Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First Drive: Hurst HEMI Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/first-drive-hurst-hemi-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Hurst HEMI Challenger

Cars-n-Coffee is a weekly gathering of automobilia in Irvine, California at Ford's former Premier Auto Group parking lot. Every Saturday morning from 6AM, Ferraris, Jaguars, Lamborghinis, Porsches, '50s hot rods, Mercedes, Camaros, you name it, rumble their way into the lot. On one recent overcast morning, Autoblog headed down to the dawn soiree, having been offered a drive in the Hurst HEMI Challenger. Although 6AM is closer to our bedtime than it is to reveille, we stayed up and paid a visit to the Challenger, hoping to find out if it had any hope of being a champion. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hurst Hemi Challenger


Photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: Hurst HEMI Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcars and coffeeCarsAndCoffeechallengerdodge challengerDodgeChallengerfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehursthurst hemi challengerHurstHemiChallengersematunerMon, 29 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/first-drive-2009-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/first-drive-2009-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/first-drive-2009-nissan-370z/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z

Stand on any corner in any city, close your eyes and open your ears. Eventually you'll hear the telltale swell of an engine as someone blips the throttle while braking before the bend. This secret auditory handshake among gearheads signals the arrival of a driver schooled in the art of heel-and-toe. And when the 2009 Nissan 370Z goes on sale in January, you won't be able to tell an aspiring Schumacher from Joe the... shoemaker. Nissan's simple yet brilliant "SyncroRev Match" will relegate the artistry of rev-matching to the annals of motoring history. Other automakers compelled to offer manual gearboxes for the dedicated few will doubtlessly adopt the system, and those of us who care - who've unconsciously conditioned ourselves to crane our heads to catch a glimpse of what's coming - will cease to do so. Progress is a double-edged sword and rarely balanced, but don't fret. The 370Z's overly hyped rev-matching system isn't the end of the world, and it's hardly the best part of Nissan's new Z. Follow the jump to find out what is.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z


Photos copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 nissan 370Z2009Nissan370z370Zfeaturednissannissan 370ZNissan370zWed, 17 Dec 2008 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-mustang-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-mustang-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-mustang-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT

It's a new day and we all know what that means! Yet another post about the Mustang. Most of us here at Autoblog are unabashed Mustang fans. So when the call comes from Dearborn to drive yet another new Mustang, we invariably set about rearranging schedules. Such was the case last week. No sooner had we returned to frost-bitten Detroit after the LA Auto Show than the call came to return to SoCal. It was time to take the 2010 Mustang off the LA Convention Center stand and out into what passes for the real world in these parts.

Before we hopped into the updated Mustangs, Ford wanted to give us a refresher on what was being left behind. We were supplied with 2009 models to drive from our hotel to the staging area in Malibu. Anyone who has ever spent time in a 2005-09 Mustang is immediately aware that the weak link is its interior. In a word, it looked and felt cheap. The order of the day for the new 2010 model is refinement. Find out after the jump if Ford has made a Mustang worthy of competing in the now crowded class of modern day muscle cars.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mustang2010 mustang gt2010 mustang interior2010 mustang track pack2010Mustang2010MustangGt2010MustangInterior2010MustangTrackPackfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveSat, 13 Dec 2008 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Last month at the LA Auto Show, Ford finally took the wraps off its refreshed 2010 Fusion and this week we returned to LA to actually drive it. For a car meant to compete in the heart of the highest volume segment in the U.S. market, Ford chose a rather surprising way to show it off. This is after all a segment long dominated by cars that typically have more in common with a Kenmore refrigerator than a Corvette.

We kicked off the festivities with a mileage challenge through downtown Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the Fusion Hybrid, but then things got really interesting. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have seemingly been the top selling cars in America since they supplanted the Model T early in the last century. After a similar number of decades of soulless, unattractive and unreliable alternatives, U.S. automakers have been battling back in recent years with mixed success. Since the Fusion debuted in 2006, it has earned a reputation of being among the most fun to drive offerings in the segment, as well as having quality on par with the Japanese brands. For 2010, the crew in Dearborn have focused on enhancing what was already good and getting best in class in efficiency with more style. Read on to find out if they succeeded.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Ford Fusion SEL2010 ford fusion spor2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybrid2010FordFusionSel2010FordFusionSporfeaturedFordFord FusionFordFusionFusionSat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

In addition to our own reviews of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT and Fusion Sport/SEL, AutoblogGreen has also published its First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The new gas-electric version of Ford's mid-size sedan feature more advanced tech than its competitors, specifically the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and should have best-in-class fuel economy when the official EPA numbers are finally revealed. ABG averaged 43.1 mpg during its First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which tells you that Ford has managed to pack Prius-like mileage in a larger, more useful and fun-to-drive package. Click on over to ABG to read the full review.

Gallery 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010FordFusionHybridfeaturedford fusion hybridFordFusionHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridSat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/first-drive-2009-toyota-venza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/first-drive-2009-toyota-venza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/first-drive-2009-toyota-venza/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Toyota Venza

There's a workout regimen called Crossfit that aims to increase one's abilities in eight different areas. Crossfit doesn't reward the specialist, it rewards the well-rounded; it doesn't create marathoners, it creates decathletes. The point of Crossfit is to allow you to enter any situation with the confidence that you have things like the agility, strength and conditioning to do well. The Toyota Venza has the same ethos: pitched as 70-percent car, 30-percent SUV, the Venza wants to do everything well. And when we say "well", we mean it wants to do everything better than the competition: 10,000 people were leaving Toyota every year to get into something between the Camry and the Highlander, things that ended up being the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX. The Venza is Toyota's request to those buyers to "Come back to papa." Follow the jump to find out whether you should heed the call.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza


Photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey/Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota venza2009ToyotaVenzafeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragetoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaTue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Ferrari California in Sicily]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/first-drive-ferrari-california-in-sicily/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/first-drive-ferrari-california-in-sicily/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/first-drive-ferrari-california-in-sicily/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the Ferrari California

The best Ferrari is the next Ferrari. Whether you consider that to be a statement of fact or an opinion largely depends on how you define the term. It's an opinion like a Supreme Court justice's ruling is called an "opinion". Or better yet, like billions worldwide would view the Bible as God's "opinion". Coming from the mouth of the legendary Enzo Ferrari himself - famously expressed in response to a journalist's query - for the congregations of the faithful around the world, it's the gospel truth.

The Commendatore's statement was - as it remains to this day - backed up by a spirit of progress, by the constant pursuit of technical perfection that continues to drive his company into the 21st century and which makes each new Ferrari better than the last. Follow Enzo's declaration to its natural end and you'll conclude that the best Ferrari must be the new California, unveiled earlier this month at the Paris Motor Show, brimming with the latest in performance automotive technology and ready to hit the market next summer. But some 20 years after his passing, would Enzo Ferrari's truism still hold true? That's exactly the answer we sought as we boarded a flight for Italy to drive the new California along the twisting mountain passes, scenic coastal roads and wide open autostradas of Sicily. Follow the jump to read what we discovered.

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Ferrari California in Sicily originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drive ferrariDriveFerrarifeaturedferrariferrari californiaferrari california test driveferrari sicilyFerrariCaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaTestDriveFerrariSicilypalermosicilytest drive ferrariTestDriveFerrariFri, 31 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/first-drive-2009-saturn-vue-2-mode-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

We attended the New York-area "GM Collection" event this week, which is basically an opportunity for journalists to drive a variety of 2009 models up at Bear Mountain, an hour or so outside Manhattan. What we didn't know going in was that GM would bring along three production-spec examples of the '09 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and that this would be the first opportunity to take the new gas-electric 'ute for a spin. Bear in mind that this impression is based on about 25 minutes of shared time with the car (we buddied up with Jalopnik's Wes Siler). The official full-dog-and-pony-show media launch event is set to take place in December, and we'll be on hand for that as well. For now though, follow the jump to see some initial impressions of the new Saturn hybrid.

Gallery: First Drive: Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid


All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2 mode20092009 saturn vue 2 mode hybrid2009SaturnVue2ModeHybrid2Modefeaturedfull hybridFullHybridgm collectionGmCollectionhybridsaturn vueSaturnVuevueFri, 24 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe and G37S Sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37x-coupe-and-g37s-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37x-coupe-and-g37s-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-infiniti-g37x-coupe-and-g37s-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe


Infiniti recently invited us to Napa, California to show off its 2009 model lineup, and while they didn't bring the all-new G37 Convertible (we'll be at the Los Angeles Auto Show to report on that one), they did hand us the keys to the new all-wheel drive G37x coupe and the more-powerful 2009 G37 S sedan. Does all-wheel drive make a slot car out of the coupe? Does a larger engine transform the sedan? Read on for our full impressions after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe


Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37S Sedan


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe and G37S Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 G372009G377-speed automatic7-speedAutomaticATTESSA ET-SAttessaEt-sCoupe JourneyCoupeJourneyfeaturedG37G37 CoupeG37CoupeG37xInfiniti G37 SedanInfinitiG37SedanMon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/20/first-drive-2009-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-pdk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK

Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 is one of the most successful competition cars ever built. Despite its unconventional rear-engine platform, the 911 Carrera holds recorded wins in nearly every type of automotive competition. Continuously upgraded and refined, Porsche has introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year. While the cosmetic changes are immediately apparent, the most significant improvements - two new engines and a new double-clutch transmission - are hidden under its sleek skin. We spent a long day putting the 2009 911 Carrera through its paces on a race track near Salt Lake City framed by the spectacular snow-capped surrounding mountains of Utah. Read our impressions after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche Carrera 911 PDK


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911CarreraDoppelkupplungsgetriebedouble-clutch transmissionDouble-clutchTransmissiondual clutchDualClutchfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveGT2GT3ImpressionsMiller Motorsports ParkMillerMotorsportsParkPDKPorscheSalt Lake CitySaltLakeCityTest DriveTestDrivetiptronic stiptronic-sTiptronicStwin clutchTwinClutchMon, 20 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-routan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan

The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what?

In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today.

Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler Town & Country that VW execs call (with a straight face) "The Beetle of minivans."

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 volkswagen routan2009 volkswagen routan first drive2009 volkswagen routan test2009 volkswagen routan test drive2009VolkswagenRoutan2009VolkswagenRoutanFirstDrive2009VolkswagenRoutanTest2009VolkswagenRoutanTestDrivefeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveroutansseseltest driveTestDrivevolkswagenTue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Formula Vee racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/first-drive-formula-vee-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/first-drive-formula-vee-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/first-drive-formula-vee-racer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of our drive in a Formula Vee race car

There aren't a lot of things that will get an automotive journalist out of bed before dawn. But nearly all of them have four wheels, which is about the only thing a formula racing car shares in common with the kind of ordinary automobiles you and I drive regularly. The chance to drive one stands out as one of those few luring precipitators. So when the invite came to join a local racing team for a test session at a remote desert airstrip, we broke with tradition and raced the sunrise just to see if it would prove worthwhile. Follow the jump to read what we discovered.

Gallery: First Drive: Formula Vee


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: Formula Vee racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aric lapterAricLapterfeaturedfirst drive racingFirstDriveRacingformulaformula veeFormulaVeefvracing 4 peaceRacing4PeaceFri, 26 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/first-drive-2009-suzuki-equator/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/first-drive-2009-suzuki-equator/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/first-drive-2009-suzuki-equator/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Suzuki Equator

Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That's a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow's first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator


All Photos (C) Copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 suzuki equator2009SuzukiEquatorfeaturedsuzuki equatorsuzuki equator first drivesuzuki equator pickupsuzuki equator reviewsuzuki equator rmz-4suzuki equator testsuzuki pickupsuzuki pickup trucksuzuki rmz-4suzuki truckSuzukiEquatorSuzukiEquatorFirstDriveSuzukiEquatorPickupSuzukiEquatorReviewSuzukiEquatorRmz-4SuzukiEquatorTestSuzukiPickupSuzukiPickupTruckSuzukiRmz-4SuzukiTruckTue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

A 5.2-liter V10 with 560 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph and one of the most beautiful modern designs to ever come out of Italy. It's the new Gallardo LP560-4, and Lamborghini wants us to drive it. There are certainly more lucrative ways to make a living than being an automotive journalist, but it's moments like this that we know we made the right career choice. The best news is that we got to drive the new LP560-4 with about two dozen Lamborghini owners. Lamborghini of Orange County recently opened up a new dealership in Newport Beach, and they invited all of their customers down to see the new showroom and go for a Sunday drive. We tackled some of California's best back roads in the LP560-4 with other Gallardos, Murcielagos, and even a few Diablos. Follow the jump to read on.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-42009LamborghiniGallardoLp560-4featuredLamborghiniLamborghini GallardoLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 ReviewLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Road TestLamborghiniGallardoLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4LamborghiniGallardoLp560-4ReviewLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4RoadTestLP560-4Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/19/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
click above for high-res gallery

The state of California has the toughest vehicle emissions regulations in the world in its LEV II (and the corresponding national Tier 2 Bin 5) standards. Those rules treat all engine types the same regardless of what fuel they use. It doesn't matter if the engine runs on gasoline, diesel or cow dung, the emissions standards are the same. These rules are so tight that no manufacturer has been able to sell light-duty passenger vehicles powered by diesel engines in California and four other states for the last several years. That's all about to change beginning with last month's sales launch of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta TDI is the first new diesel-powered car to meet the tough T2B5 standards, and it's fitting that VW invited us out to the birthplace of these emissions regulations to drive it. We spent a day driving the Jetta TDI in and around Santa Monica to gauge whether it has the right balance of Fahrvergnügen and low fuel consumption to be a viable alternative to cars like the Prius, Civic and Focus. Continue after the jump to find out more.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 volkswagen jetta tdi2009 vw jetta tdi2009VolkswagenJettaTdi2009VwJettaTdifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivejetta tdiJettaTdivolkswagen jetta tdiVolkswagenJettaTdivw jetta tdiVwJettaTdiFri, 19 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/first-drive-ford-kuga-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/first-drive-ford-kuga-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/first-drive-ford-kuga-euro-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro-spec Ford Kuga

The grass, they say, is always greener on the other side of the fence. Though that often appears to be the case, most of the time it isn't. Dearborn's new "One Ford" initiative promises that we'll soon be able to stop gazing longingly across the ocean at what the company offers overseas buyers, as Ford endeavors to integrate its global product line-up into one cohesive range for every market around the world. In the case of the new Fiesta, that's a good thing. Less so with regards to the Kuga. Follow the jump to read why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>european fordEuropeanFordfeaturedfirst drive ford kugaFirstDriveFordKugaford escapeford kugaford lommel proving groundford of europeford proving groundFordEscapeFordKugaFordLommelProvingGroundFordOfEuropeFordProvingGroundkugalommelone fordOneFordroad test ford kugaRoadTestFordKugaThu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/first-drive-2009-volkswagen-cc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen CC

Is "four-door coupe" an oxymoron or a clever twist on automotive design rules? That was a popular question among the 50 or so journalists invited to drive Volkswagen's new CC from Atlanta to Nashville last week.

The seemingly contradictory term was apparently first used to describe the Rover P5 Mark II in 1962, but was revived more recently when Mercedes introduced its CLS in 2004. In both cases the cars' low rooflines defied conventional saloon styling and needed a unique descriptor for marketing pizazz.

When rumors of the VW CC began to leak out, some speculated the CLS would be its main target. But Volkswagen learned from the disappointing U.S. acceptance of the Phaeton: Luxury buyers pay for brand cache as much as they do for supple leather and high-tech gadgets. This time around, says Brett Scott, VW's product planning manager, they expect many of their customers to be Camry and Accord shoppers attracted to the CC's stand-out styling.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 volkswagen cc2009VolkswagenCccccomfort coupeComfortCoupecoupefeaturedfour-door coupeFour-doorCoupevolkswagenvolkswagen ccVolkswagenCcvwvw ccVwCcMon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/first-drive-2008-ford-focus-st-euro-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST

Save the hot hatch for last. That's what we kept telling ourselves as we wandered the Belgian countryside looking for Ford's Lommel Proving Ground. As it turns out, the facility, located next to an air force base - restricted airspace, you know - is so secret, our hosts at Ford could hardly find it. So we had a little extra time to repeat the mantra: save the hot hatch for last.

On our way to Italy to drive the new Fiesta, we took a detour to Lommel to sample some of Ford's European C-segment offerings. A variety of vehicles, including one with the new dual-clutch gearbox, a Kuga crossover and the fire-breathing Focus ST, would be on hand for us to drive around the track. But we knew that if we gave into temptation and drove the ST first, the rest would seem sluggish by comparison, even though the vehicles aren't comparable. So did we resist the urge, or give into the little demon that's always whispering in our ears to go faster? Follow the jump and we just might tell you.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driveeuropean fordEuropeanFordfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefocus stFocusStford europeford focusford focus stford focus st road testford focus st test driveford lommelford lommel proving groundford proving groundFordEuropeFordFocusFordFocusStFordFocusStRoadTestFordFocusStTestDriveFordLommelFordLommelProvingGroundFordProvingGroundhatchbackhot hatchHotHatchlommellommel proving groundLommelProvingGroundlpgroad testRoadTesttesttest driveTestDrivetrack testTrackTestFri, 12 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta (Euro-spec)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/first-drive-2009-ford-fiesta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta

Twenty-five year-old females in Milan. According to global product development chief Derrick Kuzak, that's who Ford is hoping to satisfy with the new Fiesta. Well honestly now, who isn't? But that's some ambitious target, to attract the attention of the most trend-savvy (make that trend-setting) demographic in the world capital of fashion.

We didn't pass through Milan while driving the new Fiesta through the Italian countryside, and so, to our dismay, didn't have a chance to test out that particular target. But we did pass by a local road works crew on the winding mountain passes of Tuscany, dutifully working to keep that legendary tarmac silky smooth. They reacted to the Fiesta as if the car were the twenty-five year-old Milanese fashion model, taking notice as we approached and turning to ogle as we passed by. (They may have been shouting cat calls too, but we wouldn't have heard them from inside the Fiesta's whisper-quiet cabin.) That may be an even greater testimony to the new Fiesta's styling than the Blue Oval crew had hoped for. As for our impressions, and why readers in America and around the world alike should take note, just follow the jump to read on.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta (Euro-spec)

First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 ford fiesta2009FordFiestadrive fiestaDriveFiestaeuro fiestaEuroFiestaeuropean ford fiestaEuropeanFordFiestafeaturedfiestafirst drive ford fiestaFirstDriveFordFiestafordford fiestaFordFiestaglobal fordGlobalFordnew fiestaNewFiestaone fordOneFordroad test ford fiestaRoadTestFordFiestaus fiestaUsFiestaMon, 08 Sep 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/first-drive-2009-cadillac-cts-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/first-drive-2009-cadillac-cts-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/first-drive-2009-cadillac-cts-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

After decades of decay, Cadillac began a transformation in the waning years of the last century that would allow the brand to compete against modern luxury brands. Decrepit beasts like the late Eldorado and Seville were euthanized and, while the decision to switch mostly to alpha-numeric naming was dubious, Cadillac finally started creating cars that could compete directly with the best from Europe and Japan, and the first generation CTS was one of them.

In spite of this progress, the Germans still had something Cadillac lacked, namely AMG, M and RS models. So Cadillac devised the V-Series, the first of which was the 2004 CTS-V. Just as BMW does with the M3 and M5, Audi with the RS4 and RS6 and Mercedes with innumerable AMGs, the CTS-V had a bigger, more powerful engine; beefier brakes and tires; a suspension to match and an upgraded interior. This, however, is an arms race that has yet to subsie in spite of ever higher fuel prices. With BMW, Mercedes and Audi now offering even more powerful engines, Cadillac has stepped up to the plate with an all-new CTS-V and we had a chance to drive it at the even newer Monticello Motor Club in New York. With a new supercharged LSA engine closely related to the LS9 in the Corvette ZR1, the CTS-V makes some big promises. Read on after the jump to see if it delivers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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