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AutoblogGreen for 07.29.10 
AutoblogGreen for 07.29.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
V8 Supercar champ in Australia wants kids to learn to drive at age 12. How about you? [w/poll] Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Australia 
Albert Einstein has commonly been quoted as saying that stupidity (or insanity, depending on your source) is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Which begs the question, with over 100 years of traffic enforcement behind us, why are we still relying on the same methods of catch and punish to modify driver behavior? If it hasn't worked over the last century, chances are it won't work over the next. But Australian V8 Supercar champ Jamie Whincup has come up with a zany idea that just might cut down on his country's driving death toll - education.
In a move likely to draw some knee-jerk guffaws, Whincup is calling for driver's education to begin at 12 years-old. The tweens in question wouldn't actually be behind the wheel, but would begin to receive lessons on the components of a car, the effect of drugs and alcohol on your ability to operate a vehicle and the consequences of excess speed. We're not entirely sure the average pre-teen is going to be able to wrangle enough synapses away from Hanna Montana to make a difference, but we're all for improved driver education as a means of improving road safety.
Have a look at the story below, then chime in with your own opinion by taking our poll and leaving your thoughts in Comments.
View Poll
[Source: Drive | Image: Matchbox]V8 Supercar champ in Australia wants kids to learn to drive at age 12. How about you? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Toyota celebrates a decade of Prius Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota 
The first decade of the Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery
As of 2010, the Toyota Prius has been available in North America for a decade, and it remains by far the best selling hybrid both here and around the world. Since its Japanese market introduction 1997, drivers have bought more than 1.8 million of the gas-electric dynamos, with about half of those ending up in the United States (and apparently half of those landing on driveways in the San Francisco Bay area!).
The original Prius was a gawky-looking four-door sedan that was slow and often didn't meet up with customer's fuel economy expectations. It wasn't until the second-generation model arrived in 2004 with a new teardop hatchback body style that the Prius really took off. By 2007, cumulative sales topped half a million, with the third generation model arriving two years later offering improved efficiency and better dynamic performance than ever. This year, Toyota has begun to deploy a test fleet of plug-in Priuses with lithium ion batteries with full series production of those versions coming in 2012.
While we wait for our future corded Prius models to give us even more pull with our eco-minded friends, we'll join Toyota in celebrating the now-iconic green machine by checking out the historic gallery below.
[Source: Toyota]Continue reading Toyota celebrates a decade of Prius Toyota celebrates a decade of Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.28.10 
Mitsubishi needs a WRX competitor, but does the Ralliart Sportback fit the bill?
Considering its meager output, it may come as a shock that the Chevy Volt needs premium gas. Could such an insignificant detail hinder sales?
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.28.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Get Autoblog on Flipboard for your iPad in 3 easy steps Filed under: Etc. 
Autoblog on Flipboard - Click above for image gallery
We know you've been anxiously awaiting the Autoblog iPhone app, and rest assured, we're working on it. But as a stop-gap to sate your iDevice desires for Autoblog on the go, those of you with an iPad can get our newest stories pumped directly into the palm of your hand in a few easy steps.
If you're not familiar with Flipboard, it's a free iPad app that imports your Twitter and Facebook feeds to create a magazine-style reading experience of links, photos and your friend's ill-advised status updates. Flipboard also allows you to scan through a variety of subjects - from tech news to celebrity gossip - and pick individual Twitter feeds to create a personalized, customized news-reading experience. If you want your daily does of automotive news, views and reviews, download Flipboard for the iPad from the App Store and follow the instructions below the virtual fold.
Continue reading Get Autoblog on Flipboard for your iPad in 3 easy steps Get Autoblog on Flipboard for your iPad in 3 easy steps originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Jay Leno's best speeding story is better than yours Filed under: Government/Legal, Celebrities, Humor, Specialty 
Just like any self-respecting car guy, Jay Leno has had his fair share of run-ins with local law enforcement. And, much like the rest of us, some of those run-ins result in great story material for those Monday morning watercooler conversations. But as you'd expect, Leno's are more entertaining.
Take, for example, a recent exchange Leno had with Visor Down in the U.K. Says the late-night comedian:
I have the record for the oldest vehicle to be done for speeding. It was a 1912 Stanley Steamer, and I had it cranked up to 75mph on a freeway.
Nice. Needless to say, we're suitably impressed by the speed Leno was able to attain in such a rarefied piece of automotive history. Sadly, the police officer didn't seem to share our respect:
I'm kind of proud of that, especially considering the engine is steam-powered and makes less than 10 bhp. The cop who issued the citation was remarkably straight-faced and unimpressed with my feat, which I thought was a little unimaginative of him. How could you seriously issue a speeding ticket to something with the same engine as a small steam locomotive?
Jay, if it makes you feel any better (and we're sure it doesn't), we completely agree. Read the rest of the interview at Visor Down here.
[Source: Visor Down]Jay Leno's best speeding story is better than yours originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings Filed under: Motorcycle 
2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow - Click above for high-res image gallery
Shoppers at Harley-Davidson dealers across North America will be faced with the choice of three new models this year, as the 2011 lineup marks the release of the Sportster SuperLow, XR1200X and Road Glide Ultra. This hat trick of new releases increases Milwaukee's total offerings to an impressive 32 unique (that is... as long as you want a V-twin and two or three wheels) models.
If your confidence is in need of inspiration, as H-D words it, than the new SuperLow may be just what you're looking for. Sporting a design and build that highlight ease of handling and a low stand-over height, the SuperLow may drag pegs through the turns, but it should also help keep confidence high at stoplights. The second model, named the XR1200X (which we previously covered here) claims to "hone Sportster performance to its very limit" offering standard adjustable suspension, floating front brake rotors, and a high compression version of the 1200cc Evo engine packaged in the XR chassis. The matte-black finish of the engine and drive components complete the no-nonsense look of the XR1200X.
Rounding out the new releases is the Road Glide Ultra, which has its sights set further on the horizon while wielding a frame-mounted fairing. The new cockpit encases a four-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio system (with iPod connection), as well as a cruise control feature, amongst other luxuries. More touring amenities include the King Tour Pack, luggage carrier and standard ABS... we expect Route 66 has another thing coming.
Four new CVO variations will be available in limited quantities for the 2011 model year, several of which we recently had an opportunity to put through their paces, so stay tuned for the imminent full ride reports on all the new bacon from hog-central Harley-Davidson. For now, you can see more pictures and read the press release after the break.
[Source: Harley-Davidson]Continue reading Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings Harley-Davidson expands 2011 lineup with three new offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pontiac Sunbird racing lobster boat warps our fragile little minds Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Convertible, Etc., Pontiac, Humor, Off-Road, Racing 
It's been said that any time two individuals are headed to the same location at the same time, a race is likely to ensue. If you need proof, look no further than Maine's lobster boat races. What began as a friendly tradition among returning fisherman has evolved into the NASCAR of the seas - where high-dollar fiberglass drag boats reign supreme and the little guys are left to try to hold their own on sea-borne Pontiac Sunbird convertibles. Or something. You see, in New Harbor, Maine, one man has established himself as the force to be reckoned with. Lobster man Galen Alley decided to plop a hefty supercharged V8 into the back of a 2,000-pound fiberglass craft once upon a time and has been grand poobah of lobster waters ever since.
That just doesn't quite sit well with Stevie Johnson - a boat builder who has vowed to knock Alley off of his high horse, so to speak. Since showmanship is next to godliness in these lobster boat races, Johnson snapped up a cabin cruiser, cut the craft down to its hull and bolted a Pontiac Sunbird Convertible to the deck. How'd he fare? After doing demonstration passes for the crowd all day, Johnson forgot to top off the tanks on his craft and ran out of fuel before crossing the finish line. He says he'll be back next year, possibly with an ocean-going Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal via Jalopnik]Pontiac Sunbird racing lobster boat warps our fragile little minds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Audi A7 in the studio Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury 
It will still be awhile before you can get an up close and personal look at the new Audi A7 Sportback. Since Audi recently flooded the interwebs with an array of images, you've likely already made up your mind as to whether you loathe or love the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo competitor, but there's nothing like being able to walk around a vehicle for yourself without the cumbersome medium of a photographer's lens between you and the sheet metal. Fortunately, Audi has been so kind as to share a lengthy studio walk-around video of the new quad-ring creation.
The flick lingers over just about every inch of the A7 Sportback, including the interior and exterior. We get a quick peep at the car's mechanized rear spoiler, as well as the cavernous amounts of room under the lengthy hatch. It may not be quite the same as getting your finger prints all over the paint, but it's dang close. Hit the jump to take a look.
[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]Continue reading Video: Audi A7 in the studio Video: Audi A7 in the studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo XC90 reportedly under NHTSA investigation for intermittent lighting failures Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Volvo, Luxury 
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating older Volvo XC90 models for potential faulty electronics that could cause the headlights and turn signals to fail. So far, the government isn't aware of any crashes resulting from the fault, but 21 owners have filed a complaint. The defect manifests itself on 2004-2005 XC90 SUVs, and NHTSA says that 93,487 vehicles are potentially impacted by the problem.
Fortunately, should the NHTSA issue a recall, the problem is a relatively easy fix. Regulators say that simply replacing a bad control module is enough to set everything working again. So far, there are no reports of similar problems occurring in any other Volvo models of similar vintage, but you can bet your eyes that the NHTSA will be taking a closer look at the company's line up from four years ago just to make sure.
[Source: Bloomberg via San Francisco Chronicle]Volvo XC90 reportedly under NHTSA investigation for intermittent lighting failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury 
MTM Audi RS5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The clever wrenches at the German tuning powerhouse MTM have gotten a hold of the Audi RS5. Always ones to turn fast faster, the group claims to have squeezed the car's top speed to 188 mph. But instead of focusing on pulling even more horsepower from the already staggering 4.2-liter V8, the company simply upped the factory speed limiter to allow for a more potent v-max. MTM will politely ask for a check for $1,429 (at current conversion rates) for the upgrade, which isn't exactly pocket change. According to MTM, the car still produces 450 horsepower, though the company will be happy to supply you with a new free-breathing exhaust system that just might turn an extra pony or two loose.
In addition to the lofty top speed, MTM has rolled out a hefty selection of wheels just for the RS5. We're guessing a new set of tires will probably be in order if you plan on bumping up against that new 188 mph top end, too. Eventually, the company plans to roll out a complete suspension for the car. And here's hoping they come up with some equally competent brakes in the process.
[Source: MTM]MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric 
As we're sure you've noticed by now, General Motors has been making lots of waves over the past few days with the pricing announcement (finally!) of its 2011 Chevrolet Volt. And, as you're surely aware, GM's plug-in hybrid is capable of traveling at least 40 miles per charge without using a single drop of gasoline. But what happens when the time comes to pump some good ol' crude into the tank? You'll be using premium.
Yes, you read that right. Premium gasoline only in GM's mostly gasoline-free automobile. It seems a bit odd that The General would force its customers into using higher-priced gasoline if there wasn't a good reason for it, but it certainly wouldn't seem that the engine is highly stressed - 80 horsepower from 1.4 liters isn't exactly bleeding edge.
There is a possibility, however, that the car's engineers were able to wrestle a bit more efficiency from its constant-load engine/generator setup by using higher octane fuel. In any case, the automaker has not offered up any specific explanations on why premium is required or, for that matter, what kind of fuel mileage the Volt will attain when the gasoline-powered engine is in operation.
We feel compelled to point out that it probably doesn't matter much that the Volt requires premium fuel considering how little gasoline the average user is likely to go through any given month. But naturally, your mileage will vary.
[Source: The Truth About Cars]2011 Chevrolet Volt requires... premium gas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Volvo crowns Paris 'naughtiest' city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volvo, Luxury 
Vovlo tests the world's naughtiness - Click above to watch video after the jump
Some habits die hard. Swedish manufacturer Volvo has always been one for extensive research. The company's reputation for safety is based largely on its understanding of the mechanics of a collision thanks to impossibly thorough field studies. So it should come as no surprise that when we all thought Volvo was putting down the clipboard in favor of a cocktail glass by throwing a slew of parties in some of the world's most iconic cities, the carmaker was actually studying human behavior. Go figure. Why? The move was part of the quest to unearth the Naughty Capitol of Europe as part of the S60 marketing campaign.
Each of the company's parties included a few clandestine experiments designed to test participants' naughtiness, including seeing how many people would try to talk their way into a fake VIP room, hit on an actress who was pretending to be married or sprint through a well-manicured flower bed. Volvo held the same experiments in Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Madrid. Not surprisingly, the City of Light took the crown by a wide, wide margin. Hit the jump for a look at a video of Swedish sins.
[Source: Volvo]Continue reading Video: Volvo crowns Paris 'naughtiest' city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch Video: Volvo crowns Paris 'naughtiest' city in Europe as part of experiments tied to bizarre S60 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rumormill: 2012 Porsche Cayman Clubsport headed for LA Auto Show Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill 
2010 Porsche Cayman S - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Porsche enthusiast site Planet-9.com, a hardcore version of the Cayman, dubbed CS or Clubsport, will be shown at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show in December. This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings of a lighter, more powerful Cayman, but now that Porsche has successfully launched the Boxster Spyder, it's only fitting that the same sort of package be offered on its harder-core hardtop sister.
Expect the Clubsport to produce around 333 horsepower from its 3.4-liter flat-six, an increase of 13 hp over the Cayman S. From there, lightweight 19-inch wheels will be standard, as will fabric door pulls, aluminum body components and a slightly revised front fascia that we've seen on the Boxster Spyder. Obviously, the real goal with a Clubsport model is lightness, and Planet-9 reports that the CS should be about 162 to 184 pounds lighter than the stock Cayman S.
If the LA Auto Show reveal stands true, the Cayman CS should be hitting the road sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model, priced from around $66,300. Fingers crossed, everyone.
[Source: Planet-9]Rumormill: 2012 Porsche Cayman Clubsport headed for LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
eBay Find of the Day: One-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC built for... Barry Goldwater? Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Government/Legal, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury 
Barry Goldwater's one-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Long before Barry Goldwater would suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1964 presidential election, the politician apparently had a taste for wildly customized cars. Unsatisfied with the exquisite design of his 1953 Jaguar XK120, Goldwater commissioned the legendary George Barris to turn the car into something special. Barris took the time to work in headlight and tailfin assemblies from a '53 Buick, along with a Lincoln Continental-style spare tire carrier and a shortened Cadillac rear bumper. Inside, the dash was reworked in unfinished aluminum, complete with an array of aeronautical gauges. We're quite sure we prefer the bog-standard XK120's sheetmetal, but this car's interesting history and one-off nature is hard to ignore.
The car has spent the last 20 years of its life tucked away in a California shop and has emerged via the glory of eBay Motors. The body has weathered the years between 1953 and now without too much wear and tear, though the interior has moved on to the great beyond. The car's 3.5-liter, DOHC I6 is still in place, as are all of those oddball gauges. The car is available in Newport Beach, California with its reserve not met at $15,639 at the time of writing. If you want it, hop on over to eBay and get to clicking. There are only four days left on the auction right now.
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: One-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC built for... Barry Goldwater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford 
Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.
The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.
So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!
[Source: KROQ]Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495* Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Kia 
The 2011 Kia Optima doesn't go on sale until sometime this Fall, but the configurator is now live on Kia.com. The new Optima brings Kia design to a whole new level, with a sleek coupe-like profile that should be backed up by some pretty impressive performance when equipped with the new 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo.
Kia hasn't released official pricing yet for the new Optima, but in an odd move, it is listing estimated prices on the configurator. The base, 200-horsepower 2.4-liter LX model with a six-speed manual is listed at an affordable $18,495 (*sans destination charges, which are likely to add $695), while the least expensive model with the 274-hp 2.0T engine is the $23,895 EX. A maxed-out SX with the premium and technology packages comes in just shy of $30K, which actually strikes us as pretty reasonable based on what we've seen so far of the car. That means that the 2011 model is more expensive that the staid but surprisingly competent current model (which starts at $17,995), but we're thinking the better-looking sheetmetal is worth it alone, not to mention all of the other equipment and material upgrades. Appreciate the tip, Matt!
[Source: Kia]2011 Kia Optima configurator goes live with estimated pricing starting at $18,495* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Porsche, Racing 
Jeff Zwart's Porsche 911 GT3 scales Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump
We've seen footage of Jeff Zwart practicing for his recent run up Pikes Peak, now filmmaker Will Roegge has delivered unto us the footage from Zwart's Time Attack 2WD class record.
Zwart ran his 911 GT3 up 12.42 miles and through 156 turns in just 11:31.095, averaging over 65 miles per hour. But you don't need us to tell you about it - these things tend to speak for themselves. Follow the jump to watch a record being set.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Sources: Will Roegge, YouTube]Video: Jeff Zwart's Porsche GT3 sets Pikes Peak Time Attack 2WD class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Reviews 
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart - Click above for high-res image gallery
There has always been a glaringly obvious gap in Mitsubishi's current Lancer lineup. On the bottom is the... Lancer, a biggish-for-its-class economy car that no one particularly likes - at least that's what the sales charts would indicate. It's slow, filled with cheap plastics and dull. It hasn't even proven to be all that reliable by Japanese small-car standards, but at least it looks good. At the top of the heap and on a wholly different plane sits the Lancer Evolution. It's the giant-slayer, David, the little car that humbles supercars. It's also the hottest of the rally-inspired all-wheel-drive turbocharged pocket rockets. The Evo's only real competition is the Subaru WRX STI and, let's be honest, the Evo has been the better car for years now (Subaru has just updated its warrior for 2011, so a new comparison is in order). Its handling is more precise, yet at the same time more insane. The Mitsu is rawer, rougher, tougher and most importantly faster, even though it's down half a liter on the WRX STI in terms of displacement. Don't read this wrong, the STI is a fine backroad killer. But the EVO is more homicidal.
It looks like a toned down Evo, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants you to think.
Back to that gap. In the middle of its arch rival's portfolio has long lived the WRX, Subaru's Goldie Loxian sportster, which is very fast, very nimble, but very well priced (it still starts at under $25,000). The WRX has long threaded the needle between excellent all-around performance and the customer not being able to afford a higher monthly payment. Subaru, therefore, has sold a ton of them, for not only does the WRX offer all that power and rally-bred oomph at a low price, it can be had as a wagon. Mitsubishi had nothing until this year, when the Japanese industrial powerhouse brought over two new flavors of its hopped-up Lancer, the Ralliart and the Ralliart Sportback.
Today we're taking a look at the supposedly more practical of those two additions, the five-door Sportback. When the pictures of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart started spilling onto this here internet, Yours Truly was especially excited. The main reason being that for the past eight years, I've owned a WRX wagon in one form or another. Biased? You could say that, but at that same time, I've been driving Evos against STIs and have remained aware (perhaps painfully aware) that the Evo is the sharper blade. Perhaps, then, the Sportback Ralliart could be my next fast and furious wagon, or at least go wheel-to-wheel with its competition from Fuji Heavy Industries? Hop the jump to find out.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOLContinue reading Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes aim at the competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Porsche, Electric 
Porsche 918 Spyder concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, the Porsche supervisory board has approved the development of the 918 Spyder concept into a series production model. The 918 debuted as a concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show with a plug-in hybrid powertrain claimed to provide 78 miles per gallon.
The concept used a 500-horsepower V8 along with a pair of electric motors with 109 hp each and a lithium ion battery that can provide 16 miles of emissions-free driving from grid energy. The powertrain is not expected to be changed much for production and Porsche has not announced when 918 will be available. There has been speculation that the production model could cost up to €500,000 (about $650,000 USD), although if it comes to the States, it should be eligible for a federal tax credit. Even with up to $7,500 it still makes the Chevrolet Volt look downright cheap.
Before you start looking in your couch cushions for a down payment, check out the official press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Porsche]Continue reading BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production BREAKING: Porsche approves 918 Spyder for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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