure against the popular British car show.

In a statement, the BBC said the comments may have been "rude" and "mischievous," but there was no "vindictiveness" behind them

The new Regal, which makes its formal debut in early December at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, is slated to go on sale in spring 2010. It is based heavily on the German-engineered Opel Insignia sedan, with design cues pulled from the new Buick Regal that was launched last December in China.

The Ford Evos Concept, a futuristic fastback that harks back to classic GT cars but is so loaded with technology that it can "suggest a healthier route to the destination," will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Lexus says the new 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition package, which will be available by early July, is intended to "attract younger buyers to the LS lineup." The car is priced from $73,875, which includes an $875 shipping charge.

Nissan is still waiting to see a pick-up in sales of its range-topping GT-R supercar. With the revised 2012 model just beginning to arrive at dealers last month, the automaker sold just 38 GT-Rs in the U.S. in February, down 46.5 percent from a year ago, even as Nissan's total U.S. sales volume jumped 31.6 percent during the month.

Hyundai continues to round out its growing product portfolio, adding all-new models along with variations on its existing products. With both turbocharged and hybrid versions of the bread-and-butter Sonata already confirmed for 2011, Inside Line believes a Sonata coupe is the next logical extension of the nameplate.

The Sonata coupe would be mechanically the same as the recently revamped sedan, offering both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and possibly the 2.0-liter turbo that was introduced last month at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

In a deft move intended to strike the heart of Honda Civic sales, Hyundai will unveil its future Elantra coupe late this fall at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Expect powertrains in the new Elantra coupe to come straight from the sedan. All 2011 Elantra sedans are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder generating 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque.

There's a rumor running around the auto industry's hallways that Hyundai, the South Korean automaker that recently began kicking everyone's butt, is working on a V8-powered supercar that would cost between $80,000 and $100,000 and take on some of the most storied performance machines on the road, including the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911.

Pricey 2011 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai pulls the wraps off the 2011 Equus at the N.Y. auto show

The Equus is the most expensive Hyundai to be sold in the U.S.

It will launch with a starting price in the mid

The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan is making its world debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with all-new sheet metal, a much roomier cabin and sophisticated new technology.

Lexus initially is showing the five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive GS 350, which is powered by a 306-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a multimode selector. All-wheel drive is optional.

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed the automaker will build the long-rumored X4. Due in 2014, the new X4 is seen in Europe as a competitor to the 2013 Porsche Cajun and is being positioned by BMW as a companion to the X3 and a smaller sibling of the sporty X6.

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro beat out the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS and the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in fan voting for the "best Chevy of all time."

Chevrolet said on Wednesday that the 1969 Camaro garnered 25,058 of the 124,368 votes cast, edging out the 1970 Chevelle in the final round.

Tom Peters, Chevrolet design director, gushed that the '69 Camaro is one of the "best vehicles ever" in a statement.

Chevrolet will start assembly in the fourth quarter of three new models at the Azia Avto plant in Kazakhstan, as a part of a recent agreement signed between General Motors Russia and Azia Avto, Kazakhstan's largest automaker, which produces more than 87 percent of all passenger cars in Kazakhstan.

Among the new models scheduled for assembly are the Cruze hatchback, the Captiva SUV and the Orlando seven-seater MPV, according to Azia Avto Chairman Anatoly Balushkin.

The last Mitsubishi Eclipse, a vehicle credited with pushing Mitsubishi into America's automotive conscience more than two decades ago, will cross the auction block on Saturday.

The final Eclipse, which was built in August, is being auctioned to benefit the earthquake and tsunami relief fund of Japan Red Cross. The car will go to the highest bidder at the Mecum Auctions annual St. Charles Auction in St. Charles, Illinois. The auction house has not said what it expects the car to fetch.

At the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Skoda, the Czech affiliate of the Volkswagen Group, unveiled the MissionL, a "design concept" that previews a new global compact sedan called Lauretta that will be launched later this year in India, followed in 2012 by rollouts in China, Russia and Europe.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V will start at $27,160 when it goes on sale in late October, while the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will start at $32,760 when it goes on sale in 14 launch states in March. Prices include a $760 destination charge.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC sedan will make its world debut at the 2012 New York Auto according to company officials. The all-new sedan will mimic the "coupe" styling used by the larger CLS sedan.

The home-market version of the Mazda 3, called Axela, goes on sale this week in Japan with the new Skyactiv drive system. The U.S. edition should begin reaching dealers in mid-October.

Midsize pickup trucks — they used to be called "compact" before they got too big for that to make sense — were presumed left for dead by the Detroit Three, but a variety of moves in the past week indicate that General Motors isn't carving any headstones after all.

GM hasn't said anything definitive lately about the fate of the midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon nameplates, seeing how their assembly plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, is scheduled to close in mid-2012. But GM doesn't have to, as it has now all but said a new midsize pickup is coming. And it'll be no emerging-market leftover. It looks magnificent and will be built in the U.S.

kia 2012. 2012 Kia Rio First Drive

Driving the 2012 Kia Rio around its Seoul, South Korea, homeland makes us appreciate how far this entry-level compact car has come since its arrival in the United States more than a decade ago.

It's an odd feeling since we doubt many people here like to drive. Traffic is terrible even in the wee hours of the morning and although everyone slows for the speed cameras, stopping for red lights is a judgment call. Why bother designing a good car for this semi-lawless slog when everyone could just take the subway?

Yet, the 2012 Rio rises above conditions on the ground. New drivetrains improve acceleration and fuel economy, while a lengthened wheelbase and an overhauled suspension give it a more refined ride quality than ever before.

n paper the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid looks like a sure thing. The recipe appears simple. Take one Kia Optima — a terrific car in its own right — add a hybrid powertrain, then drive away in blissful EV silence on your way to unheard-of fuel economy.

The reality is not so straightforward.

A Sonata Hybrid at a Costume Party
Let's back up a bit. This is Kia's first-ever hybrid, and under the skin it's virtually a clone of its kissing cousin the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. There's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that's backed by a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox and a 40-horsepower electric motor fed by a state-of-the-art lithium-polymer battery pack.

In his hands, Horacio Pagani holds a 50th-scale aluminum representation of his work over the last seven years. It's a model of the 2012 Pagani Huayra, the fruition of the project long known as the C9 at his workshop. The name comes from a god of wind in the Andes, an appropriate talisman for a car propelled by a twin-turbo V12 and meant to fly along the ground at more than 200 mph.

It turns out that this aluminum model of the Huayra (it sounds like "wire" when spoken with a thick Spanish accent) is in fact the ignition key for Horacio's new car. It is the least inconspicuous key you'll find to any car.

When the 2012 Hyundai Veloster made its world debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, there was a shadow lurking on the stage. From any angle and at any time there was the ghost of the old Honda CRX hovering around it. The Veloster is small, like the CRX. It's a fastback of sorts, like the CRX. It's got some sportiness like the CRX. And it's aimed squarely at first-time buyers, like the CRX. So it's the second coming of the CRX, right?

Audi's chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, talks about a "line of lineage" from the first Audi 100 of 1968 to the new 2012 A6 of today. "You should never interrupt history," says Egger. "If you want to sharpen the emotion of the brand you look to the R8, A7 or E-Tron, not the A6." While the A8 asserts its plutocratic status and the A4 screams "upwardly mobile," the A6 has always been the choice of those who want the trappings of success but don't need to tell the world. It's Audi's most sensible car and it's no surprise to discover that the latest incarnation is a subtle evolution of the old.

Nissan Rogue Gets a Tiny Price Bump 2012 . Nissan Rogue 2012

Nissan has raised sticker prices on the 2012 Rogue by a modest $70.

The automaker also has added a new Special Edition package on the Rogue SV.

The Rogue Krom Edition has been dropped for 2012

Nissan has raised sticker prices on the 2012 Rogue by a modest $70, and has added a new Special Edition package on the Rogue SV. The Rogue Krom Edition has been dropped for 2012

Lamborghini has unveiled "the most extreme Gallardo ever" — the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

The new range-topper will be built in a limited run of 150 numbered units. It is based on the Gallardo racecar developed for Lamborghini's Blancpain Super Trofeo single-make racing series, borrowing such lightweight features as a carbon-fiber quick-release engine cover and rear spoiler.

Subaru is recalling 2002-'07 Imprezas and 2003-'08 Foresters and Saab is recalling 2005-'06 9-2Xs because of a suspension problem that could result in loss of vehicle control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall totals 295,123 cars.

"The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow-melting agent," NHTSA said in its recalls summary of the problem. "A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash."

Hamann and AC Schnitzer Tune 2012 BMW 6 Series Cabrio

Both AC Schnitzer and Hamann have performance upgrades for the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible, with the Hamann outputting 503 hp and the AC laying down 532 hp.

Full body kits are part of each package, as well as a variety of interior accouterments.

AC Schnitzer and Hamann included new alloy wheels and springs to give the drop top a new stance.

The hydrogen-powered four-seater features electric motors at each wheel and an advanced lithium-sulfur battery pack. The motors deliver continuous output of 228 horsepower and peak output of 308 hp, as well as combined torque in excess of 400 pound-feet. There is sufficient power to propel the F125! from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds, with top speed capped at 137 mph.

The Volvo Concept You, said to preview Volvo's next large sedan, debuted on Tuesday at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Concept You is more "daring" than the Volvo Concept Universe shown at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, said the automaker.

"Concept You gives a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp.

It's been eight years since Maserati toyed with the idea of an SUV with the unveiling of the Kubang concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Maserati on Tuesday said it will take the plunge into a new segment, unveiling the latest version of the Kubang at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Opel RAK e Could Sell for $10,000 . Opel RAK 2011

GM says it is investigating production feasibility for its electric tandem two-seater

The RAK e has a range of 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph and can accelerate to 62 mph in less than 13 seconds.

Though a four-wheeler, the RAK e's rear track is very narrow, a pair of wheels attached to what could be the world's narrowest live axle, mounted in unit with a single swing arm

Infiniti Releases Second Sketch of 2014 Electric Vehicle

At the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Infiniti released a second sketch of a new electric car that it plans to launch in 2014.

Infiniti issued no details, other than to describe the car vaguely as "a stylish, high-performance five-seat luxury vehicle."

The car, as yet unnamed, will be the brand's firs

Toyota FT-86 II Concept2011 . Toyota news 2011

The newest FT-86 II concept gets a set of Brembo brakes and a bright burnt orange paint job.
Toyota and Subaru will both be releasing production models based on the car's rear-wheel-drive architecture.
The sport coupe will have a 2.0-liter direct-injected boxer engine and a choice of six-speed automatic or manual gearbox

Toyota took the wraps off another concept rendition of its Toyota FT-86 II at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, albeit with only a couple changes since we last saw it in Geneva and New York. This time it rocks a burnt orange paint job and a set of Brembo brakes.

Kia GT Concept @ 2011 . kia GT Concept news

The Kia GT Concept, a 390-horsepower rear-wheel-drive sedan with suicide doors, was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

It showcases the Korean automaker's ambitions, with Kia's chief designer declaring, "It's exactly the kind of car Kia should be making."

Power comes from a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia GT Concept, a 390-horsepower rear-wheel-drive sedan with suicide doors, was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. It showcases the Korean automaker's ambitions, with Kia's chief designer declaring, "It's exactly the kind of car Kia should be making."

SsangYong XIV-1 Unveiled: 2011 - SsangYong 2011

A reinvigorated SsangYong showed off the SsangYong XIV-1 crossover at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Korean automaker says a version of the crossover is bound for production.

The SsangYong XIV-1 gets either a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine or a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder diesel

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler will be featured in Activision's new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 video game.

The game is slated to be released November 8.

As a promotional tie-in, Jeep dealers will sell a 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition, beginning in November

An otherwise cozy Web chat with Chrysler's SRT boss late Thursday got uncomfortable when the subject of the high pricing on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was raised.

Ralph V. Gilles, president and CEO of Chrysler's SRT brand, said that the automaker plans on "decoupling" some of the features to reduce the price on the high-performance SUV.

"Grand Cherokee pricing has been sensitive," Gilles acknowledged. "We understand."

AC Schnitzer Tune 2012 BMW 6 Series Cabrio , AC Schnitzer 2012

AC Schnitzer and Hamann included new alloy wheels and springs to give the drop top a new stance.

FRANKFURT, Germany — German tuners Hamann and AC Schnitzer chose the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show on Monday as the backdrop for unveiling their unique upgrade packages for the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Hamann starts its tuning program by increasing output, thanks to the addition of a sport exhaust system and a bunch of goodies that have yet to be identified. The drop top's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 usually lays down 400 horsepower, and this package will bump that up to 503 horses. The only other performance mod is a spring kit that brings the Bimmer 1.2 inches closer to the ground

After a few days with 2011 Audi A5, I went from being indifferent to being quite a fan of the sporty 4-door. Although the A5 doesn't have any headline-grabbing features — it's no powerhouse, its looks are sophisticated but perhaps a little conservative, and it's fuel-efficient, but not unusually so. However, everything gels very nicely. By perfectly matching together every system, Audi has made the A5 into the best long-distance cruiser I've ever driven. And just as the driver never feels stressed, neither do the car's components. The A5 feels like it can run forever and give year after year of smiles

Chris Paine’s 2006 documentary famously asked, Who Killed The Electric Car? Well, if it died, now it’s baa-ack. Interest from both sides of the political spectrum — whether from those concerned about global warning or others eager to reduce our dependency on foreign oil — are helping generate new levels of enthusiasm for a form of transportation that actually outsold all other vehicles in America back in 1900, thanks to a quiet, odorless ride that eclipsed its smelly gas- and horse-powered competitors.

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