http://www.webremix.info/ Webremix : all the web new, remixed webremix.info http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/subaru-dogs-opt.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> If we had to pick a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/volkswagen%20dog%20commercial/">Super Bowl advertising shtick</a> that we're most susceptible to, it might just be <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/volkswagen-puts-a-twist-on-its-beetle-super-bowl-ad/">dogs</a> . Especially if they are driving cars.<br /> <br /> But this is one ad campaign you won't actually see during the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/super+bowl/">Super Bowl</a> . Subaru will be holding its second annual Subaru Game Day Dog Walk instead, wherein owners pledge on Facebook to, well, walk their dogs. While we don't really want to think about what would happen if they didn't, Subaru sees value in appealing to animal lovers. Some 70 percent of Subaru drivers are pet owners, according to the company.<br /> <br /> Subaru has also launched two social networking app as part of its marketing effort: Dogbook for Facebook and MapMyDOGWALK.<br /> <br /> Do we even need mention that this is a brand that shares a nickname with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/scooby/">a TV cartoon dog</a> ?<br /> <br /> All four commercials and the press release are after the jump.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/">Continue reading <em>Subaru eschews Super Bowl for doggy ads</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/">Subaru eschews Super Bowl for doggy ads</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20163310/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:31:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/subaru-eschews-super-bowl-for-doggy-ads/ 2012-02-03T17:31:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/volkswagen-bluesport-roadster-still-on-track-after-all/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/">Diesel</a></p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/preview-volkswagen-bluesport-preview/#photo-1278150"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/volkswagen-bluesport-concept-628.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br /> The on-again, off-again <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/volkswagen bluesport">Volkswagen BlueSport</a> roadster is, well, on again according to <em>EVO Magazine</em> . The publication reportedly spoke with Uli Hackenberg, head of engineering with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> , who said the company's dealers are mistaken when they say there won't be a market for a vehicle like the BlueSport. Hakenberg said that the rise of hardware like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/toyota gt 86">Toyota GT 86</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz">Subaru BRZ</a> , alongside the upcoming next-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/mx-5+miata/">Mazda MX-5</a> suggests buyers are once again willing to put down cash on an entry-level sports car. Throw in the fact that the dollar is regaining strength and European vehicles start to look even more competitive in the Land of the Free. Despite this, recent reports have indicated that the BlueSport's planned sibling at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/">Porsche</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/porsches-sub-boxster-delayed/">has been delayed</a> , and its other planned sibling, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/r4">Audi R4</a> , is understood to have been <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/audi-cancels-r4-delays-a2/">canceled back in May</a> .<br /> <br /> As a result, Volkswagen is reportedly going to ask its dealers to once again gauge demand for a mid-engine convertible. The roadster will need to see sales estimates of at least 50,000 units worldwide in order to get the go-ahead from corporate. Even if that happens, it will likely be a good three years before we see the production model touch down. Maestro, cue up the sad trombone if you would be so kind.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/volkswagen-bluesport-roadster-still-on-track-after-all/">Volkswagen BlueSport roadster still on-track after all?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/volkswagen-bluesport-roadster-still-on-track-after-all/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20162169/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/volkswagen-bluesport-roadster-still-on-track-after-all/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/volkswagen-bluesport-roadster-still-on-track-after-all/ 2012-02-02T19:02:00Z http://allafrica.com/stories/201202020686.html [New Era] Namibia's driving conditions were described as being &quot;the best in Africa&quot; according to the seasoned London/Ct World Cup Rally teams which passed through Windhoek last Thursday, after having completed a staggering 12, 500 kilometres through the continent before tackling the final leg of the journey onto Cape Town to complete this epic endurance adventure. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:56:58 GMT http://allafrica.com/stories/201202020686.html 2012-02-02T10:56:58Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/indiana-going-right-to-work-after-vw-kiss-off/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uaw-unions/">UAW/Unions</a></p> <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20120127/BLOG06/120129901/1294"><img height="442" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/indianaright-to-work.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> Indiana Democrats fought it for weeks by not showing up for sessions, but eventually the Repblican-led House of Representatives was able to pass a measure to make Indiana a Right-to-Work state. That bill will go to the State Senate where the Republicans have an even larger majority, and observers expect it to be signed into law by governor Mitch Daniels before the Super Bowl takes place in Indianapolis on February 5.<br /> <br /> Assuming nothing stops that from happening, Indiana becomes state number 23 among the nation's Right-to-Work faction, but the first in the upper Midwest, known so well for its wide and heavily unionized manufacturing base that it's called The Rust Belt. According to a report in <em>Automotive News</em> , Governor Daniels points to VW's decision to build its plant in Tennessee as the reason for the legislation. In fact, he said <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> wouldn't even return phone calls. &quot;Why would that one company not even talk to us? I think I know.&quot;<br /> <br /> Indiana's strong union presence didn't stop other manufacturers from setting up plants or maintaining plants there, such as <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda">Honda</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gm">General Motors</a> . But it appears Daniels took the VW snub especially hard and wants to sure that, if the threat of unionization really was the problem in that case, that it is never a problem again.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/indiana-going-right-to-work-after-vw-kiss-off/">Indiana going Right To Work after VW kiss-off?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/indiana-going-right-to-work-after-vw-kiss-off/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20160623/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/indiana-going-right-to-work-after-vw-kiss-off/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/indiana-going-right-to-work-after-vw-kiss-off/ 2012-02-01T14:01:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/david-higgins-wins-sno-drift-season-opener-for-subaru-rally-team?fromrss=1 <p>Defending Rally America champ David Higgins took home the win for Subaru Rally Team USA at the season's opening event, the challenging Sno*Drift Rally.</p> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:49:45 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/david-higgins-wins-sno-drift-season-opener-for-subaru-rally-team?fromrss=1 2012-01-31T18:49:45Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/trick-my-fr-s-trds-toyota-86-catalog-sign-of-mods-to-come?fromrss=1 <p>We've known for a while that Toyota Racing Development had its hands in the cookie jar that is the 86/ Scion FR-S/ Subaru BRZ coupe , and now we can see the fruits of its labor.</p> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:39:57 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/trick-my-fr-s-trds-toyota-86-catalog-sign-of-mods-to-come?fromrss=1 2012-01-31T16:39:57Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/dodge-working-on-300-hp-dart-srt4/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/">Dodge</a></p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-dodge-dart/"><img height="416" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/04-2013-dodge-dart-opt.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> What happens when a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/">Dodge</a> meets an <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/alfa-romeo">Alfa Romeo</a> ? The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/dart/">Dart</a> , that's what happens. But as promising as Auburn Hills' new economy sedan is, what we're really looking forward to is what Ralph Gilles and company over at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/srt">SRT</a> division can cook up. And the folks over at <em>Motor Trend</em> think they've got a pretty good idea of what to expect.<br /> <br /> For the Dart SRT4, Dodge could go one of two ways: turbocharging the existing Tigershark 2.0-liter four, or shoehorning in the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/alfa-romeo-announces-new-1-8-liter-turbo-with-up-to-300-horsepow/">all-aluminum 1.8-liter turbo four from Alfa Romeo</a> . Since the latter would likely push the Dart SRT4's price up beyond $30,000 and competitive levels, the smarter money's on the former. But in order to compete with the likes of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/2012-ford-focus-st-frankfurt-motor-show-2011/">Ford Focus ST</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/wrx+sti/">Subaru WRX STI</a> - and outshine the 285-horsepower <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/dodge-caliber-srt4-starts-at-22-995/">Caliber SRT4</a> it succeeds - we could be looking at nearly 300 horses under the hood.<br /> <br /> Couple that with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (we'd still hope for a manual), upgraded rolling stock, brakes and suspension, and a more aggressive aero pack and we could be looking at one very mean pocket rocket indeed.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/dodge-working-on-300-hp-dart-srt4/">Dodge working on 300-hp Dart SRT4</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/dodge-working-on-300-hp-dart-srt4/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20160834/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/dodge-working-on-300-hp-dart-srt4/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:29:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/dodge-working-on-300-hp-dart-srt4/ 2012-01-31T16:29:00Z http://story.venezuelastar.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/c4cdc9be967f45f9/id/203110321/ The hearts of auto enthusiasts everywhere beat a little faster recently with the introduction of two new sports cars: the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S (above). The two autos are essentially identical ... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:43:41 GMT http://story.venezuelastar.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/c4cdc9be967f45f9/id/203110321/ 2012-01-31T13:43:41Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/subaru-rally-team-conquers-slick-conditions-at-sno-drift-rally?fromrss=1 <p>David Higgins and Craig Drew paced Subaru to a win at the Rally America Rally National Championshp event near Lewiston, Mich.</p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:23:13 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/subaru-rally-team-conquers-slick-conditions-at-sno-drift-rally?fromrss=1 2012-01-30T06:23:13Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/">Toyota</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/consumer-reports-cars-brand-perception-2012.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> Today's vehicles are more powerful, more efficient and safer than ever before. In fact, today's car buyer would be hard pressed to spend his or her money on a genuinely bad vehicle. But those overall improvements may have also led consumers to believe there are no real differences between the various products offered by the world's major automakers. According to the <em>Consumer Reports</em> 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota">Toyota</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford">Ford</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda">Honda</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet">Chevrolet</a> have all seen their scores drop by double digits compared to last year.<br /> <br /> The survey asks consumers to rate brands across seven categories. <em>Consumer Reports</em> says that by combining those categories, the organization can get a handle on how each brand is perceived in the marketplace.<br /> <br /> This year, Toyota continued to lead in the survey, though its persistent recalls saw the brand's perception fall by 17 points this year. Ford, Honda and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw">BMW</a> all saw their perception scores plummet more than 20 points. The results may indicate consumers are seeing fewer differences between automakers as products continue to improve. While that's good news for smaller automakers like <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/hyundai">Hyundai</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/kia">Kia</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> , larger names in the industry should be worried. Head over to <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/content/cro/en/cars/best-car-brands-consumer-perception-consumer-reports.html"><em>Consumer Reports</em></a> for the full report.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/"><i>Consumer Reports</i> survey suggests buyers don't see differences between car companies</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20158299/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/consumer-reports-survey-suggests-buyers-dont-see-differe/ 2012-01-30T00:01:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus?fromrss=1 <p>Car dealers have a strange and oftentimes contentious relationship with the carmakers.</p> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:44:54 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus?fromrss=1 2012-01-29T13:44:54Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hyundai/">Hyundai</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/kia/">Kia</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lexus/">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nada-opt.jpg" /> Car dealers have a strange and oftentimes contentious relationship with the carmakers. Stories of automakers shoveling unsaleable models down the pipeline with unreasonable expectations are legion in the car sales world. With the number of family-owned, single-brand dealerships dwindling, dealers often field competing franchises. The concept of loyalty is as quaint as a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lincoln/town+car/">Lincoln Town Car</a> . So it's worth noting the automotive brands that are actually liked by the guys selling them.<br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/nada/">National Automobile Dealers Association</a> conducts its Dealer Attitude Survey twice each year, and results from the summer survey are in. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/hyundai/">Hyundai</a> stayed on top for the third time in a row, followed by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/">Lexus</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/kia/">Kia</a> , and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> . The survey measures three factors: &quot;franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker's field staff who visit dealerships.&quot;<br /> <br /> Sixth place went to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a> , while <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/">Porsche</a> , and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> followed. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac/">Cadillac</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/">Honda</a> tied for tenth. NADA received responses from over 14,700 dealerships, representing almost 54 percent of all dealers nationwide.<br /> <br /> Click past the jump to read the full press release.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/">Continue reading <em>NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/">NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20158831/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:03:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ 2012-01-28T21:03:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/subaru-rounds-out-impreza-with-new-fuel-economy?fromrss=1 <p>The company now brags that this new model is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle in the U.S. Subaru says the 2012 Impreza, available as a sedan and a hatchback, is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle in the United States.</p> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:56:40 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/subaru-rounds-out-impreza-with-new-fuel-economy?fromrss=1 2012-01-28T19:56:40Z http://allafrica.com/stories/201201251053.html Monitor (Kampala)-No mountain is too high for Susan Muwonge to climb. The plaudits of becoming the first female National Rally Champion in her Subaru Impreza N10, along with navigator Edmond Kyeyune, might never stop coming. That's how fruitful her 2011 was. Friday presents a perfect opportunity to crown it by winning the Nile Special-Uspa Sports Personality of the Year award. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:22:02 GMT http://allafrica.com/stories/201201251053.html 2012-01-25T14:22:02Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/">Toyota</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/toyota-ft-86--on-the-dyno-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> Well, that didn't take long. The First <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/toyota ft-86">Toyota FT-86 </a> (a.k.a. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/">Scion</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/"> FR-S</a> ) has made its way to the dyno courtesy of the good people at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/hks">HKS</a> . How'd it do? The vehicle managed to spin the rollers at 170 rear-wheel horsepower, which dovetails with the 200 crank horsepower announced by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> after calculating a 15-percent driveline loss. Of course, whenever HKS gets involved, you can feel safe betting your lunch money that forced induction won't be far behind. True to form, HKS showed off its handiwork on a drift car version of the new sports coupe from Toyota.<br /> <br /> The FT-86 looks more than happy to dance through a few chicanes sideways, and we can't wait to see the vehicle go fender-to-fender with the best of them. Click past the jump to check out the dyno video for yourself.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/">Continue reading <em>First Toyota FT-86 coupe dyno'd</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/">First Toyota FT-86 coupe dyno'd</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20155429/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/first-toyota-ft-86-coupe-dynod/ 2012-01-24T16:01:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ces/">CES</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/infotainment/">Infotainment</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aha-radio-subaru-brz-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda">Honda</a> have shacked up with Aha Radio to bring streaming Internet tunes to your vehicle's cabin. According to Engadget, the system is expected to show up as an option on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz">2013 Subaru BRZ</a> . Users will need to have the Aha Radio app installed on their iOS or <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/android">Android </a> smartphone. The system then uses the device's data connection to stream the application straight into the head unit via Bluetooth or a USB connection. Information like pre-selected favorites and station preferences will be displayed and accessible via the built-in touchscreen interface.<br /> <br /> Drivers will also be able to command the app using steering-wheel mounted controls, which is always a plus. Engadget says the user interface is workable enough for daily life. The site was able to get a brief data connection while on the floor at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ces">CES</a> - just long enough to flip though a few stations and make a quick video. Hit the jump to check it out for yourself.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/">Continue reading <em>Aha Radio coming to 2013 Subaru BRZ</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/">Aha Radio coming to 2013 Subaru BRZ</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20151058/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:41:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/aha-radio-coming-to-2013-subaru-brz/ 2012-01-18T23:41:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/how-ronald-reagan-became-a-secret-subaru-test-driver?fromrss=1 <p>In Ronald Reagan's day, it wasn't smart for an American politician to be seen in a Japanese vehicle, but the soon-to-be-President quietly kept a quirky Subaru BRAT at his ranch in California under an agreement that the automaker would get progress reports from Reagan on the little truck's performance. <a href="http://www.recapitalizeinc.com" title="www.recapitalizeinc.com">business debt</a>.</p> <p>Subaru BRATs are cool, if somewhat quirky cars. Adapting the popular Subaru station wagon in 1978, Japanese engineers managed to smear a dollop of pickup truck utility onto a small car platform powered by a 67-hp flat four.</p> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:55:27 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/how-ronald-reagan-became-a-secret-subaru-test-driver?fromrss=1 2012-01-18T17:55:27Z http://www.topix.net/gadgets/2012/01/autos-for-younger-set-still-can-appeal-to-older-generations-southwest-florida-dealers-say?fromrss=1 <p>Adan Hernandez, a sales consultant at O'Brien Hyundai/Mitsubishi/Subaru uses a the push -button start to turn on the engine on a 2012 Hyundai Veloster.</p> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:26:22 GMT http://www.topix.net/gadgets/2012/01/autos-for-younger-set-still-can-appeal-to-older-generations-southwest-florida-dealers-say?fromrss=1 2012-01-16T10:26:22Z http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/ <p> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandsonleaddantetktk.jpg" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/tag/aha+radio/">Aha Radio</a> announced this week that it'll be an <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-partners-with-subaru-and-honda/">optional extra</a> in 2013 Subaru and Honda autos. Vehicles so equipped will have the ability to listen to thousands of web radio stations and apps -- like Slacker and MOG -- alongside the regular AM / FM and satellite radio rotation. A short jaunt from our trailer at <a href="http://www.engadget.com/ces">CES</a>, we grabbed a quick demo with a <a href="http://www.engadget.com/tag/Subaru/">Subaru</a> representative aboard the 2013 BRZ.</p> <p> <br /> Just like using Aha without the car, you'll need an iOS or Android device outfitted with the app, which uses that device's data connection to stream those audial bits. Once connected over USB or Bluetooth, however, the updated app now allows all of that content -- including stations you've previously pre-selected as favorites -- to be accessible via vehicle's built-in infotainment system. Setup was a breeze, but the only caveat is that data connection, which par for the course for CES, wouldn't play ball. Still, for the brief time we were able to connect, we streamed NPR and found the UI certainly workable. And before you ponder the ramifications of futzing with a touchscreen while driving, know that it's accessible via controls mounted on the steering wheel. This makes for a <em>somewhat</em> safer media selection-option as you cruise up and down the Vegas strip. A couple shots of it in action await below, followed by a video after the break.</p> <div><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/">Hands-on with Aha Radio in a Subaru BRZ</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/#4743469"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandson-06_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/#4743470"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandson-07_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/#4743464"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandson-01_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/#4743466"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandson-03_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/aha-radio-in-a-subaru-brz/#4743467"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/01/ahahandson-04_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/">Continue reading <em>Aha Radio in the Subaru BRZ hands-on (video)</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/">Aha Radio in the Subaru BRZ hands-on (video)</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget</a> on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:53:00 EDT. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.engadget.com/forward/20146827/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:53:00 GMT http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/aha-radio-in-the-subaru-brz-hands-on-video/ 2012-01-12T01:53:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/">Wagon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/">Luxury</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/audi-a4-allroaddetroit201202-1326214402.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi">Audi</a> has been known for all-wheel drive and wagon rooflines for a lot longer than it has been making crossovers. Before cranking out the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/q7">Q7</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/q5">Q5</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/q3">Q3</a> , the German automaker was making Avant Quattro wagons that carved up alpine mountain passes like nobody's business. And then came the Allroad.<br /> <br /> Bridging the gap between a wagon and an SUV, the Allroad versions of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/a4">A4</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/a6">A6</a> take a similar approach to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/outback">Subaru Outback</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volvo/xc70">Volvo XC70</a> , giving the wagon a rougher, go-anywhere image compared to the standard Avant estate. We used to get the Allroad in the North American market, but after a brief hiatus, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/">A4 Allroad</a> is back.<br /> <br /> We got a chance to drive the soft-roader just last month, but couldn't resist the temptation to snap it again for the Ingolstadt aficionados among us as it made its official North American debut alongside the new A4 and S4 here at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show">Detroit Auto Show</a> . Click the thumbnails above to check it out in high resolution.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/">Audi heralds the return of the A4 Allroad</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20144233/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/audi-a4-allroad-detroit-2012/ 2012-01-10T19:01:00Z http://techcrunch.com/?p=480073 <img height="70" src="http://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/mog-logo-big-275x97.jpg?w=100&amp;h=70&amp;crop=1" title="mog-logo-big-275x97" width="100" /> Music streaming service <a href="https://mog.com/">MOG</a> is today announcing partnerships with mobile, audio and video equipment manufacturer <a href="http://www.mobile.jvc.com/index.jsp">JVC</a> as well as with <a href="http://aharadio.com/">Aha by HARMAN</a> , an interactive platform that brings web content to the automobile. The companies will begin using <a href="http://fusion.mog.com/">MOG's APIs</a> &nbsp;to integrate the music service into their platforms and products.&nbsp;The first result of the new partnerships is MOG's launch on Subaru vehicles. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:00:04 GMT http://techcrunch.com/?p=480073 2012-01-10T03:00:04Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ces/">CES</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/infotainment/">Infotainment</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ahabrz32-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> Pandora may be becoming a standard on every major OEM infotainment system, but all-you-can-eat subscription music services haven't gained the same momentum or widespread adoption. <a href="https://mog.com/">MOG</a> is aiming to change that with automotive partnerships with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mini/">Mini</a> , but its just-announced tie-up with <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CCgQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fahamobile.com%2F&amp;ei=Y5gLT6XLDIX9iQKe1KjgAw&amp;usg=AFQjCNHWuEhQlfP-z2I6ufgmiojc9KGlKQ&amp;sig2=SnxgjdmdabNMg4gg7ex7dg">Aha Radio</a> extends MOG's reach even further, and it has wider implications - not just for the on-demand music service, but for Aha Radio as a whole.<br /> <br /> The partnership with Aha Radio (now owned by Harman) is just the first of several MOG will be announcing in 2012. Aftermarket companies like JVC are also implementing the music service into their head units, but what's more important is the usage of Aha Radio as the method of delivery.<br /> <br /> Rather than going to an automaker, getting approval to use its application programming interface and then developing an app that only works with one infotainment system, MOG is integrating its service into Aha Radio, which delivers a range of content - from restaurant information to Facebook feeds - into a single app that's ported and controlled through your in-dash touchscreen.<br /> <br /> So Aha Radio is the platform - a one-stop conduit for content - and MOG, NPR, CNN, Twitter, Facebook and others deliver the substance.<br /> <br /> Both <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/">Honda</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru</a> have announced partnerships with Aha Radio and plan to integrate the service into their factory head units beginning this spring. But you don't need to buy a 2013 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz/">Subaru BRZ</a> (pictured above) to get in on the action. Kenwood will join Pioneer to begin offering Aha Radio on its head units later this year. and even better, Aha Radio runs and integrates with both <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aha-radio/id355829417?mt=8">iOS</a> and <a href="http://www.aharadio.com/android.html">Android</a> devices, so there should be no need to worry about connectivity issues. Hit the jump for the all the details.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/">Continue reading <em>MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here's why it matters.</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/">MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here's why it matters.</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20144504/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/aha-radio-as-the-4th-spectrum/ 2012-01-10T03:00:00Z http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/31460/subaru-ces-2012-show/ <b>2013 Subaru BRZ sports car at CES 2012 Show in Las Vegas : </b> Subaru introduced that the production version of its new rear-wheel drive 2013 Subaru BRZ sports car will be on display at the CES 2012 Show in Las Vegas, January 10-13. This will be Subaru's first appearance at the <a href="http://www.ces-show.com"><b>CES Show</b></a> . The Subaru BRZ sports car will add a new product line to the hot Subaru brand, which announced its fourth consecutive year of sales growth and a new all-time vehicle sales record for 2011. The 2013 Subaru BRZ, which arrives at Subaru dealers in late spring 2012, was designed with one goal in mind; exceptional handling. To reach that goal, Subaru sport car engineers developed a chassis that delivers the lowest center of gravity. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:25:00 GMT http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/31460/subaru-ces-2012-show/ 2012-01-08T21:25:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/peugeot-developing-compact-crossover-based-on-208-hatch/ <a href="http://news.autoplus.fr/news/1450279/2012-Crossover-projet-A94-Peugeot-208"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/hr11009style001.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br /> There are things that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/peugeot/">Peugeot</a> does well, and there are things that Peugeot doesn't do well. Come to think of it, there aren't many things it does all that well, short of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/908">908 HDi</a> endurance racer, but in any event, crossovers aren't one of the French automaker's core competencies.<br /> <br /> Aside from the 508 RXH, which is more closer to a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> Outback and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi">Audi</a> Allroad in its beefed-up wagon approach, all of Peugeot's crossovers to date have been based on borrowed mechanicals - and built for it - by the likes of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mitsubishi">Mitsubishi</a> . But parent company PSA knows that it can't rely on borrowed tech for long, and so it's working on some new crossovers on its own.<br /> <br /> Among those in the pipeline is said to be the 2008, a crossover version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/peugeot-tackles-supermini-market-with-new-208-w-video/">208</a> hatchback that just debuted in November. Tipped to replace the slot previously taken by SW wagon versions of the previous 206 and 207, the 2008 is expected to borrow some of its styling cues from the HR1 concept (pictured in the rendering above) that debuted at the last Paris Auto Salon.<br /> <br /> Overseas buyers will have to wait a little while longer to see what the Lion marque has in store, but one thing we can tell you with as much certainty as can be assured in this business is that the 2008 - like the rest of the Peugeot range - won't be making it Stateside.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/peugeot-developing-compact-crossover-based-on-208-hatch/">Peugeot developing compact crossover based on 208 hatch</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:26:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/peugeot-developing-compact-crossover-based-on-208-hatch/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20138863/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/peugeot-developing-compact-crossover-based-on-208-hatch/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:26:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/peugeot-developing-compact-crossover-based-on-208-hatch/ 2012-01-06T13:26:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/acura/">Acura</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/cadillac/">Cadillac</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hyundai/">Hyundai</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mitsubishi/">Mitsubishi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suzuki/">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/">Luxury</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/worst-selling-car-of-2011-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> Where there are winners, there are inevitably losers. Last year was <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-best-selling-vehicles-for-2011/">exceedingly kind</a> to big pickups, sprawling family sedans and SUVs, but not every model came out of 2011 with big sales figures. We took the time to dig through the low-selling models of the past 12 months to find out which vehicles produced throughout the year were the biggest duds. Since we aren't interested in how few <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/aventador/">Lamborghini Aventador</a> models rolled off of dealer lots in the U.S. in 2011, we kept the MSRP under $100,000.<br /> <br /> Our criteria immediately nixed vehicles like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/rx-8">Mazda RX-8</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volvo/v50/">Volvo V50</a> , Ram Cargo Van and everything in the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/saab">Saab</a> stable due to the fact that those models weren't manufactured through all 12 months of 2011. High-end metal like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/sl-class/">Mercdes-Benz SL</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/cl-class/">CL</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/g-class/">G classes</a> were also kicked to the curb due to our price ceiling. Which was the worst of them all? We'll give you a hint. It wasn't the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/acura/zdx">Acura ZDX</a> . Hit the jump to check out our list of the worst-selling vehicles of 2011.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/">Continue reading <em>These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/">These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20141486/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:57:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2011/ 2012-01-06T00:57:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/your-ridiculously-cool-subaru-wrx-wallpaper-is-here-car-porn?fromrss=1 <p>The weather isn't getting any better and, while good tires trump all forms for drivetrain layout, a little AWD can be a lot of fun in the snow.</p> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:24:10 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2012/01/your-ridiculously-cool-subaru-wrx-wallpaper-is-here-car-porn?fromrss=1 2012-01-05T00:24:10Z http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/celebrities/">Celebrities</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/red-bull-2011-jump.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/red bull">Red Bull</a> has a rather unique way of ringing in the new year. Back in 2007, motorcycle freestyle daredevil Robbie Maddison jumped 322 feet over a football field in Las Vegas, setting a world record for the longest motorcycle jump. A year later, the Australian stuntman jumped 96 feet into the air, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-robbie-maddison-jumps-a-motorcycle-120-feet-to-top-of-arc/">landing safely atop the Arc De Triomphe</a> at Paris Las Vegas... and then he let gravity take over as he jumped his motorcycle back down.<br /> <br /> Four-wheeled machinery has taken part in the festivities as well. <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/rhys millen">Rhys Millen</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-rhys-millen-new-years-eve-truck-backflip-almost/">nearly landed a backflip</a> in his trophy truck in 2008. The perennially insane <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/travis pastrana">Travis Pastrana</a> made history in 2009 when he <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/01/video-travis-pastrana-new-years-jump-does-he-make-it/">flew his Subaru WRX STI rally car</a> from one boat-mounted ramp to another on a barge, clearing about 250 feet of open water in the process. Sadly, there was no record-setting feat in 2010 after Levi LaVellee crashed his snowmobile in a practice run, though he did set a 361-foot record before it was all said and done.<br /> <br /> Which leads us to 2011, which ended in spectacular fashion as Maddison and LaVellee performed a flawless tandem jump over the water in San Diego, California. Maddison recorded a distance of 378 feet on his motorcycle while LaVellee set a new snowmobile distance record by soaring 412 feet from takeoff to landing. See the feat go down from multiple video angles (including one from LaVellee's helmet cam) after the break.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/">Continue reading <em>Record-setting motorcycle and snowmobile tandem jump rings in New Year</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/">Record-setting motorcycle and snowmobile tandem jump rings in New Year</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20139285/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:45:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/record-setting-motorcycle-and-snowmobile-tandem-jump-rings-in-ne/ 2012-01-03T19:45:00Z http://www.topix.net/autos/2011/12/refreshing-or-revolting-2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek?fromrss=1 <p>It's just a tweaked version of Subaru 's new 2012 Impreza, but whoa . Take a look at the new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek and you almost forget this is the car could catch repeat Subaru sales from owners of the Impreza Outback Sport five-door hatchback .</p> Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:25:26 GMT http://www.topix.net/autos/2011/12/refreshing-or-revolting-2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek?fromrss=1 2011-12-31T07:25:26Z http://www.physorg.com/news244449890.html (PhysOrg.com) -- The SEEDS (Strategic Exploration of Exoplanets and Disks with Subaru Telescope/HiCIAO) project, a five-year international collaboration launched in 2009 and led by Motohide Tamura of NAOJ (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan) has yielded another impressive image that contributes to our understanding of the link between disks and planet formation. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:45:08 GMT http://www.physorg.com/news244449890.html 2011-12-30T11:45:08Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/nissan/">Nissan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/renault/">Renault</a></p> <img height="376" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nissan-370z-vs.-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-.jpg" width="628" /> <br /> <br /> <em>Fifth Gear</em> host <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/tiff+needell">Tiff Needell</a> had such a good time throwing the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/12/megane-renaultsport-265-trophy-is-sinister-limited-to-500-units/">Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy</a> around the track that it made him ask a silly question. Could the 261-horsepower, front-wheel drive, four-seat hot hatch lap quicker than the 324-hp, rear-wheel drive, two-seat Nissan 370Z?<br /> <br /> This version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/renault/">Renault</a> lapped the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/nurburgring">N&uuml;rburgring</a> in 8:07.97, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/megane-renaultsport-265-trophy-sets-new-fwd-ring-record/">quickest front-wheel-drive road car on the timing sheet</a> . Even so, 63 hp down and more than 70 pounds heavier by gross weight, one could expect the Megane to have a hard time even keeping up with the Z. But on a wet track and at the hands of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru</a> Rally driver and James Bond stunt driver Mark Higgins (he of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/subaru-driver-mark-higgins-has-the-moment-of-his-life-at-isle/">epic Isle of Man save</a> ), expectations have a way of going sideways.<br /> <br /> Follow the jump for the video to find out which one is more fun and which one is quicker.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/">Continue reading <em><i>Fifth Gear</i> pits Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy vs Nissan 370Z</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/"><i>Fifth Gear</i> pits Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy vs Nissan 370Z</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20136647/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:45:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fifth-gear-pits-renault-sport-megane-265-trophy-vs-nissan/ 2011-12-29T17:45:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/australia/">Australia</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/">Luxury</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/g-wagen-outback-628-1325089482.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> If you've ever taken a good long look at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/g-class">Mercedes-Benz G-Class</a> and wondered just how tough the leather-lined SUVs are compared to their military-grade counterparts, Inside Line has the answer for you. Corespondent Alistair Weaver joined up with a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz">Mercedes-Benz</a> convoy in a G of his own as the company took off across Australia's infamous stock route. The trail is little more than a dusty path scrawled across the outback. Weaver braved vicious washboard roads, insects, snakes, dead camels and heinous heat to make the trek. How did his G Wagen handle the rough roads and deep sands? Let's just say there were a few issues.<br /> <br /> For starters, the washboard dirt tracks made short work of the AMG's Bilstein rear shocks, forcing mechanics to pull the pieces altogether for one short stint before replacements could be flown in. Likewise, the spare tire carrier and both side-view mirrors suffered cracks along the way. Not surprisingly, the military-spec edition suffered no ills over the course of the trek. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.<br /> <br /> If that's not enough fun in the Australian sun for you, click back and take a look at <em>Motor Trend's</em> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/video-motor-trend-goes-to-australia-chronicles-subaru-o/">trek across the continent</a> in a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/outback">Subaru Outback</a> .<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/">Continue reading <em>Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/">Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20136441/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:59:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/traveling-across-australias-outback-by-mercedes-benz-g-class/ 2011-12-29T00:59:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/">Toyota</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-gt86-video-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota">Toyota</a> is out to draw parallels between the company's new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gt86">GT86</a> sports car and some of the legends of the automaker's past. A new video depicting the new coupe's development spends plenty of time with the GT86 on screen with the likes of the Toyota Sports 800 and even the AE86. Those are both fine sparring partners for a vehicle that prides itself on superior handling over outright brawn. Watching engineers cane the GT86 around the world's various road courses only stokes our desire for a little more time with the either of the two-door's corporate cousins.<br /> <br /> As you may recall, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/fr-s">Scion FR-S</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz">Subaru BRZ</a> both left favorable impressions on us during our recent drives, but we could use a full week's worth of sideways action to figure out whether those pieces of hardware are worthy of sharing tarmac with the likes of the legendary AE86. Hit the jump to take a look.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/">Continue reading <em>Toyota GT86 spends time with its ancestors</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/">Toyota GT86 spends time with its ancestors</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20135935/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:59:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/toyota-gt86-spends-time-with-its-ancestors/ 2011-12-28T00:59:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tokyo-auto-salon/">Tokyo Auto Salon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/racing/">Racing</a></p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/subaru-display-at-2012-tokyo-auto-salon/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaru-brz-salonweb.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br /> Unlike most cities, Japan's capital city plays host to two major automotive exhibitions: the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tokyo-motor-show">Tokyo Motor Show</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tokyo-auto-salon">Tokyo Auto Salon</a> . While these terms may be interchangeable when it comes to European expos, in Tokyo, they connote two different shows altogether. The first is the Motor Show, where new concepts and production models are unveiled by the world's automakers. The Auto Salon is more of a tuner expo along the lines of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/sema">SEMA</a> show in Las Vegas. So after <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru">Subaru</a> made its long-anticipated splash at the Tokyo Motor Show with its new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz">BRZ</a> , now it's heading to the Salon with some modified versions.<br /> <br /> First up is a version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/subaru-brz-concept-sti-la-2011/">BRZ Concept STI</a> , packing some prototype carbon-fiber components, suspension upgrades, Brembo brakes and more. Subaru has also teamed up again with aftermarket tuner Prova (which shares its name with the traditional license plates carried by prototypes in italy) for a BRZ Black Edition. And you can bet there will be a handful or two of other tuners eager to show what they can do with the new rear-drive sports coupe, as well.<br /> <br /> Subaru itself will also be showcasing an upgraded <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/impreza">Impreza</a> called the G4 STI with all manner of performance enhancements, and will, at long last, announce its return to a number of different motorsport disciplines. The Super GT300-spec BRZ, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/subaru-brz-gt300-set-to-take-on-supergt/">which we already know about</a> , will be displayed alongside the Legacy-based racer it replaces. But there will also be a WRX STI that's slated to be fielded at the N&uuml;rburgring 24, and Subaru will also be announcing its return to professional rally competition, though not the World Rally Championship series it left years ago, it will contest the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Follow the jump for the full press release.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/">Continue reading <em>Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/">Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20135843/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:15:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/27/subaru-promises-brz-impreza-sti-concepts-plus-rally-return-at-t/ 2011-12-27T19:15:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/">Hirings/Firings/Layoffs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/">Mini</a></p> <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=260679"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/p90076147.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br /> We were pretty surprised to find out just a few days ago that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mini">Mini</a> 's new rally team had, for some reason, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/whoops-mini-misses-wrc-registration-deadline/">failed to sign up</a> for next year's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/wrc">World Rally Championship</a> . &quot;Inexplicable&quot; is what we called it at the time, but the latest reports coming out of the UK where the team is based could serve to cast some light on the situation.<br /> <br /> Not only has the outfit - run by the rally gurus at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/prodrive">Prodrive</a> (who have, in the past, run Subaru's rally team, as well as <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/aston+martin">Aston Martin</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ferrari">Ferrari</a> works efforts at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/le+mans">Le Mans</a> ) - missed the filing deadline, but they'll also reportedly let their best driver go. The reason? Funding, apparently. Although the team supposedly benefits from factory backing, a lack of sponsorship has reportedly left the team strapped for cash.<br /> <br /> As a result, Northern Irish driver <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/kris+meeke">Kris Meeke</a> - who was called up to the WRC team after claiming the 2009 title in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge - and his co-pilot have reportedly been released from their three-year contract after only one year. Meeke's seat will reportedly be auctioned off to the highest bidder - that is, whoever comes with sponsorship dollars, pounds or euros already lined up. Former <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/citroen">Citro&euml;n</a> WRC driver Dani Sordo, however, will reportedly carry on with the team, assuming it can secure its entry for the upcoming season.<br /> <br /> How a factory-backed team like Mini's could find itself without enough funding has us scratching our heads, but our compatriots over at <em>Autocar</em> point to parent-company <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw">BMW</a> 's costly new entry into <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/dtm">DTM</a> next season as a potential answer.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/">Mini dumps rally driver due to budget issues</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20134529/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:29:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/mini-dumps-rally-driver-due-to-budget-issues/ 2011-12-26T15:29:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/abarth-working-up-new-sportscar-separate-from-alfa-4c/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/">Fiat</a></p> <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/the-continental-speaking-with-marchionne-driving-the-panda-and-another-lovable-unimog/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/abarth-scorpione-brochure.jpg" /></a> How many sports cars can one automotive group offer? Just ask the people at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> , whose various divisions - <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini">Lamborghini</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bugatti">Bugatti</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche">Porsche</a> , <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi">Audi</a> - churn them out like you and I would write Christmas cards. (Or Hannukah cards, anyway.) And the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat">Fiat</a> group is right behind their German counterparts, with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ferrari">Ferrari</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/maserati">Maserati</a> keeping the upper crust of the market satisfied, and now <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/alfa-romeo">Alfa Romeo</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/abarth">Abarth</a> filling a more accessible - but potentially no less exciting - niche.<br /> <br /> Recently we brought you a progress update on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/4c">Alfa Romeo 4C</a> , a concept mid-engine sports car that's now apparently been green-lit for production. In the ruminations of its potential roadworthiness, there was speculation that Abarth could get a version of its own. But those rumors have existed for longer than the 4C concept, and will now appear to outlast it as well.<br /> <br /> According to the latest reports, Abarth is pitching a project that would see it develop its own sports car. But while the 4C would be priced similarly to a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/boxster">Porsche Boxster</a> or <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/nissan/370z">Nissan 370Z</a> , the Abarth would be positioned lower - maybe at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/mx-5/">Mazda MX-5</a> or the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz/">Subaru BRZ</a> /<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/fr-s/">Scion FR-S</a> /<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gt-86/">Toyota GT-86</a> . It would also likely be front-drive, with between 200 and 250 horsepower, and draw its inspiration from the 1968 Abarth Scorpione pictured at right.<br /> <br /> Whether it comes to fruition or not remains to be seen - not to mention its potential arrival in North America - but the prospect of another Italian sportscar isn't something we'd turn down.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/abarth-working-up-new-sportscar-separate-from-alfa-4c/">Abarth working up new sports car separate from Alfa 4C</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/abarth-working-up-new-sportscar-separate-from-alfa-4c/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20132955/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/abarth-working-up-new-sportscar-separate-from-alfa-4c/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Sun, 25 Dec 2011 19:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/abarth-working-up-new-sportscar-separate-from-alfa-4c/ 2011-12-25T19:01:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/car-crash-through-roof-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> Police in Santa Fe, Texas are currently searching for a man who catapulted his <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/wrx">Subaru WRX</a> through the roof of a local business. Police say 20-year-old Roy Morales was traveling around 90 miles per hour at two in the morning when he blew through a dead-end street and crossed a set of raised train tracks.<br /> <br /> The tracks sent the vehicle airborne over a distance of 100 feet before the car came crashing through the roof of a local septic business. Realizing he had both literally and figuratively found himself in a world of crap, Morales fled the scene and later called the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/police">police</a> to report his vehicle stolen.<br /> <br /> At that point, police were able to coax a confession from Morales, who now faces potential charges ranging from reckless driving to false reporting of a crime. Morales has yet to actually turn himself in.<br /> <br /> Michael Robinson, the owner of Gulf Coast Aerobic Services, says Morales' stunt inflicted around $25,000 worth of damage, but that he's grateful no one was hurt in the incident. That includes the would-be stunt driver. Hit the jump to watch a local news report.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/">Continue reading <em>Driver launches car, crashes through roof of business</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/">Driver launches car, crashes through roof of business</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20130821/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:55:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/driver-launches-car-crashes-through-roof-of-business/ 2011-12-19T21:55:00Z http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/ <div> <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/gyrozetterheader.png" /></a></div> Let's imagine, for a moment, that we're all 10 years old again. (If you're <em>actually</em> 10 years old, good work.) Can you think of anything even remotely as cool as an arcade game about cars that transform into robots, where the <em>arcade cabinet transforms too</em> ? Damn right you can't, because it's the best idea any living human being has ever had.<br /> <br /> The arcade game in question, <em>Super Speed Transforming Gyrozetter</em> , is developed by Square Enix and transforms to reveal control levers as the player's car transforms into its robot counterpart. Cars have been licensed from Toyota, Mistubishi, Mazda, Mitsuoka and Subaru, making for an entirely authentic giant transforming robot experience.<br /> <br /> The cabinet serves as the flagship for an entire <em>Gyrozetter</em> gaming/manga/anime franchise devised by Square Enix; a serialized manga based on the game is already in print, and both an animated feature film <em>and</em> 3DS game are reportedly in the pipelines. Trademark filings <a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/12/square-enixs-transformers-like-series-gyrozetter-may-be-heading-overseas/">uncovered by Siliconera</a> indicate that Square Enix has plans to expand the franchise to Europe after a successful Japanese launch, although we find it improbable that the arcade game itself will ever be exported outside of Japan. <div><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/super-speed-transforming-gyrozetter-arcade/">Super Speed Transforming Gyrozetter (Arcade)</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/super-speed-transforming-gyrozetter-arcade/#4687814"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/gyrozetter5_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/super-speed-transforming-gyrozetter-arcade/#4687813"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/gyrozetter6_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/super-speed-transforming-gyrozetter-arcade/#4687810"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/gyrozetter4_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.engadget.com/photos/super-speed-transforming-gyrozetter-arcade/#4687812"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/gyrozetter3_thumbnail.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com"><img src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/">Square Enix releasing transforming arcade game 'Gyrozetter,' anime and 3DS title to follow</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.joystiq.com">Joystiq</a> on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/20130574/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:30:00 GMT http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/square-enix-releasing-transforming-arcade-game-gyrozetter-ani/ 2011-12-18T23:30:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/">Safety</a></p> <a href="http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html"><img height="420" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/swr115916-opt.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/iihs/">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</a> announced today that 2012 model year vehicles set a record for the number of highly valued <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/top%20safety%20pick/">Top Safety Pick awards</a> earned: 115 total winners with 18 of those being brand new recipients.<br /> <br /> The break down includes 69 cars, 38 SUVs, five minivans and three pickups, so if owning a Top Safety Pick award-winning vehicle is important to you, there are options available in every category.<br /> <br /> As for which automakers earned the most awards, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a> and its band of merry brands, which includes <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lexus/">Lexus</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/">Scion</a> , racked up 15, while <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm">GM</a> was next with 14, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">VW</a> /<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> with 13, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> /<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lincoln/">Lincoln</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/">Honda</a> /<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/acura/">Acura</a> both with 12 awards each. Speaking of Honda and Acura, they win the award for most improved, as 10 of the 18 new models to receive the award come from their lineups. No automaker, however, was able to match <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru's</a> repeat performance of earning a Top Safety Pick award for every vehicle in its lineup.<br /> <br /> The IIHS notes that automakers have come a long way since it began giving out Top Safety Pick awards back in 2005. At that time, only 11 models qualified. In fact, last year only 66 vehicles qualified because of less-than-stellar rollover ratings, but automakers apparently responded, addressing the issue in new models or redesigning roofs throughout the year.<br /> <br /> The IIHS Top Safety Pick award stands as the private sector's counterpart to the government's own five-star rating system for vehicle safety conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both litmus tests for safety have grown increasingly difficult for automakers to ace in recent years, but today's announcement shows that they're clearly up to the task.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/">Continue reading <em>IIHS reports record year for Top Safety Picks, 18 new 2012 models added</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/">IIHS reports record year for Top Safety Picks, 18 new 2012 models added</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20128779/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:01:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/iihs-reports-record-year-for-top-safety-picks-18-new-2012-model/ 2011-12-15T21:01:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/reviews/">New Car Reviews</a></p> <em>Going Mainstream With The Beauty Of All-Wheel-Drive</em> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-subaru-impreza-review/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-subaru-impreza-review.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru</a> found itself in an interesting position when the North American auto market imploded back in 2009. While most manufacturers were busily darting about trying to stop their sales from bleeding out, the quirky Japanese automaker actually posted gains in both market share and earnings during the recession.<br /> <br /> It was a dark time for most dealers. Salesmen began eying the fairest compacts on their lot for sacrifice in an attempt to appease the sales gods that had abandoned them, and showrooms began devolving into tribal law in earnest. Meanwhile, we're guessing many Subaru dealers watched through gold-rimmed monocles from across the street with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.<br /> <br /> But what happens when the national financial ship rights itself and social order is restored once again? Will buyers still shun emblems of excess and continue to opt for practical, economy-minded Japanese all-wheel-drive wagons and compacts? If the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/impreza">2012 Subaru Impreza</a> is any indication, the company may be concerned its products aren't quite mainstream enough to retain conquests acquired through the dark days of '09. The 2012 Impreza is more comfortable, quieter and offers a more attractive interior than ever before, but those gains come with sacrifices that risk alienating the model's longtime fans, ourselves included.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/">Continue reading <em>2012 Subaru Impreza</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/">2012 Subaru Impreza</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20128310/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:57:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/2012-subaru-impreza-review/ 2011-12-15T16:57:00Z http://en.rian.ru/business/20111215/170267223.html Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries may start a semi-knock down production of Subaru cars in Russia in 2013-2014 to produce at least 30,000 vehicles a year, Kommersant business daily said on Thursday, quoting Russian subsidiary Subaru Motors General Director Kazushi Yoshida as saying. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:01:00 GMT http://en.rian.ru/business/20111215/170267223.html 2011-12-15T10:01:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorcycles/">Motorcycle</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/racing/">Racing</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/luc1-video-628.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> It's easy to forget the motivation behind Ken Block's ridiculous <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gymkhana">gymkhana</a> video series. At the heart of the tire smoking action, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ken block">Block</a> is simply paying the piper. All of those drool-inducing slow motion shots of the stunt driver's old <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/wrx sti">Subaru WRX STI</a> and new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/fiesta">Ford Fiesta</a> feature a smattering of sponsor stickers beating their way into our psyches. Block has even gone so far as to call one of his gymkhana flicks an infomercial.<br /> <br /> French Supermoto National Championship winner Sylvain Bidart has put his own spin on giving sponsors a shout out with a new video of his own. Bidart and the Luc1 team take a tour of their major sponsors, from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda">Honda</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/michelin">Michelin</a> to Ixon and Intermarche, and the video includes plenty of awesome riding inside the factories themselves. The result is nine minutes of awesome riding cleverly disguised as an advertisement. Or maybe that's the other way around. Either way, hit the jump to check it out for yourself. It's an advertisement we'll be watching over and over again.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/">Continue reading <em>Nine minutes of supermoto action is our idea of a great infomercial</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/">Nine minutes of supermoto action is our idea of a great infomercial</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20127073/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:59:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/nine-minutes-of-supermoto-action-is-our-idea-of-an-infomercial/ 2011-12-15T00:59:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/">Wagon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/">First Drives</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/">Luxury</a></p> <em>Audi Gives Us Its Warrior Wagon For The Holidays</em> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive/"><img height="416" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-fd-opt.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> Despite recent sad decisions by Ingolstadt and the company's regional bosses in Herndon, Virginia not to include either the stunning new A6 Avant or the handsomely reworked A4 Avant in its U.S. lineup, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> has crunched the numbers on another niche's business case and decided to throw us one hell of a bone. Arriving on our shores by July 2012 for the first time is this spanking refreshed A4 Allroad Quattro. As consolation presents go, it's a humdinger.<br /> <br /> We've just had a shot at driving this latest A4 Allroad - a model originally created in early 2009 - in various European trims along the Portuguese shore north of Lisbon and over the mountain roads just inland of the same. We can say right off that the discreet slice of American premium car buyers who understand the Allroad legend have much to look forward to. They make up a sympathetic (though generally separate) fan club from those who buy the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/outback/">Subaru Outback</a> . Allroads are for well-to-do drivers who share a passion for this rough-roading, do-it-all niche, and they won't be palmed off with traditional SUVs or their more upright crossover substitutes.<br /> <br /> To inaugurate the second coming of the Allroad franchise to the States, Audi is holding the A4 Allroad's world premiere at January's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a> . Through thick and thin, Audi has always treated Motown's motor expo very seriously. Showing such a fondly admired model like the Allroad here first means a lot. There has been a lingering sense of unwilling withdrawal ever since Audi creased importing the A6-based Allroad back in 2005, and confirmation of this new model figures to be a homecoming of sorts.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/">Continue reading <em>2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/">2012 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20127421/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:57:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/2012-audi-a4-allroad-quattro-first-drive-review/ 2011-12-14T16:57:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/">First Drives</a></p> <em>A Utility Knife For The Sensible Shoes Crowd</em> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive/"><img height="418" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaruxv10-opt.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> There are stories in every culture about a young man or woman who is supposed to marry someone sensible, attractive, a good cook and good provider. But when the protagonist of the story meets the would-be fiancee's more interesting, vivacious, funny and unconventional sibling or best friend, sparks fly and the original relationship doesn't stand a chance.<br /> <br /> And so it was when we drove the 2013 Subaru XV through the roads and highways of Tuscany. On Day One, we drove the version the U.S. will get in the third quarter of next year. The first thing to hit us: <em>d&eacute;j&agrave; vu</em> . This is the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/impreza/">2012 Impreza hatchback</a> , albeit with cladding above the wheel wells and a a seriously jacked up stance. It will have the same, brand-new 2.0-liter flat-four as the Impreza hatch we <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/2012-subaru-impreza-first-drive-review/">tested a few months ago</a> that is just hitting dealer lots. So what's the verdict? The XV can cook an acceptable pot of tomato sauce and cleans up nicely for Sunday mass. She's a nice girl and good company.<br /> <br /> We should have left it there. We should have called it a test after Day One. We should have simply driven off with the girl we came to meet. Why? Because on day two of our drive, we met the cousin with the better personality, the longer legs, the Sophia Loren cheekbones and the killer personality: the 2.0 liter turbo-diesel with the manual transmission. We drove her through the winding back roads north of Florence amidst the Chianti vineyards, villages and Fiat fix-it shops, but she refuses to come to the States. You see, she will only date Europeans.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/">Continue reading <em>2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/">2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20126369/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:57:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2013-subaru-xv-crosstrek-first-drive-review/ 2011-12-13T16:57:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/scion/">Scion</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/">First Drives</a></p> <em>Accomplished Sports Coupe Rekindles Hope For Scion</em> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive-1/"><img height="382" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive---07-opt.jpg" width="628" /></a> <br /> <br /> When it comes to wringing out a performance car, nothing beats track time. Public roads are crowded, chock full of regulations and policed. Race circuits are lawless expanses of curvy asphalt with just one golden rule: Keep it on the pavement.<br /> <br /> Under invitation from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/">Scion</a> , we loaded into a widebody 777 for the long trek across the Pacific Ocean to Japan. Our objective was to drive the automaker's highly anticipated, all-new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/fr-s/">FR-S</a> sports car. Upon arrival, we were pleased to learn that Scion had rented Sodegaura Forest Raceway for our full day behind the wheel.<br /> <br /> After dozens of laps at unrestricted speed - few have been offered as much track time - we answered many of our own nagging questions. Does Scion's new rear-wheel-drive coupe deliver all that it promises? How is the power delivery from the naturally aspirated flat-four engine, and is it sufficient? Is the handling balanced and the chassis up to the task? Most importantly, why would someone choose the Scion FR-S over its clone, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz/">Subaru BRZ</a> ?<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/">Continue reading <em>2013 Scion FR-S [w/video]</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/">2013 Scion FR-S [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20125554/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:57:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/2013-scion-fr-s-w-video/ 2011-12-12T16:57:00Z http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/ <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/scion/">Scion</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/">Toyota</a></p> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fr-s-drifting.jpg" /> <br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/fr-s/">Scion FR-S</a> may not be big on power, but <a href="http://autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a> and <a href="http://autoblog.com/subaru/">Subaru</a> engineers have delivered a lightweight, rear-drive coupe at what should be a palatable price point. That sounds like a recipe for track day fun if you ask us, or you can watch the post-jump video for visual evidence.<br /> <br /> One drifter as he has his way with the FR-S on a track, and his camera was capturing the frames for proof. The unnamed cockpit commander seemed easily able to nose in and kick out the rump, often without the use of the parking brake. A light rain may have helped the drifts along a bit, but we're encouraged by what we see. Hit the jump for some entertaining sideways shenanigans.<br /> <br /> <strong>UPDATE:</strong> <em> The wheelman in question is Formula Drift racer Ken Gushi, wheeling around Sodegaura Forest Raceway just outside Tokyo.</em> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/">Continue reading <em>Will it drift? Yes, the 2013 Scion FR-S will drift [UPDATE]</em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/">Will it drift? Yes, the 2013 Scion FR-S will drift [UPDATE]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20125613/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/will-it-drift-yes-the-2013-scion-fr-s-will-drift/ 2011-12-12T16:00:00Z http://www.tv.com/story/27344.html?part=rss&subj=&tag=news-summary- <em><a href="http://www.tv.com/portlandia/show/79907/summary.html">Portlandia</a></em> isn't everyone's cup of Kombucha tea (heck, I live in Portland and even <em>I</em> don't know if I like it), but it is always good for at least a few laughs. The IFC sketch show starring <em><a href="http://www.tv.com/saturday-night-live/show/365/summary.html">Saturday Night Live</a></em> 's <a href="http://www.tv.com/fred-armisen/person/160244/summary.html">Fred Armisen</a> and former rocker Carrie Brownstein pokes fun at hipsters and eco-friends and Subaru-drivers alike, and returns for Season 2 on January 6. <br /> To get you ready for the comeback, IFC has released the following clip of two of the show's best characters, a self-centered couple...&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tv.com/story/27344.html">More &gt;&gt;</a> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:33:00 GMT http://www.tv.com/story/27344.html?part=rss&subj=&tag=news-summary- 2011-12-09T23:33:00Z http://www.topix.net/world/trinidad-and-tobago/2011/12/rally-champ-powell-swears-by-subaru?fromrss=1 <p>THE dust has long settled on Sunday's staging of the Rally Jamaica 2011 Championship.</p> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:57:48 GMT http://www.topix.net/world/trinidad-and-tobago/2011/12/rally-champ-powell-swears-by-subaru?fromrss=1 2011-12-09T11:57:48Z