Automotive

Audi not trying to become a green brand like Bmw

2009-12-09T06:49:00.001-08:00

Audi may fully intend to build as efficient vehicles as possible but it will not market itself as a green brand, as BMW has done.

Audi boss Rupert Stadler said that it will stick to its Vorsprung Durch Technik philosophy and will not have anything that is akin to BMW’s Efficient Dynamics marketing scheme. Stadler said that Audi is a “dynamic, sporty brand” that is not necessarily positioned as a green brand. However, he said that Audi will reduce car weight and will work on improving diesel and FSI technology as well as fuel consumption. He said that Audi will comply with regulations but that Audi is also an “emotional brand.”

Stadler said that Audi would only put an electric car on sale if it would be able to give the kind of performance Audi buyers have come to expect. However, he stopped short at announcing if the Audi E-tron will begin production by 2012.

Audi has set out to “improve performance of electric cars.” He explains that the company has put an emphasis on this because performance is part of its emotional appeal. In particular, Stadler pointed to the electric power giving Quattro more possibilities, such as powering the rear axle like in the A1 concept, or four wheels in motors like the E-tron.

One thing’s for sure, Stadler confirmed that Audi plans to be able to launch a production E-tron in small volumes at the end of 2012.

Nissan GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2009-12-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

Back in April, the Japanese tuner Tommy Kaira announced its tuning kit for the Nissan GT-R a.k.a. Godzilla but nobody heard anything since then until now… Tommy Kaira revealed the first renderings with its new kit for the GT-R and looking at the photos we must admit that it is one of the best looking kits for the GT-R.

The new kit includes a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, a new carbon fiber front lip spoiler, new side sills, a rear trunk spoiler and new carbon fiber air diffuser with integrated exhaust system. More details to be revealed!

Infiniti Essence Concept still has chances to be produced

2009-12-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

The response to Infiniti’s Essence Concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show has been nothing short of “phenomenal,” according to Infiniti exec Ben Poore who spoke to Motor Trend recently.

The elation wasn’t long-lasting however, since the audience at Geneva was told at the unveiling that the vehicle was only intended to be a concept. Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope since Infiniti has said that its stunning design will soon influence future vehicles. Poore had told Motor Trend that the concept, a twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupe capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower, is “only a show piece… for now.” We would be one of those who would be ecstatic to see a production car that will boast a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor.

The truth about Audi e-Tron’s 3319 lb-ft of torque

2009-12-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

There was a time when people can’t seem to contain themselves when talking about Audi’s e-Tron Concept. But now that its claim to have 3319 lb-ft of torque has been explored, the enthusiasm for the concept, which is currently on display at the 2009 L.A. Motor Show, has waned quite a bit.

At the recently held Frankfurt Auto Show, the electric sports car was applauded for its 3319 lb-ft of torque, which is roughly ten times what most other cars have. Now that the e-Tron makes its North American debut in L.A., the excitement has been lessened somewhat due to the discovery that the E-tron’s real torque output is much closer to 300 lb-ft than 3000 lb-ft.

Audi wasn’t exactly lying; it was that it had used a different way of measuring torque. Audi measures the e-Tron’s 3319 lb-ft of torque at the wheels while other firms report peak torque at the output shaft of a motor or engine. The difference between torque at the wheels and at the powerplant is typically about ten-fold due to the torque multiplication effect of transmission and final drive gears. Having said that, Audi hasn’t revealed how much torque the e-Tron actually produces from its four electric motors. The E-tron has 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 rubber.

The car is believed to have a top speed of 125 mph. Assuming that top speed is at the motors’ redline of 14,000 rpm, this would make it similar to the electric motor in the Tesla Roadster. From this, we can compare the rotational speed of the tires to that of the engine and then the gear ratio can be estimated. With a ratio of 13.2:1 for the e-Tron, the result is a total torque output at the motors of 252 lb-ft. This is still very impressive but far from the 3319 lb-ft boasted by the company. If you compare the E-tron to a Tesla Roadster that makes 273 lb-ft of torque with a V-8 R8 that produces 317 lb-ft, it really remains to be an awesome piece of work. An electric sports car that does 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds is quite an achievement. And it disappoints no one that the e-Tron is headed for production.

Spyker interested in Saab

2009-12-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. set a Dec. 31 deadline for itself to decide whether it will latch on to a bid for Saab or just shut it down. From now until the end of the month, GM will be considering numerous bids for the money-losing Swedish brand.

GM declined to reveal who the bidders were but it is speculated that Dutch super sports carmaker Spyker Cars NV and its Russian owner, Converse Bank, are among those that have submitted a bid to buy Saab. GM said that if it is unable to find a “suitable arrangement” for Saab by then, it “will begin an orderly wind down” of the business.

A source has revealed that Spyker had filed a written bid last Monday to purchase all of Saab from GM. The amount of the bid is undisclosed. Spyker reportedly finds Saab appealing due to its strong image.

The source said that Spyker considers GM’s plans, which include a new 9-4X crossover, to be “extremely viable.” Spyker is believed to be likely to benefit through shared technology and parts. Last Tuesday, the GM board met to discuss the fate of Saab after a deal with the Koenigsegg Group failed to prosper.

According to Bloomberg News, GM is also considering the sale of parts of Saab to Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. and closing the brand. A source said that in that scenario, Spyker would likely withdraw its bid since suppliers would leave and the dealerships would fall apart, letting customers lose confidence in the brand.

Nissan GT-R SpecV goes on sale in Europe

2009-12-06T10:41:00.001-08:00

Nissan isn’t giving potential buyers a lot of time to decide on whether they’d want to purchase the SpecV model, Nissan’s recently revised 2011 GT-R supercar. Only 40 examples of the car will be made for Europe, reflecting the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first Nissan to wear the GT-R badge.

In the UK, the SpecV has a price tag of £124,900 (based on 17.5% VAT and £405 RFL) which is converted to about €138,000. Nissan will only be accepting orders for the GT-R SpecV at Nissan High Performance Centres (NHPCs) across Europe until January 22, 2010, so there’s really no time to lose.

The SpecV model has a number of features worth mentioning. First, the car has various lightweight carbon-fiber parts, no rear seats, revised springs and fixed-rate dampers, carbon ceramic brake system from Brembo, a titanium exhaust system, bespoke Recaro carbon fiber bucket front seats and 20-inch Ray alloys with extra grippy tires.

The maximum horsepower output is unchanged but the engine’s performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which briefly increases boost of the twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. The upgrades to the SpecV resulted to a weight saving of 60kg or 132 lbs over the standard GT-R.

Capstone CMT 380

2009-12-06T10:40:00.001-08:00

One of the cars that stood out at the LA Auto Show was the Capstone CMT 380, a hybrid supercar with electric power from 96 lithium ion batteries and assistance from a 30 kw bio diesel powered micro turbine. Or what is essentially a jet engine. Designed by video game producer Richard Hilleman, the car is capable of an electronically limited 150mph top speed.

It is capable of accelerating to 60mph in 3.9 seconds. If in purely electric mode, it can go 80 miles but this extends to 500 miles when the turbine is brought into play. No figures are available for emissions but they are described to be “ultra-low.” Capstone is set to raise production next year, with 10 to 15 cars to be sold at £171,000, most likely in kit form. Potential UK customers shouldn’t be dismayed though since company boss Jim Crause considers it a simple process to convert the CMT 380 to a right-hand drive and eventually make it to the UK.

Dodge Viper receives its last limited editions

2009-12-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

As the Viper sports car will be phased out next year, Chrysler will soon be developing a replacement car that will appear sometime in 2012 with the supervision of Fiat’s Sergio Marchionne. In the meantime, we’ll have details of the last model year Viper to think about.

It will be an SRT version, which will have a limited run of only 500 units. But it’s not likely that any of these cars will look alike since Chrysler says that there will be at least 7,600 possible appearance combinations. Comprising the 500 units is an assortment of special, limited-edition models. One is the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition — a tribute to the car which set a new lap record last month at the Laguna Seca raceway – that will have 33 units.

Then there’s the Voodoo-edition Viper ACR with an all Black Clear Coat exterior and a Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in red that will only have 10 units. There isn’t much information known yet about the special editions but Chrysler said that it will reveal more as their release dates near. An 8.4l V-10 engine propels all the cars, allowing them to develop 600 hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. The car is then able to accelerate from zero to 60mph in 4 seconds and attain a top speed of 202mph. For improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds, Chrysler will add a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80).

To control the cars’ power, there will be a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch and a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission. The Vipers will still have the body styles that people have grown to expect – a Roadster and a Coupe. They will also come with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Two new colors — Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat – will be available for the exterior. There will also be a choice of six stripe options, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels.

Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition to debut at 2009 Amsterdam RAI

2009-12-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

Infiniti announced today that a special limited edition of the FX 37/ FX 50 called Millionaire. This new edition which will be produced in just 100 units, will be revealed on December 14 at the Amsterdam RAI.

Priced at €95.450, the new Infiniti FX 37/ FX 50 Millionaire Edition will feature a dark graphite finish, roof rails, grille and air intakes covered the same color while inside we will find a very elegant Alcantara trim with brown stitching, center console and various panels made of carbon fiber, a Connectiviti + satellite navigation with 10 GB of extra memory for storing music, a new Around View Monitor which allows the drivers to see around the car and a new Bose Sound System.

Toyota Prius pummels Honda Insight in the hybrid war

2009-12-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

At the marketing launch last March, the Honda Insight was being pushed to be “the hybrid for everyone.” Unfortunately, its sales since then belie this statement. The truth is that it has failed to capture a large part of the market. At the time of the launch, Steve Center, Honda vice president of advertising and public relations, had said that the company doesn’t only want a “sliver of the market.”

In what could be considered a dig at the Toyota Prius, Center said that the Insight was going to be a populist’s car and not an elitist’s car. However, Honda may want to step up its advertising since Honda’s initial 90,000-unit U.S. sales goal was revised to 60,000 because of the weak economy.

Since the March launch, sales of the Insight total just 17,530, for an annual sales rate of about 25,000, according to the Automotive News Data Center. After eight months, it can be concluded that the Insight badly trails the segment-leading Prius.

A bright spot though is that the Insight is selling better than other rival hybrids. To illustrate it more clearly, Honda is selling one Insight for every six Toyota Priuses. According to Compete Inc. and Edmunds.com, the Insight just isn’t getting the interest needed to hit its sales goals.

Honda spokeswoman Christina Ra said that the Insight was not intended to compete with Prius. Instead, it was meant to be a “gateway vehicle for young shoppers” who were hit the hardest in this recession.

Porsche slashes its dividend after posting a massive pretax loss

2009-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

After posting a huge pretax loss, Porsche Automobile Holding SE dramatically cut its dividend, marred by writedowns on stock options for heavily inflated Volkswagen shares. Porsche SE recorded a 4.4 billion euro ($6.60 billion) loss before tax. This confirmed a profit warning it issued just days before its 2008/09 fiscal year ended on July 31.

In the previous year, its cash-settled VW stock options gave Porsche windfall gains of 8.57 billion euros.

Porsche SE then submitted a proposal for a symbolic dividend of 0.05 euros per preferred share that it will distribute after taking 1 billion euros from earnings retained in the past to post a small 8.2 million euro net profit based on German accounting standards.

In a statement from Porsche SE, the main factor in the loss was a write-down on cash settlement options to VW shares.

Another factor influencing the result was the “hidden reserves and liabilities” recognized in the course of the purchase price allocation for the shareholding in VW.

Car manufacturing in Poland rose for the first time in 13 months

2009-11-30T10:23:00.000-08:00

In Poland, automobile manufacturing rose for the first time in 13 months in October. This is considered great news and many are hoping that this will continue especially since industrial output data has also dropped this year, according to car industry research agency Samar.

In a statement, the group said that October marks the first month this year that the output topped 80,000 cars. For the first time, production grew in year-on-year terms by 16.9 percent. Like most of Europe, car production in Poland dropped along with the decline in demand. Fiat S.p.A. and General Motors Co.’s Opel brand are among those with factories in the country.

Volkswagen’s vehicle deliveries up with 11.1% in October

2009-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen AG may have recorded strong results in October but it is now sternly warning investors against interpreting those figures to mean that the car industry will be headed for a lasting rebound. VW says that sustained recovery is still a long way yet and that 2010 is expected to be a difficult and challenging year, according to VW sales chief Detlef Wittig.

He had forecast in September that group volumes would stagnate at about 6.2 million vehicles both this year and in 2010.

In October, VW reported a double-digit growth in group sales due to the flurry of demand in China and Germany. Last month, VW delivered 557,300 vehicles across its eight car brands, representing an 11% improvement.

That gain pushed up cumulative sales for the first time in 2009. For the first ten months of 2009, VW’s volumes have been up 0.6 percent to 5.32 million. Due to high demand in China, Brazil and Germany, the core VW brand saw October deliveries rise 17 percent to 349,800 vehicles.

Czech subsidiary Skoda pushed its sales up by 33 percent to 65,600 cars last month, while VW’s money-losing Spanish brand Seat reported a slight gain of 1.9 percent to 29,600 units.

Vw Passat Highline Plus launched in the U.K.

2009-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Wolkswagen has added a new trim level to its Passat range called Highline Plus that has been loaded with numerous amazing features. As made obvious by its name, the Highline Plus builds on the current Highline model and is easily distinguishable by the chrome grille surround.

The Highline Plus offers all the features of the standard Passat Highline, including ABS and ESP, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. The model was equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and VW’s new RNS sat-nav system, which features a five-inch color screen. This new system, priced at £795, will soon be available as an option on other Passat models. The Highline Plus will be available with most Passat engines, from the 1.8 TSI 160 to 2.0-liter TSI 170, with or without Bluemotion. The Highline Plus costs £750 more than the standard Highline with prices starting at £20,515 for the 2.0-liter TDI 110 PS.

Mercedes-Benz may bring a small luxury car to the United States by 2012

2009-11-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Daimler AG will bring in a small luxury car to the US by 2012, CEO Dieter Zetsche has told The Wall Street Journal. The car will be pitted against the Audi A3 and BMW’s 1-Series and Mini Cooper. Zetsche said that the small Mercedes-Benz would offer upscale luxury features in a small package.

Mercedes-Benz plans to import at least one of four next-generation compact models it will start selling in Europe in late 2011. Zetsche said that while the company believes that customers want cars to show some statement, the “definition of luxury will be somewhat different” since it will have less CO2 emissions and have a more modest look.

GM still aims to receive state aid for Opel restructuring

2009-11-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. does a quick roundabout and takes back what GM’s chairman, Ed Whitacre, told Germany’s Muenchner Merkur newspaper about not needing state aid to help restructure GM’s Opel segment. Whitacre had told the German newspaper that he believes GM will not require money from the German federal government for Opel.

In no uncertain terms, Whitacre said, “If Mrs. Merkel doesn’t want to give us anything then we will pay for it ourselves.” After the publication of the interview, German Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle said that GM can cover the cost of restructuring by itself.

According to a report made through German public television station ZDF, Opel labor leader Klaus Franz called talk of GM not needing aid as “short-term propaganda.” He claims that Opel’s works council would not negotiate with GM until it had laid out a plan for the company for up to 2014.

What makes the topic politically charged is because German politicians feel betrayed by GM’s decision to keep control of Opel after having agreed last September to sell a majority stake to a consortium led by Canada’s Magna International Inc. Chancellor Angela Merkel had given her full support for the deal, which provides Magna billions to restructure Opel.

VW planning to buy Potamkin’s flagship store in Manhattan

2009-11-27T10:18:00.001-08:00

The Potamkin family has sold off its flagship dealership in Manhattan to the Volkswagen Group of America. The agreement, which was signed on Friday, will allow the conversion of the property into VW and Audi stores. VW confirmed plans to buy the 265,000-square-foot store at 11th Avenue and 56th Street from Potamkin Auto Group.

Currently, the building houses Potamkin GM, which has Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Hummer and Saab franchises. Brothers and co-owners, Robert and Alan Potamkin, said that they are moving the six franchises five blocks south on 11th Avenue into a smaller store that housed Potamkin Honda.

Potamkin reveals that a third of the $125 million that VW is set to spend will go to the renovation of the site. The Honda franchise has been sold to Giuffre Auto Group in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Giuffre owns Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi dealerships. Robert Potamkin disclosed that Potamkin GM sells about 1,500 new vehicles each year and its Honda store’s sales are about 3,000 units annually.

The reason why the brothers are selling the Honda franchise and moving the GM operations is because property is often worth more than an auto franchise in New York. The Volkswagen and Audi stores will be run by the Open Road Auto Group, which currently owns an Audi dealership in Manhattan as well as BMW, Mini, Nissan, Mazda, Acura and Volkswagen stores in New York and New Jersey.

Porsche posts a 4.4 billion euros loss after failed VW takeover bid

2009-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

A loss of 4.4 billion euros ($6.6 billion) before tax was recorded by Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Porsche AG’s parent company, in the year ending July 31. The year before, it earned 8.6 billion euros before tax. A statement from Porsche SE said that the loss is due to its failed attempt to take over the much larger Volkswagen AG.

The main factor in the loss was a write-down on cash settlement options to VW shares. Porsche said that another factor leading to the loss was the “hidden reserves and liabilities” identified in the course of the purchase price allocation for the shareholding in VW. When Porsche SE was preparing to buy a controlling stake in VW, it amassed more than 10 billion euros in net debt at a time when credit markets froze. Porsche was then required to refinance, forcing VW to extend it an emergency loan and resulting to the reverse takeover.

GM to open a number of new stores and help rejected dealers

2009-11-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. has been inviting rejected dealers to apply for new dealerships. However, it is a plan that a group of rejected dealers known as the Committee to Restore Dealer Rights has described as inadequate. GM spokesman Greg Martin said that the company is re-establishing select points in various markets around the country as part of the ongoing analysis of its dealer consolidation efforts.

Martin didn’t say which locations are being considered or when these new dealerships are expected to open. He also declined to say how many franchises would be awarded or of what criteria will apply. He did say that any dealer whose store is set to be closed can submit a proposal.

Martin said that this information was mentioned in a letter that GM sent to congressional leaders in September. According to the letter, GM will review all rejected dealer’s applications “in line with its normal business procedures.”

GM will also be selecting the proposal that is found to be the “best one for that particular market.” Tammy Darvish, a leader of the group of rejected dealers, confirmed that in the past few weeks, at least a dozen rejected dealers have received letters from GM inviting them to apply for new dealerships.

Toyota Prius continued to dominate hybrid sales

2009-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Toyota Prius may continue to beat the Honda Insight in terms of hybrid sales but Honda says that it still has much to be pleased about. Last October, the Prius was the top seller in Japan for the sixth straight month with sales of 26,918 units for its third-generation model.

The Insight sold only 7,074 units, putting it in ninth place. The Insight may have been the first hybrid to top Japan’s sales charts this April but currently, it is being outsold by the Fit (Jazz) too.

Having sold 15,444 units in October, the Fit got second place. Even with these odds, Honda says that it isn’t concerned about the Insight’s declining sales.

The sales target for the Insight is 5,000 units monthly, making Insight’s performance for October a good sign.

Another thing is that the Fit has still got much to prove and continues to be very competitive in terms of mpg, utility and pricing.

The Fit costs much less than an Insight. The bottom line is that Honda’s Insight is exceeding expectations and that isn’t bad at all.

Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport revealed

2009-11-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Superformance has formed a sub-brand, Duntov Motors, LLC, to develop a spot-on licensed replica of one of the most famous Corvette models of all time – the hardcore, race-spec 1963 Corvette Grand Sport. Superformance is famous for building replicas of vintage Shelby Cobras (including Pete Brock’s slippery Daytona coupe) and Ford GT40s.

Back in the 1960s, the original Grand Sport project was kept under wraps and was known only be a select few. Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus Duntov spearheaded the project in 1962 that resulted to five examples of a race-ready ‘Vette.

These were quietly designed and built by Chevrolet’s engineering staff. Duntov held hopes that the GS would evolve into a factory-backed racer (and even a homologation-special production car). But as soon as corporate directors knew of the program, they put a stop to it and sold the cars off to private race teams.

All the five cars are still around today but each is worth far too much to actively drive or race. Superformance views its Grand Sport, which closely adheres to the original car, as a continuation series.

Original blueprints for the car were obtained and the engineers crafted body molds from Grand Sport #002, which was converted into a roadster by Chevy engineers shortly before the program ended.

Baby SLS AMG in the works

2009-11-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

AMG’s next project is speculated to be a smaller V8 coupe intended to rival the Porsche 911. AMG has said that after it has launched the new Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing, it will be producing more stand-alone products. During the media launch of the SLS Gullwing Monterey, California, company executives informed reporters that it will soon broaden the AMG model line-up in the coming years. The next addition to the SLS range won’t arrive until at least five years from now.

The company executives said that at the moment, no official proposal has been submitted to AMG’s bosses at Mercedes. The SLS must first be able to prove the feasibility for bespoke machines. But they did admit that there have been talks about future projects, signifying that they’re leaning towards a more compact sports car built around a version of the SLS chassis. A rear-engined configuration has been taken out of the picture as it would not be in line with the AMG brand values.

A new-generation V8, which has between 5.8- and 6.2-litre capacity, is likely to be featured on the new baby SLS. The V8 features direct injection and cylinder cut-off technology. This means that only four cylinders will be used during smooth driving or when serious performance is not required. Actually, AMG is already developing this technology, which uses a hydraulic mechanism to close valves in the unused cylinders.

Energy losses are then minimized due to the ’spring’ rebound of compressed air in the cylinder. According to AMG’s product plan, the new engine with cut-off tech will appear in the next-generation SLS as well as the proposed smaller sibling, where its output might be reduced. The baby SLS is likely to retain the front/mid-engined layout of its big brother; however, it will have a shorter front end. This detail became possible because the SLS has a bonnet almost two meters long and an engine set well back towards the driver. This means that some empty space could be cut out at the front of the package.

Ford Taurus is the official vehicle of 2010 International CES

2009-11-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

If you’re in Las Vegas from Jan. 7-10, don’t fail to check out the new 2010 Ford Taurus that will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES show. The all-new Taurus is Ford’s technology flagship, which offers more user-friendly technology to help keep its passengers safe and connected than cars twice its price.

Frank Davis, executive director Product Development, said that “there’s no better venue to show it off than CES.” To deliver the opening keynote address at the 2010 CES show is FoMoCo’s CEO Alan Mulally. At the CES show, Ford will also announce upgrades to its Ford SYNC system. The 2010 Ford Taurus is available at dealerships nationwide with prices starting at $25,995.

Press release:

“The smartest full-size sedan in America, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®), to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.
Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, where Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company’s connected-car leadership position.

As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.

“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of the International CES. “We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the ‘Official Car of CES.’ We also look forward to hearing Ford’s Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7.”

As Davis notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES – the world’s largest consumer technology trade show for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.

“The Ford Taurus has 10 class-exclusive features not available from any other manufacturer,” said Davis. “This vehicle offers it all – from Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ that are designed to reduce fatigue on long-distance drives to a voice-activated navigation system that can tell you real-time traffic and weather information, and even where to find the cheapest gas.”

The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC – Traffic, Directions & Information – along with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC’s USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control – a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.

For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey, a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.”

McLaren’s plan to launch MP4-12C in the U.S. in mid-2011 still on course

2009-11-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

McLaren’s plan to launch the 200-mph MP4-12C supercar in the United States and Canada in mid-2011 is on track, says Tony Joseph, McLaren’s newly appointed regional director for North America. Joseph responded to rumors that the North American launch of the MP4 is being delayed, asserting that the story has no validity.

While Joseph admits that McLaren discussed the possibility of exhibiting at this December’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was decided to be too early for the launch plan.

He said that the first MP4s will reach North American customers by May or June 2011, which is about six months after the first cars roll out of McLaren’s U.K. factory. Joseph is presently based in temporary offices in the Soho district of New York.

He joined McLaren from Ferrari North America last June and is currently building up a team of 12 to 14 people to run McLaren’s factory-owned North American distribution operation.

The permanent site is said to be ready next year.

Joseph said that McLaren is near to finalizing its dealer network and will start signing contracts for the first dealers in the first quarter of 2010.

Honda not planning a Tata Nano rival for India

2009-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Honda Motor Co. says that it still faces “tough times” in many traditional markets and so it will focus on surging markets in China and India. However, Honda will not be creating an ultra low-cost car to compete with Tata Motor’s Nano.

Earlier this week, Chief executive Takanobu Ito said that the automaker was considering a new compact car for Asian markets and more specifically for India, where Honda’s first small car, the Jazz hatchback, was launched earlier this year. Ito spoke to reporters in the Indian capital and expressed that with regards to its own business plans, Honda is not expecting an immediate recovery in the traditional markets. In fact, General Motors Co. appears to also embrace this trend since it said earlier this week that its China vehicle sales in October more than doubled from a year earlier.. GM has had a string of monthly sales records since the start of 2009 due to Beijing’s stimulus policies.

Skoda starts manufacturing the 2010 Superb Estate

2009-11-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

Czech carmaker Skoda this week started building the 2010 Superb Combi at the Kvasiny production plant. Priced at CZK 589,900 (about US$34,600), the new mid-size station wagon is also referred to as Estate in some markets. The Superb Combi measures 4,838 mm long, 1,817 wide and 1,510 high.

It has a luggage compartment of 633 liters (1,865 liters with the rear seats folded down). In standard configuration, the car comes with a 1.4-liter TSI engine that develops 92 kW (123 horsepower) and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car is offered with several engine configurations, either gasoline or diesels, with outputs ranging from 125 hp to 170 hp. With regards to displacement, most of the units will be in the 1.4l range. Completing the lineup is the top of the line 3.6l V6 that develops 260 hp.

2009 Nissan 370Z by Advanced Performance Parts (APP)

2009-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

The tuning specialists at Advanced Performance Parts (APP Europe) truly love Japanese cars. The latest project of Landsberg-based APP Europe on the Nissan 370Z is inspiring.

After refining Nissan’s 350Z and GT-R models, APP Europe then turned its attention to the Nissan 370Z, which gets a striking three-piece 20-inch Oxigin Lexor wheels in black and white wrapped in tires with size 245/30 front and 275/30 rear. Also mounted is a stainless steel exhaust system from MR Car Design, which ensures the proper sound of the vehicle. Lowering the sporty car by 30mm was made possible with a KW option 3 coilover kit. It even provides better driving dynamics. The APP Europe Nissan 370Z is further equipped with a Stoptech High Performance brake system – 6 pistons with discs size 380×32 mm in the front and 4 pistons with disc size 355×32 mm in the back.

All-new Vw Touareg confirmed for the 2010 Detroit Auto Show… again!

2009-11-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

An all-new Volkswagen Touareg will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January (this was also confirmed by us back in August in this post). That the line-up will include a hybrid from the outset is a pleasant surprise. This petrol-electric Touareg is actually VW’s first production hybrid. It will be the first of several new hybrid and electric models that will be launched by VW in 2013.

Expect the new Touareg range, including the hybrid, to go on sale in the second half of 2010. Karl-Thomas Neumann, former Continental boss, has been brought in to lead VW’s electric propulsion development and will start next month.

The job, which was created especially for Neumann, requires him to report directly to CEO Martin Winterkorn. Neumann will be responsible for developing the Up, VW’s first all-electric car.

An electric e-Up Concept was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show but it is expected that it will be presented to the market by 2013.

Meanwhile, VW will start trials of 20 examples of its plug-in hybrid Golf Twin Drive in Berlin this January. The Twin Drive is the firm’s first plug-in and can run for more than 30 miles on electric power alone. The Twin Drive also has a 2.0-litre diesel engine, giving a combined power output of 172bhp.

Workers at Ford’s plant in Mo. voting on whether to authorize a strike or not

2009-11-20T09:06:00.001-08:00

Votes will be submitted on Nov. 13 and 14 by workers at a Ford Motor Co. plant in suburban Kansas City, Mo., to decide whether to authorize a strike. Despite the seriousness of this development, the head of the UAW local has expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved. Changes in work processes at the plant were what set off the dispute between Ford and UAW Local 249.

Ford said that those changes are simply part of an annual reworking that it does at every plant. The Kansas City plant manufactures F-150 pickup trucks and Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute crossovers. Jeff Wright, president of Local 249, refers to the voting as a formality.

Wright said that talks with Ford are ongoing that this is just one step in the process. Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans said the plant continues to operate normally.

Evans asserted that the carmaker is working jointly with the UAW at the national and local level to resolve the issues that have been raised by Local 249.

She explained that the taking of a strike authorization vote does not necessarily indicate that a work stoppage will result. She calls a strike as the last resort if a resolution can’t be reached.

Saab’s new owner will reject 81 of Saab’s 218 U.S. dealerships

2009-11-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Koenigsegg, the new owner of Saab, will be rejecting numerous Saab US dealerships, leaving only 137 of the 218 existing stores, according to General Motors Co. spokeswoman Ryndee Carney. GM sent out letters to the rejected dealers through Federal Express last Wednesday.

Swedish exclusive sportscar maker Koenigsegg selected the surviving stores based on the business plan and the needs of that plan. Also factoring into the decision were the dealerships’ profitability, throughput, and location. Koenigsegg will operate the brand through a new entity, Saab Cars North America Inc. Mike Colleran, COO of Saab Cars North America in Detroit, said that the target date to close the sale of Saab is Nov. 30, but that it could take until the end of 2009.

Detroit Auto Show will include a 37,000-square-foot exhibit for electric vehicles

2009-11-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

At the upcoming 2010 Detroit Auto Show that begins January 11, there will be a 37,000-square-foot exhibit devoted to electric vehicles. Organizers announced that the exhibit will be called Electric Avenue and will be located on the main floor of Detroit’s Cobo Center. On display will be about 20 vehicles from both conventional automakers and startup companies.

The presentation will illustrate “the long-term viability of the auto industry using a subject that is top of mind globally these days,” according to Doug Fox, chairman of the auto show.

The auto show will also reprise last year’s EcoXperience exhibit, which allowed attendees to drive a variety of electric vehicles around a landscaped quarter-mile track in Cobo’s basement.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. sponsors the exhibit.

The Electric Avenue is sponsored by Dow Chemical Co., which develops batteries for electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz to decide whether to shift some C-Class production to its U.S. factory

2009-11-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

To protect itself against currency swings, Daimler AG is considering an option to shift some of its C-Class passenger-car production to its factory in Vance, Ala.. At a media briefing held recently, Daimler AG said that it will announce its decision by January. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that a decision on expanding production for the new C class would have to be made in the near future.

The company would be making its decision based on currency rates and on whether the dollar will remain weak against the euro. The C-Class is the largest-selling Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the US and transferring production to its Alabama plant would shield Daimler from further currency swings.

Reports from Germany say Daimler estimates it will produce 80,000 C-Class cars each year in Alabama. A Daimler AG spokeswoman said that shifting the production to the US would require additional investment for the factory expansion and for new tooling.

The next-generation C class is expected in 2013. The Vance, Ala. factory rolls out the M-, GL- and R-Class models. For 2009, the plant has built 83,461 units so far. In 2008, it built a total of 152,500 units.

Mercedes-Benz USA and Hughes launch new ‘mbrace’ telematics service

2009-11-18T12:51:00.002-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Hughes Telematics to launch “mbrace,” a new system that has 18 various services, ranging from a vehicle locator for packed car parks to directions on how to order online. This telematics system is comparable to Ford’s Sync system and GM’s OnStar. Another mbrace feature that has many people thrilled is its ability to link up smart phones like iPhones and BlackBerrys to the car’s electronic interface.

Car owners could then be able to lock or unlock their cars remotely by using their phones. The other services the system offers are certainly as practical. If the car gets stolen or figures in an accident, there is an automatic emergency service notification.

Other services include a vehicle health check function that goes live to the nearest dealership and real-time weather and traffic reports. A concierge service gives the driver 24/7 access to a customer-service rep who will assist in making dinner reservations, book a hotel or order a flight.

All Mercedes-Benz models will offer the mbrace system as standard equipment except for the GLK, C-Class, SLK and the new E-Class Coupe, where it is being offered as an option. The service is free for the first six months, after which an annual subscription will cost $280. For the concierge service, an additional $20 per month is needed.

Subaru version of FT-86 will receive an AWD system and around 250 hp

2009-11-18T12:51:00.001-08:00

The collaboration has yet to issue final plans but here are several details on the powertrain and chassis of the Toyota FT-86 showcar, the joint Toyota-Subaru project that was built by Subaru. Inside Line has discovered a Subaru variant of this car that will arrive in 2011. It will share the Toyota FT-86’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4, but it’s likely that the output will be raised to about 250 horsepower.

On the other hand, Toyota’s car is speculated to have 200 horsepower. Subaru’s version is equipped with all-wheel drive, which means that it will be heavier and would require more power. Both cars will be outfitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Due to a stretched platform, Subaru’s car will be slightly larger than the Toyota. Pricing for the Subaru is expected to start from $30,000, which is about $5,000 higher than the Toyota. That’s because the Subaru is larger, has extra power, and has all-wheel drive.

This leads then to the conclusion that the two coupes are unlikely to directly compete with each other. Encroaching onto the market of the Subaru Impreza WRX also won’t be a problem.

Chevrolet Cruze

2009-11-18T12:48:00.001-08:00

The new Chevrolet Cruze will premier in the US at the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 2. The car has previously been launched in other global markets including Europe, Asia and Africa. US dealers will receive the latest model in the third quarter of 2010. Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet, said that the Cruze is “extremely gas friendly” with an expected fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon.

On the other hand, the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free. Dewar also stated that Chevrolet is focused on “forward-looking technologies” to benefit its customers.

This includes the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze and the Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The Cruze’s engine is a 1.4-liter turbo that provides good fuel economy, performance and driving fun.

In addition, the Cruze offers more interior and cargo space than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. In the US version, features will include Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a total of ten standard airbags.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG available to order starting November 16

2009-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

For those who liked the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG we have a big announcement: the new sports car from the German manufacturer will be available to order from Monday, 16 November 2009. The sales price will be 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). “Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday.

There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The car can also be configured online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

The new SLS AMG takes the Mercedes-Benz cars into a new era and demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order. Everything found beneath the stylish design is impressive: AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is made in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 317 km/h. Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral
dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

Opel will not be a global brand, says General Motors

2009-11-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. has its work cut out for it if it wants to get the support of the Germany government for Opel’s restructuring. CEO Fritz Henderson went to Opel’s headquarters last Monday to attempt to mend relations. Apparently, he wasn’t able to give a good answer to demands from German unions and political leaders for greater economy from Detroit’s headquarters.

Henderson was only able to give vague assurances that Detroit would give its European carmaker more freedom. Henderson didn’t show much enthusiasm in marketing Opels outside Europe or of elevating the unit’s status from a limited liability company to an incorporated stock company as proof that the carmaker would gain a greater measure of self-determination.

Instead, he pointed to the strategy for its Chevrolet brand in Brazil, where another GM brand is certainly not needed. At the news briefing, he referred to Opel as a regional brand, which he doesn’t think will be changing anytime soon. While he said that he’s not closing his door to ideas on selling Opel elsewhere, he explained that the measure of the Opel brand’s success will be Europe, ”because if you don’t win here all the discussion of exports will be irrelevant.”

To be able to ensure state aid, Berlin is further demanding that German funds are spent in Europe on Opel. The government also wants GM to provide a water-tight legal separation between it and Opel to avoid any suspicion that German cash is being leaked to Detroit.

Zenvo planning to launch three new supercars after its ST1

2009-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Following the ST1, Zenvo Automotive will be launching three new supercars. The first supercar of the Danish supercar manufacturer is the Corvette Z01 based-Zenvo ST1, which has an output of 1104bhp and costs 850,000 euros each. Only 15 units of this supercar will be made. In an interview with Autocar, a Zenvo source said that the company has set its sights on a smaller, cheaper version of the ST1.

The project is currently under extensive development and the supercar will be available within the next three years. Not a lot of details were revealed.

The source would only say that it has cost-saving features, including the removal of more expensive items such as the carbonfiber body panels, while the engine is likely to be detuned.

The source also confirmed that two new supercars, which will also be based on the ST1, are in development.

These models will not be launched before the more affordable ST1, but it is likely that they will be even more powerful and expensive than the ST1.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen raises its full-year outlook

2009-11-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

Because of the improvement in the car market and the success of its models such as the C4 Picasso, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has raised its full-year outlook. The company is revising its 2009 forecasts “significantly” upwards. In particular, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen now expects recurring operating income for the second half to be at breakeven while full-year free cash flow is anticipated to be positive.

Last July, the group had forecast cash flow to be negative in the second half and saw a full-year operating loss of 1 billion to 2 billion euros ($1.5 billion). PSA had a series of missed expectations the past few years and that had disappointed investors.

This led PSA to become reluctant in providing precise guidance for its results. Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S said that the average expectation for PSA’s full-year operating result is a loss of 1.146 billion euros after it posted a first-half loss of 1.33 billion.

The net loss is seen at 1.37 billion against a reported first-half figure of 962 million. Analyst Adam Jonas at Morgan Stanley observed that PSA had the “most conservative second half guidance of any European (carmaker) this year.”

Vw will build a new front-wheel drive platform to be used by up to 60 models

2009-11-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen is nearly done creating a brand new front-wheel drive platform to be used by up to 60 models from Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen by the middle of 2010. This new structure, which is known as MQB (modularen querbaukasten or modular transverse engine mount architecture), will replace the current PQ2, PQ3 and PQ4 platforms.

Wolfsburg insiders say that this move will help save Volkswagen and its various offshoots up to a billion euros per year by streamlining production and creating greater economies of scale. The MQB has these characteristics because it provides for a common distance between the front axle and the pedals regardless of the size of the car it is applied to.

VW’s head of R&D, Ulrich Hackenberg, claims this will help reduce the number of front-wheel drive ‘engine mounting architectures’ used by Volkswagen from 18 to just two. Watch out for this new platform design on the next Audi A3 due in 2011. All in all, this is an excellent move, since it allows for a much greater variance in track width, wheelbase and wheel size than with Volkswagen’s existing transverse engine platforms, while allowing for both front drive and four-wheel drive.

Hackenberg said that the platform makes it possible for them to produce models from different segments and in varying sizes using the same basic front-end architecture. He said that the platform makes it possible to go from a typical hatchback to a saloon, cabriolet and SUV with only detailed changes to the size of the wheel carriers. The platform is slated to be used on every model from the new Lupo all the way through to the next-generation Sharan.

GM posts $1.2 billion loss

2009-11-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co.’s third-quarter financial results revealed a $1.15 billion loss. GM said that due to reduced costs and stabilizing sales, the company would set out to begin repaying $6.7 billion in US loans. In a statement, CEO Fritz Henderson said that the results are evident of the solid foundation being built for the new GM but that there’s more work to be done.

The third quarter report shows a “managerial net loss” for the period from July 10, which is the day GM exited court protection, through Sept. 30. For the same period last year, GM recorded an operating loss of $4.2 billion and a net loss of $2.5 billion.

GM also revealed that revenue for third quarter rose to $28 billion, up $4.9 billion from the second quarter. GM explained that much of this increase was due to a global seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 67.8 million units in the quarter, up from 62.7 million in the second quarter. GM also pointed out that it will burn through additional cash in the fourth quarter.

Included in GM’s plans is a payout of $2.8 billion for Delphi’s bankruptcy settlement while $2 billion is set aside for “payment term adjustments,” $2.5 billion for loan repayment to the U.S., Canadian and German governments and $1 billion in restructuring costs. In addition, cash levels will be “materially lower than third-quarter levels of $42.6 billion.” The seasonally adjusted annual sales rate for total U.S. vehicles will be 10.7 million in the last three months of this year.

As influenced by the Cash-for-Clunkers program, GM’s adjusted demand averaged 11. 7 million units in the third quarter. Moreover, GM reported that annual light-vehicle sales are typically 200,000 to 300,000 below total vehicles and that fourth-quarter global demand will drop to a 65.4-million-unit annual rate. In 2010, global sales are expected to reach a total between 62 million and 65 million units. In the US, total-vehicle sales will hit 11 million to 12 million units.

Jaguar C-Type

2009-11-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Jaguar has plans to produce an all-new C-Type that will be positioned further upmarket and will cost between £45,000-£50,000. The new model, which will sit below the XK, will be designed to rival top-end performance cars such as Audi’s TT RS, the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG and Porsche’s Cayman. With a blend of pace, luxury and practicality, the C-Type will have a futuristic design, an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement.

The C-Type is likely to be available as a fixed-head coupé or a roadster. As you can see from these images, the C-Type will be a forward-looking design with an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement. With features such as the chrome mesh, sporty air intakes and a bold bonnet bulge, the car is sure to turn heads.

Adding to its good looks are the sculpted edges along the flanks, vast chrome alloys and pert but muscular tail complete with twin exhaust pipes. To complete the look, there is an electrically operated folding canvas roof to be stowed behind the occupants’ heads. The C-Type is as luxurious as it is practical. It has about the same size as Audi’s A5 and is bound to have a useful spacious boot. The images show only two seats but the final design is likely to have four.

Similar to the XK’s, the new C-Type’s chassis will be an aluminum monocoque with extruded body panels. This has an arrangement that may be lightweight but is highly strong and stiff, improving handling response. Powering the car is Jaguar’s latest 5.0-litre V8, producing 380bhp. Other possibilities include a twin-turbo diesel and an R version powered by the company’s supercharged 500bhp V8.

Lotus Evora

2009-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

Lotus announced today the arrival of the all-new 2010 Evora into the US market during the first quarter of 2010. With a price tag of $73,200, the Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in production. As you may know already, the Evora is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 which delivers 276 hp and lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. With these numbers the car can sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and has a top speed of over 160 mph while delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

“Inside the Evora simplicity meets sophistication in an exquisite combination of detailing and hand-built craftsmanship. By using only the finest leather from renowned experts Muirhead, the interior is hand-trimmed and twin-stitched to create a beautifully tactile and visually striking environment. Genuine aluminum instrument and center console surfaces contain ergonomically positioned controls providing a purposeful drivers’ cockpit.

The leather wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopically adjustable, flat-bottomed to ease entry and exit and made from ultra-lightweight magnesium to provide super-precise feel through the wheel. The adjustable Recaro seats cradle the occupants and, along with the perfectly placed aluminum pedals, complete the optimum connection between driver - Evora - and the road. The rear seat area is cleverly hidden within the exotic, mid-engine profile of the Evora. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod™ (and other MP3 player) connectivity, Bluetooth and other amenities make the journey all the more pleasant. The Evora is a pure sports car that you can happily, comfortably enjoy every day.

For peace of mind, the 2010 Lotus Evora has a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty with an 8-year chassis perforation warranty. ”

Arash planning to take on the Bugatti Veyron supercar

2009-11-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

According to a report from Autocar, British manufacturer Arash is currently working on a 1200 hp supercar to take on the Bugatti Veyron. The new car will be based on the AF-10, will share the same carbonfibre chassis built by EPM Technology but instead 550 hp engine the new car, which is yet to be named, will the receive an impressive 7.2-litre V8 engine fitted with with twin superchargers, titanium conrods and forged pistons capable to develop 900 to 1000lb ft of torque. The braking system will use carbon ceramic discs delivered by AP Racing but the car will also feature an ABS system as well as traction control systems for better handling. Regarding the design, Arash Farboud (the creator of the Arash supercar) said that the new car will look different to the AF-10 and will come with pop-up air brake and active aerodynamics, just like its target, the Veyron. The top speed achieved is expected to be at least 250 mph (402 km/h).

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS based on Bmw M5

2009-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

LUMMA Design in cooperation with G-Power took a BMW M5 model and turned it into a “unique, extreme, and spectacular” super sports limousine. The LUMMA Design CLR 730 RS is clearly associated with racing and is riveting with its stylish exterior and awe-inspiring performance. The car is able to produce 730 hp and 700 Nm of torque from its G-Power’s V10 bi-compressor engine.

Aerodynamics play a huge role in the car’s capability of getting a top speed of 367,4 km/h and of going from 0 to 100 km/h sprint in only 4.2 seconds. The LUMMA CLR 730 RS has a wide bodykit that consists of ultra light compact carbon components, including a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders.

The car has a special sport suspension that lowers the vehicle 45 mm closer to the ground and allows multiple adjustments on both axles. A set of three-piece LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21” with tires size 255/30-21 on the front, and 12Jx21 with tires size 295/25-21 on the rear axle make the car more agile as well add to its style.

In addition, the car is equipped with a stainless steel LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes, and a 405 mm (380 mm), 6-pistons (rear axle 4-pistons) brake system. Pure racing style is the theme for the interior. The upgraded cockpit features a bicolor complete leather interior in red/white, carbon beautified elements and Ultra suede improvements.

Honda looking to make hybrid cars more affordable

2009-11-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Honda is set on giving the Australian market an affordable hybrid. The launch of the Insight hybrid in Australia follows Japan, Europe and North America but Honda continues to find ways to make the hybrid more attractive and more affordable for Aussie buyers, company representatives told Drive.

Honda Australia aims to sell the Insight with a price tag of around AU$30,000. Honda Australia boss Lindsey Smalley said that if the Australian dollar is still going strongly this time next year, the company will pass that saving on to the consumer.

A comparison with Prius was pointed out but Honda said that it didn’t want to enter that type of pricing territory and that it shouldn’t even be considered a competitor.

Honda America’s environmental spokesman, Todd Mittleman, said that its key points are that it is affordable and fun to drive. He said that while the original Insight was “the ultimate hyper-miler,” this new Insight balances function with driving fun and low price point.

Vw Golf GTI wins the ‘Automobile of the Year’ award

2009-11-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen of America announced today that its sixth generation GTI has been named the 2010 Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year. This would be the second time in its history when the GTI wins this prestigious award.

For those who don’t know, the Vw Golf GTI was first introduced in the United States back in 1983 and this vehicle drew admiration for its combination of sporty performance and practicality. The 2010 GTI comes with the highly acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged four-cylinder engine capable to deliver an impressive 200 hp and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. This model is offered with an automated manual DSG transmission that utilizes direct shifting but also with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph while the fuel consumption achieved is 32/24 highway/city when equipped with the DSG transmission. The 2010 GTI pricing starts at $23,490!

“At a time when the world’s economy is in shambles and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are on everyone’s minds, there remains only one car that ticks all the enthusiast boxes without setting off a single wretched-excess alarm. That’s the Volkswagen GTI, and that’s why it is, once again, Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year,” said Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor, Automobile Magazine.

“Having our GTI named AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s Automobile of the Year once again is a tremendous honor for our brand,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled that the staff of AUTOMOBILE Magazine acknowledged that today’s sport’s car consumers are looking beyond horsepower and going fast, rather they are looking for vehicles that are practical, fuel efficient, and fast. The GTI truly embodies what the Volkswagen brand is all about–affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive German Engineering,” Barnes added.

Jaguar announces the launch of its R Performance Academy

2009-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Lucky buyers of a 2010 Jaguar XKR or XFR will get the chance to drive the fastest Jaguars at a race track with a topnotch driving instructor. The R Performance Academy was launched earlier in the week and will begin December 1, with a session at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

The circuit stretches 2.21 miles and features 14 turns to challenge to even the most experienced racers. A full day of driving is in store for the participants who will get to experience multiple types of driving, from maximum acceleration to braking to emergency lane changes. There is a special autocross event and there are lessons for driving without stability and traction control to those who dare.

The academy is intended to help drivers explore the capabilities of these special automobiles and to develop the skills and techniques needed to safely experience their high-performance dynamics. Both the XFR and XKR are powered by a supercharged V-8 engine generating 510 horsepower. The XFR is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds while the XKR can do so in 4.6 seconds. After the initial Homestead Miami Speedway session, the Jaguar R Performance Academy will then be hosting events at a quarterly basis at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, among others.

Nissan launches revised version of its GT-R sports car

2009-11-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Nissan launched its latest GT-R sports car for Europe, boasting improved handling, ride comfort, and compliance with Euro V rules. All the modifications are internal, except for the double coat of clear paint on the bumpers for a deeper color finish.

While styling has been, for the most part, unchanged, the car’s front spring and damper rates have been adjusted and the stiffness of the suspension radius rod bushings has been increased. The purpose of these changes is to offer improved feel and responsiveness during cornering. The logic in the gearbox has been modified to provide a later downshift from sixth to fifth when being driven in automatic mode. However, a more aggressive downshift is adopted when changing down from fourth to third and from third to second gear.

For additional cooling to the exhaust and gearbox, two additional cooling ducts have been added to the carbonfiber underfloor diffuser. The front transmission mount has also been stiffened, reducing vibration under high-load conditions. For improved stability under dry-weather braking, the brake bias has been shifted rearwards.

Moreover, a modified air deflector increases rear brake cooling. CO2 emissions have dropped 3g/km to 295g/km as a result of these changes. A major achievement is that GT-R’s 3.8-litre V6 engine is now Euro V compliant. For its interior, the only changes are new rear seat insulation for more comfort and the speedometer and rev counter now have gun metallic finish surrounds.

Zenvo ST1: official details and specs

2009-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Who doesn’t dream of driving a “trackworthy supercar that would be also suitable for everyday use”? With that exact goal in mind, Zenvo Automotive started development of the prototype version of the Zenvo ST1 in 2004. The Zenvo ST1, a Danish supercar whose V8 engine produces more than 1100bhp, will be built in Denmark starting later this year.

Many of its components will come from local suppliers in Denmark and all R&D and design took place in the country. Based on a Corvette Z06, the ST1 is powered by the 7.0-liter V8 engine from the American muscle car, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The supercharged and turbocharged unit has been tuned to produce 1104bhp and 1055lb ft of torque.

The carmaker claims an electronically limited top speed of 233mph and an acceleration time from zero to 62mph of 3.0sec. It weighs only 1376kg due to the use of a lightweight steel spaceframe, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 802bhp per ton. Lightweight carbonfiber panels make up the bodywork.

The ST1 rides on 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear, with specially designed Michelin tires. It has double-wishbone suspension all round, with adjustable anti-roll bars and three-way adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers.

Zenvo has included a range of creature comforts, including climate control, sat-nav, a head-up display and cruise control. Information on fuel economy or CO2 emission figures have yet to be released. No pricing has been confirmed as well. It’s not like it’s up for public consumption anyway since only 15 units will be produced for “specially approved customers.”

Schumacher’s title-winning Benetton Formula One car for sale on eBay

2009-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Remember that title-winning Benetton Formula One car driven by Michael Schumacher in 1994? Well, it’s for sale on eBay. To recall, Schumacher drove the Ford Cosworth-powered car to his first of seven world titles. The seller, who is from Toronto, has advertised the car on the German eBay site.

The car is described to be in racing condition and is being sold with several spare parts, including two extra sets of wheels and tires, and its data laptop, to monitor the fluid levels and temperatures.

The bodywork and livery are identical to what they were during the 1994 season. If you’re wondering about the damage Schumacher sustained in the 1994 season finale when it crashed into Damon Hill in Adelaide, worry no more as it has been fixed.

The collision forced Hill to retire and allowed Schumacher to maintain his one-point advantage and clinch his first world championship.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT to make its debut at the LA

2009-11-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi will unveil its new 2010 Outlander GT at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Images of the SUV have recently been released however, the technical details are still undisclosed. There are two engine choices including a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 167-hp mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional CVT automatic with Sports Mode sequential style shift. Powering the top-of-the-line model is a 3.0L V6 that outputs 226-hp and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode sequential style shift change and INVECS Smart Logic.

Mercedes-Benz expects year-on-year U.S. sales growth

2009-11-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

In the next few months, Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz premium auto unit expects year-on-year U.S. sales growth. In the next year, the company recognizes its potential to increase its US market share, according to an interview with US CEO Ernst Lieb. Mercedes had a 20% drop in its US sales so far this year.

However, it posted a 21.3% rise in US sales in October, its best month of the year to date. It should be noted that the results from Mercedes followed the industry’s best monthly performance of 2009 outside of months helped by the US government cash for clunkers incentives program.

US auto industry sales achieved a 10.46 million unit annualized rate in October, the best monthly performance of the year outside of “clunkers” fueled July and August results.

Lieb also said the industrywide sales atmosphere seems to be improving but he declined to say that the US market has turned a corner since it still is too early to make the call.

At most, he’d say that it’s “maybe some stabilization.” He said that the market has become a “little bit more predictable” at least from a dealer perspective. He added that people are “a little bit more willing to look at a new car and spending money.”

Lotus green lights the replacement for the Esprit

2009-11-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Lotus is believed to have approved a proposal to build a replacement for the Esprit, a model that is slated to have an essential role in boosting the Hethel firm’s brand image. Gradually, reports are coming out about the key elements to the Lotus strategy weeks before new CEO Danny Bahr is scheduled to announce his seven-year plan for the company.

According to the Lotus source, the new supercar would be an “essential brand image builder” and a “high-status purchase.” The car is referred to as Esprit internally, but it’s possible that it would be given a different name.

Lotus is aiming for a power-to-weight ratio of 275-325bhp per ton for its new flagship. This is comparable to an Audi R8 V10 that has 319bhp per ton. The source further revealed that included in the plans is a three-tier line-up, with the four-cylinder Exige, Elise and Europa grouped together and the bigger V6 Evora in the other.

Talking about the Esprit-like car, the source said, “It will be the ultimate expression of the brand.” With regards to another aspect of its business plan, Lotus has been offering the Evora platform technology to other companies.

The Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) can be adapted to build almost any type of vehicle, from a sports car to an SUV. As proof of VVA’s flexibility, Lotus gave an illustration of the Evora platform with an electric powertrain. However, the source asserted that the company would not be building an electric car.

2010 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S by Techart

2009-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Techart unveiled today its latest tuning program for the latest Porsche 911 Carrera S/4S which promises to combine perfect styling, sportiness and dynamism.

According to the German tuning company, the new kit includes a new ECU software as well as a new “Racing” flap-controlled exhaust system which comes with two stainless steel racing headers, a sports catalytic converter, rear muffler with exhaust flap, an exhaust flap control unit and twin oval tailpipes in high-gloss or black chrome.

Altogether the new performance kit delivers a clearly noticeable increase in power output of 35 hp – in the upper engine speed range. Also, the car receives the TUV-certified Aerokit I which consists of a front spoiler, new sides skirts, a roof spoiler and three versions of rear wings which permit precision aerodynamic tuning on the rear axle. Back pressure air vents have also been integrated into the variable rear wing IV along with an additionally adjustable spoiler lip (gurney flap) while the dynamic character is also emphasized by decorative trims for the exterior mirrors – made from carbon fiber painted in the requested color, decorative headlamp surrounds, a low swung rear diffuser plus the new sports exhaust systems.

Regarding the suspension, Techart installed its VARIO coilover suspension in addition to a set of new sports springs. The aerodynamic kit is completed by the light alloy TECHART Formula III forged wheels available in a twin-spoke design in a 19 and 20 inch format. The Porsche 911 Carrera S/4S received a new nose lift system is also available for negotiating curbsides and other ramps (according to the manufacturer is possible to raise the automobile by up to 60 mm – even when driving at up to 60 km/h).Inside we find a plethora of different leather interiors, new color-coordinated three-spoke airbag sports steering wheels, aluminum pedals and trim strips.

A plethora of different leather interiors, color-coordinated three-spoke airbag sports steering wheels, aluminum pedals and trim strips are just a few of the interior options available. Thanks to the TECHART craftsmanship, virtually no bounds are set when it comes to realizing a customized design. The silver-colored accentuating details are applied, for instance, to the dashboard and decorative door panels, to the trim around the infotainment system, in the center console, seat backrests and coat hooks.

Ferrari planning to use turbocharging in future engines

2009-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

According to the latest reports from Autocar, it appears that Ferrari is currently planning to improve its engines by adding turbochargers. Of course, there are some problems according to engine developer Jean-Jacques His and the biggest one would ne the turbo lag.

Jean-Jacques His said that a delay of any sort before the power arrives is unacceptable for a Ferrari engine.

Previously, the Italian manufacturer tried to install turbochargers to an F430’s V8 engine but this did not delivered the expected results.

“Turbocharging will come eventually, but we need to solve the issue of turbo lag,” he said.

Former Continental CEO Neumann joins Vw as electric car guru

2009-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Former Continental AG CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann will be returning to Volkswagen AG as the group chief officer responsible for electric vehicles. The 48-year-old Neumann will be stepping into this newly created role that will have him report to VW CEO Martin Winterkorn. He starts his new job on December 1.

Last August, Neumann left Continental after a power struggle with controlling shareholder Schaeffler Group. It was in 2004 that Neumann joined Continental from VW and was named CEO of the Hanover-based supplier in August 2008.

Before taking the top job, Neumann had served as the supplier’s chief technology officer where he played a key role in the opening of Continental’s lithium-ion battery production plant in Nuremberg, Germany. Neumann worked at VW from 1999-2004.

He headed electronics research and electronics strategy and later assumed responsibility for electronics at the VW passenger car brand. Neumann has a doctorate in electrical engineering from the universities of Dortmund and Duisburg.

Arash AF-10 Supercar: full details, specs and price

2009-11-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

Another supercar is now set for production – the Arash AF-10 — a creation of Arash Farboud. This £320,000 British supercar is claimed to have a top speed of 220mph. Initially, the car will be fitted with a 7.0-liter V8 engine found in the Corvette Z06, tuned to 550bhp. For a more extreme version, the car is given a bespoke 1200bhp 7.2-litre V8.

Power will be channeled through a six-speed Graziano gearbox but another option would be the six-speed sequential gearbox found in the Zonda F.

The carbonfiber chassis is being built by EPM Technology, which is the company responsible for the Force India F1 car chassis. Keeping the AF-10 on the road is a triple rear diffuser and separate front wing inspired by the Yamaha OX99-11 supercar. Since weight is kept down to a low 1260kg, the car is able to get to 60mph in less than four seconds.

The car is quite pricey since very few parts on the AF-10 will come from other cars. The wheels will be 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at rear, with double-wishbones all round. Loris Bicocchi, who helped fine-tune the Bugatti Veyron, is carrying out the chassis work, which is due to start immediately.

You may recognize the creator Arash Farboud as the one who built the Farboud GTS that is now the Farbio.

2011 Buick Regal breaks cover

2009-11-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

Buick intends to capitalize on its performance history from over a generation ago in order to push sales for the 2011 Regal. This model is a front-drive sedan that is German-assembled and is essentially a rebadged five-passenger Opel Insignia. Sales in the US will begin in the second quarter of 2010. The Regal name was associated with several high-performance models in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.

Craig Bierley, the brand’s director of product and marketing, said that the Regal would be what could be considered a performance Buick in the last 30 years. There had been variations but Bierley says that whether it’s a Grand National, a GS, a GNX, it was always its performance brand. The car started production a year ago but already, the Opel version has been given multiple awards including the coveted European Car of the Year. To distinguish the Regal from the Insignia, there are minor cosmetic changes to look out for — Buick’s waterfall grille, the design of the front headlights and some interior trim.

These developments are actually all in line with Buick’s goal to rejuvenate the brand and attract younger buyers. After the Enclave crossover came the LaCrosse sedan. The Buick said that it holds the distinction for attracting buyers who are 70 years on the average. The Regal however, is targeting buyers in their 40s and 50s. Essentially, these potential sets of buyers are those who would be interested in the Acura TSX, Audi A4 and Volvo S60. Bierley said that the Regal, with its performance credentials and capacity to change perceptions, are just a few reasons why it is of value to Buick. To be highlighted by Buick is Regal’s European-tuned chassis and an optional turbocharged engine and driver-selectable suspension system.

The system has three suspension modes: normal, sport and touring. The four dampers are electronically controlled and adjust to road conditions within milliseconds. In addition, the system modifies the throttle response, shift pattern and steering effort for each mode. Two engines are available. Buyers may opt for a turbocharged, 220-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can generate 258 pounds-feet of torque. But this engine will only be available in the third quarter of 2010. Fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 29 highway.

On the other hand, the base engine is a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an estimated 172 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg city and 30 highway. For both engines, a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. A V-6 will not be offered. The Regal will be priced and positioned below the LaCrosse, Buick’s flagship sedan. Sad news for Lucerne fans since the model will be discontinued, possibly as early as 2010 or 2011.

GM to release its first earnings statement since emerging from bankruptcy

2009-11-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

All eyes will be on General Motors Co. on Nov. 16 as it releases its first earnings statement since it emerged from bankruptcy on July 10. GM spent exactly 39 days in federal bankruptcy protection. GM has been operating on $50 billion in government loans.

At the press briefing on Nov. 5, CEO Fritz Henderson said GM was on track to out perform the targets it had set in its viability plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury in April.

Henderson didn’t give out any specific information but on a positive note, he did say that the situation is more stable than what the outlook was even just two months ago. The third-quarter financial statement will reflect the cash derived from the Cash-for-Clunkers program.

Before filing for U.S. bankruptcy protection in June, GM presented a viability plan to the government. The plan had assumed GM would have a 19.5% US share in 2009, with that share stabilizing in the 18.4 to 18.9 percent range in the succeeding years.

GM’s announcement of its third-quarter earnings will be made at 7 a.m. eastern time on Nov. 16.

Ford of Europe’s new-car sales fell by just under 1% in October

2009-11-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Ford of Europe reported a 1% drop in new-car sales in October but had a 13% sales increase across its main 19 European markets, which benefited from scrappage schemes. In addition, Ford held an 8..8% market share in the 19 main European markets – its highest for the month since 1997.

Incidentally, last month is Ford’s strongest October in those markets for 12 years. It’s believed that sales of the Fiesta and Ka models helped.

Ingvar Sviggum, Ford of Europe’s head of marketing, sales and service, said that it is now the “clear No. 2 best-selling brand in the European auto industry.”

When it comes to unit sales, Volkswagen is Europe’s top brand. Sviggum said Ford is raising higher-margin sales to private customers, compared with sales to businesses.

Looking at the figures in October, 64% of Ford’s car sales were to retail customers, compared to 48% in October 2008. Sviggum added that in October, 80% of Fiesta, 75% of Ka and 70% of Kuga sales were to retail customers.

GM should pay to fix Opel, says German economy minister

2009-11-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

It doesn’t appear likely that General Motors Co. will be given state aid by the German government to restructure Opel. Last Wednesday, Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle confirmed that a meeting had taken place with several GM executives who were armed with an apology about their failure to communicate with regards to the decision to back out of selling Opel to Magna International and its partner Sberbank.

The meeting was attended by Nick Reilly, interim head of GM’s European business, and John Smith, GM’s lead restructuring executive for Opel.

The GM executives expressed that it requires 3.3 billion euros ($4.9 billion) for its plans to fix Opel, which has half of its 50,000 employees in Germany.

Bruederle told the GM executives that he expects GM will “basically carry out the financing itself.”

GM executives said they would announce their restructuring plan for Opel soon.

Bmw will invest $735 million in China

2009-11-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

Major automakers are relying on China to raise their sales and avoid going under due to the global financial crisis. In fact, BMW AG and its partner, Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd., will invest $735 million to expand their production capacity, from an annual figure of 30,000 units to 75,000 units.

BMW said further in its statement that the total long-term investment by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., the country’s eighth-largest automaker, is estimated to eventually exceed 5 billion yuan. With this investment, the partnership will be expanding an existing plant in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang that already produces the BMW 3- and 5-Series sedans.

BMW and Brilliance will have a second plant, which will begin construction in 2010. Qi Yumin, the chairman of Brilliance Group, said that this plant will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Speaking to reporters, Friedrich Eichiner, a board member of the BMW Group, said that China is a “global driver of growth in the automotive market.”

In addition, Eichiner says that China will play a major role in the development of future technologies. Looking at the past year, it’s clear that china had been the “bright spot” for the global car market largely due to government incentives, including huge cuts in sales taxes on small cars, which are set to expire by the end of the year.

Geely plans to launch up to three new luxury Volvo models

2009-11-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

Within only four years of having taken over Volvo from Ford, Geely plans to launch up to three new luxury models, according to company sources. The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is Ford’s preferred bidder for Volvo, told the Wall Street Journal that the firm would sell two or three bigger, more luxurious cars within the next four years to boost global sales.

Under Geely’s restructuring plan for Volvo, the target is to achieve global sales of more than one million units per year. Currently, Volvo’s sales are around 400,000 units per year, but Geely plans to more than double this number within five years.

To do so, Geely plans to build a new plant in China with the capability of producing 300,000 units per year. Geely predicts that Volvo could sell up to 200,000 units per year in China.

Last year, it sold 12,600 units. Geely is offering around two billion euro for Volvo but what makes the sale drawn out are the issues over intellectual property rights.

Mazda to reduce vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds beginning in 2011

2009-11-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

By 2011, Mazda Motor Corp. vehicles will be lighter by at least 220 pounds, according to Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations. Mazda plans to achieve this goal using a combination of lighter-weight materials, smaller vehicle footprints and new engineering processes.

Davis, speaking to the Motor Press Guild, said that each time any Mazda vehicle gets redesigned, it gains about 80 pounds. The additional weight mostly comes from larger tires and wheels, and safety equipment. For instance, a base 2003 Protege sedan had a curb weight of 2,634 pounds. In 2004, the Protege evolved into the redesigned Mazda3 sedan that weighed 2,696 pounds. It further evolved into the 2010 Mazda3 that weighs 2,868 pounds.

A 220-pound reduction in the vehicle’s curb weight will improve its fuel economy by 3 to 5 percent. Of course, there will be consequences in lowering the weight. Engineers have to consider the aspects involving fuel economy, safety regulations, and performance. Lighter materials, such as aluminum or high-strength steel, are more expensive than traditional steel.

And definitely, a significant amount of time will be utilized to come up with a more ideal body structure. Another idea is to have new processes such as finding a way to bond aluminum to steel. However, relying on technological breakthroughs will mean waiting around for something that may take too long.

Jeep Grand Cherokee may be investigated by federal safety regulators

2009-11-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a unit of the US Transportation Department, is mulling whether it will formally investigate a complaint related to a defect reportedly found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 1993 to 2004 model years. The vehicles’ fuel tank is said to be an exposed fire hazard that may have contributed to hundreds of deaths.

The nonprofit Center for Auto Safety last month complained that the SUV’s fuel tank extends below the rear bumper and is inadequately protected from crashes and rollovers. The vehicle’s fuel filler neck has also been claimed to tear off in crashes.

The center filed a petition for an investigation and recall and the NTHSA says that it is deciding if there’s enough evidence to support opening a probe into the 3 million Jeeps whose models fall within the 11-year period. It’s possible that the NHTSA’s “defect petition,” which began Nov. 6, would take months or years before a resolution comes out.

An NHTSA spokesman said that since Jan. 1, 2008, this has been NHTSA’s seventh pre-investigative review of an alleged defect. So far, it has received reports of a dozen Jeep Grand Cherokee crashes involving a fuel tank leak or a fire potentially related to this kind of leak.

Nissan reports a significant increase in market share

2009-11-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Nissan Europe’s October sales rose 10% year-on-year with 45,225 units sold for the month. It recorded a marked increase in market share (2.8% vs. 2.4%). The company has performed well for the fourth month in a row starting July. It attributes its sales and share boost to models such as Qashqai, Pixo, Micra and Note, with strong customer order banks for these models across all markets.

Furthermore, Nissan improved its market share in each of its major Western European markets compared to the previous year.

Nissan said the positive results were offset by the “challenging” market in Russia where the falling total industry volume, down 54%, and unfavorable exchange rates are strongly affecting Nissan sales which have declined 52% vs. October 2008.

Bernard Loire, Vice President Sales Operations for Nissan in Europe, said that the company has maintained its consistent market share performance across Europe at 2.8%.

However, he states that even when the Western European markets show signs of stabilizing, there are no noticeable signs of recovery in the East.

Beijing Auto aims to finalize plans to buy Saab by the end of 2009

2009-11-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

Plans for Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Ltd. and its Swedish partner to purchase Saab are being finalized and are expected to conclude by the end of the year, according to an executive of Beijing Auto.

Last September, Beijing Auto said that it would take a minority stake in Sweden’s Koenigsegg Group AB, which plans to buy Saab from General Motors Co. The stake is anticipated to resolve some of the funding issues for Koenigsegg’s purchase of Saab.

The deal had been expected to be completed at the end of October but was put off when the Swedish government said that it would have to wait for a decision on guaranteeing a 400 million euro ($600 million) loan granted earlier to Saab. Wang Dazong, Beijing Auto’s general manager, said that work on finalizing the Saab deal was proceeding steadily and “in an orderly manner.”

However, Wang declined to give further details, and would only say that mergers and acquisitions are “a vital tool” that the company is working on domestically and overseas.

Ford’s dealership consolidation strategy hits stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships

2009-11-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

Ford CEO Alan Mulally was asked recently by Automotive News about how its current strategy of promoting the combo Ford-Lincoln-Mercury retailers over the stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury stores has fared so far after the changes were made starting 2006.

Mulally said that he would not confirm whether the plan had the desired result. All he would say is that Ford is focused on building a distribution network that allowed sales volume, product breadth, and profitability – qualities that he says are apparently better served by the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury store.

In 2006, Ford wanted to effectively align its distribution network and so it started to shrink its dealership network. In 2009, the stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships took a beating with only 357 left at the start of 2009 from the 619 dealerships only a few years ago.

Mulally explained that although these combo dealerships will be selling both the Lincoln MKS and the Ford Taurus (both vehicles share platforms and mechanicals), retailers will learn how to deliver the sales experience that fits the vehicle and differentiates the brand.

GM restarts production of the 2010 Hummer H3 SUV

2009-11-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. has begun production at its Shreveport, La. facility for the 2010 Hummer H3 SUV and H3T pickup intended for the US market. Hummer spokesman Nick Richards said that the current inventory is “very low” for the best-selling vehicle in Hummer’s small lineup.

As of Nov. 1, Hummer had 1,138 vehicles on the ground in the US, according to the Automotive News Data Center. John Sutliff, president of Sutliff Cadillac, Hummer and Saab in Mechanicsburg, Pa., said that dealers and customers are “hungry for Hummer product.”

He has two 2009 H3s, six H3Ts and no H2 SUVs or 2010 models, representing less than a 30-day supply. Richards confirmed that the 2010 H3s are expected to start arriving at dealerships by early December. He explains however that the holdup on production “wasn’t our decision.”

He asserted that the delay was a result of “everything going on around,” in particular, GM’s sale of Hummer to China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co.

Hyundai wins U.S. ad honor

2009-11-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

Hyundai was awarded this year’s top U.S. marketer in an annual poll of readers by Automotive News sister publication Advertising Age. The votes that came in at AdAge.com had Hyundai leading with 40% of readers selecting it.

Trailing the carmaker were Wal-Mart (30%), McDonald’s (14%), Lego (10%) and Amazon (7%). Hyundai was given the accolade when it was first noticed to have made a bold stroke in the midst of the recession at the beginning of the year. At the Super Bowl last February, the situation was alarming with unemployment surging towards 8% from the previous year’s 4.8% and the stimulus package had yet to be announced. Escapism appeared to be the order of the day as most advertisers offered visions that contrasted with the bleak reality. Hyundai’s ad came in at the third quarter and it looked to be an otherwise standard-issue cars-rolling-through-landscape spot but then the voice-over said, “Now finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if you lose your income in the next year, you can return it with no impact on your credit.” Keep in mind that Hyundai wasn’t an automaker known for fearless marketing. Instead of bowing out, Hyundai began a frontal assault on a recession that was drowning consumer enthusiasm.

Hyundai’s Assurance program made quite an impression but it didn’t stop there. Hyundai also took an upmarket route to push the Genesis, its entry into the premium-car market that was promoted during the Super Bowl as well as the Academy Awards where it got nine spots. According to the Advertising Age, Hyundai engaged “both the broken dreams and the intact ones through high-profile ad buys that garnered plenty of positive press.” The publication added, “Hyundai stood in sharp contrast to the tail-between-the-legs mode of its rivals, many of which had slashed budgets and retreated into retail-focused advertising.”

General Motors will hold off sending Saturn parts to all dealerships

2009-11-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

As Saturn stores are winding down their businesses, General Motors Co. has decided to hold off its plan to send Saturn parts to all GM dealerships in mid-November.

Putting this off retains the exclusivity of Saturn stores, according to John Pitre, general manager of Motor City Auto Center in Bakersfield, Calif. GM had initially told Saturn dealers that it would start distributing parts for the brand’s vehicles to all GM dealerships by mid-November. But now, it’s unclear when those dealerships will get Saturn parts.

Meanwhile, GM has said it wants dealers to sell the remaining 9,400 Saturn vehicles in stock by early next year. To help out dealers, GM has launched a new marketing campaign and incentives to sell the remaining Saturns.

It can be recalled that after a deal to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive Group fell through in October, GM decided to wind down the brand. Pitre, who has 51 Saturn vehicles in stock, said that the dealers are in a holding pattern.

He surmised that it will take six months to locate and secure another franchise for that facility so he aims to keep the business running for that amount of time. Susan Docherty, GMA’s vice-president of U.S. sales, said that it means the brand could be wound down in three months.

Infiniti celebrating 20 years of innovation

2009-11-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

It was 20 years ago that Nissan’s luxury division opened its first 51 retailers in the US and when the first two Infiniti models — the Q45 performance luxury sedan and the M30 performance luxury coupe — arrived in the US.

In a release announcing the 20th year celebration, Toru Saito, Global Infiniti Business Unit vice president, said, “A dream that started 20 years ago in the United States is now the blueprint for a global luxury automotive brand.”

According further to the release, Infiniti at the start had already been an innovator in design, performance, and technology.

It was in 1985 that Infiniti’s arrival onto the American market was planned by the so-called “Horizon Task Force,” the one responsible with the creation of the brand itself.

hey came up with the “Infiniti Total Ownership Experience” concept, which is a commitment to professionalism and customer service.

During that time, Infiniti’s showrooms were different from those of competitor carmakers. It had a reception desk, open offices and, as Infiniti says, “an emphasis on sales and customer service.”

Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept makes its public debut in Los Angeles

2009-11-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

The noble concept 16C Galibier was unveiled last September at Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim; but has now been officially shown to customers and critics at the prestigious Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills. Alasdair Stewart, Bugatti’s Director of Sales, Marketing and After Sales, announced that the 16C Galibier is just one of few concepts that is being considered for the future.

Not many cars can be compared to the 16C Galibier, which is designed to be the most exclusive, powerful and noble car in world. The new four-door concept vehicle is shaped to be both sporty and elegant. It features handmade carbon fiber parts colored in dark blue, combined with polished aluminum wings and doors. Powering the Type 35 inspired, torpedo-like Galibier is a 16-cylinder, 8-liter engine with two-stage supercharging, which can work on ethanol optionally.

For agile handling, the car is equipped with specially developed ceramic brakes, four-wheel drive and new suspension design. Matching its external appearance, the car’s interior design gives the impression of extremely natural vision and innovative highlights. One of its exclusive features is the Parmigiani’s removable tourbillion clock, which can be worn on the wrist as well due to its cleverly designed leather strap.

Press release:

“What was revealed at the climax of Bugatti’s centenary celebrations in September at its headquarters in Molsheim, was today presented to customers and opinion-makers in Los Angeles: the Bugatti 16C Galibier concept - designed as the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four-door automobile in the world. At the prestigious Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills, Bugatti’s Director of Sales, Marketing and After Sales, Alasdair Stewart, emphasised that the Galibier is just one of several concept studies that the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.

Arte - Forme - Technique: those are the brand values by which Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean oriented themselves in order to develop even more powerful engines and even more noble body designs for each new model, which were unequalled in quality, handling, speed and elegance. In the process, they experimente again and again with new materials; thus was Bugatti one of the first manufacturers to use aluminium parts for bodies, engine blocks and wheels. Arte - Forme - Technique are also the brand values by which the design and engineering team at Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Galibier. With this new four-door concept car, Bugatti assumes once again a leading role in the use of new material combinations. For example, the body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the
woven structure strikingly shimmers through. Carbon fibre not only possesses exceptionally great
rigidity but is also especially light. The wings and doors are made out of polished aluminium. The Galibier’s design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the comfort and elegance of a
modern four-door saloon. The basic architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Veyron, and reinterprets it. With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, unusual, round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle, which became
synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.

Beneath the bonnet, which folds back from both sides, resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with two-stage supercharging. What makes this engine so special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can optionally be run on ethanol. Four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.

The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dashboard has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the current speed and previous performance. Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created a removable tourbillion clock for the Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a cleverly designed leather strap. “Galibier” is not just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour de France but, in its time, was a version of the four-door Type 57, unequalled in sportiness and elegance.”

Nissan releases first sketch of its upcoming commercial electric vehicle

2009-11-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

Nissan has released a concept sketch of its small electric van for commercial clients. Nissan’s next EV is based heavily off its new NV200 van. This plan actually began to take form a few years ago. Nissan had shown an interest in applying its EV technology across its portfolio, including commercial vehicles.

Nissan says that this EV van would allow paramedics, taxi drivers, and delivery services to enter urban areas where emissions are restricted. From this sketch, it’s notable that Nissan’s EV van will be an electrified version of its NV200 compact van that had been launched in Europe and Asia last year. The NV200 rides upon Nissan’s B-platform, which is similar to the architecture used for the firm’s new 2011 Leaf electric hatchback.

“The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted. The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, said LEAF – the world’s first mass market affordable EV – will be launched in Japan and the US in late 2010, Europe in 2011 with global mass-marketing efforts to begin in 2012.

At the show, Ghosn also announced plans to release a four-seater Infiniti electric compact car, as well as LandGlider, a totally new concept which combines the best of two- and four-wheel vehicles.”

Upcoming Mazda MX-5 will carry the new SKY-G 1.3-liter engine

2009-11-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we told you about the upcoming Mazda MX-5 that it will be lighter and smaller than the current model. Today we found out more details about the new model thanks to Japan’s Best Car Magazine. According to them, the new MX-5 will also receive a smaller engine (for those who don’t know the current model is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine), the Mazda SKY-G 1.3-liter engine which was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. This new engine is capable to deliver excellent fuel economy figures of 32 kilometers per liter (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle). So, if you want to buy yourself a Mazda MX-5 you’d better save some money and wait for the new model because it will be a real masterpiece!

All-new Volvo S60 revealed

2009-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

These are the first official photos with the new Volvo S60. Sportier and more dynamic comparing it to the current model, the new Volvo S60 promises to introduce new safety systems such as Pedestrian Detection - a groundbreaking safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.

The official debut of the car will be made at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show while the production will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

“Customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around,” says Stephen Odell.

Vw overtakes Toyota to become the world’s largest car manufacturer

2009-11-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Based on the latest set of production figures, Volkswagen has taken over Toyota’s place as the world’s largest carmaker. This report quoted the figures from industry analysts at Global Insight. In the first nine months of 2009, the VW Group manufactured 4.4 million units to Toyota’s 4.0 million. Coming in third place is Ford with 3.7 million units produced while General Motors takes the fourth place with 3.6 million units.

Not even VW saw this coming since under VW’s group strategy, it predicted that it would be the world’s largest manufacturer by 2018. This runaway success stemmed from the pan-European scrappage schemes that favored VW.

Western European car sales have been rising all year, with Germany seeing the greatest gains. Even with the scrappage scheme ending in September, registrations still grew by 26.1% in October. In the first nine months of the year, VW Group’s sales were up 34% to 622,853 units. Much of its success could be attributed to the launch of new Golf and Polo models, which recorded increases of 54.1% and 56.2% respectively.

Honda Civic Type R goes on sale in Japan

2009-11-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Honda’s home market has finally gotten hold of the British-built Civic Type R, which was earlier introduced into the Australian and South African markets. The three-door hot Civic was originally conceived as a European-only model; however, it has attracted a considerable number of fans in Japan.

Only 2010 units will be available, the first examples of which were shipped from Southampton to Japan last month.

The Civics are available in Milano Red, Alabaster Silver or Championship White.

Honda’s Swindon factory is the only production facility in the world to produce the Type R three-door.

Aside from Civic models, the Swindon factory also makes the CR-V and the Jazz, which started production last month.

Renault to produce electric vehicle based on Twizy Z.E. Concept

2009-11-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

It can finally be said that Renault’s all-electric Twizy ZE city car will go into production in 2011. The company confirmed this report and said that the production version will remain relatively unchanged from the concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Moreover, the Twizy will be built at the firm’s Valladolid plant in Spain. The facility was chosen because of its experience in building small cars such as the Modus and some Clio models.

Meanwhile, Valladolid ’s sister plant in Flins, France will be used to build a production version of the Zoe ZE supermini concept in 2012. The Zoe ZE however, won’t bear much resemblance to the concept seen at Frankfurt . The Flins site will be producing the company’s core electric supermini as well as manufacturing and recycling EV batteries. The all-electric supermini based on the Zoe is expected to make up two thirds of the carmaker’s EV sales in Europe.

Marketing of the electric cars is set to begin in 2011. It will be done ahead of the Twizy going on sale in the later part of 2011 or early 2012. A letter of intent has also been signed recently between the Renault-Nissan alliance, the Atomic Energy Commission and France ’s Strategic Investment Fund to set up a French joint venture focused on EV battery advanced research, industrialization and recycling.

Bmw planning to bring four-cylinder diesel engines to the United States

2009-11-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

BMW diesel cars still have a future in the United States. Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW of North America, said that he was confident that a four-cylinder diesel will show up in a range of U.S.-bound models in the next decade. Baloga spoke to journalists at the BMW University program at the carmakers N.J. headquarters.

He said that he is sure that it will appear in the 3-Series but he wouldn’t discount the possibility of having it on the 5 Series. He added that if the engine’s performance is sufficient in the X3, the US customers would likely accept it in the X5 as well.

The diesel four-cylinder is said to be a 2.0-liter (such as in the European 320d) however, BMW isn’t targeting the bargain end of the market. The engine is intended to match the acoustic qualities of a 6-cylinder, and it needs to match the performance, as well as performing better in terms of fuel economy and emissions.

Baloga said that it’s expected that the four-cylinder diesel will impress people who will then see it as a replacement for six-cylinders. BMW aims to produce sufficient horsepower to be comparable [in performance] to the N54/N55 six-cylinder turbos.

Bmw expecting a 10 percent increase in U.S. sales next year

2009-11-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

BMW predicts that US sales in 2010 will be up 10%, partially fueled by its introduction of the redesigned 5-series sedan in early 2010. In addition, BMW hopes to end 2009 with sales of 198,000, down from 249,113 in 2008, according to Peter Miles, executive vice president of sales. From January to October, the BMW division had sold 160,666 vehicles in the US, a 26% decrease from the same period in 2008.

For an increase in sales in the remaining days of the year, BMW is anticipating the success of the holiday promotion programs run by the major players.

Miles said the sales events would be the premium segment’s version of the federal government’s cash-for-clunkers rebates.

At the start of November, BMW started its holiday promotion — “Season of Joy” in anticipation of pent-up demand.

Typically, the program runs the last 45 days of the year. Miles said that BMW started the promotion early in the hopes of stimulating sales, similar to what the Cash-for-Clunkers program did.

Ford will not sell the Ka minicar or the global Ranger pickup in the United States

2009-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Ford Ka minicar and the global Ford Ranger pickup will not be sold in the United States, Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally says. This douses hopes of enthusiasts who perked up with Mulally’s previous statement that both vehicles were under consideration for sale in the US. “Too small for American tastes,” is the reason for the Ka being edged out.

The Ka, a minicar developed with Fiat S.p.A., is even smaller than the subcompact Ford Fiesta, which will go on sale in the US early next year. In an interview with Automotive News, Mulally said that the Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that the company thinks will be a real success in the US. At 142.5 inches long, the Ka is about 25 inches shorter than the Fiesta. But the Ka is a few inches longer than its sister vehicle, the Fiat 500, which Chrysler Group plans to sell in the US in 2011.

On the other hand, the global Ranger is a new compact pickup, different from the aging Ranger currently sold in the US. It was developed in Australia for worldwide markets but production of the U.S. Ranger is scheduled to end in 2011. Ford is looking to fill the compact pickup segment. Last year, Ford shelved a lightweight version of the F-150 and it remains unclear what product, if any, will fill the current U.S. Ranger’s spot.

Chrysler investing in dealer network to improve operations

2009-11-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Chrysler Group wants all dealerships to sell Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram by the end of 2011. This directive means that dealers will require lots of capital in the coming years to improve operations and so Chrysler will be extending help. Where there are more brands, there would have to be new or bigger showrooms, more capable service departments, different signs and more employees.

Currently, 80% of Chrysler’s 2,366 dealerships sell all three brands under the automaker’s consolidation program, Project Genesis. Peter Grady, vice president of dealer network development, confirmed that the company plans to invest over $500 million in the network over the next five years — $120 million for next year alone. Kathy Graham, a Chrysler spokeswoman, says that the bulk of the money will go for “real estate, training, infrastructure upgrades and technology upgrades.”

Dealers have been unable to improve stores due to the sales collapse this year and the fact that many dealers continue to struggle to get adequate financing for operations. About 140 Chrysler Group dealerships have not been approved for permanent floorplan financing because of lingering issues with Chrysler Financial, Grady said. In many unresolved cases, Chrysler Financial wants loan money repaid before it releases the lending relationship to GMAC Financial Services. GMAC, the traditional lender to General Motors Co. dealers and customers, is taking over the auto loan business of Chrysler Group.

Chrysler will learn how to make cars in the Italian style

2009-11-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Fiat S.p.A. doesn’t have the reputation of producing quality cars in Europe and yet, its engineers are coaching their Chrysler Group counterparts on producing high-quality cars quicker and more cheaply. At last week’s presentation of Chrysler’s five-year plan, Doug Betts, Chrysler’s senior vice president for quality, said that the company was aware of these issues.

Betts said Chrysler has adopted Fiat’s assembly line audit system and durability testing methods. But Fiat’s way may not be all that much of an improvement. In Europe, Fiat’s quality has been improving but is still well below average. In J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Customer Satisfaction Index studies for France, Germany and the United Kingdom, Fiat scored in the bottom quarter of more than 20 brands in vehicle quality and reliability. Nonetheless, one change from Fiat that no one will argue with is an order to keep manufacturing equipment clean.

Scott Garberding, interim head of manufacturing, said it’s far easier to spot problems on clean, uncluttered equipment and work areas. Betts, who joined Chrysler in 2007 from Nissan North America Inc., said Chrysler has adopted Fiat’s quality audit standards, which require better fit and finish. In fact, outside auditors are being brought in to assembly lines to take up to 320 measurements.

Citroen C-Zero electric vehicle breaks cover

2009-11-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero noise: this is the description of the new Citroen C-Zero, a new compact vehicle range with a 100% electric solution. The new vehicle is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and was built in collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer.

According to the Citroen, this new electric car will be the brand’s second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi and will qualify for the government bonus of 5,000 euros.

The new Citroen C-Zero is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 180 Nm from 2,000 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The electric motor features the latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system 88 50-Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the centre of the vehicle. One interesting feature of the lithium-ion technology is that the battery is resistant to partial charges, which have no incidence on battery longevity.

Toyota Sienna in 2011

2009-11-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Toyota officially announced today the world-premiere of the all-new 2011 Sienna minivan at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The new vehicle will be revealed at the Toyota press conference which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10:35 a.m. at the Toyota exhibit space in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Japanese manufacturer will also make available a video clip with the press conference on the Toyota website.

Fiat dismantles Chrysler’s electric car plans

2009-11-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Controlling shareholder Fiat S.p.A. decides to scrap the Chrysler Group’s electric car program in favor of a more traditional organization. This turnaround plan has already disbanded a team of engineers dedicated to produce a range of electric vehicles to showrooms.

Moreover, sales targets for battery-powered cars set have been dropped as the carmaker was deemed to be sliding toward bankruptcy and seeking government aid. The electric car program was used by Chrysler to get the $12.5 billion federal aid package. Last August, Chrysler even took $70 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a test fleet of 220 hybrid pickup trucks and minivans.

Unfortunately, these vehicles are now scrapped after Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne announced this development. Last Friday, Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa confirmed that its in-house team of electric car development engineers had been disbanded. Cerberus Capital Management, the automaker’s former owner, had set up a special division called “Envi” — derived from Environment — to lead the development of hybrid technology.

In an interview with Reuters, Cappa said that Envi is “absorbed into the normal vehicle development program.” This major reversal does come as a surprise in light of the recent actions taken by the carmaker. In September 2008, Chrysler had announced that it was developing three electric vehicles and would be selling the first of the models by 2010. Chrysler made the move because it faced increasing pressure to raise the fuel-efficiency of its cars. Last January at the Detroit auto show, Chrysler pledged to have 500,000 battery-powered vehicles on the road by 2013, including sports cars and trucks.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG eDrive coming by the end of 2012

2009-11-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

During the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing in the United States, AMG chief, Mr. Volker Mornhinweg announced the electric version of the new supercar for late 2012 or early 2013. The new electric car, dubbed SLS eDrive, will carry four electric motors capable to deliver an impressive 533 hp and 880 Nm of torque.

With these numbers, the vehicle will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds while the top speed will be 200+ km/h. The range will be between 150 or 180 km. The new SLS AMG eDrive will be the direct rival of the new Audi e-Tron which will also hit the market in the same period. For those who don’t know, the e-Tron will carry four electric motors which will deliver 313 hp and an impressive 4,500 Nm of torque. The Audi will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h in 4.1 seconds while the range will be arround 250 km.

Porsche 911

2009-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

According to the latest reports from the German magazine Autobild, it seems that Porsche is currently working on a new 911. The new car will not be just a number change, like the 996 and 997! It appears that we will see a brand new vehicle vehicle that will make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Autobild says that the new model will not bring Targa, Turbo Cabrio, GT2 or Speedster versions although there are chances to see them if the German manufacturer will receive many requests for these type of cars. Regarding the design of the new car, this will show radically different proportions: the front of the car will be shorter while the rear will be extended with 100 mm, but don’t expect too much, because Porsche still wants to keep the legendary shape. In the first two years we will see just Carrera 2/4 and Carrera 2S/4S versions which will carry the following engines: the standard version will be powered by a 3.4-liter boxer engine capable to deliver 350 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm while the S version will carry a 3.8-liter engine which will deliver 400 hp and around 440 Nm of torque. More details to be revealed!

Bmw planning more hybrid models

2009-11-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

In a recent interview with Autocar, at the launch of the new Bmw X6 ActiveHybrid, Peter Tuennermann, the model’s project leader, revealed the fact that the Bavarian manufacturer is currently working on more hybrid models. It appears that volume models such as the 3-, 5- and 7-series will are more suited towards a mild hybrid set-up on the basis of their packaging.

Also, larger models like X3, X5 and X6 will also receive a full hybrid solution. According to Tuennermann, the 3rd hybrid model, besides the ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7, will be launched within the next 12 months! Possibly a hybrid version of the new 5-Series Sedan!

Honda recalls of 444,000 Accord and Civic vehicles

2009-11-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

After having announced two recalls for an airbag defect problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking Honda Motor Co. and Takata Corp., its airbag supplier, to explain why the first recall didn’t include the vehicles from the second recall. About 444,000 Accord and Civic vehicles are being recalled for potentially lethal airbag defects.The airbag inflator can rupture from too much internal air pressure, sending metal fragments through the airbag and hitting vehicle occupants.

So far, the company has acknowledged one death and multiple injuries from the defect. The NTHSA is demanding information from Honda and Takata “to more fully evaluate the scope and timeliness” of Honda’s recalls for the same defect,” according to NHTSA’s Web site. The NTHSA investigation was opened on Monday, Nov. 2. Meanwhile, Honda denied any wrongdoing and said it would cooperate with NHTSA’s probe.

Honda spokesman Chris Martin explained that the initial range of recalled vehicles was based on a relatively small sample of problematic airbag deployments and it took some further customer reports of airbag deployments for the company to be able to determine that they have the same problem. No statement has been given by Takata, which remains to be Honda’s airbag supplier. The first recall, in November 2008, involved 3,940 Accords and Civics from the 2001 model year. The second recall, in June 2009, involved more vehicles of the same models and year. Honda expanded the second recall in July to include certain 2002 Accords and Acuras. In all, the second recall totaled 440,000 vehicles.

Vw Polo R confirmed for 2012

2009-11-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

We’ve heard some rumors regarding an ‘R’ version of the Vw Polo, but the sources were not too credible! Now it appears that this little hot hatch will become official. According to German newspaper Bild, Volkswagen will build the Polo R and this will hit the dealerships in spring 2012.

The Polo R will carry a 1.4-liter twin-turbo engine capable to deliver an impressive 190 hp but also a fuel consumption of less than 7 l/100 km. Due to the big amount of power, the vehicle will also carry an electronic differential lock that will be capable to deliver the 190 hp to the front wheels. The design of the little sporty hatchback, will be inspired by the Scirocco R and Golf R, so expect to see a real masterpiece. Regarding the price, our sources say that the Polo R will carry a price tag of €22,500.

Cadillac Converj will be built

2009-11-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

General Motors Co. will soon be producing the Cadillac Converj plug-in concept car that was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit auto show, according to The Detroit News. Unnamed sources said that the plan to produce the Converj was presented last week to GM’s board of directors. However, GM has yet to set a production date. Before these reports, it was widely believed that the future of the Converj concept had been in limbo. The Converj uses the same technology as GM’s Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicle, which will be introduced late next year. Cadillac has so far not commented on the matter.

Electric version of Renault Kangoo to be manufactured in Maubeuge

2009-11-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

French automaker Renault plans to build three of its new range of four electric cars in France and Spain. Just last week, Renault revealed that it will produce its core-range electric model, a minicar, in its Flins plant, near Paris, starting in 2012. Renault has high expectations for the minicar, which is slated to account for two-thirds of its electric car sales in Europe.

This makes Flins a central hub for production of Renault’s zero-emission vehicles.

In addition, Flins will build a production version of the Zoe Z.E. Concept, which was seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September.

The Zoe Z.E. concept is a four-seat minicar that is meant to be used for short daily journeys in urban areas.

Meanwhile, Renault’s electric version of its Kangoo car-derived van will be built in Maubeuge, northern France, starting in the first half of 2011.

The electric Kangoo will be built on the same production line as gasoline and diesel versions.

Audi raises its 2009 sales target by 5,000 units to 925,000 vehicles

2009-11-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Due to Audi’s sales figures worldwide developing much better than expected, it raised its 2009 sales target by 5,000 units to 925,000 vehicles, the carmaker reported earlier in the week. The surge in demand in China and its relatively low exposure to the U.S. market were cited as some of the reasons why volumes increased by 0.4 percent in October. In a statement, Audi sales chief Peter Schwarzenbauer, said that Audi has benefited much from those factors. He pointed out that the Audi Q5 (sport utility vehicle) is emerging as one of its most successful models. He said that the A5 and A6 model lines are selling particularly well. Audi’s sales in China went up 50.7 percent to 14,510 in October. In the first 10 months, Audi’s China sales rose by 22.7 percent to 123,369, beating the 2008 total of 119,598. It was reported only a few days ago that Schwarzenbauer expected sales of over 920,000 vehicles this year compared to the record 1 million from 2008. Including the 82,750 cars sold in October, Audi’s global sales volume went down 6.7 percent in the first ten months to 787,900 vehicles.

Porsche pushing to agree an 8.5 billion euro loan by Novvember 10

2009-11-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

There have been reports that Porsche Automobil Holding SE is pushing to get an 8.5 billion euro ($12.62 billion) loan by Nov. 10. This is actually a reduction of a previous figure of 10.5 billion euros using proceeds from the planned sale of 49.9 percent of Porsche SE’s sports car making unit Porsche AG to Volkswagen AG, according to two bankers close to the deal.

Porsche has supposedly given its bankers a deadline to respond by Nov.10 and is aiming to sign the loan agreement by Nov.16, one of the bankers said. For now, Porsche has declined to comment on the matter. Porsche wants an agreement from its banks before a board meeting on Nov. 11, which is a key date for its planned merger with Volkswagen.

The unnamed banker further stated that Volkswagen’s board cannot agree to the purchase without the loan financing, which in turn cannot go ahead unless the purchase is ratified.

Driving the speed of the refinancing is the merger process, specifically the impending expiry of Porsche options over Volkswagen shares, the source added.

Angela Merkel wants to see Opel’s restructuring plan a.s.a.p.

2009-11-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

In response to the uproar caused by its choice to throw out months of negotiations with parts supplier Magna International Inc., General Motors Co. confirmed that it is preparing a plan to restructure Opel. It also said that it’s possible that it would pay off debt due this month.

Last week, the GM board decided to keep Opel and to seek government aid in Europe for a restructuring plan expected to cut thousands of jobs. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had heavily supported for the Magna-led takeover of Opel, discussed with U.S. President Barack Obama her concerns about the decision. Through the phone, President Obama told Merkel that he had not been involved in the sudden decision, which has angered the German government. Merkel had stated clearly that the German government would urge General Motors to present a new plan as quickly as possible and to repay bridge financing by the end of November. Meanwhile, Hesse state Premier Roland Koch, who also advocated heavily for Magna’s bid, told rallying workers at Opel headquarters last Thursday that he would fight for the firm. He warned GM not to “maximize profits by taking German workers hostage.” He emphasized, “We want Opel to continue to exist.”

Magna not interested to buy Volvo

2009-11-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Instead of looking to acquire other car manufacturers such as Volvo, Magna International said that it’s more likely it would be looking to take over other auto parts businesses. Magna’s intention to complete a deal for Opel/Vauxhall collapsed after parent company General Motors chose to keep the unit.

Don Walker, Magna’s co-chief executive officer, said that the focus would be turned towards the parts business. At the Chrysler-Fiat press conference, Walker said that he was neither surprised nor disappointed with GM’s decision. He lamented the fact though that a large amount of time and money was wasted.

Autodelta J4 3.2 C and Brera S 3.2 ‘Compressore’ revealed

2009-11-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

At the MPH09 motor show in London, Autodelta launched bespoke versions of two Alfa Romeo models. Autodelta, which has London Park Royal headquarters, is known for creating bespoke, tuned versions of Alfa Romeos. For the MPH09, also known as the Prestige and Performance car show, it has created 159 and Brera models.

Based on the 159, the Autodelta J4 3.2 C features a range of styling and performance upgrades over the standard model. It is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine that has been modified to produce 347bhp. However, new performance figures have yet to be released. Autodelta carried out an intensive R&D to improve the chassis and have a smooth, yet sporty ride.

Aside from remapping the ECU, the brakes and suspension were also modified. Autodelta’s changes to the Brera S build on the weight loss and power upgrade package already available from Prodrive. Autodelta managed to drop 100kg from the Brera. In addition, Autodelta added its own supercharger and intercooler to improve performance from the 347bhp V6 engine.

These upgrades also feature on the 159.The Autodelta Brera S 3.2 ‘Compressore’ also boasts a new limited-slip differential to improve in-gear performance and boost traction. Replacing Prodrive’s track suspension set-up is a custom Autodelta Sportline suspension, which is claimed to combine track and road qualities. Autodelta has yet to reveal pricing or sale dates.