Autoblog

Detroit Preview: Kia Soulster

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Soulster

Our initial guess that Kia would bring a Soul coupe to next week's Detroit Auto Show seems to be holding up with the release of a new teaser bearing the name "Soulster." Naturally, the two-door Soul will keep its boxy profile, with a redesigned hatch that incorporates blacked-out pillars into the tinted windows of the greenhouse. Unfortunately, that means that a Soulamino is out, but we see how well that worked for GM.

Detroit Preview: Kia Soulster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Detroit Auto Show, now with 100% less Nissan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Nissan

Visitors to the Detroit Auto Show will be able to eyeball a bunch of Chinese cars that have virtually no hope of ever being sold in the U.S., but they won't be able to scope out the Maxima... or 370Z... or Cube. You'll remember that Nissan formally announced that neither it nor its luxobrand Infiniti would participate in this year's exhibition, joining a parade of other no-shows. You'll also remember that local dealers had elected to supply their own vehicles to give the brand a floor presence in lieu of the spiked corporate display. That plan is now as dead as the Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be, since the Tennessee mothership has pulled rank and ~~told the dealers to back off~~ asked dealers to "please respect their decision to not have a presence at the North American International Auto Show," according to auto show co-chair (and Nissan dealer) Doug Fox. Needless to say, the dealers have complied, and some primo floor space is once again available to interlopers from the basement level. Now, who's hungry for more Chinese?

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

'09 Detroit Auto Show, now with 100% less Nissan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley GTC Speed

The Bentley GTC has only been out for two years and a bit, but you might not know that; the car is so popular in some parts that it has become something like Ugg Boots for the monied-up automotive fashionista. Like its other Continental stablemates, Bentley has finally taken the drophead into their Speed garage for the transformation from really fast to "Egads!" fast.

It emerges from said garage with its twin-turbo W12 producing 553 lb-ft. of torque and 600 horsepower - 100 ponies more than the Azure T, making it the most powerful convertible Bentley has ever made. The Speed treatment alters the front end, with a more upright, dark-tinted matrix grille flanked by chrome bezels around the headlights, and the face is framed by firmer lines sweeping up from the lower air dam.

While it is still not - and isn't mean to be - a sports car, the handling ante is upped by a lowered ride height, low-friction dampers, stiffer rear axle bushings, wider tires, and retuned steering. When it's time to stop, newly available carbon-ceramic brakes, at 16.5 inches up front and 14 inches in back, are the largest factory-fitted brakes on a passenger car today.

When it's time to get on it, you'll reach 60 in 4.5 seconds, and with the top up you'll find terminal velocity is 200 miles-per-hour with the lid up. Should you not wish to go easy on your follicles, the GTC will still reach 195 mph with the top down - just make sure to lather up your 'do with plenty of product.

There are two new official exterior paint choices from the factory: Aquamarine and Blue Crystal, and you can get the interior done in Aquamarine as well. However, since Bentley's bespoke department will make your GTC any color you want, that's probably of little concern to most buyers. Even so, we must ask: who's been requesting an Aquamarine interior? Check out the full GTC Speed press release after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009 Preview: Bentley GTC Speed

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least

Detroit Preview: Bentley GTC Speed is last, but not least originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Euro-spec 2009 Honda Insight

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Honda

Click above for a gallery of the Euro-spec 2009 Honda Insight

We're still six days away from the official unveiling of the 2009 Honda Insight at the Detroit Auto Show, but the crew at Carscoop just couldn't wait to release images of the European-spec hybrid ahead of its debut.

The Euro model shown here won't differ too much from the U.S. version, but the stylistic differences between the production version and its conceptual predecessor are obvious at first glance. As we've seen before, the front fascia carries over largely unchanged, although the technorific LED headlamps, deeply recessed fog lamps/air intakes and gaudy brightwork are all left on the designer's desk. The side mirrors have grown in proportion to the door handles, and the C-pillar is noticeably thicker than the concept that bowed in Paris. The rear has also been smoothed over, with the Prius-esque (or is that CRX-inspired?) hatch losing a bit of glass, along with the contoured cut-out for the license plate, which is now mounted lower on the bumper, with a prominent "H" badge floating on a body-colored panel.

Although the interior hasn't been revealed in full, we get a brief glimpse of the central-mounted tach, "eco" gauges and second tier speedo, which benefits from a backlight that transitions from green to blue when the driver mashes the accelerator and unleashes the full fury of the small-displacement engine through the CVT gearbox.

Sales will begin in the U.S. and abroad this spring, with a starting price rumored to hover around $20,000.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight (Euro)

[Source: Carscoop]

Leakage: Euro-spec 2009 Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit restaurant offers cheaper eats for domestic owners

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Humor

We'll have to make sure to rent a Mopar when we're in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show next week. Tribute Restaurant in nearby Farmington Hills is running a special promotion to honor folks who buy American. Food is half off for anyone driving a Chrysler product or who works for Chrysler the week of the show, January 11-17. But don't think the folks at The Tribute are just fans of the Pentastar.

The promotion kicked off on January 4, with Ford being the honored marque through January 10, while GM owners will get their discount during the week of January 18-24. The final week of the month (Jan. 25-31), everybody can get in on the special deal. All American cars will be featured that week and the discount will even be extended to automotive suppliers and dealers. The discounts apply to just the food portion of your bill at dinner or Sunday brunch and reservations are recommended.

[Source: MSNBC]

Detroit restaurant offers cheaper eats for domestic owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Cadillac SRX

Almost exactly a year after revealing the Provoq Concept, Cadillac is debuting the redesigned 2010 SRX wearing essentially the same suit of clothes. At that time, the Provoq was thought to be a preview of a new smaller crossover called the BRX, but Cadillac informed us last summer that the "BRX" was actually the all-new SRX.

We'll be seeing the new SRX in production form at the Detroit Auto Show, and while automakers often throw the term "all-new" around, in this case it really seems to apply. There is almost nothing carried over to this version of the SRX compared to the old one, although many of the greasy bits are shared with other GM vehicles. The biggest difference going from the Provoq concept to the production SRX is the powertrain. The Provoq used a Volt based E-Flex powertrain with a fuel cell range extender. The SRX is a far more conventional though fully modern luxury crossover. Read all about the details after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX Live

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn

Detroit Preview: 2010 Cadillac SRX reborn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Crossovers/CUVs, Volvo

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Volvo S60 Concept

It may not be the same as attending the event in-person, but a live, interactive webcast of Volvo's press conference at the Detroit Auto Show, where the S60 concept and production XC60 for North America will be shown, could be the next best thing. The broadcast is intended for media types and members of the press, but the fact that it's being aired on DirecTV (channel 101, January 11 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET) means that anybody with a television and the satellite service can watch it live. Alternatively, users can register for a password to the online site, the location of which is not yet determined.

The coolest bit of tech that's making an appearance for this event is the capability to send questions to a live host who will then relay selected inquiries to key Volvo executives. These days, the global economic downturn is affecting everyone, including those who would normally cover these events for the media. This being the case and assuming the event is a success, we'd expect to more manufacturers to adopt a similar system at upcoming auto shows. Of course, we'll be there live and you can always direct your browsers to our pages for the best coverage available.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live

Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

When Ford introduced the new 2010 Mustang at the LA Auto Show in November, marketing boss Jim Farley promised the next chapter in the Mustang story would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Well that time has arrived and to anyone who has been following the Mustang pattern over the last several years, it should come as no surprise that it's the Shelby GT500. Just like the last iteration, the new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.

Like the more prosaic Mustangs, the GT500 is mechanically an evolution of the older model. Just as Ford used the current-gen Bullitt model as the starting point for the 2010 Mustang GT, the lessons learned from developing the limited edition GT500 KR fed directly into the latest Shelby-badged variant. Output of the supercharged 5.4L V8 has now been cranked up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, and the handling is claimed to be better than before. Check out everything that's new on the GT500 after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back

Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Acura, Honda

Just two weeks after we learned that Honda had suspended plans to introduce a new V10 NSX sports car in 2010 comes word that we may see the car anyway. Sort of. The production program is still dead, but it is being reported that the previously scheduled "concept" will appear at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

In typical Honda fashion, a concept version of a new model appears a few months for the street edition. In this case, the NSX was set to debut next fall at the Tokyo Motor Show with the conceptual preview at the Detroit auto show. Since the concept was already prepared before Honda made the decision to scrap the program, they will show it anyway. Honda's presence in Cobo will still be low-key however, with its press conference having been canceled. The NSX and the production Insight will simply appear on the show floor.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: AutoTeleGraaf.nl]

Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show

In addition to the debut of the production version of the Karma luxury plug-in hybrid, Fisker Automotive will also be unveiling a new concept at the Detroit Auto Show next month: the Fisker Sunset. We don't have much beyond the teaser shot above, but we do know that Fisker Automotive CEO and namesake Henrik Fisker will announce details about the Sunset at the company's press conference in Cobo Hall on January 12. Besides the green Karma, Fisker is perhaps best known for their coachbuilt SLs and BMWs, but Henrik Fisker is also one of the most influential designers in the last decade, with most of the current Aston Martin lineup and the late, great BMW Z8 attributed to his pen. We can't wait to see what this wunderkind is up to now.

UPDATE: AutoblogGreen has more on what's officially called the Fisker Karma S.

[Source: Fisker]

Detroit Preview: Fisker Sunset concept coming to Motown originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: SHO-time for 2010 Ford Taurus

John Neff — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Ford

Could it be? Right in the midst of my own personal search for a mint Gen 1 (1989-1991) Taurus SHO comes pictoral proof that Ford may be resurrecting the Super High Output model. What we have here is one of many images published by Jalopnik showing the "SHO" moniker in its traditional font on the passenger side dash of a 2010 Ford Taurus.

What does it all mean? That's tough to say. The safe bet is that Ford may be developing a Taurus SHO concept car that could debut after the standard model is revealed at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month. It would also be safe to assume that a Taurus SHO would be powered by Ford's new EcoBoost V6, which is rumored to produce 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That's a heaping helping more than the 220 hp produced by the Yamaha-built 3.0L V6 in the original SHO, but there's also a lot more Taurus to haul around these days.

While it's possible that Ford could be adding the SHO trim level back to the Taurus line, we hope these pictures portend the arrival of a concept car only. You might be wondering how such an avid SHO fan could speak such blasphemy, and the answer is that today's Taurus is far removed from the original that shocked the industry back in 1986. Back then the Taurus was a mid-size family sedan with a futuristic design that broke the mold, and the SHO was heralded as an M3 at half the price when it arrived in 1989. Today's Taurus is just too big and expensive to wear those shoes, though an M5 on sale for 50% off sounds tempting. If we're being honest, however, a Fusion SHO tuned by SVT would be irresistible.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: SHO-time for 2010 Ford Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Honda

Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen.

With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BYD plans two more electric cars in 2009

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, China, Green

BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese company with huge ambition to become the world's largest automaker. If there's any chance of making that monumental task a reality, the company will need some amazing products, a stage to present them to the world and a little luck. At least one of those requirements has been met, as BYD is set to capitalize on Nissan's absence at the Detroit Auto Show in January by placing its products right on the main floor with all the rest of the major automakers. BYD's working on the product problem too, having just released its first plug-in hybrid, called the F3DM, in its home market ealier this month. If that weren't enough, the automaker reportedly plans to release two more all-electric models in 2009, with the goal of bring its products to the crucial American and European markets in 2011.

All of these impressive developments have been made possible with the help of a $230 million investment from Warren Buffet. Much like the upcoming Chevy Volt, the BYD F3DM and F6DM sedans and the E6 van rely on an electric motor and an on-board battery pack to provide motive force for the first 60 miles, after which a normal gasoline-powered engine kicks in to keep the party going. Needless to say, we'll keep an eye out for the budding Chinese automaker next month in Detroit.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BYD's F6 DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gas2.0]

Report: BYD plans two more electric cars in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese CEOs sitting out Detroit show, scale back the glitz

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Honda, Toyota

Honda and Toyota may not be joining their colleagues at Nissan, Mitsubishi and Suzuki in canceling their participation in this year's Detroit Auto Show, but they still won't be laying on the glitz and glamor that have become the mainstay of past events.

For starters, both Honda's and Toyota's CEOs won't be attending, even though the market is vital to their success. Beyond that, neither will be holding press conferences to unveil their new hybrids, simply placing the vehicles on their show stands and waiting for questions. No parties, either, as they acknowledge the economic state of the industry leaves little to celebrate this year. The automakers didn't give any specific reasons for their decision to scale things back, but sources suggest that the move was made out of deference to the difficulties faced by their rivals in Detroit.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Junko Kimura/Getty]

Japanese CEOs sitting out Detroit show, scale back the glitz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO)

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

With the exhibitors' roster for the upcoming 2009 Detroit Auto Show dwindling, you'd think that any cars being unveiled there might actually, you know, be available in North America. But according to reports, you'd be wrong.

Mercedes-Benz is anticipated to unveil the million-dollar Stirling Moss edition SLR McLaren, but sources indicate that the limited-production topless supercar won't even be offered in the market in which it's being unveiled. No worries for Mercedes, which will likely have sold the full run of 75 SLR speedsters being offered exclusively to current SLR owners before the show concludes. Bad news for supercar owners in the U.S,, who'll just have to blow their extra million on another Veyron, Reventon or Koenigsegg instead.

Now, for your viewing enjoyment, we invite you to follow the jump for video footage of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, the longest-named open-air sportscar since the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyder.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO)

SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cobo Hall expansion plan approved... will NAIAS recover to need the space?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

Automakers have been fleeing the Detroit Auto Show in droves over the last few months. Porsche, citing slow sales in metro Detroit, was the first to announce it was pulling out of the NAIAS, but Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce all followed suit shortly thereafter. While much of the blame can be placed squarely on the broad shoulders of the global economic meltdown, organizers of the event also point to the quickly deteriorating conditions at Cobo Hall and the lack of available space when compared to such venues as the Chicago Auto Show.

Even if they can't fix the economy, the ~~U.S.~~ Michigan Senate has stepped in to fix Cobo. A total of 166,000 square-feet of space will be added to the 700,000 that is already present. NAIAS officials are hopeful that this added room, along with a general tidying up of the joint, will bring those manufacturers back and keep any others from leaving after '09. To reach a deal, a five-member board will oversee Cobo Hall, including the governor of Michigan and representatives from Detroit and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. We're sure negotiations will go just swimmingly from here on forward.

[Source: Detroit News]

Cobo Hall expansion plan approved... will NAIAS recover to need the space? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac

Click above to watch video after the jump

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't sell well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially if you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't? Check out the vid after the jump and let us know if you think the new SRX will do better than Cadillac's first attempt.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus hints at HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Detroit show

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Lexus

Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe informed us at least year's Detroit Auto Show that his company would be bringing two new hybrids to this year's show in D-town. The first is the much anticipated next-gen Prius and the second is the first dedicated hybrid model for Lexus. This week the Japanese luxury automaker made it official with a page on its consumer website heralding the debut of the Lexus HS 250h on January 11, smack dab in the middle of press days for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Not much else is known about the vehicle, other than that it will be available to buy in the Fall of 2009. We suspect the HS 250h will be a Lexus-badged version of the Prius in much the same way that the ES350 is a version of the Toyota Camry. Thus, the HS 250h will also use the same next-gen Hybrid Synergy drivetrain that will debut in the new Prius, both sporting nickel-metal hydride battery packs for the time being until development work on advanced lithium-ion packs is completed. Stay tuned for more info on these two hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus as the 2009 Detroit Auto Show draws ever closer. Thanks for the tip, DJ Pearce!

[Source: Lexus]

Lexus hints at HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Detroit show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Lincoln

Click above for high-res image gallery of 2010 Lincoln MKT spy shots

Just a year after the MKT Concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Lincoln will be unveiling the production version of its new three-row CUV next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Fortunately, our spy photographers have snapped the most revealing views yet of this new Lincoln being driven out on the snowy streets of Dearborn. As you can see, the production MKT holds true to the design direction set by the concept with the largest version yet of Lincoln's signature split-wing grille and that conspicuous kink at the base of the C-pillar. In profile, the MKT seems to share a roofline with the Audi Q7 that creates a soft arch from front to back, and the rear gate is also tilted far forward to avoid the upright, boxy look of a traditional SUV or CUV.

Though the MKT is based on the same platform and shares many components with the Ford Flex, you could never tell by looking at it. There's no badge engineering going on here, and one could argue whereas the Flex design focuses on slab sides and accentuates the horizontal, the MKT is soft and organic with a focus on being sinewy rather than blocky.

Our spy photographers also snapped the dash, which continues a trend at Lincoln of upgrading the materials and incorporating the latest technology. That's real wood stretching across the instrument panel, and you'd be hard pressed to find a larger navigation screen in any other production vehicle (other than another Ford or Lincoln).

Finally, we also noticed that this particular prototype is wearing all of its badging, including an EcoBoost badge that confirms at least one engine choice will be an EcoBoost V6 that features turbocharging and direct injection. Keep your eyes on Autoblog in early January for our coverage of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show where we'll finally see Lincoln's future in person.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT - spy shots

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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