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Price Attack Pt. VIV: 2008 Nissan Rogue starts from $19,250
2007-09-24 13:46:00
Nissan announced the official pricing of its latest crossover in the line-up, the Rogue . The Rogue officially went on sale in US dealerships on the 18th. The Rogue S 2WD starts at $19,250 while the S AWD boosts the sticker to $20,450. The SL, only available in AWD, starts at $21,870. All Nissan Rogues come standard with a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 170 hp. The Rogue is targeted at compact
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Dodge auctioning off first 3 Challengers
2007-09-24 05:03:00
Chrysler announced yesterday that the first two 2008 Dodge Challenger s that roll off the Brampton, Ontario assembly line will be auctioned off and the proceeds will benefit local charities. Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 1 will benefit notMYkid, an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues. The auction will be held at the 37th annual
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Frankfurt: Kia KEE Concept
2007-09-18 05:53:00
Kia unveiled the KEE Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The design held some suspense before its reveal as the head designer responsible for the car was ex-Audi designer, Peter Schreyer. Schereyer was responsible for the designing of the first-generation Audi TT, which was a revolution in design at that time. The KEE, a 2+2 coupe that has its chances of making it into production, is the

Frankfurt: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept
2007-09-18 05:53:00
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the F700 Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. While it packs the beautiful design, the real head-turner is the powertrain inside the car. The automaker's innovative DIESOTTO drive system packs a 1.8L 4-cylinder that achieves V6-horsepower levels at a staggering 44.3MPG and a CO2 level of only 127g/km. "Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in
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Frankfurt: Toyota IQ Concept
2007-09-16 06:04:00
Toyota has an answer to every vehicle in the market. Now, you can add the undoubtedly unique Smart to the list. Toyota unveiled the super-mini IQ Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Unlike many concepts, the IQ Concept will see its daylight in parking garages and driveways rather than design centers and studios. Toyota has confirmed an ultra-compact car to be released in the next two years. The
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Frankfurt: 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan
2007-09-16 05:46:00
Volkswagen unveiled the 2008 Tiguan at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed at the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen is slowly approaching the would-be Toyota/Honda consumers rather than the higher German class. The Tiguan is slotted below the Touareg in the line-up. The Tiguan was previewed by the Tiguan Concept shown last year at Los Angeles. Changes are subtle and the Tiguan expresses ruggedness and elegance,
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Frankfurt: BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
2007-09-13 02:45:00
We present you the first BMW ActiveHybrid Concept , the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. The decals fooled us as a hydrogen model like the Hydrogen 7. The hybrid engine reduces fuel consumption up to 20%. The powertrain, co-developed with Daimler-Chrysler and GM, is composed of a combustion engine and two high-performance electric motors. It is mated to a two-mode active transmission that optimizes for
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Frankfurt: BMW Concept X6
2007-09-13 02:27:00
BMW unveiled its first iteration of a SUV/Coupe (call it SAV whatever) at the Frankfurt Auto Show yesterday. Dubbed the Concept X6, 90% of what we see will remain on the production model, due for release mid-2008. The X6 is the first of its kind and although being a love-it or hate-it design, we are stunned by what we can call Bangle's first truly gorgeous design. The front clip is nearly

GM to spend $100 million in marketing 2008 Malibu
2007-08-18 18:13:00
GM is really ambitious with the new Chevrolet Malibu , and proof has emerged with their recent announcement of injecting $100 million into marketing the new mid-size sedan. This is one of GM's most important vehicles as it is contending in a group where the Japanese have dominated for the last decade.GM is ready to fight against the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord when the Malibu goes on sale on November 1st. The Honda Accord is due for a redesign this September. One of the Malibu's strong points that both strongholds have yet too achieve is the standard 6-speed automatic transmission on the base 4-cylinder model. We expect the base Malibu to stay on par to the current Malibu's $17,215 base sticker.[Source: GM]
More About: Marketing , Sales , Million

Poll: What Do You Want More From TheCarBlogger?
2007-08-18 07:36:00
Our heads are practically bleeding because we continuously scratched them trying to find out what we need to improve, add, remove from TheCarBlogger. After all, our ambition surrounds on the fact of reform. We don't want to be the top of the top, but darn close to it though. As of now, we stand no chance against the big rigs like Autoblog, LeftLaneNews and egmCarTech. We don't desire to be superior to them. We like to take the step-by-step route and find things to improve day by day. We're already in high gear in developing our videocasts, slated to arrive later in the year. We'll zip our mouths from here, but you can see how much we clamor over improving.Our main and lone target base is you, readers and avid automotive enthusiasts. We are catering to the most fun group of people in society. We love cars and you do too. So, we want to have a little more fun by delivering automotive news to you, for browsing at home, work, or at Starbucks. We want to know what you want more from ...
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Audi releases 2008 A4 teaser site, embargo lifts on Aug. 28
2007-08-16 19:09:00
Frankfurt is THE event for European car launches, and some that will see its daylight in North America. From today, we'll be seeing automakers pour in official information of the new vehicles they will be debuting as they prep for the big day. Audi is gearing up for the introduction of the all-new 2008 Audi A4. The current-generation A4 has existed since 2003 and it has undergone a major facelift for 2006. The new iteration, although likely to be evolutionary at best, will be completely redesigned. Renderings suggest the new A4 will resemble the A5, but we'll put aside our bets for now until the embargo lifts on August 28th.Audi's Dutch site has released a teaser website of the new A4, counting down until the automaker heralds the official public unveiling of the 3-Series fighter. The aging A4 has been eclipsed by the fresh offerings from the folks in Munich and Stuttgart, and the numbers show. We're optimistic that the lads from Ingolstadt will awe us again like its predecessor...
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OFFICIAL: 2008 Infiniti EX35
2007-08-16 14:05:00
Yesterday, we found out the unveiling date of the new EX crossover by Infiniti . Well, they stayed true to their word and released the first official images of the new EX35 crossover this morning. The production-to-concept transition has retained all the design elements and both look near identical. The EX35 was designed in Infiniti's Design Center in Japan.The EX35 will play host with a number of breakthrough features developed by the automaker. First and foremost, the Self-Healing Clearcoat Paint. Minor scratches gradually fix itself up to three years from assembly. The EX35 will also be equipped with Infiniti's next-generation Lane Departure Prevention. The Around View Monitor will also make its first debut on a production vehicle in the new EX.The EX is equipped with a VQ35HR 3.5L V6 producing 290 horsepowers. It sits on the same FR-L platform as the M, FX, and the G. The EX will sit on a standard ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive. The EX will go on sale in the US definitely, but we ...
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OFFICIAL: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS
2007-08-16 07:07:00
The Woodward Dream Cruise will be the host of many fantastic cars, both classic and exotic. However, it will also be the official unveiling event of the Chevrolet HHR SS. GM has released all the details and a batch of official press images. The hot-rod wagon has gone through ages of testing both here and the Nurburgring in Germany. By the way, this is not the "Sport" version of the HHR. Chevy is going real with this one and the HHR SS really deserves the SS marque.The big news is the turbocharged 2.0L ECOTEC powering 260 horsepowers. The juiced powertrain can propel the vehicle to 60 in 6.3 seconds which is mighty impressive for a wagon. The same powertrain is also the heart of the Saturn Sky Redline and the Pontiac Solstice GXP. In this case, there's no need to sacrifice your family for a fun-to-drive vehicle. The HHR SS is available in two transmissions: a GM Powertrain Sweden F35 five-speed stick or a 4T45 four-speed auto. FE5 sport suspensions tuned in Nurburgring and 18-inch ...
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Closer...Infiniti set to unveil EX crossover at Pebble Beach Concours d'Ele
2007-08-16 06:40:00
This came as an eye-catcher to us. We were looking through Infiniti 's US website when we encountered a press release regarding the unveiling of the production EX. The two keywords of the press release title, EX & Pebble Beach , were enough to get us jumping. Infiniti is set to unveil the new EX at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, California just a day from today.Infiniti unveiled the EX Concept in New York last April and its reception was massive. Slotting below the FX, the EX is Infiniti's answer to the BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK. The production version will retain nearly all the design elements from the concept, and we caught a glimpse of it with the spyshots LeftLane posted sometime ago. We also read some personal recounts of the EX roaming the streets of California with minor camouflage.The production EX will still retain the Lane Departure Prevention and the Around View Monitor, found in the concept. These groundbreaking safety features will likely accu...
More About: Crossover , Closer

Gallery: BMW releases 20 new images of M3
2007-08-16 06:28:00
Well, we pretty know just about everything on BMW's M3. Since its Big Apple debut last April, we've been sitting close to the monitor clamoring over the car. So in transition, new images of the beast mean celebration time and a post. The car in the spotlight is the British variant, which means it's Right-Hand Drive. These images are also some concrete proof of BMW's stunning studio shots. Follow the jump to view these hi-res images.[Source: BMW UK]
More About: Images , Gallery , Ease , Ages

Only 777 Units: 2008 Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1
2007-08-16 06:07:00
Wow, that's one heck of a long name. Porsche unveiled the limited-edition Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1. The car will be only available in black. Porsche Design, who regularly make Porsche-labeled watches, cell phones, and accessories, was responsible for adding the extra goodies onto the popular Cayman S. Power-wise, no modifications were added. But, Porsche "Design" added 911 Turbo wheels, black Alcantara leather trimmed interior, and Porsche logo trimmed seats. Every unit will also come with a Porsche Design briefcase containing a Flat Six Chronograph, pocket knife, a pair of sunglasses, a pen and a key ring, all colored in black to match the car.Since this is a limited-production of an already limited-production vehicle, getting one for yourself will be difficult. Only 777 examples will be produced with sales in Europe to initiate in November of this year. North American models will arrive in January of next year. Continue reading to view more images and the official press ...
More About: Porsche Cayman , Tuning , Units

Only 360 Units: 2008 Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition
2007-08-16 05:51:00
The Lexus Fashion Preview at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance brought out the minor-changed SC430 Pebble Beach Edition . Lexus plans to build only 360 units of the niche limited-production hardtop. The "exclusive" items the Pebble Beach model are equipped with include a Smoky Gray Mica paint, two-tone leather interior, and Espresso Bird-Eye maple wood trim. Of course, a limited-production vehicle cannot boast without the badges. New 18" wheels are also included.The SC430 Pebble Beach Edition will be available for purchase in late August. This iteration of the Pebble Beach SC430 is the fifth limited-production model of the SC430 Lexus has launched. Follow the jump to view more images and the official press text composed by Lexus.[Source: Lexus]PRESS RELEASE: Lexus Reveals Fifth Annual SC Pebble Beach Edition Hardtop ConvertibleLimited-edition SC 430 to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Lexus FashionAugust 15, 2007 ? Pebble Beach, CA - Lexus will debut the 2008 Lexus ...
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Frankfurt: 2008 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback
2007-08-14 06:48:00
Our jaws practically hit the keyboards when we encountered the first official images of the facelifted variant of the subcompact offering from Chevrolet (*cough Daewoo ). The first official images of the European Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback were released by GM today, ahead of its official unveiling in Frankfurt .The Kalos, the original marque the European Aveo5 wore, will be renamed to Aveo Hatchback just like its four-door brother. However, the big news ought to be the reworked front fascia. Headline: Daewoo injects abundant doses of the bold juice. It seems the folks at Daewoo worked a tad too hard in an effort to make the new hatch stand out. The front Chevy split-grille, found on the new Malibu and Uplander, has been taken to the extreme and it's frightening to some. Couple that with the enlarged Epica headlights and you have a real eye-catcher. The front fascia is completely overhauled and new side vents add an extra oomph into the car.Our late spyshots of the Aveo5 testing showed ...
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Frankfurt: Renault planning 7 launches including Clio Estate
2007-08-10 23:10:00
On the heels of the IAA in Frankfurt , Renault announced details on the vehicles they will be unveiling at the show. Five new production vehicles and two concept cars are scheduled to make their way into the eyes of the media. The eye-catcher of the array of vehicles slated to launch there is the Clio Sport Tourer. The Sport Tourer is the estate variant of the Clio and the first-ever in the diminutive car's history. The Hatch and Estate variants of the all-new Laguna are also slated to debut in Frankfurt. Renault will also present the Twingo CC Concept. It will be equipped with a folding hardtop and will see itself as a production vehicle sometime next year. Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery of the Laguna Hatch and one more image of the Clio Sport Tourer.[Source: Motor Authority]
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Hyundai announces details on 2009 Elantra Touring
2007-08-09 13:57:00
Hyundai has released details on the North American version of the i30 Wagon yesterday. Along with an official press release came an attractive teaser sketch. The sketch shows that the version we get has gone through a major overhaul to suit our tastes. The official name of the vehicle is Elan tra Touring , just like speculations have long pointed to. The Elantra Touring will utilize the same 2.0L engine found in the sedan.The Elantra Touring will offer a standard electronic stability control. The Touring will also be equipped with a USB port along with an AUX jack, a first for Hyundai. Hyundai has targeted the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 and the Dodge Caliber as its competition. The Elantra Touring is slated to go on sale next spring. Continue to view the official press release.[Source: Hyundai]PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES NAME OF FUTURE FIVE-DOORAll-New 2009 Elantra Touring Moves a Popular Nameplate in a Sportier, More Functional DirectionTRAVERSE CITY, Mich. Aug. 8, 2007 ? Hyundai Mot...
More About: Hyundai , Details , Tail

Chrysler LLC's New (Old) Logo
2007-08-06 23:29:00
Chrysler is deep in the process of rebuilding itself from the recent break-up with DCX. Under a new management by Cerberus Capital Management, the new Chrysler brings in former CEO of Home Depot, a new name (Daimler-Chrysler to Chrysler LLC), and a new logo. Hopefully, we'll see some competitive offerings in the bunch as well. Regarding the logo, all we can say is: the pentastar is back. Defunct since the 1980's, Chrysler brought back the famous pentastar design for its new logo. It has its share of cons as well as the pros. For example, how would the pentastar look on the Chrysler 300? Fortunately, the new logo will be utilized in advertising and promotional uses only.[Source: Chrysler]
More About: Jeep , Chrysler , Dodge , Logo

Recall: Suzuki calls back 75,000 Renos and Forenzas
2007-08-06 23:10:00
Another recall means another post for TheCarBlogger. The culprits this time are the Suzuki Fore nza and the Reno. The Reno is the 5-door hatchback variant of the Daewoo-based Forenza. Both models are engineered and built by GM Daewoo, so rest assured, Suzuki is just the distributor here. The issue is faulty front seat belts that might unexpectedly unbuckle itself. The vehicles affected are in the US and Puerto Rico regions.The vehicles affected are 2006 and 2007 models. The problem will be fixed by Suzuki at no-charge.[Source: Kicking Tires]
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Skoda, Meet 'Stralya: Australian introduction set for October
2007-08-03 18:40:00
Skoda, VW's Czech subsidiary, is prepping for entrance to Australia. Marking the 100th market the automaker is entering, 14 dealerships across the continent are expected to open by this year. Initially, Skoda will be offering the popular Roomster MPV, Octavia Hatch/Estate, and the high-performance Octavia RS. "The launch in Australia is another symbol of Skoda Auto´s international expansion", stated Fred Kappler, Skoda BOD Member. Skoda will make its debut in the Down-Under at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, occurring in October.We wonder if Skoda will ever meet its eyes in North America. We're positive the chic Fabia hatchback will sell like hotcakes here. The Roomster will definitely raise a few eyebrows or more. The perfect combination to dominate in the heated compact segment the Big 2.5 are struggling to contend in.[Source: Skoda]
More About: Sales , Skoda , Introduction , Meet

Still Alive?: Saab releases Aero variant of 9-7X, 390hp
2007-08-03 18:16:00
While the GMT-360 line-up is slowly dying off by the day, Saab decided to continue with the 9-7X by unexpectedly introducing the Aero variant for 2008. The eye-catcher in this newsflash is the beast under the hood. Equipped with a 6.0L LS2 V8 powering 390hp, the engine can propel the high-performance SUV to 60mph in less than six seconds. The exterior receives a lone Carbon Flash Metallic paint and 20-inch polished alloy wheels. Interior changes are minor to the best with Aero-embroidered seats and embossed floormats.The 9-7X Aero will go on sale in the fall of 2007 with a base sticker of $45,995. It's a $6000 jump from the base 9-7X. A $745 destination charge is added to the price. For the Saab afocionados who have the Benjamins to spend, get a hold of this collector's item fast as this is a limited-production model. Continue reading to view the official press release.[Source: Saab]PRESS RELEASE: Saab 9-7X Aero Takes OffLimited Edition SUV Offers Jet-Like PerformanceDETROIT -- ...
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Audi reports 67% growth in H1 net profits
2007-07-31 05:11:00
Audi has announced its net profit numbers for the first half of 2007 and it's on the positive note with $679 million euros ($926.9 million dollars), a growth of 67 percent. The recent splurge of new models from the four-ring automaker gives a promising outlook for the second half of this year. The R8, A5, and the upcoming A4 and Q5 has yet to arrive in showrooms and it will only add to the growing success Audi really needs and deserves.[Source: Reuters]
More About: Audi , Sales , Growth , Profits , Grow

Forbes picks top 10 luxury cars in Q2 2007
2007-07-28 14:30:00
The Americans are slowly recovering while the Japanese are continuously dominating the consumer's market, while the Europeans are at the top in the luxury-car segment. BMW and Mercedes-Benz claim 8 spots of the 10 and one Japanese vehicle can be seen. Porsche has taken one spot with the Cayman. The list defines the top 10 researched luxury vehicles at ForbesAuto.com users. Continue reading to view the full list.[Source: eGMCarTech]Top 10 Luxury Cars in the Second Quarter of 20072007 BMW X5: $45,9002007 Acura TL: $33,6252007 BMW 3-Series Coupe: $35,3002007 Porsche Cayman: $49,4002007 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class: $43,3502007 BMW 3-Series Sedan: $32,4002008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: $31,9752007 BMW 7-Series: $75,8002008 BMW 5-Series: $44,3002007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $85,750
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Price Attack Pt.3: Saab announces 2008 9-3 pricing, starting at $28,385
2007-07-28 06:13:00
The Swedish lad in the General family has announced the official US pricing of the facelifted 2008 9-3. Starting at $28,385 for the base 2.0T Sedan, it marks a considerable $2135 boost from the $26,250 tag of the 2007 model. The 2008 model heralds new changes made extensively to the exterior, while interior changes are minimal to the best. Spanning the Aero-X Concept cue, the front fascia departs from the clean design of the 2007, but its new sleek design does its job nicely.Some highlights of the minor changes elsewhere include side sills, new alloy wheel designs, standard OnStar, XM, rain-sensing wipers and a tire-pressure monitor. Saab also announced the pricing of the 2008 SportCombi and the Convertible. Standing $29,630 and $39,710 respectively, the less popular variants of the 9-3 range are also plagued with the price boost syndrome.[Source: Inside Line]
More About: Price , Attack , Anno

Recall: Volvo calls back 42,000 XC90s
2007-07-28 05:57:00
Volvo has announced that they have issued a recall affecting 42,000 of their flagship sport-utility vehicle, the XC90. The culprit being a faulty battery switch, only the North American models are affected. The switch is prone to create short circuits if the jack handle comes in contact with it. Note that only the MY2005 models are affected.No reports of the short circuits actually happening were brought in so far. The short circuiting was likely to happen by Volvo technicians themselves, as the instructions for the regular maintenance checks of the MY2005 XC90s affected involved the tampering of the faulty parts.Volvo dealers will check the affected cars and implement a sticker on each car, instructing future service technicians on how to avoid the short circuits.[Source: Autoblog]
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LEAKED! Pt.2: Kia HM interior images revealed
2007-07-27 14:52:00
The leaks are becoming a regular pastimes for automotive journalists like us. Following the official teaser images of the HM which revealed the headlight, grille, and wheels, we've obtained the first official images of the interior in hand. Verdict: We are mighty impressed.First look at the center stack tells us Kia has upped its league. They do have a slight scent of the 2007 Honda CR-V, but the quality seems to be spotless. The multimedia navigation/AV system that is shown is likely to stay in South Korea, but expect a navigation system similar to the LG version found in the Veracruz for the American folks. The A/C design is stunning, and it is a massive departure from Kia's previous designs. The whole interior is highlighted in wood, but the color looks appealing like an Ikea bedroom set. Kia has put in mind the techy folks like us with an AUX input jack and a Push-Start button. Bear in mind the Veracruz is not button-operated.The flood of images indicate a public debut is awai...
More About: Images , Interior , Teri , Leaked , Ages

LEAKED!: MINI Clubman revealed before Sunday embargo
2007-07-27 06:44:00
The folks over at Inside Line have some explaining to do with this. Albeit taking into the fact that the Clubman has been spotted virtually undisguised long before today, the official images are up and we're 50/50 now. Along with the three images came some notable specs.The Clubman sits on a stretched Cooper platform. The Clubman's most noticing feature is the passenger-side suicide-style door. Smelling distinctively of the Saturn SC, the unique doors aid in entering and exiting from the rear seats. At the rear, a suicide-style hatch replaces the conventional liftback. The standard powertrain is a 1.6L four producing 120hp. The 'S' variant receives a turbocharged 1.6L producing 175hp. Diesel can be opted in Europe with a 1.6L common-rail diesel producing 110hp.Embargo is slated to clear on Sunday to our knowledge. Once it lifts, we'll bring you the official pics and specs. Continue reading to view the other two images.UPDATE: We're scratching our heads on why the rear shot of ...
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