autoMedia Auto News Blog : Auto show

autoMedia CARnival 11-27-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:12:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 27, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. So, while you sit down with a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, you can also peruse these tasty automotive morsels from across the internet. Have you already been out doing your early morning Black Friday shopping? As we told you earlier this week, Black Friday is a great day to make a terrific deal on a new car and you've still got the rest of the day! Not sure what to shop for? Jalopnik has a photo gallery of the five best and five worst Black Friday deals. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports has a collection of the Best deals on iPhone navigation apps as well as the best GPS picks for Black Friday shoppers. After teasing us with concepts since the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, General Motors has finally confirmed the 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible will begin production at its Oshowa, Ontario, plant alongside the 2011 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain crossovers. Read the complete announcement at AutoBlog.com . Concerns about the danger the silence of electric-powered vehicles presents to the visually impaired were addressed by General Motors...(read more)

Quick Look: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:11:00 GMT

Aggressively styled and pleasingly proportioned, Suzuki’s first two Kizashi concepts shared a powerful, aero-slick design theme characterized as “a dynamic athlete in motion.” They showed that its coming flagship sedan would be aimed at the emotional end of the scale. But Concept Kizashi 3 was tamer and more production realistic, looking much like the production version and demonstrating that Suzuki is serious about taking on the well-established entries in the U.S. market’s most competitive car class. Its stated mission: move the brand upscale “without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on content and value.” The only engine for now is a willing 2.4-liter aluminum four good for 185 horses with a standard 6-speed manual transaxle, or five ponies fewer with the available continuously variable transmission (CVT). Rare in this size and price class, the option of Suzuki’s latest “intelligent” all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) improves both bad-weather traction and cornering capability. Suspension is reinforced MacPherson struts front and multi-link rear, developed, Suzuki says, on European surfaces ranging from urban cobblestones to twisty two-lanes to high-speed German Autobahns and even the...(read more)

LA Preview: 2011 Mazda2

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market. Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show ....(read more)

LA Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:19:00 GMT

Los Angeles kicks off the North American new-car auto show circuit on December 2nd when the LA Convention Center opens its doors to the media, ahead of the public days later that week. Among the unveilings being teased is an array of high-tech models from Mercedes-Benz, including the SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTec and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. Mercedes will also show its first hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid, and its SplitView dual-content viewing technology that allows the driver and passenger to see something different on the LCD screen. The model expected to insight the most salivation is the SLS AMG, the modern reinvention of the classic mid-1950s 300SL. This new version features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the SLS AMG has a balance weight distribution and track-honed dynamics. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show ....(read more)

2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced

Brandy Schaffels — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year; for the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced at the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 3....(read more)

SEMA: Beyond Horsepower with "Making Green Cool" X PRIZE

Brandy Schaffels — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:23:00 GMT

A real treat for treehuggers was SEMA's "Making Green Cool" section which featured many of the vehicle finalists of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. ...(read more)

SEMA: Chevrolet Camaro Synergy Green Machine

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:22:00 GMT

The halls and exterior space surrounding the Las Vegas Convention Center was awash in customized, high-performance machines last week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show. Among the hundreds of project cars, the redesigned Camaro was well represented, with the 2010 Yenko Camaro , Lingenfelter Trans Am Concept , and twin-turbocharged Jay Leno Camaro all made their public debut. Among the many other show cars, the Camaro Synergy stood out as the ultimate green machine. Not, not some tree-huggin', hybrid, but literally green. While it may not have a celebrity name attached to it, this official Chevrolet project car showcases a striking new exterior color that will be available in the first half of 2010. Think of it as a counterpoint to the upcoming Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger . The Synergy also showcased a variety of add-on accessories being considered for market through the GM Performance Catalog and local dealerships. The makeover is handsome, with a ground effects kit, Cyber Grey hood stripes, high-wing rear spoiler, and 21-inch wheels with a black center. The car is further enhanced with aftermarket goodies that include a Peddars coil-over lowering kit and...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. ...(read more)

SEMA: Lingenfelter Trans Am Concept

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:50:00 GMT

Respected tuning house Lingenfelter Performance Engineering ( LPE ) unveiled a back-to-the-future muscle car with its T/A concept at the 2009 SEMA show . Certain to turn heads, the reborn Trans Am applies classic Pontiac cues to a 2010 Camaro , then cranks up the volume with abundant performance upgrades. The result is a clear example of what could have been, where it not for the auto industry crisis . Inspired by the 1969 original, the exterior makeover features a new front fascia with custom headlamps, grille, and turn signals. The car's fender has a functional side extractor scoop and the rear quarter has a leading edge wheel flair. The rear corners of the car have been extended nearly four inches and are finished with a wrapped down stand-up spoiler. Custom-created taillight housings complete the body work. The rolling stock is custom 20-inch honeycomb wheels wrapping in 275/40ZR20 front and 315/35ZR20 rear Nitto tires. Inside, the cockpit is dressed with bright blue woven vinyl seat inserts and metal turned instrument panel accents. As with any LPE project, there is serious underhood alchemy with the T/A concept. The engine is built around a custom Racing Head Service (RHS...(read more)

Jay Leno Reveals Custom Camaro at SEMA

Brandy Schaffels — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:04:00 GMT

When Global Vice President of General Motors Design Ed Welburn pulled the silk off the final vehicle in a special event with a small amount of journalists on the first night of Sema, the guests were surprised to find none other than Jay Leno sitting behind the wheel. ...(read more)

Eye Candy: 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:49:00 GMT

Chevrolet has treated us virtually to a revised version of the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept that debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show . The original concept was also widely seen in “ Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ” – at least by the movie goers not distracted by Megan Fox. In that FX-laden film, the concept played a minor role as “Sideswipe” and was clearly more than meets the eye. (Learn about the production Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition .) The original concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. Clearly, the mission was accomplished. The concept features a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high-performance hybrid drive. How much this concept will influence the seventh-generation remains to be seen. Latest rumors about the C7 suggest the car will be smaller than the C6 , benefitting performance and fuel economy. We hope to see the revised concept on the show circuit this season. See our Chicago auto show highlights , and read our Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and Z06...(read more)

SEMA: Tuner-Ready Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:18:00 GMT

Hyundai flirted with the import performance crowd with the Tiburon , but the Korean-automaker is pink-slip serious about appealing to the aging “The Fast and Furious” crowd with its latest coupe. The new, rear-drive Genesis Coupe is a well-executed sporty car with impressive fit-and-finish and decidedly performance-driver bent. For those enthusiasts with a passion for customization and factory-besting performance, Hyundai is introducing the 210-horsepower Coupe 2.0T R-Spec at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) Show this week. Consider this new edition as a blank slate for tuners. Priced at just $23,750, it gives enthusiasts an affordable head start on their wrench-turning adventures. The hardware is based on the Track model, with the track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and Torsen limited-slip differential. It also adds a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. R-Spec comes only with a manual transmission. While it has the performance goodies, the R-Spec eliminates “non-essential” features for both cost and, to a lesser degree, weight, including Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 10-30-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:52:00 GMT

It's the week ending October 30, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. First, it's too obvious to forget, but this weekend is Halloween, and there are sure to be lots of kidlets swarming the roads in costume on Saturday evening. AskPatty knows Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for children to walk and offers up a selection of tips to help drivers do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Love this one: "Empire Strikes Back: White House calls out Edmunds on Clunkers story, Edmunds responds" The facts in the case of the White House versus Edmunds are essentially indisputable - but they are open for interpretation. Thanks to AutoBlog for summarizing this excellent -- and entertaining -- case of "He said, They said." Daylight savings time ends this weekend, be sure to take extra care when driving in residential neighborhoods and approaching intersections and stop signs as you adjust to the added darkness along your familiar roads. Automotive Traveler advises your children to be extra careful if they're walking in a parking lot or crossing the street as the sun sets...(read more)

Infiniti Essence Tour Draws to a Close

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:03:00 GMT

Rather than spending big bucks on autoshow floorspace, Nissan has been touring the Infiniti Essence concept car across America's high-zoot shopping malls for exposure. At each stop, special guests, customers, and dealer VIPS have been invited to preview Infiniti's future design with special interview and photo opportunities, as well as a chance to check out custom-designed Louis Vuitton luggage....(read more)

SEMA: Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty Concept

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:23:00 GMT

This year, Jeep has announced four vehicles will be introduced at SEMA, including the Dodge Challenger 1320 Drag Pak, upscale Dodge Ram Bianco, Jeep Wrangler Overland camp-anywhere concept, and the Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty....(read more)