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It's been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata

with the Flyin' Miata

crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish

in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan

, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger

the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump

for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles

, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

Continue reading MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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Everyone loved their first car. No matter how beat up or broken down, it was a taste of freedom and you loved it. Even though it lasted only for a brief time, that emotional connection is an experience that unites us all.

To help celebrate the launch of the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza, Subaru is collecting people's first car stories at a site called FirstCarStory.com, and bringing them to life with animation and music so they can share them with their friends. It's a way of recognizing the love people had for their first cars, while leading them to a love that can last; the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Subaru knows how important it is to have a car you can love, and with FirstCarStory.com, soon more people will be loving a Subaru than ever before.

Visit FirstCarStory.com

to animate and share your First Car Story

The all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza: Experience love that lasts.

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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The 2012 Kia Optima combines bold exterior styling, performance and a spacious, luxurious cabin. It also comes with a long list of technologically advanced features for your entertainment, convenience and safety. See how the Optima is not your average midsize sedan.

MPG and Horsepower. The Optima LX and EX have a 2.4L GDI4-cyl. engine that delivers class-leading² non-hybrid fuel economy of 24 city/35 hwy mpg³ and a standard 200 horsepower that's best-in-class³. The Optima SX has a turbocharged GDII4 engine that delivers class-leading² 274 horsepower and 22 city/34 hwy mpg².

Spaciousness. A spacious and luxurious cabin is designed to let five people travel in comfort. There's also plenty of cargo space thanks to a roomy trunk.

Advanced safety systems. All Optimas have a long list of standard safety features, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management.

Innovative technology. A voice-command navigation system with rear-camera display, and both air-cooled and heated front seats are available on select models.

Sleek styling. Sculpted bodywork features a contemporary design and enhanced aerodynamics, while unique grilles and alloy wheels help define each model. The Optima SX has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for fingertip control of the Sportmatic transmission. It also has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with black-colored calipers, HID headlights, LED tail-lights and a rear spoiler.

Active Eco System. Automatic transmission models have an Active Eco System. With a push of the Eco button, it adjusts the engine and transmission calibration to optimize fuel efficiency.

The Kia Optima is now available in turbo, hybrid and limited models.

Learn more about the new and improved Optima at Kia.com

*Optional features are not available in all trims.
²Class-leading MPG claim based on comparison of 2011 midsize sedans as of September 2011. 2011 EPA fuel economy estimates for LX 2.4L GDI(non-turbo) engine with manual transmission are 24 city/35 hwy mpg; for SX 2.0L turbo (shown), 22 city/34 hwy. Actual mileage may vary.
³Best-in-class claim based on comparison of 2011 midsize sedans as of September 2011. Max HP for LX GDInon-turbo engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; max HP for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)-the only GDInon-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA-is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm.

Inside the 2012 Kia Optima

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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Filed under: AB-Post

• Jump into the Soul and, with its 4-wheel disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), you can take on the road with confidence. Enjoy the new 138-hp 1.6L gdI engine that delivers up to 35 hwy mpgor Soul+ (plus)and Soul! (exclaim)models' 164-hp 2.0L mpI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.* An available Eco package* on select models includes Idle Stop & go (ISG)* to help maximize fuel efficiency. It automatically turns off the engine when you come to a complete stop and then seamlessly restarts the engine when you release the brake pedal.
• With the standard equipment you're looking for, the Soul and Soul+ (plus)are ready to roll. Both come with a greataudio system, air conditioning and power windows/locks. In addition, the Soul+ has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, advanced wireless technology, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry.
• The Soul models have distinctive front LED accent lights and LED taillights to stand apart from the rest. Simply put, there's no comparison to the Soul.
• Soul!(exclaim)takes style to a new level with its sand-black interior, houndstooth design of its seating, or the available leather seat trim with heated front seats. You get all the standard features found on the Soul+ along with larger 18-inch alloy wheels as well as other great features available on the Premium Package.
• Soul's active safety systems are engineered to help you avoid accidents, and its passive systems are designed to help minimize injuries when they are unavoidable. This means that front to back and top to bottom, Soul is engineered to help enhance everyone's well-being.
• Think of the Soul as your personal canvas. It's ready for custom touches. Unique colors inside and out for you to choose from. Plenty of optional accessories, like aluminum sill plates for the doors, all-weather floormats and bumper appliqué. For the finishing touch - a sunshade with the name Soul on it. It's your masterpiece.
• Tons of gear? No problem. Flip down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. And there's more. 1) While you can't see the hidden tray in the cargo floor, it's there.* 2) Check out the sunroof.* 3) Push-button start.* 4) Pulsating speaker lights.* 5) heated front seats.* 6) Dual-level glove box. 7) Cruise control.* 8) Voice-command navigation system and automatic climate control.* 9) USB/aux for your MP3.e pedal.

Click to learn more about the 2012 Kia Soul

.

*Optional equipment. Not all optional features are available on all trim levels.

The Soul. A new way to roll.®

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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The all-new 100% reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer is packed with technology. In addition to Explorer's innovative connectivity and navigation tools are several new driving technologies, including the available Terrain Management System[TM] (TMS). With a simple turn of the dial, this available Intelligent Four-Wheel-Drive System adjusts to the terrain to provide the necessary traction.

Whether you are driving on mud, rut, snow/gravel/grass or sand, Explorer has an available Terrain Management Systems[TM] setting to provide the traction you need. And you don't need to pull over to change your setting, because you can shift on the fly.

With technological advances like the Terrain Management System, the 2011 Explorer has reinvented the family road trip, making your life easier and leaving you free to enjoy the journey.

Visit www.ford.com/suvs/explorer to learn more

.

Explorer: Terrain Management System

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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What makes the 2011 Optima so different from its competitors? Not only is its exterior styling unparalleled, but its interior offers a wealth of luxurious and practical features that drivers don't expect to find in the mid-size sedan. We asked Ralph Tjoa, Kia's Manager, Car Product Planning to guide us through the finer details.

• "The sweeping panoramic sunroof adds to the styling. On the outside, it really stands out. But it also gives the interior space an open, light and free feeling, and adds to the feeling of roominess inside. In spite of its sleek profile, there's a ton of head and legroom."

• "People really love the heated and cooled front seats. The front seats take the cabin air and cool that down about six degrees. This is one of those features that once you try it, you cannot do without. We also offer heated rear seats."

• "One of the things we paid attention to with this car was to make sure the excitement of the exterior styling carries over to the inside -- this is a driver's car. One of the ways we accentuated that is by angling the center stack about ten degrees toward the driver so that all controls are within easy reach."

• "When you have leather seats, the dash comes wrapped in leatherette with French-seam stitching. It's just another small detail that really enhances the look of the interior."

• "We have a 7-inch navigation screen with backup camera. And soon we'll also give customers the option of the UVO Powered by Microsoft(R) system, which offers a ton of other options along with an on-board music library stored in the 1-GB hard drive."

• "On the SX you'll definitely notice the brightly lit electroluminescent gauges and paddle shifters. The paddle shifters enhance the visceral nature of the turbo, and it works seamlessly."

• "There's a nice feature on the Optima called the Active Eco System. There's an Eco button on the steering wheel which helps improve the real world efficiency."

• "The steering wheel is well laid out because you have Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel -- Bluetooth comes standard. You've also got trip computer functions, like average miles per gallon and current mileage; Active Eco System button; cruise control; the most useful audio system controls. This steering wheel gives your fingers easy access to everything you'd need while driving, so you can pay attention to what's down the road."

• "The heated steering wheel is a classic feature. Honestly, in colder climates everyone loves the heated steering wheel."

• "The Infinity(R) Premium Audio System is an eight-speaker setup with 530 watts of power. It also integrates SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, a USB/iPod connector and an auxiliary input. And when you get navigation, you also get three months of complimentary SIRIUS Traffic Service. That's a really nice feature for commuters."

• "The cooling glove box is standard, and feeds from the air conditioner to keep water bottles cool in the summer. The little touches make a big difference."

Learn more about the new and improved Optima at Kia.com

.

*Some features are not available on base models or may be optional equipment only. Features may be trim or option-package specific.

Inside the 2011 Optima

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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Of the several groundbreaking technologies on the all-new 100% reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer, perhaps the most revolutionary is the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine: weighing in at 290 horsepower and a best-in-class 25 highway mpg. This powerful yet fuel-efficient V6 features technology and Twin independent-Variable Camshaft Timing, which is engineer-speak for more precise, and efficient delivery of fuel to the engine.

The result: better mileage and more power. We're not talking a little bit better mileage - we're talking a best-in-class 25 highway mpg.

With the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer, the high fuel costs that once left so many adventures unexplored and so many roads less traveled are a thing of the past. At 25 miles per gallon, the only question is, "Where will you go?"


Visit www.ford.com/suvs/explorer to learn more

.

*EPA-estimated 17city/ 25 highway/20 combined mpg V6 FWD. Class is three-row Large Utilities, non hybrid

Explorer: Best-in-Class 25 mpg hwy*

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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When you're in the car it can be REALLY hard to ignore that $300 phone buzzing in your pocket. Which raises the question: how do you utilize all the cool stuff your mobile devices offer, without losing sight of the road?

Ford's SYNC^(R) voice-activation technology helps take the worry out of using your mobile devices while you're ... well, mobile. SYNC^(R)allows users easy access to their Bluetooth-enabled phones, MP3 players, and USB drives through an ever-growing bank of intuitive voice-activated commands. SYNC^(R)can read your text messages aloud, search your music, give you turn-by-turn directions, traffic alerts, and much more, all while you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Combine this with Ford's revolutionary MyFord Touch(R) system, and you've got a powerful combination of technology and convenience that keeps you connected to the road and the world around you. MyFord Touch(R) lets you access your music through Bluetooth-enabled devices, a USB thumb-drive, an SD card, or even a portable hard-drive. It offers navigation with 3-D maps and turn-by-turn directions for the most fuel-efficient routes. Just tell SYNC^(R) "I'm hungry" and you'll see directions and contact info for nearby restaurants. MyFord Touch(R) greatly enhances many of the features offered by SYNC^(R). For example, when partnered with MyFord Touch(R), not only can SYNC^(R) read you your incoming texts through your car speakers, but you can also use voice commands to choose from 15 preset responses displayed on screen, or use the touch screen to tap out a custom response.

MyFord Touch(R) also gives you two LCD screens, which lie directly in your line of sight on both sides of the speedometer, and are totally customizable to your preferences. Set them to display vehicle settings, climate control, navigation, fuel gauge, miles left until you run out of gas, and more. Using the steering wheel controls you can easily navigate these features without diverting your attention from the road.

Also, Ford recently released its Software Development Kit (SDK) to app developers so that they can modify existing smart phone applications for voice-activated control through SYNC^(R). For example, you could tell your favorite music-streaming app to go to the next track, just as you currently can with an MP3 player.

So go ahead, leave your phone in your pocket. With SYNC^(R)and MyFord Touch(R) you won't have to put your life on hold just because you're in the car. Now more than ever you can stay connected to everything the world has to offer and the roads that get you there - with SYNC^(R)and MyFord Touch(R).

Visit www.ford.com/suvs/explorer to learn more

.

SYNC Lets You Just Say No

originally appeared on Autoblog

on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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