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Subdude

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I know the former Audi design chief moved over to Kia, and that he is responsible for these new hot designs we are seeing, but I guess I'm surprised at just how blantant Kia is in copying the look we see on new Audis. Same guy, yeah, but isn't there some sort of design look-and-feel that becomes the property of the company the designer works for? I guess they can argue they are merely taking "design cues" from Audi, but geez those taillights could have literally come off an A4.

Yeah, but in all fairness lifting design cues is an old automotive tradition. Try counting the cars that have aped BMW's 'Hofmeister kink'.

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I would'nt call it copying since the Audi design chief moved to Kia, and only the rear resembles Audi. They almost, literally ripped the taillights off the A4. I don't see any other Audi resemblance on Kia's other vehicles.

2010 A4 Rear

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The back end of the Forte screams Audi A4 to me. And the interior has a similar look (though not a similar feel).

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Edited by travelguy_73
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Wow, look at it in black!!! biggrin.gif Never new a Kia can look this good. I want one.

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I like this. It looks much like an M45. :)

The back end of the Forte screams Audi A4 to me. And the interior has a similar look (though not a similar feel).

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The tires are mounted backwards. Specifically, the right rear. Ugh.

Edited by LTAWACS
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The back end of the Forte screams Audi A4 to me. And the interior has a similar look (though not a similar feel).

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Many vehicles from different brands look like each other, so its not like seeing a resemblance in 2 different cars is something new and I don't see the similar look in the interior.

A4 Interior

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Forte Interior

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DECEMBER 4-13, 2009

Finally, after two rounds of international auto shows in Frankfurt and Tokyo, it's time for the 2009 L.A. Auto Show. It's the first big American show of the season and it's already shaping up nicely thanks to a few notable world debuts that have already been announced. The 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder got the ball rolling when it appeared in early November. A high-performance version of the standard Boxster, the Spyder adds horsepower while doing away with the standard model's convertible roof.

For those looking for something a little more mainstream, the 2011 Buick Regal will make its first auto show appearance in Los Angeles. A smaller, more performance-oriented sedan, the new Regal is hoping to once again reshape Buick's image. If that's still not enough practicality for you, the 2010 Toyota Sienna minivan is making its world debut in L.A. as well. It's one of the few true minivans left and Toyota is determined to keep it around for some time to come.

Our coverage starts on December 2 when we'll have photos, blog posts and videos from the show floor.

http://www.insidelin...osangeles/2009/

http://www.laautoshow.com/

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The last Horch has been found near San Angelo. TX. Horch was a handbuilt predecessor to Audi. Audi has bought the car from the collector to be returned to Germany to undergo a 2 year restoration to be displayed in the Audi museum.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/video-audi-tracks-down-the-last-horch-in-texas/

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To me, it resembles the 300 type "Adenauer" Mercedes-Benzes of 1953-1962. I guess August Horch may have much to do with that since he was formerly an engineer for Karl Benz.

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2011 U.S-Spec. Ford Fiesta Sedan

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2011 U.S Spec. Ford Fiesta Hatchback

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That's weird seeing a Fiesta sedan. I guess the conventional wisdom has always been that Americans won't buy hatchbacks, but in something that small it is hard to get sedan proportions right and not looking overly stubby.

Thanks for posting the new A8. To me it doesn't seem like any great leap over the current model. I look at it and see - Volvo.

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What's with the onslaught of hideous wheels? I thought that was reserved for aftermarket mods. Alas!

Oops, that was a reference to a lot of newer vehicles but triggered by the A8 where the wheels are neither restrained or in good taste in my book :blush:

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My guess is that the average A8 buyer isn't looking for anything terribly aggressive. "Restrained good taste" is perhaps more the goal.

Yes. You are correct.

Headlights extended back over the fenders and exaggerated wheel wells have to be the biggest car styling cliches of the decade.

It's a blah look. I wonder what if Infiniti is ever going to bring back the Q45? Anyone?

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2011 Toyota Venza Sienna, Ugh...

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When the new third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna shows up in dealerships next February, parents should head straight to their closest dealer after dropping the kids at soccer.

Built on a revised version of the outgoing platform, the 2011 Sienna has the same wheelbase but is slightly shorter, lower and wider than its predecessor. It will be available in five different trim levels: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive will still be available on V6-powered LE, XLE and Limited models. That V6 is the same 3.5-liter Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) unit available today, with 266 horsepower. The engine is stout enough to give the Sienna a 3,500-pound tow capacity while returning mileage of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Also available in Sienna and LE will be the VVT-i 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horses and a slight bump in mileage to 19/26.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2011-toyota-sienna-could-wear-a-lexus-badge/

Edited by Urbannizer
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N.A Spec 2011 Mazda 2

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The 2011 Ford Fiesta may have been the big B-segment reveal last night, but Mazda has finally decided to bring its own compact runabout to North America, and it's based on the same architecture as it Blue Oval sibling. Originally launched in Europe, Japan, and Australia a couple of years ago, the Mazda2 was very well-received by media and consumers alike, a warm reception that probably helped make the case for the Japanese automaker to bring it over to the United States. That time has arrived, and the Mazda2 will be available in North America as a 2011 model.

Although Mazda revealed what the North American spec version will look like, it's still holding back additional information, including engine specifications, interior details, and pricing.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-mazda-mazda2-los-angeles-auto-show-2009-unveiled/

Edited by Urbannizer
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2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

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MILAN, Italy — Alfa Romeo will present its all-new Giulietta to the world next spring at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, with the first cars scheduled to hit the U.S. market in 2011.

Originally christened Milano, the new Giulietta is essentially a five-door companion to the Alfa Mito, with design cues based heavily on the exotic 8C Competzione It goes on sale next spring in Europe, filling a gap in the range left by the demise of the Alfa 147.

The Giulietta is built on Fiat's new C-Evo architecture, which also is expected to underpin a larger Guilia sedan that is expected to supplant the Alfa 159.

Both the Giulietta and the Giulia are slated to be sold in North America and one or both may be assembled there as well. In addition, Fiat's partner Chrysler expects to use the C-Evo architecture for one or more future products.

Alfa said the Giulietta will offer two turbocharged gas engines, a 120-horsepower 1.4 and a 170-hp 1.4, and two turbodiesels, a 105-hp 1.6 and a 170-hp 2.0. Eventually it will add a more potent Quadrifoglio Verde edition with a 235-hp direct-injection turbo 1.8.

The storied Giulietta name dates back more than half a century. The original Giulietta, a coupe, was introduced in 1954, and the series was expanded to include a variety of body styles, including an extremely low-volume wagon called Giulietta Promiscua. The series ran through 1965, and the name was revived on a sedan from 1977-'85.

Edited by Urbannizer
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More on the 2011 Sonata

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

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

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

But what about hybrids? There will be a hybrid version of the Theta II. Hyundai's calling the technology Blue Drive,and it sounds pretty spiffy. Unlike other hybrids that use nickel hydride (or starting soon, lithium ion) batteries, the Hyundai system will use lithium polymer technology

Edited by Urbannizer
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3-Door/5-Door 2009 Mitsubishi Colt, Coming to America

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Additionally, now is a wonderful time to bring over a small car. Don't believe us? Just ask Ford and Mazda. The Colt will be going up against some pretty hefty (albeit lightweight) competition in the form of established B-segmenters like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Sentra.

And while we haven't driven the new Colt, the stats aren't exactly overwhelming – in top trim, a 1.5-liter MIVEC four-cylinder spits out 104 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque. Routed through a CVT transmission that's probably plenty of grunt for day to day small car activities. And odds are Mitsubishi will drop a slightly buffer mill into the Colt for US duty. But just picture this – what if Mitsubishi gives us the Ralliart Colt? Maybe with a turbo. We, for one, would really be in favor of that (hint, hint). Either way, here comes the Colt.

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More Mitsubishi action, first photos of the new RVR.

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These are the first official images of Mitsubishi's all-new compact crossover which bears the name 'RVR'. With this model, the Japanese automaker expands its crossover lineup.

Inspired by the Japanese firm's 2007 cX concept, the RVR makes use of Mitsubishi's mid-size global platform, which also forms the basis for the Lancer and Outlander.

However, at 4.3 meters in length, the RVR is 365mm (14.4-in.) shorter than the current Outlander SUV.

The compact crossover model will be offered at launch with an all-new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine, though it is almost certain that Mitsubishi will add a diesel variant for some markets in the near future.

Mitsubishi said that the RVR will be released globally, including North America, Europe, and Asian regions including China, with sales set to start first in Japan next Spring.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-mitsubishi-rvr-first-official.html

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2011 Audi R8 Spyder

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New hue aside, the new convertible variant is a looker from its carbon-fiber mirrors to polished aluminum wheels. The blades are gone and it has gained 476 pounds in the transformation, but the standard Lambo-derived 525-hp V10 will still rip it to 60 mph in about four seconds flat.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-r8-spyder-is-shown-again-this-time-in-red/

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2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

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Porsche rolled out the 2010 Boxster Spyder, the third model in the Boxster lineup, for its world debut at the LA Auto Show, with an entirely new look and – we are led to believe – a driving personality nearly on par with the 911 GT3 RS.

Hidden deep and low in the belly of the Spyder is a tuned version of Porsche's 3.4-liter flat-six, rated at 320 hp (ten more than the Boxster S). While the added horses are welcome, it's the 176 pounds of mass lost that really raises our interest. To achieve these savings, Porsche has fitted the Spyder with a lightweight carbon fiber-ribbed soft top, unique rear decklid, low side windows, aluminum door skins and interior door panels with straps swapped from the 911 GT3 RS. Air conditioning, cupholders and an audio system have been left back on the factory floor (don't worry, Porsche will let you add them back for a price). With a curb weight of just 2,811 pounds, it is the lightest model in Porsche's lineup. With a power-to-weight ratio rivaling the Carrera S, the Boxster Spyder with a dual-clutch PDK transmission will now rip to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

However, that's only part of the enthusiast-oriented story. Porsche replaced the dampers with an all-new sport suspension, riding 20 mm lower than the other models, to drop the center of gravity and improve handling over the standard Porsche Boxster and Boxster S. Fitted with a standard limited-slip differential and lightweight wheels, the package looks just fine to us. As expected, the pure driving enjoyment of the Porsche Boxster Spyder won't come cheap – base pricing starts at $61,200 when it arrives in February 2010.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-porsche-boxster-spyder-at-2009-la-auto-show/

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Yep. There might also be a Buick version based on the Chinese Buick Excelle.

Here you go, a rendering of the Compact Sedan released during the LA Auto Show (Note: The vehicle on the left is the LaCrosse)

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

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

http://www.autoblog....-compact-sedan/

Edited by Urbannizer
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More LA Auto Show Madness. Meet the 2011 U.S Spec Kia Sorento

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Coupled to a 276 horsepower V6 and an all-new built in-house six-speed automatic, the Sorento is able to get up and boogie a bit. Or at least as much as a top heavy CUV can boogie. Check out our First Drive of the Kia Sorento (a pre-production model from Korea) for more details. Long story short, a base Sorento will start at under $20,000 – about $1,500 less than the outgoing body-on-frame model.

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2010 Hyundai Tuscon

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The most impressive Tuscon attribute is in likelihood its frugal MPG rating. 23 miles per gallon in the city, 31 at highway speeds. In addition to the slight weight reduction, the Tuscon achieves these numbers via innovations such as a switch away from parasitic hydraulic power-steering in favor of an electric system. There's also an all new six-speed automatic that uses 62 fewer parts than the outgoing five-speed. Interestingly, the new slusher is built fully in house by Hyundai.

The engine of course contributes to the good-for-a-CUV mileage. The new Tuscon comes with a 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder that produces 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. You will notice that the Tuscon does not come with the more powerful Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) Theta II that ships with the new Sonata. We asked Hyundai if a future iteration of the Tuscon (say the 2011) would in fact receive the GDI motor. "That's a logical conclusion."

We also asked if the turbocharged GDI motor would make it into the Tuscon. "It would fit." We then asked if we'll see a hybrid version as the new Sonata will eventually show up in gas-electric guise. "No comment." Then after a pause, "We all have to get to 35 mpg. Finally, we asked if we'd see an all-electric version of the Tuscon. We received another "No comment" but Hyundai North America President and CEO Jhn Kracfik did state that they will be selling an electric car in the States. As to when, "Not next year."

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Freshened 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

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As you can see from the photo above, Hyundai's middle crossover offering is getting a new grille in keeping with the one we recently saw on the upcoming new Sonata. The bumper area is also re-contoured into a more subtle version of what is scheduled for the new Tucson coming to the LA Auto Show. The headlight clusters retain the same shape, but internal detailing has been revised. At the back, new taillights and re-shaping of the bumper area is also visible. No word yet on mechanical changes, although a new direct-injected four-cylinder has been rumored.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/spy-pics-refreshed-2010-hyundai-santa-fe-spotted-camo-free/

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2011 Honda Cr-Z revealed in brochure

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The official Japanese domestic market brochure for the 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe has surfaced online revealing the hybrid coupe in full production glory.

Furthermore, we get the chance to see the hybrid-coupe fitted with several dealer options such as an aluminum trim exterior package, but most importantly, the leaflet provides us with engine specs, and preliminary performance and fuel economy figures.

The brochure confirms that the CR-Z's hybrid drivetrain will comprise of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol unit and an electric motor, with power being delivers to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

From what we gather (more accurate translations are welcome), the petrol engine delivers an output of 114ps (84kW or 113 HP) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 145Nm (107 lb-ft) at 4,800 rpm, while the electric motor, 14ps (10kW or 13.4 HP) at 1,500 rpm and 78Nm (58 lb-ft) at 1,000 rpm.

The result is a not so sporty 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 9.7 seconds. The leaflet also makes word of a 25.0 km/lt (58.8mpg US or 4.0 lt/100km) and 22.5 km/lt (52.9 mpg US or 4.5 lt/100km) fuel consumption, but we don't know what the numbers refer to.

The new CR-Z hybrid will go on sale in Japan in February of 2010, with Europe and North America following shortly after.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-honda-cr-z-hybrid-coupe-official.html

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