Crossovers/CUVs auto news

CONFIRMED: 2010 RDX peeks out on Acura website

Last week, we showed you a few photos of what looked to be the 2010 Acura RDX that had begun floating around the interwebs. A subsequent call to Acura confirmed that they were, in fact, the real deal. Now, without any fanfare, the updated compact crossover has appeared on the company's website, complete with specification changes and pricing.

As shown earlier, the RDX is indeed on the receiving end of the corporate shield grille rhinoplasty, and also gets new fog lamps and air inlets. The rear end has been cleaned up as well, with new hexagonal exhaust inlets with stylized cutouts and a mesh insert in the fascia's lower reaches.

The big news for 2010 is the availability of a front-drive version, which helps shed weight and parasitic drag to increase fuel economy. At an EPA estimated 19 miles-per-gallon city and 24 highway, the RDX still strikes us as behind the curve, but perhaps not as much as the (unchanged) 17/22 figures of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) version.

Predictably, this least-complex RDX is also the cheapest, ringing up at $32,520 plus delivery. If you do want the foul-weather security of all-wheel drive, you'll have to pay a minimum of $34,520. Plump for the technology package (which includes traffic- and weather-linked sat-nav, premium Acura/ELS surround sound, and so on), you're looking at $35,620 in front-drive guise, and $37,620 for all-wheel drive.

We see no mention of streaming audio as hinted at earlier, but Bluetooth telephony is still part of the mix. Further, a rearview camera will come standard, even if one doesn't pony up for the Technology pack with navigation.

No matter which model you choose, the RDX continues to be motivated by the same turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder, giving 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for an official press release and a full complement of high-res images, but for now, enjoy our screencap'd gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Trevor!

Gallery: 2010 Acura RDX

BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

BMW is offering the rebates on the X5 35d and 335d as an "Eco Credit" to supplement Cash for Clunkers. BMW points out that on top of the up to $4,500 in incentives, buyers of the Bavarian diesels are also eligible for tax credits of $900 for the 335d and $1,800 for the X5 35d. And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered luxury rides.

The program, which runs through August 31, is being advertised as a one-time special offer, but it could also signal a lack of acceptance for diesel-powered luxury vehicles in the US. That would be too bad, though, because the diesel Bimmers we've driven were flat-out terrific, and with 580 miles/tank and a 20% reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too. Hit the jump to read the BMW press release. Hat tip to Why not the LS2LS7.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d

Continue reading BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

Just a year after the Ford Flex first appeared, the Blue Oval has revamped its lineup in ways that make the 2010 model quite different from its forebearer. First among the changes is the Blue Oval's EcoBoost engine, which packs 3.5 liters of displacement and a duo of turbochargers to produce V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Autoblog went to the Colorado hinterlands to spend some with with the Flex and its new powerplant, and as we found out, there's more to Ford's boxy crossover than boosted performance and fuel economy.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost delivers more than just a better engine

VIDEO: Remembering the Pontiac Aztek launch with C&D

For the past decade, the Pontiac Aztek has been the poster child for design execution gone wrong. The malformed 'ute was intended as one of the first crossover vehicles - part minivan and part SUV, with enough space to enable drivers to go further, and with more stuff. After all, the rear seats were removable, when the hatch was open, you had access to a kickin' boombox, and the center console was removable when you needed a cooler on the fly. Instead, the Aztek was the butt of quite a few jokes, and its plastic-clad ugliness became a microcosm of all that was wrong with the domestic auto industry.

When the Aztek came in 2001, though, the public (and the motoring media) wasn't exactly sure what the quirky little Pontiac actually was, as evidenced by this amusing eight-year old video shot and edited by Car and Driver. Hit the jump to view the five-minute flick, and rewind back in time to the starting point of one of Pontiac's biggest mistakes.

Continue reading VIDEO: Remembering the Pontiac Aztek launch with C&D

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.17.09

	Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed Lincoln's EcoBoosted MKS has the power to compete with the big boys of the luxury set, but can it deliver in the driving department?		PICS + VIDEO: Mansory Vincero costs $1 million... on top of the price of a Bugatti Veyron If simply adding a Bugatti Veyron to your arsenal isn't enough, Mansory will take it up a notch... or twelve... for an extra $1 million.
	VIDEO: Toyota iQ: Small Car, Font Jockey Ever think it would cool to make your own font out of skid marks? Neither had we, but the Toyota iQ is capable, with some help for Letmedesign and stunt driver Stef Vancampenhoudt.	Other news of import Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing order guide revealed; includes optional $10,000 paint! Spy Shots: Tony Stark snapped driving Audi R8 V10 Spider Rhys Millen attacks Pikes Peak in Hyundai Genesis Coupe Oops He Did It Again? NASCAR's Mayfield reportedly tests positive for meth twice Ford shows off 800-HP Fiesta rally car ahead of Pikes Peak attempt [w/VIDEO]

2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 priced, A5 2.0T starting at $36,000*

When Audi announced it would begin offering the A5 with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for the 2010 model year, we expected the manual-equipped entry-level model to be priced significantly lower than the current 3.2-liter, stick-shifted A5. Thankfully, Audi didn't disappoint. For $36,000* you'll be able to get behind the wheel of the A5 2.0T Quattro Coupe with a manual transmission in Premium trim, with the Premium Plus model commanding $39,500 and the Prestige variant priced at $44,300. Tack on an additional $1,200 onto each model's MSRP if you opt for the Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Depending on the trim, the 2010 Audi A4 2.0T is priced slightly higher, lower or the same as their corresponding 2009 models, although all new A4s include LED tail-lamps on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The 2010 Q5 3.2 FSI starts at $37,350* and can be had with all-new 20-inch five-spoke wheels, a choice of Fine Grain Ash or Natural Brown interior inlays and a new Luxury Package for the Prestige model that includes leather door armrests and IP, along with ventilated front seats swathed in Milano leather.

Although Audi hasn't priced the 2010 Audi S4, it has released an on-sale date for its 333-hp sedan: August. Expect pricing to follow in the coming weeks.

Make the jump for all the details and corresponding changes for the 2010 model year.

* Excludes $825 destination charge

Gallery: 2009 Audi A5

Continue reading 2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 priced, A5 2.0T starting at $36,000*

Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Would-be automakers Local Motors have announced that they are now taking reservations for their madcap Rally Fighter, purportedly the world's first vehicle designed by Internet committee ("crowdsourcing"). Penned by contest-winner Sangho Kim, the Rally Fighter looks unlike any other street vehicle we can recall, taking the off-road coupe aesthetic shown in offerings like the BMW X6M and putting it on a crash course through Baja, or a Bowler Nemesis on a budget.

Your spot in line for the high-powered four-seater can be secured with a refundable $99 deposit, which will get you a place in line. At some point in the future, you, a number-holder, will be contacted to lock in your build date with a $5,000 deposit against the estimated $50,000 build price. Then, if all goes well, the folks at Local Motors and you will sit down to design your own Rally Fighter, a vehicle that is promised to have 20-inches of suspension travel, be road legal, and achieve 36 miles-per-gallon on the highway (30 mpg off-road!).

In order to get the tube-framed, fiberglass-and-carbon bodied Rally Fighter to meet those goals, the off-roadster will feature the twin-turbo inline-six out of the BMW 335d, an engine that should get them the 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque without fiddling, though we can't imagine this is an inexpensive proposition.

This looks like a neat bit of kit, but we'll reserve a large dose of skepticism for the folks at Local Motors until we can learn more. In the meantime, check out the press release and a couple of videos of LM's crew making the initial order announcement and talking about the vehicle's construction, all of which is available after the jump. Hat tip to Mike!

Continue reading Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva takes off to honor 40th anniversary of moon landing

In an odd convergence of celebration and marketing, Chevrolet of Europe's natural gas conversion partner, Fahrmitgas, has created a Captiva-based special-edition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969.

The small, Rödermark, Germany-based LPG supplier has dubbed their limited-run Captiva the Moonlander, available with either a natural gas-powered 2.4-liter engine putting out 136 hp and driving the front wheels or a 3.2-liter V6 model with 230 hp and powering all four wheels.

Only 40 examples will be produced, each available in a "universe" white and "orbiter" black paint scheme, with decals of the names of the Apollo 11 crew members printed on the chromed rear side windows. Aside from the aforementioned LPG conversion, the Moonlander receives 20x8-inch ten-spoke wheels and 35mm drop in ride height courtesy of a set of sport springs. And for 21,500 euro, you not only get automatic climate control and an iPod, but a replica space suit and matching helmet. Like we said, odd. Full details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva

Continue reading Chevy "MOONLANDER" Captiva takes off to honor 40th anniversary of moon landing

BMW trademarks "Countryman" for Mini crossover name?

Thanks to a few eagle-eyed BMW fans with a handy penchant for tracking trademark filings, we may know the name of the upcoming and oft-spied Mini crossover: the Countryman. If this is indeed the case, the badge would go hand-in-hand with BMW's current naming convention for its Mini line, which includes the extended-length Clubman in addition to the standard Cooper and convertible. We're expecting the new CUV to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in production form as a 2011 model.

Interestingly, BMW also trademarked the name ActiveE, which some are speculating will be the moniker applied to the automaker's upcoming electric vehicles as it matches up quite nicely with BMW's present ActiveHybrid series. Last year, the German automaker reserved the name eDrive, and it seems the two labels could somehow be paired together as part of the company's Project I initiative.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Cadillac and Gadling partner for "Perfect Road Trip" Contest

If we could take a trip anywhere in the Continental U.S., we'd have to make a b-line for the mountains of Nevada. Or, we could hit Yosemite for some incredible scenery and all the sightseeing we could handle. There's plenty to do and see in these United States, and Cadillac and our sibling travel site Gadling are ready to take you there.

Gadling and Cadillac are partnering up to send you and a friend on the road trip of your dreams, and Cadillac is providing a spanking new SRX crossover to hit the road running. To enter the contest, all you need to do is head over to the Gadling contest post, write up your own dream vacation in the comments section by July 22 at 5 pm ET, and wait. Gadling will pick the five best travel ideas, and then give its readers the opportunity to vote for the best one. The winner will receive the SRX for two days, a pair of plane tickets to the destination of your choice (within the continental U.S.) plus money for hotels, food and other expenses. So far there aren't many that have filled in a comment, so the chances of victory are pretty darn good, especially if you have a killer idea for a road trip. Sounds like a very fun weekend.