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Justin Frauendienst

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2012 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan is gearing up for the Detroit Auto Show and two new concepts will grace the automaker's show stand, along with a Detroit-inspired food truck to keep the throngs satiated.

But more important than free hipster grub is the introduction of the Pathfinder Concept, which Nissan claims will inspire the next-generation utility vehicle's styling before the production model debuts later in 2012 and goes on sale towards the end of next year. Considering the current Pathfinder has been around since 2005 (with a facelift in 2008), it's due for a thorough overhaul. Persistent rumors have suggested that the next Pathfinder will eschew the body-on-frame architecture of the outgoing model in favor of a more car-like unibody.

Joining the Pathfinder Concept will be an all-electric van which we're assuming could be based on the NV series. Nissan says it's a concept that's suitable for both families and businesses, and continues its commitment to emissions-free motoring. Check the release after the break for the full details.

Continue reading Nissan confirms Pathfinder concept and more for Detroit

Nissan confirms Pathfinder concept and more for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Volkswagen opened its new Chattanooga factory, there were lots of questions about what else it was going to build there, since Passat volume wouldn't come close to soaking up the facility's 150,000-unit capacity. A three-row crossover was often mentioned as another model, with Automobile reporting that a possible 180,000-unit expansion could lead to Porsche, Audi and VW CUVs being built there.

Now Car and Driver reports that a three-row Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer fighter will be built, and it will "almost definitely" be assembled in Tennessee or Mexico. It might use the Passat's platform, the rumored engine is VW's 3.6-liter V6, and its MSRP is expected to strongly challenge those of its competitors (in the manner of the Jetta and Passat's newly competitive price strategies).

The same report claims that VW is working on a Tiguan more suited to American tastes, which probably means turning it into something more like a Jetta crossover than a Golf CUV. Last year, there were several reports that Volkswagen was considering moving both Golf and Tiguan production to North America, and a Stateside-leaning Tiguan might mean now is the right time to do so.

More details on three-row Volkswagen Tiguan for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan Rogue Around View

Those of us bumping around on the lower rungs of the socioeconomic ladder may still be waiting for wealth to trickle down from the Reagan years, but at least technology is becoming more accessible. Nissan has just announced that the lowly Rogue will be the first vehicle in its humble class to be available with the company's Around View monitor - a system that is typically found on high-end metal like the Infiniti QX56 and the BMW 7 Series. Using an array of small cameras positioned around the exterior of the vehicle, Around View provides the driver with composite video of the the vehicle's surroundings.

In our experience, the system is a huge help in tight parking areas as well as towing situations. Around View will be available on the 2012 Nissan Rogue SL, and the company is pitching the camera array as an alternative to self-park mechanisms on more expensive crossovers. We're not sure we'd go that far, but we are impressed that the tech has arrived on a more accessible model. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a video demonstration of the system in action.

Continue reading 2012 Nissan Rogue gains optional Around View Monitor [w/video]

2012 Nissan Rogue gains optional Around View Monitor [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Sonic | Stunts | Skydive 4 HD

Chevy Sonic | Stunts | Skydive 4 HD
Hear firsthand from the free-fall cinematographers behind the Chevy Sonic skydive. Then see more footage at LetsDoThis.com.
From:Chevrolet
Views:152
10ratings
Time:03:33More inAutos & Vehicles
Nissan Heisman House - Behind the Scenes: Director's chair
You don't mess with Marcus Allen's face.
From:nissanusa
Views:13
0ratings
Time:00:16More inAutos & Vehicles

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Andy Richter in the Chevrolet Sonic

Andy Richter is piloting a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic from Burbank, California to New York City as part of a stunt for Conan O'Brien's self-titled late night talk show. It's officially been one year since Team Coco found a home on TBS, and to celebrate, the entire Conan crew is packing up for a special performance at the Beacon Theater in the Big Apple. While the rest of the crew is turning to the miracle of commercial flight for the trip east - including O'Brien himself - Richter is saddling up in the newest compact from Chevrolet for a three-day road trip across the continent.

Hilarity is bound to ensue. The Team Coco site has been configured to allow viewers to follow along with Richter's big Sonic adventure, and the comedian will also be tweeting along the way to keep everyone abreast of his progress. Keep an eye out for tweets with the hashtag #orangebullet. In the meantime, hit the jump to see O'Brien sending Richter off yourself.

Continue reading Andy Richter on cross-country Chevy Sonic odyssey for Conan show

Andy Richter on cross-country Chevy Sonic odyssey for Conan show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car Barn Find

Just when we thought the heyday of pristine barn finds had all but dried up, cars like this one bubble to the surface. Back in 1978, Chevrolet celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Corvette by pacing the Indianapolis 500 and releasing a handful of special-edition pace car replicas to the public. Just 6,502 of the black and silver Corvette models were ever produced, and the vehicles sold out quickly. Sensing a potential future collectible, the original owner of this 1978 Chevrolet Corvette pace car bought the car and tucked it away in his garage.

In 1995, the owner sold his house and had the Corvette pace car transferred to a Detroit-area storage facility, where it was locked away for good under a pile of boxes. Now the car is being offered for sale through Corvette Mike New England. According to the site, the original tires still hold air, and surprisingly enough, the engine still runs. We had to wince a little when we heard that the seller decided to run the original half-tank of gasoline through the engine. Dropping the fuel tank and draining the system surely couldn't have been that hard.

Head over to Corvette Mike New England to see a full gallery of the car and click past the jump for quick walk-around video. There's no word on exactly how much this macho '70s machine will set you back, but we're guessing it won't be cheap.

Continue reading 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace car found with just 13 miles [w/video]

1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace car found with just 13 miles [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sonic | Stunts | Skydive 1

Sonic | Stunts | Skydive 1
On September 22nd, 2011, the Chevy Sonic went on its first adventure. Watch the action high above the Arizona desert.
From:Chevrolet
Views:318
33ratings
Time:01:04More inAutos & Vehicles

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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

According to Kicking Tires, Volkswagen has confirmed that it will debut two new production vehicles at the upcoming LA Auto Show. One of those is very likely to be the highly anticipated convertible version of VW's latest Beetle - LA is as fitting a place to unveil such a sun-worshiping machine as any.

The second production car is much more difficult to put a finger on. It's possible that Volkswagen will pull the covers off a new three-row crossover for the American market, as has been speculated, but Kicking Tires opines it's more likely a new variant of an existing model. Either way, we'll be on hand in LA to find out and bring you the news live.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible to debut in LA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Frontier: Hill Climb

Nissan Frontier: Hill Climb
With full-size horsepower and torque, the Nissan Frontier is the mid-size truck that acts like a full size, giving the driver the feeling they can tackle any obstacle.
From:nissanusa
Views:93
4ratings
Time:00:31More inAutos & Vehicles
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