• Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Land Rover, Luxury

    Production 2011 Land Rover LRX rendering - Click above to enlarge

    Is the world ready for a kinder, gentler Sport Utility Vehicle? Land Rover is betting on it, and the rugged British off-road brand will reportedly debut its hotly anticipated LRX at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Shortly thereafter, the production LRX will make its North American debut in LA. According to Automotive News, the LRX will go on sale in the third quarter of 2011.

    We first saw the LRX Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, where it was generally well received by both the press and the showgoing public. The LRX is expected to be Land Rover's most efficient model and is likely to be offered with some sort of hybrid powertrain.

    Late last year, Autocar reported that Land Rover's first hybrid drivetrain would include a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine mated up to a 25kW electric motor. The system would be a full parallel hybrid, meaning it could operate on any combination of gasoline or electricity using its onboard lithium ion battery pack.


    Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept


    [Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

    Report: 2011 Land Rover LRX to debut at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Chicago 2010: Women of the Windy City -

    Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Etc.

    Spokesmodels of the Chicago Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

    This year's 2010 Chicago Auto Show is just about over, at least for us media types, and while a couple of significant vehicles were unveiled here, it's basically a repeat of Detroit - the industry has definitely scaled back. Although Chicago hasn't always been one of the pre-eminent events on the calendar, we usually get a lot out of our trip to the Windy City, and while that's generally new car debuts, there's plenty else to occupy our time here.

    Thankfully one area where automakers seemingly didn't skimp again is booth professionals. Lots of models are positioned by the vehicles, quick with a smile or an answer to any question we had. As the auto show season marches along, the gals just seem to get prettier and friendlier at every event.

    And as we pointed out in our booth babe post from Detroit, we're not being sexist, but rather consumers of a valuable service according to Sirens of Chrome, an entire book celebrating the culture of car models and their history on the auto show circuit. Check out the gallery below to keep the economy going.


    Gallery: Women of the Windy City at Chicago Auto Show


    Live photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

    Chicago 2010: Women of the Windy City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Forthcoming Cadillac ATS to breed sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Cadillac, Rumormill, Luxury



    Cadillac is in the midst of a renaissance. Again. Still. The 2008 CTS paved the way, the Converj is set to follow, and the XTS is set to put the stodgy old Seville and Deville to rest. But Caddy's also preparing to launch an attack on the entry-level end of the luxury market. And according to word on the street, it'll be a full-on assault.

    When the "small" Cadillac model dubbed ATS debuts for 2012 - the smart money's on the Los Angeles Auto Show in December - it'll be spearheaded by a four-door sedan, targeting the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37. But like the offerings from BMW and Infiniti, the sedan won't be the end of the story. According to an inside source speaking to Inside Line, the ATS will also breed a wagon, a coupe and a convertible.

    Whether the convertible will use a folding metal roof or a conventional rag top remains to be decided, but whatever form it takes, one thing's for sure: General Motors remains very serious about Cadillac, and so should the competition.

    [Source: Inside Line]

    Rumormill: Forthcoming Cadillac ATS to breed sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really. -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor, Electric

    Chevrolet Volt Dance - Click above to watch the video after the break

    "E for electricity, V for Chevy Volt and me..." Catchy little diddly, sure. But we were mostly willing to let the Chevrolet Volt song make the deep, dark trek into obscurity with nary another mention. That is, until today. What made us change our tune, you ask? Boy, are you in for a treat.

    Witness the Chevy Volt dance. Yes, it is an official routine apparently commissioned by GM. Showgoers that meandered near the GM area at the LA Auto Show may already be familiar with this little number, but the video's just too good not to share with the rest of the class. We especially like it when the four-person crew stops whatever they're doing to throw us an "E" and a "V."

    Trust us. You owe it to yourself to click past the break and watch the video. Here's hoping The General antes up to send these dancers around the country for the rest of the auto show circuit.

    [Source: GM-Volt.com]

    Continue reading VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

    VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Nissan V2G wins LA's 2009 Design Challenge -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Nissan, Electric

    Nissan V2G -- Click above for high-res image gallery

    The LA Auto Show's Design Challenge has a victor from among its Youthmobile 2030 entries: the Nissan Vehicle-to-Grid, aka V2G. It envisions a nationwide electric highway system (the "grid") driven on by Generation Z, and their cars will pay for use of the grid like a mobile phone plan. The V2G doesn't offer much in the way of variety, but it's ultra-efficient, cheap to run, and convoys of them can gather in interlocked formations called "flocks."

    But when the Gen Z'ers get their hacking fingers on it, they customize it so it can be taken off-grid, creating the V2G Unlimited and the Halo-esque future we are beginning to think is inevitable. Sadly, none of the customized demos feature guns, which is all the V2G Unlimited appears to lack and will make it difficult to deal with the Covenant.

    When the V2G is finished providing useful service, it can be recycled. Made of bioresin impregnated carbon nanotube cloth, a specially yet-to-be-created bacteria would devour the bioresin and leave only the cloth, which can be used to build another V2G. Or something. Check out the V2G in the high-res gallery below and start studying for the future, now.


    Gallery: LA 2009 Design Challenger Winner: Nissan V2G


    [Source: Car Body Design]

    Nissan V2G wins LA's 2009 Design Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Autoblog Podcast #156 -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen


    Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

    Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

    Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

    Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

    Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • 2009 LA Auto Show Wrap Up -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show

    Did you miss our coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show? Don't know where to look to find it? No worries. We've assembled the best parts for you below, and you can visit our LA Auto Show page to view every last piece of coverage we did.

    THE CARS
    Allard J2X MkII
    Gallery | Post Audi e-tron
    Gallery | Post Audi R8 Spyder
    Gallery | Post 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
    Gallery | Post 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
    Gallery | Post 2011 Chevrolet Volt
    Gallery | Post 2011 Dodge Viper
    Gallery | Post 2011 Ford Fiesta
    Gallery | Post 2011 Ford Mustang V6
    Gallery | Post Honda P-NUT Concept
    Gallery | Post 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    Gallery | Post 2011 Hyundai Tucson
    Gallery | Post 2011 Infiniti G
    Gallery | Post 2011 Infiniti M
    Gallery | Post 2011 Kia Sorento
    Gallery | Post 2011 Mazda2
    Gallery | Post 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
    Gallery | Post 2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography
    Gallery | Post 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0
    Gallery | Post 2010 Spyker Aileron C8 Spyder
    Gallery | Post 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition
    Gallery | Post Toyota Prius Plug-In
    Gallery | Post 2011 Toyota Sienna
    Gallery | Post Toyota Billabong Venza
    Gallery | Post 2011 VW Final Edition New Beetle
    Gallery | Post VW Up! Lite Concept
    Gallery | Post

    THE NEWS
    LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog
    We're here in the City of Angels to watch Fritz Henderson deliver GM's keynote address to all us media types here at LA Auto Show. Only thing is, Fritz resigned yesterday, and for some reason interim CEO Ed Whitacre will not be delivering the keynote. Which can only mean one thing -- GM's Vice Chairman of Marketing and Communications Bob Lutz will be delivering the opening address. LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year
    Hold onto your hats folks, because while magazine award ceremonies appear to be just about finished, the auto show trophies are just starting to be handed out. This time, it's the International Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, and we've got two winners from within the Ford empire. The Ford ... LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat
    At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year's winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year's list of finalists, the A3's win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car ... LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us
    Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating ... "Viridian Joule" picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest
    The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevrolet Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We'll let the winner ...
    BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

    2009 LA Auto Show Wrap Up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc.

    Just some of the beauty in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

    With the state of the economy, it didn't come as much of a surprise that manufacturer presence was down at the LA Auto Show this year. The carmakers that did show up, however, brought their "A Game" - mostly. As much as that was true for new vehicle introductions, it also applied to the deployment of booth professionals as well.

    Many booths didn't hire models this year, unfortunately, and companies that have traditionally been reliable sources of model employment weren't even here in 2009. We're looking at you, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Still, it was nice to see even a few smiling faces while we scoured the darkened halls of the LA Convention Center trying in our obsessive search for postworthy material.

    While we didn't encounter many spokesmodels, we did find a lot of beauty in the City of Angels. We've assembled a small gallery of random shots and artsy-fartsy images to give all of you a taste of this year's show from LA. Click below to see our small but satisfying high-res gallery.


    Gallery: LA 2009: LA beauty


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

    LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Truck, Work, Ford

    2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty Fire Truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

    We're always up for a good cause, and that's exactly what this Ford Super Duty Fire Truck represents. According to Ford, it will make an initial $10,000 contribution to the Los Angeles County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund, plus $10 for each person that visits its stand at the LA Auto Show and another $20 for every person that takes a test drive in a new Ford vehicle throughout the duration of the show - up to a maximum of another $6,000 per day.

    Naturally, Ford is looking for a little exposure along the way, and we don't really have any problem with that. After all, it's certainly not uncommon to see Super Duty chassis cabs upfitted as fire department vehicles, and that's exactly what Ford has on display right now in LA. Included in the makeover are a 300-gallon water tank, eight-gallon foam cell, two pumps, an electric rewind reel with 150 feet of hose, three-stage winch with 8,000-pound capacity and 100 feet of wire rope.

    Naturally, the top-spec 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel Power Stroke V8 engine is present and accounted for, along with a heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission that features available Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO), which allows the truck's engine to power axillary equipment whether the truck is stationary or in motion. See more in the press release after the break and check out our photo gallery below.


    Gallery: 2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty Fire Truck


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

    [Source: Ford]

    Continue reading LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA

    LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza -

    Filed under: Aftermarket, LA Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Toyota, Specialty, Off-Road

    Billabong Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

    No, this isn't a leftover post from SEMA, although to be perfectly fair, it is a leftover vehicle from SEMA. While reporting on the Hot Rod Toyota Tundra and Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer, we somehow missed this tricked-out Venza. Kitted out by the Australian surfwear mavens at Billabong, it's called the Ultimate Venza Concept. Umm, yeah. While the vast majority of Venza crossovers are probably never going to be used off-road, this Ultimate Venza apparently wants us to know that any extreme sports fan will be happy in one.

    Toyota had Street Image do the build. They started with a 2009 Venza and added a body kit with Outback-worthy fender flares and alloy wheels. That crazy custom roof rack can accommodate surfboards, snow boards and wake boards, and can be lowered for easier loading. There's even a hidden cargo rack that allows skis and snow boards to be mounted at the back. There are front and rear hitch receivers, a Grinch Winch to "pull wake boarders into waves or snow boarders and skaters across flat land to a jump or rail," and a TRD big brake kit in there as well.

    Besides being identified by the massive graphics along the flanks, Billabong also chipped in wet suit material for the seats and an homage of sorts on the headliner which features a collage of Billabong athletes in action. The vehicle also incorporates certain "living" features like a heated shower system to help you rinse off after surfing and a Verizon Wireless access point router to keep you abreast of current surf and snow conditions. Look for it at upcoming Billabong surf events, read more about it in the press release after the jump, and see it in our high-res gallery below.


    Gallery: LA 2009: Billabong Toyota Venza


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
    [Source: Toyota]

    Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza

    LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Specialty

    Allard J2X MkII - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Tucked away into the nookiest cranny of the LA Auto Show and literally parked behind a Morgan sits the Allard J2X MkII, perhaps the most breathtaking car in the joint. You nerds out there might be saying, "They dragged an admittedly concours-condition J2X out to Los Angeles? Big deal." Which is precisely what we thought as we strolled right past the spiffy, spankin' Allard for nearly two days. But then we took a closer look. Why would someone fit humongous Wilwood brakes to a vintage car?

    Because this puppy ain't vintage. See that "MkII" suffix hanging off the end of the title there? This Allard is all new. As in a modern, hand-built continuation of the original Allard. Not only does the Allard Registry recognize the roadster and issue each one its own continuation serial number, but the president of Allard Motor Works is named Roger Allard - though he's not a descendant of founder Sydney Allard. But even if it wasn't a bang-on recreation of the hugely successful 1951-1954 J2X race car, this car would tickle us you know where.

    Why? So many reasons.



    Besides the usual "Just look at it!" bloviation, the frame is built from tubular steel with double roll bars covering the cowl and fuel tank. And inboard rear-brakes. Then there's the absolutely stunning, jewelery-like hand-fitted instruments and aluminum dash. And the red leather. And the leather hood straps. And the (functional) portholes. The knock-off hubs. The twin side-pipes. And on and on and on. And on.

    Then there's the little (or not so little) matter of what's under the hood. In this particular car, it's a 5.7-liter Chrysler Hemi V8 with a massive throttle body and a lot of other reworked jazz that's good for around 500 horsepower. You want a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi? Not a problem. You can also opt for a Chevy 350, Caddy Northstar or Ford 351. The sprint from zero to 60 happens in about 4.5 seconds and, depending on the motor, you could pop off a quarter-mile in the low 12 seconds at 110 mph.

    Currently the Allard J2X is being built in two places (Montreal and Upstate New York), although there are plans to move to a single factory soon. Roger Allard plans on keeping the new Allard pretty exclusive, limiting its numbers to just one hundred per year. Oddly, about a quarter of that total is slated for Australia. Or maybe not so oddly, as when we shut our eyes we can totally picture ourselves blasting across the Outback in a J2X MkII, bugs in our teeth and roos bouncing off the nerf bars. Cost of entry? The new Allard starts at $138,500.


    Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII


    [Source: Allard]

    LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Spyker, Luxury

    Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Where to even start? Oh right - that interior! With the possible exception of a couple of British-ish cars (BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Phantom, Volkswagen-owned Bentley Mulsanne, Tata-owned Jaguar XJ), no interior even comes close. And frankly, being honest, those luxo-barges just pale in comparison to the blinged out old-world splendor of a Spyker cockpit. And the C8 Aileron Spyder ups that already pricey ante. And get this - all C8s are now built in Coventry, England, shaving about $9,000 off the asking price, which is somewhere south north of $200,000 depending on baubles options.

    Normally, photographing cars at auto shows feels like a strange, exotic form of torture, at least for us writerly types. The bright lights, the bumrush, the awkward positions (you try crawling on your hands and knees between a posing CEO's knees to get a shot of a wheel) - it's not fun. But when photographing this car, we were overcome with a rush of (let's just say) endorphins. We could imagine ourselves winding up the California coast, fondling that leather-wrapped aluminum gear shifter for hundreds of breezy, dreamy miles. And get this - it's an automatic... and we don't care!

    For you number junkies who choose to hastily look past the incredible innards, the C8 drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That medium-amount of gumption is routed to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed slushbox. Top speed is 187 mph and 0-60 happens in 4.5 seconds. Spyker claims that the car's strength is in the frame (stouter than a Ferrari F430, so they say) and therefor chopping off the roof has limited negative structural impact. Want more tech details? See our post from Monterey.



    Let's get back to that interior. If you're into fancy cars (hi mom!) you've no doubt heard of special leather coming from "free range" cows raised without barbwire so as to ensure the leather is flawless. Well get this, the leather in the Aileron Spyder comes from a Dutch tannery that works with free range cold weather cows. Why cold weather? No mosquito bites. No, really. And you can get that interior in any of fourteen colors, most of which are (hopefully) equally eye-searing. Finally, anyone else as in love with the tonneau cover-mounted quilted leather briefcase as we are?


    Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

    LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Etc., Kia


    2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

    With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

    In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.


    Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX


    [Source: NADAguides.com]

    Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

    LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury



    On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

    With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

    Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America -

    Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric


    Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

    The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

    Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

    Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.


    Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
    [Source: Toyota]

    Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

    LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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