Teased: 2013 Ford Escape configurator powers up, prices subject to change

Filed under: Car Buying , Crossover , Ford The configurator for the 2013 Ford Escape is live – or rather, a survey masquerading as a configurator. On the introductory page of small print, there are three crucial bits Ford wants you to know: that “the information on this site is for survey purposes only,” that “features and prices for the final 2013 Ford Escape will only become available when the vehicle goes on sale in 2012 and are subject to change,” and that “information on this site may change frequently, so don’t be surprised if things look different next time you visit.” Once you get past all that you can do a little bit of configurating, from the $22,470* base Escape to the $32,120* Titanium Escape with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and all-wheel drive. Checking all five options boxes, the biggest price tag we could come up with was $36,595*, which got us treats like a full-leather interior, navigation and Class II trailer tow. Many have made comments on the styling of the new Escape, but we won’t be surprised if we see quite a few of these on the road.

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Teased: 2013 Ford Escape configurator powers up, prices subject to change

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo It doesn’t take much time behind the wheel to appreciate VW’s spunky 2.0-liter turbo four. I didn’t spend much time in the Beetle Turbo but it doesn’t take much time behind the wheel to appreciate VW’s spunky 2.0-liter turbo four. The turbo spools up quickly — all 207 lb-ft of torque are available at an insanely low 1700 rpm — but progressively so acceleration is instantaneous but easily controllable.

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

Report: Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai

Filed under: Budget , Sedan , Plants/Manufacturing , Chrysler , Dodge , Hyundai Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has confirmed that the Korean automaker will supply Chrysler with transmissions for its new Dodge Dart , according to Car and Driver . While the two automakers may seem like odd dance partners, the tie-up makes plenty of sense. Both companies use engines born out of the now-defunct Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance with Mitsubishi . As a result, 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines found in the Dart share more than a few strands of DNA with the same displacement engines found under the hood of vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata

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Report: Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai

Official: Renault launches sleeker Scenic and Grand Scenic minivans

Filed under: Minivan/Van , Europe , Misc. Auto Shows , Renault There’s seldom anything particularly exciting or glamorous about a minivan. But that doesn’t mean their producers can’t keep trying.

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Official: Renault launches sleeker Scenic and Grand Scenic minivans

Confirmed: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show , Coupe , Volkswagen , Diesel Volkswagen has confirmed to Autoblog that the oil-burning 2013 Beetle TDI will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month. No specific details have been released at this time, but you can bet that the automaker’s slick 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four will be underhood. In the Golf , Jetta and Passat , the mill kicks out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and both six-speed manual and DSG transmissions will likely be available. This engine is already good for as high as 43 miles per gallon highway in the Passat (and we’ve routinely hit as high as 50 mpg in our long-term Jetta TDI ), so we expect exceptional fuel economy out of the diesel Bug, as well.

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Confirmed: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show

Video: Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV

Filed under: Aftermarket , Classics , Coupe , Performance , Japan , Technology , Toyota , Tokyo Auto Salon , Electric Saying the Toyota 2000GT holds a special place in our hearts is akin to calling oxygen and water kind of important to our survival. The long-nose two-door was envisioned as a suitable competitor to the likes of the European sports cars rolling out Italy and the UK at the time, and in many ways, the Toyota was far superior. Built at a time when Japan Inc.

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Video: Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV