BMW and Peugeot team up for hybrid technology - The Local

The German luxury carmaker BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen of France announced Monday they would invest 100 million ($138 million) in a joint venture to develop hybrid vehicle technology. European tourists prefer Germany over France(24 Feb 11) The 100 million investment is "just to start" said Philippe...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/bmw-peugeot-team-up-for-hybrid-technology-local/

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Engine Expires on The Home Depot Toyota in Phoenix to Finish 33rd

Phoenix International Raceway is one of Joey Logano's favorite tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit and he was hoping for a great finish before the track is redone for the fall event. Unfortunately the engine expired on lap 213 of the 312-lap event relegating him to a 33rd-place finish. I'm...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/engine-expires-depot-toyota-phoenix-finish-33rd/

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2012 Volkswagen Tiguan shows its new face in Geneva

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan - Click above for high-res image

The Volkswagen Tiguan is getting a makeover for the 2012 model year, and the changes will be on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show. Changes include a refreshed front end that incorporates the automaker's new sullen yet distinctive aesthetic.

The grille has been remade to mimic that of the new Jetta and Passat, with a pair of horizontal chrome strips that blend into the Tiguan's updated headlamps. Jumping up to the top SEL trim will net you updated peepers with Bi-Xenon lamps and the LED eyeliner treatment that seems to be all the rage these days. Volkswagen still hasn't released a photo of the Tiguan's new boot, but the post-jump press release tells us that the taillamps have been updated to reveal a "double L" pattern. SEL buyers will also get new 19-inch "Savannah" wheels designed by R GmbH.

VW made minor enhancements to the Tiguan's interior as well, including updated material choices and a rash of standard features. All 2012 Tiguan models will receive an eight-speaker sound system and Bluetooth, aux-in and heated side view mirrors.

The Tiguan will retain the excellent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but fuel economy has been given a serious bump. VW claims the updated engine will fetch 29 miles per gallon in highway driving, up considerably from the 25 mpg of the outgoing model. Follow the jump to read over the the official press release, and click on the photo above for a closer look at the 2012 Tiguan.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan shows its new face in Geneva

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan shows its new face in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/PIMjCv0GeEQ/

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2011 Geneva Auto Show: The Microbus Becomes the Volkswagen Bulli

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/2011-geneva-auto-show-the-microbus-becomes-the-volkswagen-bulli.html

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Inside Line Dyno Tests The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/inside-line-dyno-tests-the-2012-ford-mustang-boss-302.html

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aston martin - The new Aston Martin Rapide V12 test drive and review

The Daily Telegraph was the first to try the fabulous new Aston Martin Rapide V12 super saloon on the road in the wilds of Scotland and Wales. Neil Lyndon, The Sunday Telegraph's motoring correspondent, was the first person in Britain to be lent the new Aston Martin Rapide V12. He puts it through its...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/aston-martin-new-aston-martin-rapide-v12-test-drive-review/

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2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI convertible: Worst idea ever?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Subaru

2011 Subaru WRX STI convertible - click for high-res gallery

Car dealers do the strangest things to their vehicles. Just think about how many cars are out there with awful vinyl and fabric roof add-ons, a generation after manufacturers nearly swore them off entirely. Manchester Subaru in Manchester, New Hampshire isn't content to create some sticker-and-tape fake trim level on a top-dog 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Instead, the dealer has gone all Chainsaw Massacre on the rally-bred performance sedan. The result is a picnic basket of automotive woe.

At least the "handle" left after all the chop-shopping maintains a fleeting semblance of rigidity. The rest? Awful. There's an ill-fitting tonneau, chopped door pillars and the STI's trademark enormous wing still hangs off the trunklid. The worst part? This poor Subaru's price is purportedly $75,000. Not kidding. Sure, there's an "exclusivity" factor, but 75 large buys an awful lot of real high performance convertible; the kind that won't corner like an overcooked noodle. The dealership reportedly commissioned five of these abominations, which is likely five more than anyone wants. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Convertible

[Source: Manchester Subaru]

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI convertible: Worst idea ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/ItrXyS_gXqk/

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GM Makes a Profit, Pockets Tax Breaks

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/gm-makes-a-profit-pockets-tax-breaks.html

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Edmunds Roundup: December 6, 2010

Green Car Advisor: Hybrid, Alt-Fuel Tax Credits Expire Dec. 31
Tax incentives for buyers of hybrids, diesels and compressed natural gas (CNG) cars are set to expire at the end of the year, putting alternative-fuel momentum at risk because the cars tend to be more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts.

Inside Line: Comparison Test: 2011 Chevrolet Volt vs. 2010 Toyota Prius PHV
When it comes to comparing plug-in hybrids like the Volt and the plug-in Prius, you can't merely focus on the gasoline side and assume the electricity is free.

Auto Observer: To Become No. 1, Volkswagen Needs to Succeed in Chattanooga
Regardless of what you think about the Volkswagen Group's ambition to become the world's largest automaker by 2018, several roads to the German mass-marketing machine achieving that goal are going to run through the rather improbable location of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-6-2010.html

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2002 Chevy Corvette Z06: Hand Wash Only

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/02/2002-chevy-corvette-z06-hand-wash-only.html

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The new Opel Corsa at the Bologna Motor Show 2010

Starting tomorrow we will see at the Bologna Motor Show a new design of Opel Corsa, especially with regard to the new front, as well as in Engine. Aesthetically, the new Opel Corsa comes with a frontal zone characterized by a larger lower air intake and low and new housing for the fog lights, while the Opel logo is larger and more pointed.

Source: http://www.autocarbe.com/opel/the-new-opel-corsa-at-the-bologna-motor-show-2010/

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2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4: Roundabout!

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/02/2011-mini-cooper-s-countryman-all4-roundabout.html

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Proton Jebat

During the show in Kuala Lumpur Proton has exhibited a concept car built on a semi-final Inhale, notchback sedan produced in partnership with Mitsubishi in the image and likeness of the Lancer. This last, in the version EVO X, has provided an opportunity to use Malaysian Technical much a four-cylinder turbo engine (242 hp, 343 Nm) as an eye-catching aerodynamic package.

Source: http://www.autocarbe.com/featured/proton-jebat/

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Backseat Comfort

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/02/2011-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-backseat-comfort.html

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New Hyundai Commercials Released for the Oscars

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/new-hyundai-commercials-released-for-the-oscars.html

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Cadillac Dealers Gainesville Show Their Luxury

Cadillac Logo Chrome Solid Brass License FrameThis one stylish license frame features engraved Cadillac logo and OEM style nameplate. Mirror chromed finish will never rust. Includes chrome screw covers! Made from high quality chrome plating cast brass, the best metal for license frame. Great for everyday...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/cadillac-dealers-gainesville-show-their-luxury/

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Rendered Speculation: Lamborghini Aventador loses its lid

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Lamborghini, Luxury

At long last, we've seen the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. As any fan of the golden bull should know, when it comes to guessing the next variant of Lamborghini's biggest and baddest coupe all one need do is imagine the car with about two feet of roof gone missing. Or you don't even need to suppose, since RenderedSpeculation.com has done it for you.

The Aventador's close outward relation to previous members of Lamborghini's V12 family means the roadster's appearance - at least in rendered form - is exactly what you'd expect. So instead of considering this a test of the imagination, consider it planning: tax refunds will be coming soon, and you might as well figure out now whether the coupe or the inevitable roadster deserves your money...

[Source: Rendered Speculation]

Rendered Speculation: Lamborghini Aventador loses its lid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/ONpOK59wYEw/

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Koenigsegg Agera R heads to Geneva packing up to 1,115 hp... and a ski box

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg

Koenigsegg Agera R - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Geneva Motor Show kicks off this week, the Lamborghini Aventador won't be the only exotic sucking in journos like a tractor beam. The Koenigsegg Agera R is also making its global debut, wearing in a Speed Racer-inspired paint scheme (per the owner's request) and packing so much power that you'd think an R2 unit would be a better co-pilot than, say, Chim-Chim.

Now, about that power - the Agera R's 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes a ridiculous 1,115 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque on E85. Fill the tank with 95-octane gasoline instead of the biofuel, and figure on "only" around 940 horses and 811 lb-ft. The V8's connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The driver harnesses that power from a lavishly appointed cockpit that meets all the hypercar techno-fantasy criteria.

The Agera R's body panels are draped over a carbon fiber monocoque whose rigidity is such that a roof is not required. Hence, it's a removable panel that can be stowed inside the car. The owner of the example being displayed in Geneva is a skier, so the car is outfitted with a custom carbon fiber roof box developed in conjunction with Thule. It's a single-piece system that replaces the Agera R's standard roof entirely; when you get to the mountain, you simply swap the ski-box roof for the standard roof (which is tucked away in the cargo compartment).

Other highlights of the Koenigsegg Agera R include Vortex Generating Rim (VGR) wheels whose spokes act as turbine vanes that help maximize downforce. They're wrapped in Michelin rubber developed specifically for the Agera. Said tires are rated up to 260 mph, making them the highest-speed-rated tires in the world, according to Koenigsegg. As always, we'll have a full team in Geneva next week to bring you full details and a live look at the Agera R. In the meantime, check out the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Koenigsegg Agera R

[Source: Koenigsegg]

Koenigsegg Agera R heads to Geneva packing up to 1,115 hp... and a ski box originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/IvZe0O_eOQo/

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2011 Geneva Motor Show: 8 Videos on Mini Rocketman Concept

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/2011-geneva-motor-show-8-videos-on-mini-rocketman-concept.html

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Backseat Comfort

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/02/2011-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-backseat-comfort.html

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Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift comes to life one frame at a time - Click above to watch video after the jump

It may be calling out for some Peter Gabriel backing-music, but Michal Bakiewicz has put together what may be our new favorite "watch a car come to life" video to date.

This stop-motion clip captures a Suzuki Swift as it goes from pile-o-parts to race-ready hatchback. The entire garage springs to life and, as the seasons changes, a new racecar is born. Click past the jump to watch the frame-by-frame action. Impressive work, Michal.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style

Video: How to build a Suzuki Swift in under 4 minutes, stop-motion style originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/5IGHxck3IOQ/

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