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#56
31-03-2010, 11:10 PM
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New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Scion  2011 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery Well, well, well - it looks like Toyota's iQ is coming to the U.S. after all, only it will be (as reported) sporting a Scion badge. Makes sense. Especially as according to Scion, the world's smallest four-seater is aimed squarely at a very young demographic. Not just young, but hip and urban, too. In fact, we were told that the iQ represents a "new urbanism," and is a vehicle for a "progressive buyer." We can hear Glenn Beck's aneurysm from here. As for details, the "mini-er, smart-er" iQ sports a 1.3-liter engine delivering its not-yet-divulged power through a CVT. Mileage should be in the high 30s, which is reasonable but far from overwhelming for such a small package. The iQ will also ship with stability control, traction control and ABS, as well as ten - count 'em - ten airbags, as well as the industry's first-ever rear window bag. As for now, that's the whole story. We'll update you on price, performance specs, and on-sale date when we know more. Press release after the jump. Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... 
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#57
01-04-2010, 06:00 PM
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New York 2010: 2011 Subaru WRX STI 4-Door has wing, needs gold wheels
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Subaru  2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Click above for high-res image gallery For the first time in three years, Subaru is offering up a four-door version of their performance icon, the WRX STI. This is the first time that Subaru has ever offered an STI in two body styles. That's right, you can also buy the five-door STI. And while we love hot little performance wagons, you have to admit the wing is pretty sweet. Or at least admit that the four-door Impreza body is so... awkward looking (we know, we know) that the looks are actually improved by a 14-inch wing. New for the STI(s) this year is an improved suspension consisting of stiffer bushings, stiffer springs, and thicker anti-roll bars at both ends of the car. The 2011 STI also sports less unsprung weight than the 2010 model due to lighter 18-inch wheels that are a combined 17.6 pounds less heavy. While power is unchanged (305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque), high-speed stability of the four door is greatly improved, as is at the limit handling, by - you guessed it - that mega wing. Since the four-door is marginally lighter than the five-door, 0-60 mph times might improve. However, since there's less weight over the rear wheels (and since the STI's diff is slightly rear-biased) they might be a bit slower. Also, the sedan STI features two mufflers (still has four pipes) as opposed to the wagon's one giant muffler (and four pipes). Subaru claims that while this has no bearing on horsepower or torque, it makes the car sound, "Meaner and louder." We mentioned to Subaru that we dig the new wing, but really think the wheels should be gold like the classic STI/BBS marriage of years past. Even the optional 18 x 8.5-inch BBS wheels are silver. Our Subaru PR pal smiled at us and said, "Glad we gave you something to bitch about." Also, a quick PSA for those of you thinking about buying a new STI and deleting the wing: Subaru highly recommends you also change the trunk springs, because minus the weight of the wing, the trunk will smash in the rear window. Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Subaru WRX STI 4-Door has wing, needs gold wheels New York 2010: 2011 Subaru WRX STI 4-Door has wing, needs gold wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر...
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#58
01-04-2010, 10:20 PM
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New York 2010: Mitsubishi hopes 2011 Outlander Sport will be their volume leader
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi  2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery Let's just go on ahead and make that much needed volume leader. The great economic collapse of 2009 smashed Mitsubishi in the teeth with a much larger brick than most other manufacturers. Thinks have slightly improved, but their February sales were still down 10 percent, and from an already frighteningly low level. Obviously, something must be done. Meet the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, or as they're calling it in alphanumeric-loving Europe, the ASX. We've covered this particular small crossover pretty extensively already, so here's the U.S. spec deal. It's 15 inches shorter than the Outlander GT. Like its big brother, it gets magnesium paddle shifters. However, they are connected to a CVT instead of Mitsu's sweet dual-clutch gearbox. Now, no one has driven the Outlander Sport yet, and CVTs have gotten massively better in the last few years, so don't bunch your panties up quite yet. The real upshot of that CVT is the Outlander Sport's 31 mpg highway figure, a right respectable number for a small crossover. In fact, that means the Outlander Sport is competitive with a small CUV we like a whole bunch, the new Hyundai Tucson. Besides the CVT, Mitsu has installed weight-saving plastic front fenders, electric power steering and has sculpted the Outlander Sport down to a admirably slippery 0.33 Cd. The Outlander Sport can also be shifted from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive and yes, you will be able to order yours in this particularly vibrant shade of show car blue. Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. New York 2010: Mitsubishi hopes 2011 Outlander Sport will be their volume leader originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر...
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#59
02-04-2010, 02:20 AM
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How Uplifting: Tokyo home elevates Lamborghini Countach right into living room
Filed under: Etc., Japan, Lamborghini, Design/Style  KRE House by Takuya Tsuchida - Click above for image gallery Remember Holger Schubert? He's the Brentwood, California resident who won awards from Maserati and Architecture Digest magazine for his innovative garage set-up that placed his classic Ferrari 512BB in a living room-style garage. Unfortunately, his myopic neighbors put the architectural feat at risk with their disapproval of his driveway ramp. But another homeowner across the Pacific has commissioned a similar arrangement that is drawing attention. Renowned Japanese architect Takuya Tsuchida was approached by a client to build a house on a 2,000-square-foot plot in suburban Tokyo with some very specific instructions. One, there had to be an atrium running up the middle of the house with a potted tree occupying the center. Two, there had to be a nine-car garage on premises to house the owner's car collection. And three, he had to be able to see his prized ponies from the living room. Sounds complicated enough, but Tsuchida didn't disappoint. His solution was to fit the garage with an elevator platform that can raise one of the cars right into the living space: in this case, a Lamborghini Countach Anniversary Edition, although we can spy what looks like a Diablo GT peering through the opening as well. Sure beats the knickknacks we've got piling up in our fantasy living room. Oh, and the rest of the house looks pretty nice, too. Thanks for the tip, Pat! [Source: What We Do Is Secret via today and tomorrow] How Uplifting: Tokyo home elevates Lamborghini Countach right into living room originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر...
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#60
05-04-2010, 06:30 PM
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Report: Nissan offering 2010 "model version up" kit to older JDM GT-R owners
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan  2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery If you live in Japan, own a 2007-2009 Nissan GT-R and want all of the goodies the '10 model boasts, you're in luck. Select Nissan dealers in the Land of the Rising Sun will reportedly be more than happy to supply you with a "2010 Model Version Up Kit." For a little scratch, you can get a reworked set of brake calipers, an upgraded navigation system and a Spec V spoiler to help your car keep pace with the new wave of Godzillas hitting the streets. While the navigation system will get a software update, it will also feature new USB functionality to allow it to be compatible with the NISMO datalogging kit (sold separately). That's cool and all, but not quite so slick as what's going on with those stoppers. The original equipment calipers were dipped in a gold paint that would turn brown after a few hard laps, and featured brake pad springs that would fatigue over time. The model version up kit will provide owners with a new coat of heat-resistant gold paint, complete with a prominent Brembo logo and a tougher pad spring. At current exchange rates, the navi upgrade will set you back $7,335. Throw in the brakes, and you're looking at a final tab closer to $8,669. That special carbon-fiber rear spoiler carries a price tag of $6,668, too. Oddly enough, Nissan will sell you the navigation update as a stand alone, but if you want those fancy calipers, you've got to nab the whole package. [Source: GTR Blog] Report: Nissan offering 2010 "model version up" kit to older JDM GT-R owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر...
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