Report: Southeast Toyota dealers pull ads from local ABC stations citing "excessive stories" on recallFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Toyota 
Southeast Toyota, which is the largest franchised distributor of Toyota vehicles in the world with 173 dealers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina & South Carolina, has reportedly pulled all of its advertising from local ABC stations. Why? Apparently, the group decided that the television stations were airing "excessive stories on the Toyota issues" by ABC News and its chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross.
So, where is all that latent advertising money going now? According to one unnamed ABC station manager, Southeast Toyota's commercials were shifted to non-ABC stations "as punishment for the reporting." We have to wonder if those non-ABC stations aren't covering the Toyota recall issue with as much fervor?
Marcia Owens-Reder, senior vice president at Atlanta-based 22Squared, the advertising agency that handles the account for the dealers, said in an email to the ABC stations, "We have counseled the client on the pros and cons of this, and ultimately it was their decision to make." Thanks for the tip, Rene!
Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.
[Source: AFP via Yahoo | Image: David McNew/Getty]Report: Southeast Toyota dealers pull ads from local ABC stations citing "excessive stories" on recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Hennessey's Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video]Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Cadillac 
Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V - Click above to watch the video after the jump
When we were fortunate enough to have a Cadillac CTS-V for a week to review, we said it was "one of the finest cars on the road today and one of the best vehicles ever built by General Motors." Of course, there's always room for improvement. At least Hennessey Performance thinks so, and they have come up with the V700 upgrade package that boosts the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 to more than 700 horsepower.
What does it take to squeeze more than 150 more horsepower out of the LSA V8? Hennessey adds a cold air induction system, a smaller supercharger pulley, a new engine management system, long tube headers, three-inch exhaust system with high-flow cats, an upgraded intercooler, more aggressive cam, and high-flow heads.
The result? Horsepower is up to 707 at 6300 rpm, and torque is rated at 701 lb-ft. That all adds up to some impressive performance on-track, including a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of of 211 mph. Fortunately, Hennessey had the cameras rolling during test, and you can watch the Hennessey CTS-V tear up the drag strip in the video after the jump.
[Source: Hennessey Performance]Continue reading Hennessey's Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video] Hennessey's Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO]Filed under: Videos 
One day we're going to finally get our hands on Gran Turismo 5. And when we sample Polyphony Digital's long-awaited sequel we'd be amazed (and delighted) if the game lives up to its constantly growing hype. While we still have absolutely no idea when GT5 will hit the shelves, when it does arrive it will come strong with a raft of new features gamers have been clamoring for.
Beyond damage rendering and a cornucopia of racing styles, GT5 will reportedly also come with Data Logger Visualization. DLV will enable gamers to go to a track in the real world and shoot in-car video, upload that clip to the PlayStation 3 and then compare that footage side by side against a virtual run in GT5. The folks at Polyphony Digital tested the functionality for themselves, and the resulting video after the jump is pretty impressive. Amazingly, the only difference between the live and game footage is that the real-world camera was shaky and uncrisp while the GT5 video is expectantly perfect. Very cool. Now if we can only get a copy for ourselves before Forza 4 arrives for the XBOX 360...
[Source: GranTurismo via Cold Track Days]Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO] Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.8.10
The all-new GT500 is here, and not only does the super snake pack more horsepower and torque, it's gone on a much needed diet. Bow down.
Some people watch the Super Bowl for the game, others watch it for the ads. If you stepped out for a beer during one of the breaks, we've got the best of the best automotive spots for your perusal and a poll to determine the top ad from the game.
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrackFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford 
You've no doubt read by now everything we've had to say about the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with its new aluminum engine. But what does it sound like? Glad you asked. We've got two clips of B-roll after the jump showing both the GT500 coupe and convertible out running on what appears to be a frigid Michigan afternoon (feel sorry for the guy driving the drop top). Fortunately, lots of time is spent mashing both their throttles so we can hear that new 5.4-liter supercharged aluminum engine howl. Question: Can a car look lighter? If so, the GT500 definitely does, especially at WOT as the car transfers its weight to the rear wheels with haste and boogies off. Follow the jump and twist the dial to 11 before you hit play.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow moundFiled under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai 
Hyundai HED-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been nearly two years since the Hyundai HED-5 concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, but in late 2008, the Korean automaker announced that a production version of the compact crossover would arrive in 2010. And here it is.
Spied while testing in Northern Scandinavia, Hyundai's unnamed answer to the Opel Zafira gets substantially toned down from its conceptual predecessor, although shades of Hyundai's new "Fluidic Sculpture" design language are peering through the camo.
The hood's squat proportions are balanced by the acres of windshield, and if there wasn't enough glass up front, Hyundai has seen fit to add a set of small windows aft of the A-pillars. Even with the camouflage covering much of the rear hatch, it's obvious that the mini-'ute is destined to provide plenty of cargo space, and judging by the size of the rear doors, back seat passengers won't be wanting for legroom.
Although the original HED-5 concept was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel putting out 212 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, when Hyundai announced production plans for the crossover, it mentioned a new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine. When it eventually makes it to markets abroad, expect either the 115-hp 1.7-liter diesel from the ix35 concept or a 136-hp 2.0-liter oilburner to be available, along with a few choice gasoline powerplants. No word on U.S. availability, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the production version on the show stand in Geneva next month.
Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Patent drawings reveal Toyota's next concept?Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Electric
It would seem that Toyota has an interesting and hitherto unknown concept vehicle up its sleeves, judging by a European patent that L'Automobile in France was somehow able to dig up. Despite our best efforts, we weren't able to locate the actual patent filing ourselves, so you'll have to head on back after clicking here to see the rest of the associated images.
So, what do you think? Judging by the absolutely minuscule engine compartment and Toyota's well-earned position at the top of the hybrid vehicle food chain, it would be a reasonable assumption to conclude that this is some kind of new hybrid vehicle concept. It does seem to share some design cues with the 2007 1/X concept, though it could also be an all-electric, fuel cell or conventional design.
L'Automobile seems to think that this vehicle may wear a Lexus badge and could possibly debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but we can't say for certain. In any case, it's an intriguing design that shows what styling direction the Japanese giant may take with future people movers.
[Source: L'Automobile (translated)]Patent drawings reveal Toyota's next concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a realityFiled under: Saab, Earnings/Financials 
Spyker's deal to purchase General Motors' ailing Saab division out of the throes of insolvency appears to be moving along quite nicely. Production of vehicles is underway, a plan is in place to launch critical new models and the European Union has approved of a European Investment Bank loan of 400 million-euros ($546 million) to Spyker.
It would seem that the road to a successful acquisition is so sure that the executive committee of Saab dealers have made an unsolicited offer of $24 million dollars to help Spyker complete the deal. Peter Hallberg, president of the association, said, "Those of us close to the business think that there's substance to Spyker's business plan for Saab, and that there are no great, imminent risks."
What's more, Spyker has just reported that it has entered into an agreement to secure a $25 million convertible loan from an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc. that's conditional on the EIB's aforementioned $546 million loan. Details can be found in the press release after the break.
[Source: New York Times, Spyker]Continue reading Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you?Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari  Few letters hold the same lore for Ferrari fans as G-T-O. Pontiac muscle-cars aside, the letters were first used on the iconic '60s-era 250 GTO. The 288 GTO followed two decades later and laid the ground for the F40, the first in the modern age of Ferrari supercars. Now the name is set to come back again on an extreme version of the 599 GTB
Bridging the gap between the roadgoing 599 GTB Fiorano and the track-bound experimental 599XX - and filling the hole left by the Enzo - the 599 GTO promises epic levels of performance (and extreme exclusivity) worthy of the GTO moniker. The prospect first broke cover back in November when internal documents referred to a "599 GTO Limited Edition," and was followed up with more speculative details - including a 700-horsepower output figure - early last month. Now an intrepid observer in Maranello with a camera handy appears to have snapped a camouflaged prototype out in the wild.
Aside from the yards of white vinyl and black tape telling you something's up, this 599 test mule is wearing big black alloys, a blacked-out roof (like that of the 599XX, albeit sans the extra winglets), a monster rear diffuser and Prova-style factory plates. Beyond that there's little to tell, but this is the first evidence we have beyond rumors and conjecture as to what Maranello is up to next.
[Source: alVolante.it]Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady singsFiled under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities 
It's been a long time coming, but celebrity gossip site TMZ reports that American Chopper has finally been canceled. A spokesperson for TLC, which picked the show up after its first few years on The Discovery Channel, said, "The Teutuls will always be a part of the Discovery family and we congratulate them on a tremendously successful series run." The final episode will air February 11 at 9:00 PM.
It wasn't tough to see this one coming from a mile away. The hit show has seemingly been just a shell of its former self since two of the original Teutul trio have stopped speaking to their father and disappeared completely from the Orange County Choppers shop.
Recall also that Paul Teutul filed a lawsuit against Paul Teutul Jr. for over a million dollars a couple of months ago and it's easy to see that things have been going south for quite some time. Finally, now that the crew has built customs that run on everything from gasoline to ethanol, diesel, compressed natural gas, electricity and even a hybrid, there just don't seem to be any more alternative fuels left to conquer.
[Source: TMZ]End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Bernie Ecclestone and Genii Capital looking for another carmaker to buy?Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities, Rumormill 
With his stranglehold on Formula One's commercial rights firmly in place, Bernie Ecclestone is more accustomed to taking money than spending it. But after selling his prized classic car collection a couple of years ago, the F1 supremo teamed up with Luxembourg-based Genii Capital in a bid to take over Saab from General Motors. With precious little time to iron out a solid business case, Ecclestone and Genii lost out to Spyker in the Saab deal, but according to reports, that may not be the end of the road for the dynamic duo.
According to an interview Ecclestone gave with Pitpass.com shortly before the Saab deal was hammered out, Bernie and Genii - which recently acquired a stake in the Renault F1 team - could team up together again in the future in a fresh attempt to acquire another automaker, should such an opportunity arise. And with mergers forming and collapsing seemingly every week, the two investors just might get another shot before we know it.
[Source: Pitpass.com | Image: Clive Rose/Getty]Bernie Ecclestone and Genii Capital looking for another carmaker to buy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Leakage: Citroen DS3-R heading to Geneva?Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën 
Citoen DS3 Racing leaked - Click above for image gallery
Think of a road-ready rally machine, and what pops into your head? Likely the Subaru Impreza WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, right? Well Subaru hasn't won the World Rally Championship in seven years, Mitsubishi in eleven. In fact, neither is even trying anymore: Both have withdrawn from the championship. No, that territory is Citroen's to claim. The French automaker (with its star driver Sebastien Loeb) have been the reigning champs since 2004, but Citroen hasn't really capitalized on its gravel-drifting prowess with anything even approaching what of the WRX and Evo. Until now.
Although the current C4 Loeb has won the past three world rally championships in remains in active duty for another season - with former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen taking the wheel in the junior team - after that the new rally-spec DS3 (previewed in a batch of spy shots a few months ago) will take its place. From the looks of things, however, Citroen isn't waiting around for the DS3 to match the C4's dominance before they roll out the street version.
Following an earlier report last month hinting at the hot DS3's arrival, a handful of photos showing what insiders suggest is the finished product have leaked onto the interwebs. Brought to us by our compadres over at Autoblog Spanish, these shots were recently confirmed as the real deal (and not as photochops as originally suspected) when the same car showed up in other images released (and since retracted) by the factory.
The car pictured features wider wheel flarings housing bigger hoops and riding on a dropped suspension. Sources peg it at 15 millimeters stouter than stock, with NAFTA four-pot brakes front and rear. Under the hood, the 1.6-liter turbo four is tipped to produce between 200 and 210 horsepower, driving through a six-speed manual (the jury's still out on the presence of a limited-slip differential) and likely to the front wheels to propel the DS3 Racing to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Halloween livery may be a love-it-or-hate-it affair, but this is likely what we'll see, if the reports prove accurate at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. For our part, we'll take ours in deep blue, with a big red leaping bull on the side and our names printed above the doors.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]Leakage: Citroen DS3-R heading to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snowFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai 
2012 Hyundai Azera - Click above for high-res image gallery
In its current form, the Hyundai Azera (known as the Grandeur outside the U.S.) has been around since 2005, and despite the new Sonata's push upmarket, Hyundai apparently still sees the need for another model to slot in between its new Camcord competitor and the Genesis Sedan.
Although a refreshed Grandeur was revealed for other markets late last year, judging by these latest spy shots, Hyundai is hard at work on a more thorough makeover, complete with an even more coupe-like roofline, Sonata-inspired fascia and chrome strip extending its way atop the front fender.
The four-wheel independent suspension is sure to remain, and Hyundai is likely to continue offering a choice of V6s - a 263-hp 3.8-liter or a 234-hp 3.3-liter - each mated to a six-speed automatic. We'd expect a small bump in output when the all-new Azera debuts late next year as a 2012 model.
[Images: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evilFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Ford, Racing
2010 FIA GT1 Matech Competition Ford GT - Click above for video after the jump
It wasn't that long ago that Ford was selling a genuine supercar, one that made no excuses as it took on the world's best. The Ford GT had one foot in the past and one foot in the present, with its '60s GT40 good looks and somewhat more modern 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Altogether, some 4,000 or so GTs were built during its production run. Sadly that program ground to a halt in 2006 and nothing has come along from the Blue Oval to replace it. Still, the GT lived on as a great platform for tuners and racers.
One race team that has grown particularly fond of the GT is Matech Competition, and the Swiss team has already raced it to championships in FIA GT3 racing in Europe. The retro roadcar was never intended for racing, but like its forebearer, it is once again hunting Ferrari and Porsche racers on Europe's most famous tracks. After successes in GT3, the GT has shown it might be ready to move up in class. While the small independent Robertson Racing has run a GT in the GT2 class of ALMS for a few seasons with mixed results, it's Matech once again that will take on the next challenge - GT1.
For 2010, Matech has developed their GT1 version of the car that builds on lessons learned during the 2009 campaign when the team ran a prototype in the same class. Although similar in overall looks, Matech tells us that the two cars share no parts whatsoever. With an all-new formula for 2010, that's not very surprising, but 2009 was a development year for the teams. After the jump you can read the press release regarding the car's initial outing, and better yet, there's a video of it in action. The clip is painfully short but will give you goosebumps when the car sprints away. Besides its wonderfully melodic tone, the car looks plain badass, definitely up to the challenge being brought by GT1 competitors like the Nissan GT-R, Reiter's Murcielagos, Aston Martin DBR9s, Maserati MC12s, and our local boys the Chevrolet Corvettes. No wonder the clip is titled "Matech Symphony No.1." Top tip, Johannes!
[Source: Matech Competition]Continue reading Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia ChallengersFiled under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge 
2010 Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 in Furious Fuchsia - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the record, the Dodge Challengers you see above are not pink. Despite a Pepto-ish hue, they're actually Furious Fuchsia. It would seem that Chrysler is choosing not to remember that it offered a similar shade back in 1970 and 1971 known as Panther Pink. This despite the fact that Dodge president and CEO Ralph Gilles tells us in the press release after the break that the R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions "[commemorate] four decades of Challenger performance" and "modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970."
It seems to us that if it's acceptable to reintroduce Plum Crazy in its original purple flavor that it's equally okay to call these cars Panther Pink, but whatever. In any case, there's also an optional set of Pearl White performance seats with Furious Fuchsia stitching that we think would look just dandy with the Bright White A-line body-side R/T stripes and functional hood scoop on the R/T Classic (above left).
If the R/T's 376 horsepower just aren't enough for your tire-screeching needs, you can always upgrade to the SRT8 (above right) and its 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which offers up a willing 425-horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque... but act fast as there's only 400 slated for production. Base price for the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat comes in at $35,140 with the SRT8 model at $45,150 (both prices include $725 destination) and cars will hit dealerships in March. We'll do our best to bring you live shots of the pair from the Chicago Auto Show later this week.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 GM to engineer RWD hybrid powertrain for future Cadillacs?Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Cadillac, GM  General Motors' two-mode hybrid system hasn't exactly been a commercial success. GM has had a hard time finding customers willing to part ways with $10,000 or more for a fully capable SUV with sedan-like city fuel economy, but that reportedly isn't stopping the Detroit, MI-based automaker from improving its hybrid formula for its next generation of vehicles. GM is said to be working on a new electric motor that will reportedly shrink in size by 25 percent while increasing power by 20 percent. These smaller, more powerful motors will reportedly help The General put its hybrid tech in even smaller vehicles.
Automotive News reports that Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product operations, told reporters that the company's next two-mode setup will be lighter and more affordable when it hits the streets in 2013. The system will reportedly still be available for SUVs and trucks, but Stephens says the system will also be available in rear-drive cars. Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics reportedly told AN that the easy money is on Cadillac getting the upgraded Two-Mode tech, with the next generation CTS and the ATS as the best bets to include the hybrid powertrain.
Given the fact that Cadillacs command a higher price tag, we're thinking that the Wreath and Crest is a good place to start if the automaker ever wants to make a profit off of a full hybrid vehicle. And with the STS likely to go away before 2013, we're thinking the CTS and ATS could be the only rear-drive Caddy sedans by the time 2013 rolls around. It can't hurt that the ATS and the next CTS will share the same platform either, making it easier/cheaper to add Two-Mode tech to both vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.] GM to engineer RWD hybrid powertrain for future Cadillacs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 poundsFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford 
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ever since Ford introduced the modern Shelby GT500 four years ago, almost no one has complained about the prodigious power levels produced by its supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With as much as 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the 2010 model, there was no shortage of grunt. No, the issue was an excess of mass.
Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. That process has now come full circle with SVT rolling out a heart transplant for the Shelby GT500. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant we all wanted when it debuted, and the effect is absolutely en-lightening. Read on to find out more.
Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Consumer Reports gets first drive impressions of 2011 Hyundai SonataFiled under: Sedan, Hyundai 
2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai won't be giving the American automotive media its first crack at driving their new 2011 Sonata until next week. However, new Sonatas have apparently already started rolling off the trucks into Hyundai dealers across the country. Unlike the rest of the media horde (Autoblog included), when the folks at Consumer Reports want to test a new vehicle, they actually go out and buy one.
Such was the case last week when they purchased one of the first examples of Hyundai's stylish new mid-sizer. CR tested a base GLS model Sonata and felt that while it does handle better than the 2009 equivalent, it still isn't quite up to the standard of the sportiest examples in the segment including the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. There is, however, a more aggressive SE model which CR hasn't tried out yet, so this might not be a truly apples-to-apples comparison.
CR's testers did feel the interior was an improvement over the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a particularly roomy rear seat. We'll have our own first hand impressions by the end of next week.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Consumer Reports gets first drive impressions of 2011 Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD driftersFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Scion 
Motor Trend hosted a summit of monsters that could be called "Where the Wild Things Are," gathering a Nissan GT-R and two back-wheel-driven Scion TC drift cars.
The question asked of the GT-R could have come from Autocar magazine's Ken Sutcliffe: "Will it drift?" After running through some standard MT performance runs, the cars were let loose around El Toro airfield to find the answer. You can click through the jump to see the video and find out...
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD drifters Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD drifters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
 Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010?Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos 
Super Bowl XLIV has come and gone, with the New Orleans Saints pulling out a convincing albeit surprising victory over the Indianapolis Colts (An onside kick to start the third quarter?!?!?!). You're in the minority if that spoiled a surprise, as the Super Bowl is traditionally the most watched televised event of the year. And because of that, commercials that run during the big game are often the most expensive to produce and fun to watch.
For the most part, this year's crop of commercials lived up to their expensive price tags. The auto industry was in full effect with eight commercials that aired, six of which were by automakers themselves including Audi, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen. The other were two were from Bridgestone and Cars.com.
Now that we're all back at work nursing hangovers and upset stomachs, it's time to cast judgment and decide which car commercial aired during Super Bowl XLIV was the best. Follow the jump to view them all and cast your vote.
UPDATE: Want to know what the experts have to say about this year's batch of Super Bowl car commercials? Check out Julie Roehm's feature on AOL Autos. It's got charts and everything!
View Poll Continue reading Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010? Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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