Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Military, Design/Style, Diesel, Off-Road, Racing

Chrysler’s engineers have been busy lately. Mark Allen, head of the Jeep design studio, has introduced a total of eight new concept vehicles at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. Each one has been worked up by the company’s off-road engineering team, and while most are nothing more than pure fantasy, at least a few can be crafted out of parts available from the Mopar go-fast catalog. Even better, all have the off road guts to go anywhere you please.

That includes the Jeep Wrangler J7. Consider this the stripped-down beast we would build if Chrysler gave us the keys to the kingdom for a week. Fluffy stuff like carpet, the stereo and alloy wheels have been ditched in favor of more utilitarian goods. New all-steel bumpers, complete with helicopter hooks, join a sturdy rear gate and steel wheels wrapped in 35-inch rubber. A small 2-inch lift helps accommodate the larger rollers, and the eye-searing Mustard Plug paint sets the truck apart from the crowd. While we have no problem with the 3.8-liter V6, we would probably swap the four-speed automatic gear box for a row-your-own.

Speaking of rowing your own, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is more than happy to accommodate third-pedal lovers everywhere. While Wrangler guys may be quick to rag on the baby Jeep, this Patriot is more than capable of dispatching rough terrain. A two-inch suspension lift gives the trail-rated package just a little more clearance, and custom rock rails protect the bodywork from getting too close to the trail. We’re also digging those 16-inch TJ Moab wheels, extra lighting on the bumper and roof rack for… snowboards?

Chrysler says it turned out the Wrangler Trail Boss (right) just to show off all of the products available from the Jeep trail catalog. The truck’s specs read like a recipe for a Wrangler wish list. Outside, the most noticeable difference between the Trail Boss and a standard Wrangler is the addition of new AEV off-road bumpers, complete with a Warn 9.5ti winch, though the half-doors and sun bonnet do much to alter the truck’s attitude, too. A 3-inch lift kit allows for healthy 35-inch rubber down below, wrapped around those slick Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels. Click the jump to read about the rest of the Mopar monsters.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Mr David Adulugba, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said in Abuja on Tuesday that more than 300 tonnes of various products from Nigeria were traded among African countries informally.

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Technology, Mazda, Diesel

If there’s one thing we’re clamoring for here in the U.S., it’s more diesel engines in passenger cars. Mazda will soon be answering our cries, as it plans to launch its all-new SKY-D powertrain in its “next-generation mid-sized car” (read: Mazda6) sometime in 2012.

The big news about this engine is that it’s expected to achieve up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, trumping the current class-leader of fuel economy in the mid-size sedan department, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. This powerplant will be mated to a brand new six-speed automatic transmission, called SKY-Drive, and will not only meet Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, but will meet North America’s strict emissions standards.

In addition to the SKY-D diesel engine, Mazda has said that it plans to build a new SKY-G gasoline engine that when coupled to the SKY-Drive six-speed automatic will provide 15 percent better fuel economy than the its petrol poweplants currently in use. Hit the jump to read the full details in Mazda’s press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet

For the past week, we’ve been hearing all about the latest iteration of the Chevrolet Cruze, the 40-mpg Eco model. While the name is rather uninspired (Eco’s the best they got?), the technology that allows the Cruze Eco to hit that lofty number is anything but. Here’s the really interesting part: Chevy is claiming that fully 70% of Cruzes will feature the 1.4-liter variable-valve timing turbo I-4, including the Eco model. But wait a moment, how does the Cruze Eco achieve such lofty mileage with the same engine (same power, too – 138 horsepower @4,900 rpm, 148 pound-feet of torque @1,850 rpm)? Keep reading.

Starting with the front of the Eco, there’s a new, wind tunnel-massaged front fascia complete with a class-first “Aero Shutter.” Take a look at the air inlet area below the grill. During low speed driving (say stop and start city type stuff) the aero shutter is open. However, at higher speeds when cooling the turbocharged engine isn’t as much of an issue, the shutter shuts, allowing air to more efficiently stream around the vehicle.

There’s also a slim lower chin spoiler and “tire blockers,” which we typically call spats. Moving on to the rear, there’s a new fascia back there that’s also been wind tunnel tested for more slippery-ness. Surface area is further decreased by lowering the car by 10 mm compared to other Cruzes. There’s a full-body underpanel to keep air from getting hung up on stuff like the exhaust and suspension components, as well as ultra low rolling resistance tires shared with the Volt. Finally, there’s an ultra-tall 6th gear (the Cruze Eco is manual-only) that allows the rpms to greatly drop when the vehicle is at cruising speed.

As you may imagine, Chevy has also done its very best to reduce mass as much as possible, going to far as to shave welds down by a millimeter. But here’s the thing: while working on the body in white, Chevy discovered that the mass-saving measures they made to the Eco could easily be applied to other Cruze models, which means that the not-quite-yet-on sale Cruze will have across the board improved mileage. Nice, no? The Chevy Cruze should go on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2010 with the Eco (probably) making it out of the gate by the 4th quarter of this year.

As far as the seemingly random “not a stripper” fragment in the title goes, Chevrolet has made the decision not to totally decontent the Eco. According to Chevy, people’s tastes are changing (ya think?) and they want high mileage vehicles to have lots of creature comforts. For instance, the Eco ships with 17-inch forged aluminum wheels. Nice. Make the jump to read the press release.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper

New York 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco is efficient, not a stripper originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Due to the global economic and financial crisis, growth on the African continent dropped to an average of 1.6 percent in 2009, compared to 4.5 percent in 2008.

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Acura, Luxury

There’s quite a phenomenon at this year’s New York Auto Show. Two – yes, two wagons have debuted. The first was the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon (our current pick for Best In Show, we might add), and the second is from Acura. The U.S.-market Acura TSX is the Honda Accord overseas, and the wagon variant that other markets will finally come to our shores to fill out the TSX lineup.

From all appearances, the only differences between the Euro Accord wagon and the TSX Sport Wagon are the addition of Acura badges and a slightly more upscale interior. Powering the Sport Wagon is the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the sedan, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission. Official fuel economy numbers haven’t been finalized just yet, but Acura claims that the wagon will achieve around 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Sadly, the TSX wagon is only available with front-wheel drive, as Acura says that it has no plans to offer its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system in the TSX range. A pity, since we’re big fans of this grips-at-all-paws setup. This could prove to be a sticking point for some consumers, however, especially since Acura’s claimed competitive set (BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, namely) both offer all-wheel drive.

Still, we’re always pleased to see another wagon on the road, and we’re hoping that consumers will feel the same when the TSX Sport Wagon hits dealerships in late Fall. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in Acura’s press release and click through our attached galleries to see the new wagon from all angles.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: Sedan, China, BMW, Luxury

If there’s one thing a Mandarin enjoys, it’s being chauffeured. And because China has no small number of the world’s Mandarins, BMW has created a long-wheelbase 5 Series exclusively built in and provided for that market. The model is produced in BMW’s Shenyang plant, where it’s given an extra 5.5 inches for the rear passengers who travel in “luxurious grand touring comfort” due to the rear axle tailored to each model. These CDM specials even get a bespoke rear seat.

Three engines are to be offered in outputs starting at 204 horsepower and going up to 306 hp. You can check out all the info in the presser and videos after the jump, and get good looks at 7 Series-sized 5 Series in our high-res gallery below.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Big Stretch: BMW reveals long-wheelbase 5 Series for China [w/video]

Big Stretch: BMW reveals long-wheelbase 5 Series for China [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Universities’ lecturers strike looms large ostensibly because the Government has failed to pay salary arrears agreed upon two years ago.

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: Europe, Toys/Games, Humor, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

Meet the Lamborghini of the Links – the Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit. Aside from that exotic roof, this golf car (don’t you dare call it a cart) boasts a serious pedigree bedecked with names like Porsche, Ducati and Aston Martin. Sort of. See, this little caddy-mobile gets glued together in the same factory that’s responsible for the Cayman, and uses a frame from the same supplier as Aston Martin, Volvo and the like. The gearbox? It comes straight from a Ducati supplier.

Buyers can choose their own exterior color, and get treated to niceties like two-tone seats stitched by hand and a Alcantara headliner. Sadly, there are no power numbers on hand, but the company did supply us with one very important figure – $17,499. That’s how much the base version will set you back. Start tacking on the optional built-in refrigerator or partake of the personalization program, and this little sucker will hit you up for closer to $52,000. Expect to see the Garia Editioin Soleil de Minuit unveiled at this year’s Top Marques Monaco. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Garia]

Continue reading World’s priciest and most luxurious golf cart features carbon-fiber roof, just like your BMW M3

World’s priciest and most luxurious golf cart features carbon-fiber roof, just like your BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here
Powered by SmartRSS

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Here’s the skinny: The Cruze RS is an appearance package for Chevy buyers who want a Cruze with a higher level of panache. That out of the way, the RS sports sexier front and rear fascias along with more aggressive rocker panels. Don’t forget the pretty OK-looking fog lamps. There’s a slick rear spoiler, too. We’re also pretty smitten with the big, aluminum wheels that are slathered in some impressive rubber – 235/40/19 to be specific. That’s pretty large. Inside features a blacked out interior with leather seats and fabric dash materials.

The Cruze RS get’s the same 1.4-liter VVT turbo as the Cruse Eco (as well as 70% of all Cruzes, so says Chevy) and should be coming on line just after the regular Cruze (finally) arrives in the third quarter of this year to eventually replace the aging Cobalt. Until then, make the jump to read the press release.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: Chevrolet Cruze RS ups the entry level ante

New York 2010: Chevrolet Cruze RS ups the entry level ante originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More: continued here

Popularity: 4% [?]