- Filed under: LA Auto Show, Europe, Cadillac, Diesel

How would you feel about a Cadillac with a diesel engine? Those of you in America shouldn't bother answering that question, however - it's strictly for the Europeans. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Cadillac's VP of marketing said that a diesel is "under consideration for vehicles sold outside the United States," with its U.S. chances going only so far as "a potential hedge."
When committing to the best fight against its rivals overseas, Cadillac's rep said, "if that means making the right powertrain choices, then those are the choices we will have to make." No mention was made of Opel's diesels or whether General Motors would choose to develop something new, but the German subsidiary has done well with oil-burners in the Insignia, and a trial of diesels in Caddys could help use up the allotment that Saab won't necessarily be needing.Cadillac diesel back on the table originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Chevrolet, Honda, Land Rover, Subaru, Fiat
LA Recap, Soave out at Fiat, ZL1 "you're welcome," Gray-market petition

Episode #257 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach, and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the turmoil at Fiat USA with Soave stepping down and 500 sales creeping along, a recap of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the "you're welcome" to Ford fans from the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 chief engineer, and the petition underway to reduce gray-market import restrictions from 25 to 15 years. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and we'll have our live 'cast back at our UStream channel soon. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #257:
Fiat USA in turmoil as Soave is out amid slow 500 sales
Petition started to shorten gray market exemption from 25 to 15 years
Camaro ZL1 chief engineer says "you're welcome" to Ford Mustang fans
Los Angeles Auto Show recap
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Subaru Impreza
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2011 Toyota Avalon
2012 Honda CR-V
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:35:51
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #257
Autoblog Podcast #257 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Nissan

The Nissan Cube is... different. There aren't many vehicles that pack the length of a sub-compact, the height of a crossover and the sex appeal of a postal truck. There is no question that Nissan was thinking out of the box with this boxy ride, but the model has never really caught on in the States. In 2009, Nissan sold 21,000 units, followed by 23,000 units in 2010. This year, however, sales have dipped to just 13,850 units through 10 months, a tepid 198 units having been sold in October.
But while the Cube isn't selling well, AutoWeek reports that Nissan isn't giving up on it just yet. Nissan North America sales boss Brian Carolin told the magazine at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the Cube "has found its place in the market." Carolin added that demand for the Cube was strong when gas prices spiked, and that at that point, the automaker was "struggling to get a supply of it."
Part of the Cube's sales decline could be attributed to parts shortages as a result of the Japan earthquake back in March, but that doesn't seem to explain its very weak October sales numbers. Even with obviously slow sales, Carolin sounds bullish on the Cube, but we're betting that Nissan will struggle to keep the Cube in the U.S. lineup if sales continue to dip, and we haven't heard a peep about a next-generation model.Nissan says it's still committed to Cube despite slow sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Fiat

We record Episode #257 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already. We're giving UStream a break this week, but we'll be back with live webcasts of Autoblog Podcast production soon.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #257
Fiat USA in turmoil as Soave is out amid slow 500 sales
Petition started to shorten gray market exemption from 25 to 15 years
Camaro ZL1 chief engineer says "you're welcome" to Ford Mustang fans
Los Angeles Auto Show recap
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
var vhm_widget_settings = { eventId: 1658093, colorScheme: 'redblack', width: 628, height: 550};Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #257 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Videos, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

The production version debuted just this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't go on sale until spring 2012, but that hasn't stopped Infiniti from putting up an online configurator for its new three-row crossover, or releasing a trio of new videos.
Pricing starts at $41,400 (including a $950 destination charge), but Infiniti is offering some $12,000 worth of packaged options. We managed to load one up to the tune of $55,170. The JX will initially come in just two flavors: Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. Both will be powered by a 265-horsepower version of the ubiquitous Nissan 3.5-liter V6 mated to a continuously variable transmission. Infiniti lists an estimated fuel economy at 17 city, 23 highway for both models.
We're thinking six months is a long time to wait, and Infiniti seems to agree, as it's upping the ante for those interested in the new vehicle now. If you reserve a JX through its website and follow it through to purchase, Infiniti will give you his and hers Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones or a Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker.
Free Bose gear aside, it will be interesting to see how the JX fares once it hits the market, alongside the brand's smaller EX and FX crossovers. With Infiniti having pursued a performance-oriented, rear-wheel-drive-based brand strategy for the past several years, this new front-wheel-drive crossover would appear to represent a different direction for the marque. Check out the configurator, but not before clicking past the jump to watch a trio of videos that feature running footage and the JX's interior in detail.Continue reading Infiniti JX configurator shows up early [w/video]
Infiniti JX configurator shows up early [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury

It appears as if we can expect to see the 2013 Lincoln MKZ borrow some from the just-shown 2013 MKS and MKT. Lincoln flashed a quick teaser of an unidentified vehicle's nose at the 2011 LA Auto Show, and it appears to be the face of the new MKZ. The teaser flashed in segments across the backdrop of the Lincoln booth as designer Max Wolff spoke about the 2013 MKS.
If that's what it is, the sedan looks to wear a similar split grille with integrated headlight housings as its larger siblings. Designers have opted to grace the smaller sedan with fewer, horizontally oriented grille slats in place of the vertical pieces of the MKS, and the grille outline itself seems to have more careful detailing, as do the slats themselves, which appear to have varying surface treatments. We've heard a lot of scuttlebutt about the MKZ looking stunning and showing off Lincoln's bold new design direction (as opposed to the light refresh jobs revealed in LA), so perhaps this partial view is a bit misleading.
Wolff said that the company has more design news in store, and that we'll all see the first examples debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January. You can hit the jump to see the full press presentation for yourself (the teaser comes at about 2:40).Continue reading Did Lincoln tease the 2013 MKZ at LA Auto Show?
Did Lincoln tease the 2013 MKZ at LA Auto Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

The Kia Optima is headed to the World Challenge next year. Kia has announced that it will once again partner up with Kinetic Motorsports, this time to build a pair of Optima SX models to go fender to fender with the rest of the World Challenge field. The two turbocharged sedans will compete in the Grand Touring Sport Class against vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, if you can believe that.
If you're thinking those two are going to make short work of the Optima, you may want to think again. Kia has already managed to earn a driver and team championship in the two years that it's been racing the Forte in the States, and the company recently announced the Rio 5-Door would be competing, as well. These guys aren't just out there to parade their badge around the track.
The World Challenge series pits great drivers against each other in race-prepped versions of production vehicles on some of the country's best road courses. The series campaigns at Infineon, Road Atlanta and the street circuit at Long Beach. Look for the races to show up on the NBC Sports Network this year. Hit the jump for the full press release from Kia.Continue reading Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros
Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show

That's it, ladies and gentlemen. It's time for the media to exit the building and let these nice Los Angelinos enjoy their international auto show. We've had fun covering every major debut and announcement at this year's show, all of which and more you'll find below, but we're spent. Thanks for watching and we'll see you back here in two weeks for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
2013 Ford Shelby GT500
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
2012 Jaguar XKR-S Vert
2013 Ford Mustang GT
2013 Nissan GT-R
Ford Fiesta ST Concept
2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG
2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic
Nissan NV2500 Food Truck
2013 Lincoln MKS
2013 Lincoln MKT
Volvo C70 Inscription
Lambo LP550-2 Spyder
2013 Chevy Spark
Honda Fit EV
Jaguar C-X16 Concept
2013 Cadillac XTS
Subaru BRZ Concept STI
2012 Honda CR-V
2013 Infiniti JX
2013 Ford Escape
2013 Camaro ZL1 Vert
Mastretta MXT
2012 Panamera GTS
2012 Hyundai Azera
Buick LaCrosse GL Concept
2012 VW CC
2013 Ford Flex
Land Rover DC100 Concept
2013 Mazda CX-5
We obsessively covered the 2011 LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Hatchback, Cadillac, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Luxury, Fiat

We're packing up our cameras and laptops and heading out of the Los Angeles Convention Center, but before we seal the lid on the 2011 LA Auto Show, it's time to reflect on our staff's favorite debuts of the past two days. Unlike previous shows, there was nothing here in LA that truly stood out as the clear Best In Show winner, but because of that, there were plenty of good arguments amongst the staff about the five best cars on display in Los Angeles.
We won't give away the winner just yet (you'll have to click past the break to see the results), but we'll say that the first and second place cars were nearly tied, with the Number One car only winning by one vote. But enough with this fluff - hit the jump to see Autoblog's picks for the five best debuts of the 2011 LA Auto Show.Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts
Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury

The MKT may not be a big seller, but Lincoln is hoping that starts to change with a refresh. The MKT hit the stage at the LA Auto Show with a new grille that matches up closely with the new face of the 2013 MKS.
Beyond the (once again) love/hate visage of the new MKT, Lincoln engineers have added power and refinement. The base 3.7-liter V6 receives a 32-horsepower boost from 268 hp to a more class-worthy 300 ponies. Fuel economy also gets a boost, up one mile per gallon to 25 mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive. The MKT will continue to offer an EcoBoost V6 variant, with the same 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
The MKT also adds Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) on EcoBoost-equipped models. The CCD system optimizes damping force in only 11 milliseconds to provide ideal ride comfort and handling regardless of conditions. The MKT also comes with Lincoln Drive Control, which allows the driver to choose from Normal, Sport and Comfort settings.
The refreshed three-row CUV will also feature available MyLincoln Touch. The updated system includes dual 4.2-inch screens in the gauge cluster and five-way steering wheel controls. The five-way controls give the driver access to climate, infotainment, phone and navigation settings without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Hit the jump to read over the Lincoln press release, and be sure to click on the gallery above to check out our high-resolution images from the show floor.Continue reading 2013 Lincoln MKT models its new mug
2013 Lincoln MKT models its new mug originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Luxury

The 2013 Nissan GT-R has officially bowed at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The latest interpretation of Japan's premier supercar may look the same, but it's the most powerful to date, with a full 15 additional horsepower over the 2012 model. That bumps the final figure up to 545 hp and 463 pound-feet of torque from the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6. The extra pep comes from a redesigned intake system, complete with larger intercooler ducting and reduced airflow resistance. Nissan says it has also taken the time to recalibrate the shift action on the vehicle's transmission and both differentials now use new lubricants.
Carbon ceramic brakes have also made their way to the option sheet for 2013, which is a good thing considering that Nissan claims the machine can hit 60 mph from a dead standstill in just 2.7 seconds. Two. Point. Seven.
Engineers have also managed to stiffen the chassis somewhat, and the whole package helps the vehicle lap Germany's Nürburgring a whopping 10 seconds quicker than the old model. The new GT-R is scheduled to whip into U.S. showrooms beginning this January, but you can check it out in our high-res gallery and in the official press release after the jump.Continue reading 2013 Nissan GT-R is more of a great thing
2013 Nissan GT-R is more of a great thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Volvo, Design/Style

Volvo doesn't have a big presence at the LA Auto Show, but the Swedish automaker did manage to roll out a new special edition model for our edification. The C70 Inscription is a new trim limited to only 2,000 units worldwide. The Inscription will be available in the U.S. with Volvo's T5 five-cylinder turbo delivering 230 horsepower. Other markets will feature a pair of diesel offerings in 150-hp and 177-hp flavors.
Visually, the Inscription separates itself from garden-variety C70 models through details like a black painted grille with chrome accents, polished aluminum 18-inch wheels with black accents and an interior that features Sovereign Hide(!) upholstery and a leather-clad dashboard. Other exclusive interior tweaks include Inscription-embroidered front headrests, carpet and a unique handbrake cover. The special edition folding hardtop convertible will be available in three colors; Black Stone, Black Sapphire and Ice White.
The Volvo C70 Inscription arrives in dealerships beginning this month. Hit the jump to read over the official press release, and feel free to click on the gallery above to peruse high-resolution photos from the show floor.Continue reading 2012 Volvo C70 Inscription Edition looks a bit moody
2012 Volvo C70 Inscription Edition looks a bit moody originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Work, Nissan

Auto journalists love food. So if you're an automaker that's looking to get some hot ink about your brand-new food trucks, bringing them to an auto show during press days is a sure-fire way to get their attention. Well, as long as they're stocked with tasty edibles.
Professional gluttony aside, food trucks are becoming an increasingly popular sight in many towns, having spread out from major cities like Los Angeles and New York. Here at the LA Auto Show, Nissan is showing off two examples of its NV heavy-duty work van that have been converted into the sustenance-mobiles you see here. But instead of the usual taco trucks or Korean BBQ machines that typically roam the streets of Southern California, Nissan delivered a bit of comfort food to those typing away in the Los Angeles Convention Center. One food truck served up grilled cheese sandwiches, while another NV2500 HD targeted sweet-tooth types with ice cream sandwiches.
Check out both of Nissan's food trucks in the attached image gallery. As for us, we're going back for seconds.Continue reading 2012 Nissan NV2500 HD food trucks deliver deliciousness in LA
2012 Nissan NV2500 HD food trucks deliver deliciousness in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

We've got to admire the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The vehicle could very possibly be the least-aerodynamic sports car on the face off the planet that's capable of knocking off 200 mph. How does it do it? Lots and lots of power. Ford completely reworked the vehicle's drivetrain for 2013, starting with the engine. The larger 5.8-liter aluminum V8 now spits out a full 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque courtesy of a larger supercharger. Ford calls the 2013 Shelby GT500 the most powerful production V8... in the world. The muscle-bound Mustang looks plenty impatient lounging on the show floor of the 2011 LA Auto Show.
Buyers looking for even more performance may opt for the GT500 Performance Pack, which throws in electronically-adjustable Bilstein dampers and a Torsen limited slip rear differential. Still not enough to satiate the go-fast itch? Good thing the 2013 GT500 is also available with a Track Package that bolts on an external engine oil cooler, transmission cooler and rear-differential cooler.
Even better, the 2013 Shelby GT500 weighs 270 pounds less than its chief rival, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and manages to dodge the gas guzzler tax. We're in love.Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 looks angry, wants out
2013 Ford Shelby GT500 looks angry, wants out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Jaguar, Design/Style, Luxury

Jaguar has pulled the covers off its 2012 XKR-S Convertible here at the LA Auto Show, the droptop variant of the XKR-S Coupe which arrived earlier this year. Fitted with a power-operated folding cloth roof, the two-door takes its passengers from shade to sun in just 18 seconds at the touch of a button.
The most powerful and fastest open-topped GT Jaguar has ever built, the new flagship convertible is fitted with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 rated at 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. With a standard six-speed paddle-shifted automatic, acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill takes just 4.2 seconds, says the automaker. Top speed for this king of the XK range is 186 mph.
In addition to its upgraded suspension, there are a host of aggressive functional aero bits including a carbon fiber front splitter, side sills and a carbon fiber rear valance. Inside, there are 16-way adjustable sport seats trimmed in carbon leather.
Each XKR-S Convertible carries a sticker price of $138,875 (including $875 destination), which represents a $6,000 premium over its closed-rood coupe sibling. Limited to just 25 units in the States, all have reportedly been sold in advance of the car's debut.Continue reading 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible is fast, expensive and already sold out
2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible is fast, expensive and already sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LA Auto Show, Automotive News, Latest car models, Worldwide Auto News
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