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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/#comments Filed under: ,


Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of days after announcing U.K. pricing for the the new Rapide, Aston Martin has now also priced the North American version of its slinky four-door. When Aston starts deliveries of its newest model next spring, U.S. customers will have to pony up a minimum of $199,950. Aston Martin dealers will doubtless provide clients with the opportunity to substantially elevate that price tag via costly personalization options. After all, when you're dropping that kind of coin, you don't want to see yourself coming and going all the time.

The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin produced outside of Great Britain once cars start rolling off the line in Graz, Austria. The special factory was set up in cooperation with Magna Steyr prior to the global financial collapse, back when the Gaydon factory that makes the other Astons was running at full capacity. In these post-meltdown days, the decision about where to produce the car may have been very different. If you have the means, your local dealer is taking orders now. Official press release available after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> astonaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide priceAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonMartinRapidePricerapiderapide priceRapidePrice Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

VW Jetta

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 jetta2011 volkswagen jetta2011 vw jetta2011Jetta2011VolkswagenJetta2011VwJettajettanew compact sedanNewCompactSedanpolovolkswagen coupevolkswagen jettavolkswagen new compact sedanvolkswagen poloVolkswagenCoupeVolkswagenJettaVolkswagenNewCompactSedanVolkswagenPolovwvw coupevw jettavw new compact sedanvw poloVwCoupeVwJettaVwNewCompactSedanVwPolo Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Buick sedan caught in Germany]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/#comments Filed under: , ,


Buick small sedan prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, we showed you the first official rendering of Buick's forthcoming small car, a shrunken LaCrosse lookalike that is expected to be based on the European market Opel Astra. The image was flashed on the screen during General Motors' presentation of the new 2011 Buick Regal at this week's LA Auto Show, and judging by these latest spy shots from our friends at CarPix, it would appear that the rendering gives us a very good look at the upcoming sedan.

As we saw in an earlier batch of shots, the Delta-II platform-based model (known as the Excelle in China) will retain Buick's signature waterfall grille, yet unlike the Regal, it will have a set of horizontally-mounted ventiports to add a bit of the marque's characteristic flash. In the past, the number of ventiport holes indicated the number of cylinders of the engine lurking beneath the sheetmetal, but in this case, we don't expect for the as-yet-unnamed U.S. sedan to carry more than four cylinders.

With the Regal and this forthcoming small sedan, GM is clearly making a big push to lower the average buyer age of its Buick division by injecting a bit of sport and perhaps a greater measure of affordability. Is this the right strategy for the brand, or is The General at risk of revisiting the same brand perception (and brand overlap) issues it had in the Eighties with smaller cars like the Somerset and Century? Be sure to check out our high-res gallery below and then hop into Comments to let us know what you think.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Baby Buick caught in Germany


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Baby Buick sedan caught in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby buickBabyBuickBuickBuick ExcelleBuickExcelleExcellesmall buickSmallBuickspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/aston-martin-rapide-priced-from-139-950-in-the-uk/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin has finally hung a price tag on its long-awaited four door, the Rapide, in its U.K. home market. As you might reasonably expect, it won't come cheap, starting at £139,950 or about $233,000 USD. Given pricing disparities between international markets, that's not necessarily an indication of what the Rapide will command Stateside, but we note that the Rapide costs nearly twice what Porsche asks for its base Panamera - and over £40K ($66k USD) more than even the impossibly quick Panamera Turbo. Though the cars weren't exactly designed as competitors, there's little doubt that the two four-passenger sloping-roof models will be cross-shopped by interested parties, along with other quick luxocrats like the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

For that £139,950 price tag, though, buyers will be getting a largely handmade and finely-crafted automobile powered by a 470-horsepower V12 engine. For what it's worth, that's 30 horses less than the Panamera Turbo, but it's wrapped in less divisive sheetmetal and it'll undoubtedly be far more exclusive.

Initial Rapide deliveries in Great Britain are expected to begin in the spring of 2010, but if you're interested in having an example of your very own, you'd best queue up now. Check out the updated gallery with new high-res images of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide below, and the official press release is after the jump.



[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK

Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139,950 in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Aston Martin2011 Aston Martin Rapide2011 Rapide2011AstonMartin2011AstonMartinRapide2011RapideAMAstonaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide priceAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonMartinRapidePriceRapiderapide priceRapidePricerapidweaver Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX


[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Kia2010 Kia Forte2010 Kia Forte Koup2010Kia2010KiaForte2010KiaForteKoupcar of the yearCarOfTheYearCotyforteForte CoupeForte KoupForteCoupeForteKoupkiaKia ForteKia Forte CoupeKia Forte KoupKiaForteKiaForteCoupeKiaForteKoupKoupla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009nadanada guidesNadaGuidesnadaguides.com Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Jag2011 Jaguar2011 jaguar xj2011 XJ2011Jag2011Jaguar2011JaguarXj2011Xjblueprint 3Blueprint3HovajagJaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjjay zjay z jaguarjay z jaguar xjjay-zjay-z jaguarJay-zJaguarJayZJayZJaguarJayZJaguarXjJiggalala 2009la auto showla showLa2009la2009showLaAutoShowLaShowlashow2009music videoMusicVideoOn to the Next OneOnToTheNextOneThe Blueprint 3TheBlueprint3 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.


Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriuspluginPlugInHybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybrid Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval's newest small car is already well-known to prospective buyers. Ford's ingenious "Fiesta Movement" marketing initiative, which put 100 Euro-spec subcompacts in the hands of socially advanced "agents," resulted in over six million YouTube views, 740,000 Flickr views and 3.7 million Twitter impressions. All that traffic has apparently resulted in a 60-percent vehicle recognition score in Ford's survey findings - a number that would be good for a vehicle that has already been on the market a few years.

The first Fiesta Movement was created to get the Fiesta in front of the car-buying public while engaging in customer-driven dialog. Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager, says that wave two will focus on "driving unparalleled consideration." In other words, Ford wants customers to be excited to buy a new Fiesta. Given the fact that Ford generated 80,000 "hand-raisers" with Fiesta Movement number one, another group of Fiesta agents probably isn't a bad idea.

Ford is looking now for 20 teams of agents to participate in getting the word out about its new small car. Interested parties can apply via video on fiestamovement.com between now and January 31. Round two begins in mid-February. Winning contestants will need to be "socially vibrant" and "in-tune with the latest happenings in their neighborhood." Winners will be chosen based on public reaction to their video presentations... though it probably wouldn't hurt to look young and Millenialish. Hit the jump to check out Ford's official press release.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta movementfiesta movement marketing campaignFiestaMovementFiestaMovementMarketingCampaignfordFord FiestaFordFiestaus spec fiestaUsSpecFiesta Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/suzukis-kizashi-test-drive-challenge-offers-100-to-audi-a4-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/suzukis-kizashi-test-drive-challenge-offers-100-to-audi-a4-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/suzukis-kizashi-test-drive-challenge-offers-100-to-audi-a4-and/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:
With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.
Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Suzuki Kizashi2010SuzukiKizashiA4acura tsxAcuraTsxAudi A4AudiA4kizashikizashi test drivekizashi test drive challengeKizashiTestDriveKizashiTestDriveChallengesuzukiSuzuki KizashiSuzukiKizashiTSX Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

Continue reading LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 7 series2010 BMW2010 BMW 7 series2010 bmw 7 series activehybrid2010 BMW X62010 bmw x6 activehybrid2010 X620107Series2010Bmw2010Bmw7Series2010Bmw7SeriesActivehybrid2010BmwX62010BmwX6Activehybrid2010X6activehybridBMWbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridBMW Active Hybrid 7bmw activehybrid x6bmw hybridbmw visionBMW Vision Efficient Dynamicsbmw vision efficient dynamics conceptbmw vision hybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActiveHybrid7BmwActivehybridX6BmwHybridBmwVisionBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsConceptBmwVisionHybridla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-taurus-and-volvo-xc60-named-international-car-and-truck-of/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ford Taurus and Volvo VX60 named International Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold onto your hats folks, because while magazine award ceremonies appear to be just about finished, the auto show trophies are just starting to be handed out. This time, it's the International Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, and we've got two winners from within the Ford empire. The Ford Taurus took top car honors while the Volvo XC60 won as the best truck. Both vehicles have been well received by the press and early returns from customers appear to be positive, too. While the Taurus is outselling its bland and unexciting predecessor, the XC60 has helped Volvo achieve six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases.

ICOTY creator and executive producer Courtney Caldwell claims that the winners aren't chosen based on performance, but instead on how the vehicles "reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self-image and how well the automaker achieves that goal through the design and marketing of the vehicle." Uh-huh. And while the ICoTY award isn't exactly one of the big-name trophies for the mantle, a win is a win, and both Ford and Volvo are proud recipients of the accolades. Hit the jump to read over the press releases from Ford and Volvo.


Gallery: LA 2009 COTY: 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Volvo XC60


[Sources: Ford, Volvo]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year

LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 ford taurus2010 volvo xc602010FordTaurus2010VolvoXc60ford taurusFordTaurusicotyicoty awardIcotyAwardinternational car of the yearInternationalCarOfTheYearla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009volvo xc60VolvoXc60 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Buick Compact Sedan Rendering - Click above for high-res image

Buick officially took the wraps of its 2011 Regal at the LA Auto Show, and in addition to showing off its sportier side, General Motors' reborn Lexus competitor confirmed its intentions to produce a compact sedan - and here's the first rendering.

Likely based on the Chinese market 2011 Buick Excelle XT (a rebadged Opel Astra with an upmarket interior), the new compact four-door is expected to lose its hatch in favor of a traditional trunk and gain a 181 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The sketch above (flashed on screen during the Regal unveiling here in LA) certainly bears a resemblance to the Excelle and to the larger LaCrosse, although a few tweaks to the fascia, headlamps and the addition of a few hood-mounted portholes could be found on the concept and later, the production model. We should know more later this year, when Buick unveils an official design study followed by the eventual production car that is expected by the end of 2010.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT

LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buick compact sedanBuickCompactSedanlala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShow Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprisingly, Ford decided to slip out U.S. pricing for its hotly anticipated 2011 Fiesta with no fanfare at all. No major announcements at the LA Auto Show, no wordy press releases... nothing. But, if you head on over to Ford's official page for the new Fiesta, you'll see that it starts at $13,320 (plus a $675 destination charge).

Even better, the full Build and Price section is available, meaning you can see each and every individual option and its price. We went ahead and spent some time perusing the options list, and we see that the low base price is for the base S model, which comes exclusively in sedan form. The least expensive hatchback model is $15,120 (about $800 more than a comparably-equipped sedan).

Step up to a hatchback with Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and you're looking at $16,190, and the uprated SES hatchback starts at $17,120 ($18,190 with the auto). Click past the jump for more interesting little tidbits that we noticed when pricing out our own Fiestas, including what Ford is offering for reserving one early.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early

2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Fiesta2011 fiesta price2011 ford fiesta2011 ford fiesta msrp2011Fiesta2011FiestaPrice2011FordFiesta2011FordFiestaMsrpfiestafiesta msrpfiesta pricefiesta pricingFiestaMsrpFiestaPriceFiestaPricingfordford fiestaford fiesta msrpford fiesta priceFordFiestaFordFiestaMsrpFordFiestaPrice Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/confirmed-mercedes-to-shift-some-production-of-next-gen-c-class/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/confirmed-mercedes-to-shift-some-production-of-next-gen-c-class/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/confirmed-mercedes-to-shift-some-production-of-next-gen-c-class/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Fluctuations and disparities in currency exchange rates have grown to become a significant factor in determining where foreign automakers in particular assemble their vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is among those carmakers most cognizant of these effects, and it has been assembling select models in the United States to meet local demands. Now the German automaker has announced that, for the next generation of its popular C-Class sedan due in 2014, partial production will shift to its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class crossovers are already built.

The shift in production - which is set to comprise no more than one-fifth of global C-Class production - will not only help offset currency rates, but also afford greater flexibility in meeting local customer demand. The move is expected to further upset Germany's automotive workforce, which has grown restless in the wake of General Motors' collapsed sale of Opel.

In addition to the partial shift to Alabama, German production of the remaining four-fifths of C-Class production is set to switch places with the SL-Class roadster, the former moving from Sindelfingen to Bremen and the latter vice-versa. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama

Confirmed: Mercedes to shift some production of next-gen C-Class to Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes c-class2014 mercedes-benz c-class2014Mercedes-benzC-class2014MercedesC-classalabamabremenC 230C 250C 300C 350c-classC230C250C300C350mbusimercedesmercedes c-classmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c-classMercedes-benzC-classMercedesC-classsindelfingentuscaloosa Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chevrolet Cruze SS being pushed for hard by company insiders]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-chevrolet-cruze-ss-being-pushed-for-hard-by-company-insi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-chevrolet-cruze-ss-being-pushed-for-hard-by-company-insi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/report-chevrolet-cruze-ss-being-pushed-for-hard-by-company-insi/#comments Filed under: , ,

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still mourning the death of Chevrolet's pint-sized pocket rocket, the Cobalt SS? According to a report from Motor Authority, you're not alone, and a number of those fellow fans come from right inside Chevrolet's own hallways. This begs the question: With the Cruze set to replace the aging Cobalt for the 2011 model year, is there any chance that General Motors will revive the SS nomenclature for a high performance version? Could be, though we're certainly not holding our breathe.

The powerplant for the supposed Cruze SS is ripe for the picking in the form of the excellent 260-horsepower turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder called Ecotec and six-speed manual gearbox as seen in the defunct Cobalt SS and still-available HHR SS, including the very cool Launch Control and No-Lift Shift technology. Of course, the Cruze's rear torsion bar suspenders may limit the car's handling prowess a bit, but a wholesale redesign would cost way too much for a low-volume SS model.

In any case, if the car ever does come to market - and, like we said, we're not holding our breathe - it won't appear right away, perhaps instead for the car's planned mid-cycle refresh in 2014.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


[Source: Motor Authority]

REPORT: Chevrolet Cruze SS being pushed for hard by company insiders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 chevrolet cruze2011 chevy cruze2011 cruze2011ChevroletCruze2011ChevyCruze2011Cruzechevroletchevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze ssChevroletCruzeChevroletCruzeSschevychevy cruzechevy cruze ssChevyCruzeChevyCruzeSscruzecruze ssCruzeSs Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-yf-regular-turbo-hybrid-los-angeles/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not counting full-size trucks, the meat-and-potatoes of the American car market remains the mid-size family sedan. For the past two decades, the undisputed kings of this particular segment have been the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, especially since the Ford Taurus fell off its pedestal right around 1992. Many have tried to knock the two Japanese heavyweights (now figuratively and literally) off the hill - and almost as many have failed. And while those two titans have remained atop the sales charts, other family sedans have met with considerable success. Perhaps most notably, the Hyundai Sonata, an unassuming car that has found its way into 1.2 million homes.

With beaming grins and news of Hyundai being named the most fuel efficient brand in America, Hyundai's brass took the wraps off their new-for-2011 Sonota. What strikes you instantly is the Sonata's curvy, slightly-hefty, almost organic shape. Hyundai calls the design language "Fluidic Sculpture," and while not quite as in-your-face as Mazda's signature Nagare styling language, we have a feeling it might prove nearly as polarizing. That's not to say the new Sonata is bad looking or ugly. But it is highly-stylized in a mid-size market that tends to reward the bland and middle-of-the-road.

But Fluidic Sculpture is what we've got - and not just on the Sonata. Hyundai's North American President and CEO John Krafcik promises that this design language will define the brand moving forward. Not surprisingly, Fluidic Sculpture originated right here in Southern California in Hyundai's Irvine design center. We really appreciate some of the finely wrought detailing, such as the grille, door handles, headlights and taillights (though those taillights appear to be lifted directly from the BMW 3 Series). We're just a wee bit uncertain of how the new Sonata will play in Peoria.

As for the non-design aspects of the 2011 Sonata, the big news is under the hood. Gone is the 3.3-liter V6, or for that matter, any V6. Instead Hyundai is offering consumers a choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first is a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) motor called the Theta II good for 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That much power from a 2.4-liter essentially puts the Sonata at the head of the four-cylinder class. But what about those pesky V6 cars? No problem, as Hyundai will launching a turbocharged version of the GDI Theta II. If direct-injection and turbocharging sounds a little EcoBoosty to you, well, it is. And that's a very, very good thing.

But what about hybrids? There will be a hybrid version of the Theta II. Hyundai's calling the technology Blue Drive,and it sounds pretty spiffy. Unlike other hybrids that use nickel hydride (or starting soon, lithium ion) batteries, the Hyundai system will use lithium polymer technology. According to Hyundai, lithium polymer leapfrogs lithium ion battery tech and within five years, the entire industry will switch to LP. Only Hyundai will be putting the tech on sale within the year. Big claims to be sure, but Hyundai's been defying conventions and expectations for quite a while now. Look for the Alabama-built Sonata to start at less than $20,000 and go on sale this January. Official press release after the jump, Jonny-on-the-spot photos below.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Hyundai Sonata2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid2011HyundaiSonata2011HyundaiSonataHybrid2011HyundaiSonotaHybridFluidic SculptureFluidicSculpturehybridHyundaiHyundai SonataHyundai Sonata HybridHyundaiSonataHyundaiSonataHybridLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA motor showLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLAautoshow2009LaMotorShowLaShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowSonatasonata hybridSonataHybrid Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-hyundai-sonata-at-2009-la-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , ,

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cheap and inexpensive are not necessarily synonymous. Inexpensive is generally considered a positive thing. Cheap? Not so much. Hyundai automobiles have always been relatively inexpensive compared to their direct competitors. In recent years, the Korean company has worked extremely hard to rid itself of any talk of cheapness by improving quality, introducing an unprecedented 10-year/100,000 mile warranty and engaging in some remarkably clever marketing campaigns.

It wasn't always so. Way back in 1983, Hyundai first entered the North American market when the Pony hatchback went on sale in Canada. Two years later, the replacement for the Pony, dubbed "Excel" went on sale in the United States. To say that the launch did not go well would be the understatement of the decade. While those early Hyundai models were indeed cheap, the company nearly met the same fate in this market as Yugo.

Unlike the abysmal Yugo, Hyundai persevered. The company kept redesigning its cars, making each subsequent generation better than the last and extending its warranties to generate confidence in its products. More than two decades later, Hyundai is introducing its latest challenger, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, into what is arguably the most fiercely contested segment in the U.S. market - that of the family sedan. Check out our high-res galleries below, and then click through to the jump to read more of our impressions and check out Hyundai's press release and specifications.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight

LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 hyundai sonata2011 Sonata2011HyundaiSonata2011SonatahyundaiHyundai SonataHyundaiSonatala 2009la auto showla showLA2009LA2009hyundaiLA2009hyundaisonataLAAutoshowLAAutoshow2009LaShowLos AngelesLos Angeles Auto ShowLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowSonata Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:35:00 EST <![CDATA[What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/what-price-one-upmanship-2011-bentley-mulsanne-available-from/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/what-price-one-upmanship-2011-bentley-mulsanne-available-from/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/what-price-one-upmanship-2011-bentley-mulsanne-available-from/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Bentley Muslanne - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a starting price of $285,000, Bentley's newest flagship model won't come cheap. Nor should it, with its 505-horsepower, 725 lb-ft, gasoline-fed 6.75-liter V8 engine sitting behind the automaker's trademark mesh grille and four round lights.

Also included in that price will be an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, 16.54-inch front and 15.5-inch rear carbon ceramic brakes and 20-inch wheels. And lest we forget, it will also come with a 2,200-watt stereo and the brand's new Driver Dynamics Control system, which comes with "Bentley," "Sport," "Comfort" and user-definable "Custom" modes.

Want one? Production is slated to begin at the Crewe factory in England in the second quarter of 2010, and the first deliveries will make it to America later than year in the fall. Get yours in one of 114 available paint colors, 21 carpet shades, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, but get your order in fast - Bentley reports that early customer interest has already exceeded 2010 production targets. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: Monterey 2009: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne

01-mulsanne-live02-mulsanne-live03-mulsanne-live04-mulsanne-live05-mulsanne-live

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000

What Price One-Upmanship? 2011 Bentley Mulsanne available from $285,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Bentley Mulsanne2011BentleyMulsannebentleybentley mulsannebentley mulsanne priceBentleyMulsanneBentleyMulsannePricemulsannemulsanne priceMulsannePrice Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2010-infiniti-g37-unveiled-2011-qx-coming-and-ev-re-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2010-infiniti-g37-unveiled-2011-qx-coming-and-ev-re-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2010-infiniti-g37-unveiled-2011-qx-coming-and-ev-re-co/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Infiniti G37 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the 2011 Infiniti M was the star of last night's show, as suspected, the wraps came off the 2010 Infiniti G37, a mid-cycle refresh of the automaker's bread-and-butter model.

It's far from a radical redesign, but as previously spied, the fog lamp clusters moved further down the reworked fascia, a new grille sits front and center and a tweaked rear bumper joins a new set of 17-inch, five-spoke wheels.

Inside, it's more of the same, with a nip here and a tuck there. White gauges and an LCD screen are the most obvious changes, along with a new center console, aluminum trim and available Maple accents. Real-time traffic and weather are included in the navigation system (XM subscription required), and everything's accessed through a seven-inch touch screen monitor that carries forward for 2010.

While we didn't see the new QX, Infiniti announced that its redesigned SUV is due to hit the U.S. early in 2010 and execs re-confirmed Infiniti's plans to offer a fully-electric vehicle in the future. They were mum on details, only saying that the EV would be ideal for a "dual vehicle family." Expect to see the all-new EV within the next year or two, but in the meantime, you can check out the 2010 Infiniti M at dealers in a few weeks after you've gotten an eyeful in the galleries below and read up on the details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37


Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmed

LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20102010 infiniti g372010InfinitiG37g37infinitilala 2009la 2009 infinitila 2009 infiniti g37la auto showLa2009La2009InfinitiLa2009InfinitiG37LaAutoShow Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:27:00 EST <![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the vehicle's lifetime and the new-for-2009 model has moved half a million units already this year in Europe and Asia. It's a smash hit in spite of the fact that the Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S., a.k.a. the world's biggest car market. That all changes in the spring of 2010 as the Fiesta finally makes its way stateside.

Ford appears to be focusing its efforts in the U.S. small car market at exactly the right time, as consideration for B-Segment vehicles is at an all-time high and the trend appears to be upwardly mobile. And while Ford would love for us to believe that it was clairvoyant when deciding to bring the Fiesta to the U.S., it just isn't true. In fact, the Fiesta wasn't originally designed for the U.S. market, but the shock of $4 per gallon gas and a new-found interest in eco-friendly transportation led the Blue Oval to rethink its strategy. Ford didn't start readying the Fiesta for the U.S. market until many bits and bolts of hardware were already settled, so Team Blue had to go back to the drawing board to make its small car ready for Americans. The result is a U.S.-spec Fiesta that has only 60% of its parts in common with the Euro Fiesta. Will Americans be missing out? Follow the jump for everything you need to know about the Fiesta.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta specsFiestaSpecsfordFord fiestaford fiesta launchFordFiestaFordFiestaLaunchla 2009LA auto showLa2009LaAutoShowlashowus spec fiestaUsSpecFiesta Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST