Car Talk → 2022

[Urbannizer]

2012 Toyota Camry - Bland, bland and bland. Next Generation Camry will be the Toyota Aurion currently sold in Australia (Camry in Taiwan). Should be in the U.S sometime by 2012. I Do not see why the Camry is the #1 best selling vehicle worldwide. 

As some of you noticed, the car pictured above is indeed the current Australian-market Toyota, Aurion itself a derivative of, yes, the Camry. Now, why would the Aurion show up in a U.S. patent filing? Perhaps the car's fascias are headed here as a cheap 'n easy facelift for the Camry.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/next-generation-toyota-camry-revealed-in-patent-filings/#comments Edited March 13, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Subdude]

2012 Toyota Camry - Bland, bland and bland. Next Generation Camry will be the Toyota Aurion currently sold in Australia (Camry in Taiwan). Should be in the U.S sometime by 2012. I Do not see why the Camry is the #1 best selling vehicle worldwide.

Because Toyota figured out a while ago that contrary to popular belief, bland styling tends to sell better. In Europe blandly styled Volkswagens are the best sellers.

[travelguy_73]

2012 Ford Police Interceptor - The Taurus police vehicle is back, ready to replace the Crown Victoria in late 2011.

I'm excited about seeing the new police cars. I assume the city will consider the new Impala police cruiser as well, but whatever, because I'm OVER the Crown Vic. Even the Dodgle would be fine, but it does look tiny inside with those slit windows.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Kia Optima

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/13/new-york-2010-preview-next-generation-kia-optima-unveiled/

[Subdude]

2011 Kia Optima

OK, let's do a check for styling cliches of the decade:

Upswept beltline - Check

Rocker panel cutline - Check

Front fender vent - Check

Semi-Hofmeister kink - Check

Semi-fastback roofline - Check

Headlights running up over front fenders - Check

Radiused wheel openings - Check

Did I miss any?

Apart from all that, I like the wheels.

[barracuda]

OK, let's do a check for styling cliches of the decade:

Upswept beltline - Check

Rocker panel cutline - Check

Front fender vent - Check

Semi-Hofmeister kink - Check

Semi-fastback roofline - Check

Headlights running up over front fenders - Check

Radiused wheel openings - Check

Did I miss any?

Apart from all that, I like the wheels.

The amalgamation of styling cliches seems to be Hyundai/Kia's niche. Instead of creating original brand identities, they wait for others to come up with original designs, then they draw from the successful ones. It may not be a bad thing, considering the original styling of recent Acuras. The only problem is that most people probably couldn't identify a Hyundai/Kia without looking at the badge.

[Subdude]

The amalgamation of styling cliches seems to be Hyundai/Kia's niche. Instead of creating original brand identities, they wait for others to come up with original designs, then they draw from the successful ones. It may not be a bad thing, considering the original styling of recent Acuras. The only problem is that most people probably couldn't identify a Hyundai/Kia without looking at the badge.

I don't think Hyundai/Kia is particularly worse than any other manufacturer. They wouldn't have become car design cliches to begin with if so many automakers didn't use them.

[Urbannizer]

The amalgamation of styling cliches seems to be Hyundai/Kia's niche. Instead of creating original brand identities, they wait for others to come up with original designs, then they draw from the successful ones. It may not be a bad thing, considering the original styling of recent Acuras. The only problem is that most people probably couldn't identify a Hyundai/Kia without looking at the badge.

With there new vehicles being released, people will be able to. Kia is becoming the sporty brand while Hyundai is the luxury one.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Kia Optima rear and interior.

http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2010/03/16/first-interior-images-of-2011-kia-optima-sedan/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Scion xB - Slight Refresh .

Pricing for the new xB starts at $16,000 for the manual transmission model and $16,950 if you prefer a conventional automatic – increases of $150 over the 2010 car. The 2011 xB will make its way to a Scion dealer near you later this month.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/17/scion-xb-restyled-and-repriced-for-2011/

[travelguy_73]

The Optima's rear tailights are very nice, but not as wild about the trunk/bumper transition. And what changed on the xB? I can't tell!

[Urbannizer]

The Optima's rear tailights are very nice, but not as wild about the trunk/bumper transition. And what changed on the xB? I can't tell!

The front and rear bumpers, and the tailights. Also a $150 price hike to $16,000. You can get a Soul or Cube for around $13,000.

[Subdude]

Saw one of these yesterday, in just this color:

Cool or what?

[mkultra25]

Saw one of these yesterday, in just this color:

Cool or what?

Now there's something you don't see every day.

There was a tribute in AutoBlog a couple of weeks ago marking the 40th anniversary of the model's introduction:

Citroen SM turns 40

[Subdude]

Now there's something you don't see every day.

There was a tribute in AutoBlog a couple of weeks ago marking the 40th anniversary of the model's introduction:

Citroen SM turns 40

It's just a stunning car. Of course, there are very few of them around due to their build quality, or lack of same.

It is said to have inspired the Datsun F10.

[LTAWACS]

2012 Ford Police Interceptor - The Taurus police vehicle is back, ready to replace the Crown Victoria in late 2011. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR><BR>

Will this thing be AWD or FWD?

[Subdude]

Yesterday evening I saw a Riviera boattail parked on the street. I'm thinking there's some SM influence in this one as well.

[JLWM8609]

Yesterday evening I saw a Riviera boattail parked on the street. I'm thinking there's some SM influence in this one as well.

I saw one today at Dixie Hardware. It's light blue, I've seen it around the neighborhood. The owner lives off of Dowling near Southmore. Those cars have a spot in my heart because my dad used to have one. It was a 1971, first year for the boattail Rivieras. Brown with a white top.

Edited March 27, 2010 by JLWM8609

[Urbannizer]

Will this thing be AWD or FWD?

It will be available as FWD or AWD.

[Urbannizer]

Carbon Motors E7 Police Car - watch out for this one in 2012.

Between this, the new EcoBoost-powered Ford Police Interceptor, the Zeta-based Chevrolet Caprice and current Dodge Charger police offering, the cop car market is going to get very interesting in the next few years.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/carbon-motors-E7-to-use-bmw-diesel-in-new-police-car/

[Urbannizer]

2010 NY Auto Show April 2-11th

http://www.autoshowny.com/

Edited March 28, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

2011 Mercedes R-Class

The R-Class has had a rough life. Not only did it suffer from odd, disproportionate styling, but Mercedes - Benz, never really marketed the vehicle the way that it should have, choosing to position it as a "sports tourer," rather than the obvious upscale family hauler that it is. Dismal sales ensued. Makes sense, then, that the 2011 R-Class benefits from a slightly more comprehensive overhaul than the standard mid-cycle refresh usually entails.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/28/brawnier-2011-mercedes-benz-r-class-leaked-ahead-of-new-york-deb/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Infiniti Qx56 - Its a beast. I like it except for the rear tailights. Its based off the Nissan Patrol in the Middle East ; don`t expect to see a Armada version. You'll have to wait until 2014 ( at the earliest ) for the Armada, which is when the Titan will be released.

Given that we already know the vehicle nomenclature - QX56 - look for the same 5.6-liter, 400-horsepower, 405 pound-foot direct-injected V8 that's available in the Patrol. Likewise, we expect to see most, if not all, of the same technological features the new Patrol offers, such as its seven-speed automatic transmission, electronic four-wheel-drive with driver-selectable modes, and hydraulic anti-roll system.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/28/leaked-2011-infiniti-qx56-drips-onto-the-web-ahead-of-ny-debut/

[Urbannizer]

Wagon Fury - 2011 Cadillac CTS - V Wagon

The CTS - V Sport Wagon is now finally official and production starts later this year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/officially-official-2011-cadillac-cts-v-sport-wagon-unleashed/

[sevfiv]

Oh those tail lights! Worse than Volvo!

Is this their answer to the Magnum?

[Urbannizer]

More Wagon Madness, 2011 Volvo S60 Wagon Caught Uncovered.

More here.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-v60-2011.html

[Subdude]

2011 Infiniti Qx56 - Its a beast. I like it except for the rear tailights. Its based off the Nissan Patrol in the Middle East ; don`t expect to see a Armada version. You'll have to wait until 2014 ( at the earliest ) for the Armada, which is when the Titan will be released.

Yuck!

[Subdude]

More Wagon Madness, 2011 Volvo S60 Wagon Caught Uncovered.

More here.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-v60-2011.html

Will this be sold in the US? It has an American-style license plate but they are going to stop importing the V70.

Wagon Fury - 2011 Cadillac CTS - V Wagon

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/29/officially-official-2011-cadillac-cts-v-sport-wagon-unleashed/

Does anyone thing Cadillacs will ever become "cool" again?

[Urbannizer]

Will this be sold in the US? It has an American-style license plate but they are going to stop importing the V70.

Does anyone thing Cadillacs will ever become "cool" again?

S60 Wagon will be sold in the U.S

I think Cadillac will be become cool again, I see the CTS alot now, and I've seen the SRX, have'nt seen the CTS Wagon yet. Also cadillac's 3-series (ATS) and 7-series (XTS) fighters will be released soon.

More wagons in the works - Buick Regal and (next generation) Lexus IS.

Edited March 30, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Subdude]

S60 Wagon will be sold in the U.S

I think Cadillac will be become cool again, I see the CTS alot now, and I've seen the SRX, have'nt seen the CTS Wagon yet. Also cadillac's 3-series (ATS) and 7-series (XTS) fighters will be released soon.

More wagons in the works - Buick Regal and (next generation) Lexus IS.

That's good news about the V60. I wouldn't mind something like that.

I wonder though about Cadillacs becoming cool. Maybe I just haven't seen that many about. If they're trying to compete in the same league as Mercedes, BMW, Audi & Lexus that's a pretty tough neighborhood.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Sonata Hybrid -

It wasn't that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata.

As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them.

http://green.autoblo...-new-york-2010/

Edited March 31, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

2011 Scion Tc

As for what's new, the engine is now a 2.5-liter I-4, up from 2.4 liters. Power is up as well. The new tC ships with a respectable 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. That's plus 19 ponies and 11 pound feet. The suspension is now "sport tuned" and the power steering is electronic, which Scion assured us better allows the engineers to dial in more steering feel. Uh-huh.

The new tC also gets better gas mileage than the previous car (no word yet on exactly how much better) and comes with two new transmissions. There's a six-speed automatic that features sequential-shift (Scion-speak for a manual shift mode) as well asa six-speed manual that promises more refined shifting than the old five-speed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/2011-scion-tc-new-york-auto-show-2010-reveal/

[Urbannizer]

More From Scion, 2011 Scion IQ - World smallest four - seater.

Well, well, well – it looks like Toyota's iQ is coming to the U.S. after all, only it will be sporting a Scion badge. Makes sense. Especially as according to Scion, the world's smallest four-seater is aimed squarely at a very young demographic. Not just young, but hip and urban, too. In fact, we were told that the iQ represents a "new urbanism," and is a vehicle for a "progressive buyer."

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/2011-scion-iq-new-york-2010-reveal/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Acura TSX Wagon

From all appearances, the only differences between the Euro Accord wagon and the TSX Sport Wagon are the addition of Acura badges and a slightly more upscale interior. Powering the Sport Wagon is the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the sedan, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/new-york-2010-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-is-lovable-but-somewh/

[mkultra25]

Does anyone thing Cadillacs will ever become "cool" again?

I wouldn't kick that CTS-V wagon out of my garage. How many other station wagons (or "estate wagons", if you're European) have 550+HP? That kind of power, and handling that is calibrated to match it, can cause one to forgive the styling sins that accompany it.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Kia Forte 5 - Door

Since Americans seem to be finally latching onto the concept of the compact five-door hatchback, Kia is jumping into the fight with a new variant of the Forte. The five-door Forte debuts with a slightly revised front fascia (something that will make its way onto all Forte models) to go with its new more useful backside.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-kia-adds-five-door-hatch-to-forte-lineup/

[Urbannizer]

Korean Automaker Kia/Hyundai wants to take over the Japenese Automakers,

2011 Kia Optima

Thanks to designer Peter Schreyer, Kia has been cranking out some really impressive-looking vehicles recently. In fact, the Soul was a contender for the World Design of the Year award. And while we've seen hot new designs for both the Sorento and Sportage the most significant addition to the Kia portfolio is the revamped 2011 Optima.

The Optima shares its platform and powertrains with the recently introduced 2011 Sonata, but the design is wholly unique. It features a bold new front fascia, swoopy side lines and a sleek rear end, and with its impressive fuel economy and choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged power, the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry indeed have some stiff competition coming in the near future

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/2011-kia-optima-new-york-2010-live-reveal/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Hyundai Equus U.S Spec - Hyundai's Phaeton, has joined the show. It will come with an iPad that replaces the Owners Manual.

CEO John Krafcik wouldn't give us a firm number but did promise that the 385-horsepower sedan will come in with a base price somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000. The Equus will also launch a new luxury ownership experience being sold through select dealers in a dedicated area that will also include Genises and Genises Coupe. It will be available in four or five-seat configurations with a mini fridge splitting the rear bucks on the rear two-some. Those backseats are also extremely comfortable, with power ventilation, heating and massage, plus a Maybach-like foot rest.

http://www.autoblog....-unveiled-live/

Edited April 1, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

It's 15 inches shorter than the Outlander GT. Like its big brother, it gets magnesium paddle shifters. However, they are connected to a CVT instead of Mitsu's sweet dual-clutch gearbox. Now, no one has driven the Outlander Sport yet, and CVTs have gotten massively better in the last few years, so don't bunch your panties up quite yet.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-mitsubishi-hopes-2011-outlander-sport-will-be-the/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Mercedes E Class Wagon - Only vehicle in the U.S with "rear facing" 3rd row seats, well besides the Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.

It was a bit of a pleasant surprise to find Mercedes-Benz taking the wraps off a U.S. market 2011 E350 4Matic Wagon here at the 2010 New York Auto Show today. When we first saw this estate at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we were told not to expect an American showing of the vehicle. Well, Mercedes has apparently had a change of heart as they debuted the wagon, and in 4Matic trim no less.

The E-Class Wagon joins the thoroughly revised sedan and coupe variants of Merc's mid-sizer and shares much of their styling outside and in.

http://www.autoblog....0-4matic-wagon/

Edited April 2, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Subdude]

2011 Kia Forte 5 - Door

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/new-york-2010-kia-adds-five-door-hatch-to-forte-lineup/

As a hatchback/estate fan, I wouldn't mind something like that.

2011 Hyundai Equus U.S Spec - Hyundai's Phaeton, has joined the show. It will come with an iPad that replaces the Owners Manual.

http://www.autoblog....-unveiled-live/

Maybe it's just a bad photo, but doesn't the interior seem rather grim for a luxury car? All that plasti-wood.

[LTAWACS]

More From Scion, 2011 Scion IQ - World smallest four - seater.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/2011-scion-iq-new-york-2010-reveal/

The size of these small cars is becoming dangerous. My spinal column would be only 6 inches from the drunk driver's front fender... no thanks. Ugh.

[Urbannizer]

2012 Buick Excelle ( Verano? ) - It will be here in 2011. It looks outdated, like the Cruze.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/15/chinese-market-buick-excelle-sedan-caught-without-camo/

[Urbannizer]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta, still being considered for the U.S. If this vehicle does'nt make it here, the platform will.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/alfa-romeo-giulietta-hits-the-european-market-with-full-details/

[Urbannizer]

Kia Optima Koup and Wagon, pssibly in the works.

Kia Optima Koup

Autocar is reporting that Kia may be mulling wagon and coupe variants of its just-announced 2011 Optima.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/report-kia-mulling-optima-magentis-coupe-and-wagon-will-they/3#comments

[Urbannizer]

2011 VW Phaeton - Ah, its coming back.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. And then again. That could very well sum up Volkswagen's strategy with its quizzical Phaeton The flagship sedan – which took "the people's car" up-market into Mercedes S-Class territory – was introduced in 2003, then underwent a facelift in 2009 and has now undergone yet another.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/third-times-a-charm-volkswagen-unveils-2011-phaeton-in-beijing/

[LTAWACS]

2011 VW Phaeton - Ah, its coming back.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/third-times-a-charm-volkswagen-unveils-2011-phaeton-in-beijing/

Why not just get an A8 or one of its variants?

[Urbannizer]

Why not just get an A8 or one of its variants?

I would get any of the Phaeton's competitors than the Phaeton. Over 8 years of the Phaeton, it was great when it was released, but little design change inside and out. Its a boring design now.

[Urbannizer]

2012 Chevy Volt Minivan

http://www.autoblog....sover-revealed/

Edited April 22, 2010 by Urbannizer

[LTAWACS]

I would get any of the Phaeton's competitors than the Phaeton. Over 8 years of the Phaeton, it was great when it was released, but little design change inside and out. Its a boring design now.

You would or you wouldnt?