Unhealthy Obsession with Cars

Rocky Mountain Driving Experience 2011

2011-06-15T22:21:00.000-06:00

Day 1 saw UOwCars getting our grubby mitts on the following cars (expect short-take reviews soon):

Acura TSX sport wagon
Buick Regal turbo (w/ manual)

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Dodge Challenger R/T

Ford Mustang Boss 302

Subaru Forester XT

VW GTI

Tomorrow we get even more seat time in the mountain roads around Colorado's Mt Evans.

GM Researching Passenger Car Diesel, Mid-size Pickup, Minivan

2011-01-24T14:30:00.006-07:00

Now the GM is past the bankruptcy distraction, it appears that management is back to investigating segments that a new, leaner GM can be competitive in.

Before his sudden departure last year, GM boss Ed Whitacre asked the product team to look into a new minivan offering (possibly based on a stretched version of the next Opel Zafira (current generation pictured here), as well as a replacement for the outgoing Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-sized pickups.

On the powertrain front, GM is back to looking at a diesel engine for passenger cars (a technology that should offer hybrid-like mileage numbers without the extra complexity of multiple power sources and complex transmissions.

If any of these projects is close to getting a green light, expect a concept previewing the segment or technology to show up during the coming months' auto shows.

This Could Be a Buick?!

2011-01-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Now that we've seen Buick go all the way down-market with their Delta-based Verano compact sedan (Delta is the chassis we see under cars as varried as the Chevy Volt, Cruze, the not for sale in the US Orlando, and the Opel Astra) - is it only a matter of time before the sportiest of Astra's makes its way across the pond?

What you see here is the Opel GTC 'concept' which is a thinly veiled version of the 3-door Astra that will go on sale soon.

Picture this with a variation of the Verano's waterfall grill and you might imagine this being a sporty coupe that would serve to get those younger buyers Buick is craving into the showrooms.

This could be a worthy little brother to the Regal coupe we keep hearing rumors is on its way to Buick as well.

Lotus Debuts 2015 Elise

2011-01-21T14:34:00.002-07:00

Yeah, seems a bit early to show a 2015 model to us as well.

In Paris, Lotus showed off their entire upcoming line - as much to telegraph the vision they have for themselves as a company as anything else.

Of interest to most Lotus-philes is the new Elise - the replacement for the core of their current line.

What we've been shown now is a brand new styling theme for the brand (less cosmic insect, more sophisticated sports car contender) - but also that even the super-lightweight Elise will end up putting on almost 20% more weight...likely so the interior appointments can stack up to buyer expectations (while disappointing the folks who like to see no-frills structural members as 'styling' elements). It remains to be seen how this affects overall dynamics of the car and its appeal to the core Lotus demographic.

Power will come from a 2.0l four with 316hp.

Sales should begin as early as 2014 for likely a bit more money than you'd plunk down on a current generation car (and if you prefer yours with no-frills - get 'em while they still make 'em).

Lotus Shows Off a Smart Done Right

2011-01-21T08:11:00.008-07:00

One major criticism of the Smart ForTwo is that for a roller-skate of a car, it doesn't really deliver the high-economy numbers you might expect...well that and a driving experience that falls seriously flat (in no small part due to its poorly developed automated manual transmission).

Lotus looks to resolve all of these issues with a concept they are calling the City Car. It has the standard microcar 2-seat configuration, but packs a Chevy Volt-like series hybrid powertrain. Range on electric only is projected at 37 miles with a 3-cylinder range extender, developed by Lotus, providing electricity from that point on.

Differentiating the City Car from other offerings in this segment are Lotus styling - with a wide and aggressive stance, as well as a 4-seat configuration (trumping the Smart's 4 and the 3-ish seats of the Toyota/Scion iQ)

Expect the City Car to hit the streets in 2013. Availability in the US is anyone's guess - though tighter CAFE requirements likely make it a sure thing.

Performance is on par in the segment with 0-60 times of about 9 seconds and a range of over 300 miles.

If this allows Lotus to maintain some independence and continue to produce their wonderful line of sports cars - bring it on.

Mazda shows off Minagi Concept

2011-01-20T14:03:00.002-07:00

Mazda is showing the second concept of their new Kodo design language - or as you might want to consider it...the CX-5 crossover.

While we've known for a while that a smaller than CX-7 was on its way, we had to guess at how it would look.

The Minagi concept, shown in sketch form here, is way too production ready to be anything other than a thinly-veiled preview of that car - likely to go on sale in under a year.

It shows that the new design language for Mazda is much easier to swallow and won't be prone to the previous language's overly-happy criticism.

Mazda Mulling Options for next RX

2011-01-20T09:00:00.002-07:00

Rumors abound of what Mazda plans for its next flagship sportscar.

Most rumors center on Mazda dropping the 4-seat, 4-ish door model of the current RX-8 - while leaving the people's sportscar duties to the new, lighter MX-5.

What we are hearing runs from the new model being badged RX-9 (though a 2-seater could likely bring back the storied RX-7 moniker just as easily).

Expectations are that the 1.6l version of the rotary that was shown recently by Mazda would help give the new RX additional torque. Direct injection is likely. Turbocharging is a possibility (with some rumors of an electrically driven turbo being tossed around - this uses an electrically driven turbine to replace the the normal exhaust-driven setup and giving even more low-speed response...further reducing the need to visit high-rpm and further improving fuel consumption).

Expect a production model to hit in 2013 as a 2014...unless technical challenges prove too much for even the rotary's lone champion to resolve.

Porsche Green-Lights 918 Spyder

2011-01-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Porsche has announced that the 918 Spyder hybrid sportscar has been approved for production.

Packing a 3.4l V-8 and an electric motor at each axle, the 918 takes the brands flagship position vacated a few years ago by the Carrera GT. Expected to be limited production, the car will showcase the engineering prowess of the Porsche brand and establish them as a leader in hybrid technologies that will trickle into the rest of the line during the next decade or so.

Expect a total output of over 700hp and a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds when the car hits production in a few years.

Source: DailyTech

Next Miata Going Super-Lightweight

2011-01-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

Details are starting to emerge on the direction of the next MX-5 from Mazda.

Not surprising, given the rapidly approaching fuel economy regs in the US, which are making all makers look closely at lighter weights and more exotic powertrain tech, Mazda is taking the challenges and spinning them in a decidedly Zoom-Zoom sort of way.

The next MX-5, due in 2012 as a 2013, should shed about 300 lbs, putting it much closer to its original 1989 fighting weight. Engines are expected to downsize from the current 2.0l to the 1.6 or 1.8 sizes from generations past as well. Expect these engines to be part of Mazda's SKY-G engine initiative that will see them getting direct injection as well as start-stop tech to further increase mileage without much (if any) compromises in sportiness.

We're Baaaaaack...

2011-01-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's been about 6 months since we've posted the latest auto news here at UOwC - without going into detail about the things that have been going on in our press room...suffice it to say that life has gotten in the way of timely updates.

Starting today, we will try to hit the high-points of the last half year of automotive happenings which will then roll us into timely updates of current news.

Thanks for all your patience and support.

JD Power APEAL awards announced

2010-07-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

Following up the IQS awards announced previously by JD Power, the APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) study measures vehicles in 80 criteria to determine how 'gratifying' vehicles are to own and drive and result in a score on a 1000 point scale. The survey was conducted with 76000 owners after 90 days of ownership.

Mirroring the IQS, this marks a major sea change with the Detroit automakers surpassing the imports with an 11 point gain for the 'domestics' with a 7 point drop for the 'imports'.

At the top of the APEAL rankings sits Porsche for the 6th straight year. Ford saw 5 of its nameplates rank in the top of their segments. No other brand had more than 2 vehicles top their segments.

JDP noted along with their study that the swing of the domestic brands was led by new designs for many products that saw them much more satisfying than their predecessors to consumers.

AutoPacific Ideal Awards announced

2010-07-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

AutoPacific survey's owners of vehicles to determine which their owners would change the least (i.e. are the most closely matched to what their owners would consider to be 'ideal').

This year's winners are:

2010 Ideal Premium Brand: Porsche
2010 Ideal Popular Brand and Top Brand Overall: Ford
2010 Ideal Product Segment: Large Crossover SUV

2010 Ideal Vehicle Award Winners:
---------------------------------

Passenger Cars:
Premium Luxury Car                   Volvo S80
Aspirational Luxury Car              Volvo V70
Large Car                            Ford Taurus SHO*
Luxury Mid-Size Car                  Lincoln MKZ
Premium Mid-Size Car                 Ford Fusion
Mid-Size Car                         Suzuki Kizashi*
Premium Compact Car                  Volkswagen GTI*
Compact Car                          Volkswagen Golf
Economy Car                          Honda Fit*
Sports Car                           Porsche Cayman
Sporty Car                           Chevrolet Camaro*
Hybrid Car                           Ford Fusion Hybrid*

Pickups, SUVs and Minivans
Large Light Duty Pickup              Ford F-150*
Heavy Duty Pickup                    Ford F-250
Compact Pickup                       Honda Ridgeline*
Luxury SUV                           Range Rover
Large SUV                            Chevrolet Suburban
Premium Mid-Size SUV                 Ford Explorer
Mid-Size SUV                         Dodge Nitro*
Premium Luxury Crossover SUV         Lincoln MKT EcoBoost*
Luxury Crossover SUV                 Lexus RX*
Large Crossover SUV                  Ford Flex EcoBoost
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV       Chevrolet Equinox
Mid-Size Crossover SUV               Ford Escape*
Compact Crossover SUV                Jeep Compass
Minivan                              Honda Odyssey*
Hybrid Truck                         Ford Escape Hybrid

*Also winners of AutoPacific's 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Short Take: Suzuki Kizashi Turbo

2010-07-20T11:00:00.001-06:00

At the recent Rocky Mountain Driving Experience event at High Plains Raceway, I got a chance to take a Suzuki Kizashi out on the track.

Interestingly enough, this Kizashi was a prototype (as far as I could tell, the only prototype we had a chance to drive on the track). It was packing an aftermarket turbo kit (from Road Race Motorsports) that, according to the Suzuki representative on-site, is being seriously considered for production.

The Kizashi is, admittedly, my size of car. It is easily the size that we considered to be 'mid-sized' just a couple generations back. With so many family cars now living in the EPA Large-car class (I'm looking at you Accord) - it is certainly refreshing to have a smaller, more toss-able, package available.

Base Kizashi's make due with 185hp. The turbo model, if in the same tune I drove, would pack at least 100 more...taking what is a nice and enjoyable drive well into serious sports sedan territory (the turbo model does have the advantage of a all-wheel drive system to help put that power down).

Given its size and power, and the all-wheel drive system - the Kizashi turbo could give cars like the Impreza WRX and the Mazdaspeed3 a run for their money, especially with buyers that could use something in a slightly more spacious package than either of these offer.

I, for one, am looking forward to what Suzuki can do - if they choose to stay in the US market through the current economic downturn (and its impact on their already low sales).

Mazda comes late to CPO game

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

In a move that will likely help Mazda dealers compete, Mazda finally has unveiled its own Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program to help make used Mazda's more appealing to customers.

Where, up to this point, a used Mazda had to stand on its condition and whatever backing the customer could expect from the dealer (or through 3rd party used car extended warranties) now a 2006 or newer Mazda under the CPO program will get a 7 year/100k powertrain warranty, a 12 month/12k mile bumper to bumper extension (if fewer than a year or 12k miles of B2B warranty are left) and road-side assistance coverage.

This should help Mazda dealers in a tough economy compete with similar programs from other brands.

2012 Corvette to get new 5.5l DI Smallblock

2010-07-19T12:06:00.001-06:00

GM Insiders have told Motor Trend to expect that the next generation smallblock V-8, in 5.5l size will show up between the fenders of the C7 Corvette.

The C7's new engine will maintain its OHV configuration, but will be packing aluminum block and heads and will be the latest engine in GM's stable to have direct injection technology.

Chevy expects the engine to easily put out 440hp (slightly more than the current Vette's 436, while scoring significantly better fuel economy).

This is a bridge car, based largely on the current C6 platform, while GM works feverishly to develop a C8 Corvette for later in the decade that will be smaller, lighter, and able to stay in the lineup without damaging GM's ability to meet increasingly strict mileage requirements.

Some rumors put the C8 as being based, in part, on the upcoming Alpha rear-drive platform currently under development for Cadillac and expected to underpin the next Camaro. In Corvette guise, the platform would be able to pack a V-8 but might be light enough that a high-power V-6 might see use as a base powertrain (the first time in decades that a 6 has powered a production Corvette).

Source: MotorTrend.com

JD Power IQS ranks Detroit ahead of imports for the first time

2010-07-19T06:40:00.001-06:00

JDP has released their latest Initial Quality Survey (measuring problems encountered during the first 90 days of ownership) and had one big surprise in store.

While the industry average went down slightly (from 108 problems per 100 vehicles in 2009 to 109 in 2010), this year's results are the first time that the Detroit 3 have come out ahead of imports. The Detroit brands actually improved their quality over last year's results by 4, bringing them to a score of 108. The import brands matched the overall industry average of 109.

Ford was the highest ranked US brand with a score of 93.

JD Power ranks lists the top 3 models in several segments and Ford had a model represented in the top 3 in a dozen segments. They had 3 models that topped their respective segments, tied with Lexus for most top-of-segment honors.

GM had 10 models in the top 3 of their segments.

Chrysler's results were mixed with Ram coming in just shy of industry average with the Dodge car brand (Ram split from Dodge recently, taking the truck lines away from Dodge) coming in as the worst Detroit brand in initial quality.

It is interesting to notice that Toyota's recent troubles have pulled its ranking down significantly falling from 6th place last year to 21st in the 2010 survey. It is significant to mention that IQS has its detractors since any complaint on the survey is listed as a problem (recent high profile examples were Mini dropping low in the list in part due to poor cupholder design). This means that IQS scores can be highly dependent on the level of picky-ness of the customers of a brand during a given year.

Highest in the rankings this year was Porsche with a 83 and lowest went to Land Rover with 170.

Smiles No More - Mazda walking away from 'Nagare' design language

2010-06-24T09:07:00.000-06:00

Despite assurances to the contrary while speaking to Mazda's rep at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience event - we are hearing today via the UK's AutoExpress site that the new design chief of Mazda (Ikuo Maeda) is conducting a new design contest under the tag line of 'Thrusting Motion' and will debut the resulting new language for Mazda at the Paris auto show next year.

Mr. Maeda is apparently taking inspiration for the brand from Alfa Romeo in that the products will maintain their sporty flair but will also combine this with a premium feel.

I, for one, have felt that the new design language for Mazda looked much better in concept form than on production products - with the exception of the next Mazda5 - though the avant garde nature of the look was likely a turn-off to some buyers. I was more a fan of the sleek, muscular look that Mazda's had in the mid 2000's with the original Mazda3.

Nagare was supposed to bring interesting surfacing, but all that ultimately came of it was the giant 'smile' that all Mazda's are sporting now.

We're keeping our fingers crossed for the new language to get back to that sporty, attractive theme quickly.

Short Take: Audi A3 TDI

2010-06-18T06:50:00.001-06:00

Lots has been made of the Audi A3's roots in the 'a5' platform...to VW-philes, this is shorthand for the VW Group's small car 'a' now in its 5th incarnation. Other cars on this platform are the prior version of the Golf (Rabbit at the time), the current Jetta, as well as cars sold in Europe under the SEAT and Skoda brands.

What you see here is the most premium level of this platform that we get (let's just say that the TT is far enough removed to not be considered a true variant of the a5 platform and move on). This is the A3 TDI, meaning it get's one of the only passenger-car diesel engines available in the US market. 2.0l, turbo-charged, and fuel efficient - the TDI grants this little 5-door with a mountain of torque (236 lb*ft to be exact) to go with its luxury market position. In our driving, it was difficult if not impossible to detect that this was anything but a normal powertrain - just one that seemed a bit resistant to rev-ing but moved the car quite well. Fuel economy ratings of 30/42 mean that you can have near-hybrid levels of economy in a car that otherwise feels quite normal (though if you like the electric drive and auto stop-start tricks of a hybrid, you'll miss them here).

However, the Euro isn't being nice to VW or Audi and sticker prices reflect this. With this car packing the S-Tronic transmission (DSG to the VW faithful), which is an impressive piece with near instantaneous shifts, as well as an S-line package of body kit, charcoal wheels, sporty interior add-ons, and a sport suspension - a sticker price of $37000 seems a bit much. Base price is just shy of $30k, though some features you'd expect in a luxury car (bluetooth hands-free, for one) are optional at that price - blame the exchange rate and the high cost of TDI hardware. However, if you consider this to be Audi's 'hybrid' then the price isn't quite as hard to swallow.

That isn't to say that the A3 isn't something special in the hatch market - with bespoke interior throughout that certainly feels Audi in many ways - it is just that there are a couple areas where your reminded that this is the bargain Audi. 1. The 'metal' rings around the vents that turn flow on/off are off-putting. They appear to be molded from plastic and metalized such that they remind me of the the model cars I built as a kid - the chrome plating comes across as cheap and out of place. 2. The controls for the dual-zone climate control (located low in the center stack) are styled to look like dials, however they are actually a 2-way toggle that rotates just left and right of center to select lower and higher temperatures. An example of style trumping function and the fact that the motion had a noticeable 'clickly' feel didn't help either.

The only reason that these nits get picked here are that the overall interior is so rich and well put together - how these minor issues made it out of headquarters is a bit baffling.

Earlier, we mentioned the sport suspension on our example. At a day of driving cars at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience as varied as the A3 to the Camaro SS and Cadillac CTS-V sedan, the A3 turned out to have the harshest suspension tuning of the lot. If you want your luxury hatch with a larger than expected dose of sport-sedan road feel - this is your guy. Just be aware if your local roads are not well maintained.

So, would we recommend an A3 TDI? It is difficult to suggest that $37k is the right price for the package. If you love the Audi aesthetic, with the LED accented headlights, brushed metal accents, and want near-hybrid levels of fuel economy to boot - this is your car. However, you might want to at least look at a Golf TDI first - just to be sure.

Wagons Ho! - Opel Astra Sport Tourer could be small Buick wagon

2010-06-16T06:34:00.000-06:00

Buick is already expected to bring over the Opel Insignia wagon as a Regal wagon. Its success could result in further wagon options from Opel bring brought over under the Buick brand.

Opel unveiled this week a wagon version of the new Astra. You may remember the Astra as the Saturn Astra that was unloved when it came over to the US (mainly due to the fact it was imported from Europe and was therefore sold at a loss to keep Saturn retailers in a small-car, and was not promoted as a result).

When Buick gets their version of the new Astra, it will debut in US-friendly sedan form with plenty of Buick differentiation (think waterfall grills, etc). The wagon could help expand this low-end of the Buick family (along with the upcoming coupe) to boost Buick's profile with a much younger buyer than has been the norm for many years.

In Europe, the Astra Sport Tourer is available with a wide range of diesel and gas engines from 95 to 180hp, expect a US version to play mainly in the higher end of that HP range and exclusively with gas engines. Fortunately, given the availability of the Insignia-based Regal in manual transmission form - there should be a manual option in the Astra-based range as well.

Expect the wagon to be a late introduction (several months after the sedan version, if at all) likely at the same time as the coupe (again, if it is made available to US buyers).

Short Take: 2010 Camaro SS

2010-06-15T13:16:00.015-06:00

...or, the fastest cave I've ever driven.

The Camaro SS was one of the myriad of vehicles that were brought out to play at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience event held by the RM Automotive Press. The Camaro SS is GM's latest entry into the decades-old pony-car race often dominated by Ford's Mustang.

The new Camaro is based on the Holden division (GM's Australian arm) designed Zeta rear-drive platform. While GM did spend significant resources customizing the Zeta platform to maintain the Camaro concept's neo-60's look (witness the move of the front axle line to give the long hood/short deck look). The downside was the weight inherent with a platform that was intended for 5-seat mid-sized sedans and El Camino-esqe 'Utes. This leaves the Camaro with a 400 lb disadvantage to the Mustang.

On the open road, the Camaro accelerates smartly with plenty of the classic V-8 rumble from it's 6.2l small block. However, open roads during the RMDE were mostly straight as an arrow and flat as a pancake (if you haven't been out this way, this portion of Colorado looks a bit too much like Kansas and Nebraska for a sporty car like the Camaro). On the up-side, this did give the the opportunity to take in the interior.

This Camaro was packing the color-matched accents inside - giving a narrow swath of shiny, body-colored plastic in the dash that wraps into a broad wing of color in each door. It is certainly what the all-black plastic needed to brighten the mood, though the overall feeling is still a bit cave-like - more below.

On the down-side, is a climate control pod that looks just like the concept and shows exactly why most cars don't have concept car controls. An owner would learn where things are located, but its combo of toggles, rotating trim rings, etc. are a bit much to master in a few minutes unless you have a long empty road ahead and can take your eyes off the road for the several seconds to find what you want.

Audio is in old-school (not 60's, think early 90's) blue-green displays. The graphics are a bit chunky and pixelated - but do the job - they just detract from the experience a bit.

Once you turn your attention back to the outside world, you'll find a great expanse of hood framing the world in front of you - just as a Camaro should. Just don't expect to see much out the sides or back. To give the classic look with a modern, slammed, slant - GM has given both a low roof and high doors that leaves you with gun-slit tall side glass. If you're claustrophobic - look elsewhere.

However, this likely won't matter to those that lust after the new Camaro (witness how it has been outselling its Mustang competition for most of the months it has been on sale) and if you have to have some light and air - wait a few months for the debut of the upcoming convertible.

It's just a shame that style and price-point have caused the overall experience to suffer. Especially since this is arguably the best looking pony on the market. The Camaro SS is oh-so-close to being the perfect pony - maybe after an interior freshening or the next-gen, Alpha based car, they'll have it just right.

Ultimately, the new Camaro is a great car to be seen in - but not one that you might enjoy living with all the time.

Rocky Mountain Driving Experience

2010-06-09T07:56:00.001-06:00

7:40 - arrived and registered. Appears to be 20+ other reviewers and journalists here. Lots of shiny cars just waiting for us to drive the bejesus out of them.

8:09 - leaving for May Farms in an Audi A3 TDI

9:00 - eating breakfast at May Farms. A3 left me a touch cold. Not worth 20k more than a 5-door Golf.

10:15 - at High Plains Raceway. Got here in a 556hp CTS-V. So, I'm in a good mood. We get to drive it, the Corvette GS, the Viper ACR, as well as a bunch of other fun stuff soon.

10:45 - just did my first 3 laps ever on a real track. The instructor was very helpful and the Suzuki Kizashi was a willing participant, but I'm taking a quick breather before trying again.

1:45 - At lunch at May Farms after spending some time driving both the Mercedes E350 cabrio and a Camaro SS. Next up, driving to CO Offroad Extreme.

8:15 - leaving after the wrap-up dinner. Got to ride in several hot-laps on the off-road rally track that were an absolute blast and drove to 2011 Volvo C70 convertible back to where it all started this morning. All was a complete blast. Expect short-take reviews soon on the vehicles I drove today.

Engineer Spotting

2010-06-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

Colorado is a nice place to live for a few reasons. Weather, scenery, wildlife (I mean elk and deer, not clubing) ;-)...

One nice perk is that the automakers bring product out here for high altitude validation.

I've seen Dodge Journeys in camo, a small fleet of Fiat 500's (from almost a year before the Chrysler merger), and yesterday I saw a group of no fewer than 9 Chevy Cruze's in various trims as they were stopped in Boulder for lunch.

Looked pretty nice and very close to production ready to me.

tap tap tap...Is this thing on?

2010-06-02T06:12:00.002-06:00

Long time, no post.

It's been a busy 3 years over at UOwC headquarters...none of which matters to you, my reader.

What you do need to know is that I'm back on the case - with a slate of test drive/auto reviews as well as our famous high-level analysis of what is going on now in the auto biz.

In the meantime, you can also follow us over at the CaddyEdge.com where my more in-depth reviews, centered around Cadillacs have been appearing.

Also, you can follow me over on Twitter or Facebook - both of these are feeds for the CaddyEdge site - but also contain items that might not make it to the main tCE site.

New EPA mileage numbers for hybrids

2007-05-18T09:35:00.000-06:00

One of the major complaints from consumers about hybrids is that most people can't manage to get anywhere close to the EPA ratings.

Starting for the 08 model year, the EPA is adjusting their mileage numbers to reflect something closer to real-world numbers. Of note is that the testing procedure has not changed - the EPA is basically running the existing numbers through a correction formula to get the new ratings.

Also of note is that the fuel consumption really has not changed. The EPA is merely trying to give consumers a more realistic expectation when they are comparing vehicles.

So, here is what the changes give us (when available, comparable non-hybrid models are also listed). The each set of numbers are city/highway/combined ratings. The first set are the old ratings while the last column are the ratings under the new formula.

Microcars for all! - GM unveils Opel/Vauxhall Agila

2007-05-14T12:31:00.000-06:00

Picture a Saturn 2 sizes smaller than the upcoming Astra and you are well on your way to understanding what the Opel Agila is all about.

This microcar (a niche that GM has becoming increasingly interested in of late - with their 3 microcar concepts shown at the New York Auto Show and talk about their desire to make stylish/desirable products in this segment with the help of GM Daewoo) is based on the Suzuki Swift (yep, they still make a Swift).

It is powered by your choice of 3 tiny engines (a 1.0l gasoline 3-cylinder with 65hp, a 1.2l gasoline 4-cylinder with 86hp, or a 1.3l diesel with 75hp but 140lb*ft of torque). Given this just over 12ft long car's weight, any should be sufficient.

While it is unlikely that Saturn will see this car (since the Opel Corsa is one size bigger and not planned - yet - for the US market) - ever tightening emissions and fuel economy standards, and increasing gas prices may change things in the coming years.

It is nice to know that tiny cars are not the penalty boxes that many remember from the first push to get fuel efficiency up (late 70's-80's).

DaimlerChysler spins off Chrysler Group

2007-05-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

Unless you've been under a rock for the last couple months - you knew that DaimlerChrysler was looking for a buyer for their Chrysler Group. GM, Canadian supplier Magna, and various private equity groups have all been rumored buyers.

Overnight, an announcement was made that Cerberus Capital Management will take a 80.1% stake, for $7.4 billion. The deal includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, as well as Chrysler Financial.

As details have emerged, it has become clear that UAW contracts are expected to stay in force for the near term and no new layoffs (outside of those already announced) are expected, the 19.9% of ownership retained by Daimler AG (the new name of the German portion of the previous DaimlerChrysler) will allow the continuation of work between the new entities on clean diesel, 2-mode hybrids, etc.

Rumors abound that Chrysler Financial will, ultimately, be merged with GMAC (also controlled by Cerberus).

The new Chrysler Holdings LLC that will be formed will retain the health care and pension liabilities of Chrysler Group but will otherwise be debt-free.

The sale is expected to be complete in 3Q07.

Next Saturn Aura spied

2007-05-14T08:48:00.000-06:00

Despite the fact that Saturn just brought out the new Aura to critical acclaim, it won't be long until the next Aura debuts.

The current Aura is a modified version of the current Opel Vectra - the new Aura is being co-developed and should be close to identical to the next generation Vectra due out in 2009.

The spy photo (a portion of which is shown here) at the Car Connection shows influences from the recent Opel GTC coupe concept, specifically in the rear quarter area with powerful shoulder-line.

It is rumored that the GTC might also hint at a potential Vectra and Aura 2-door to compete against the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima coupes.

Read about it at:

The Car Connection: 2009 Saturn Aura Spied!

Chevy Volt approved for production!

2007-05-07T13:01:00.000-06:00

I'm somewhat an oddity. I am a hard-core automotive enthusiast - but also incredibly conscious of the ecological impact of my hobby.

As that, I am seriously stoked about the Chevy Volt concept.

If you've been under a rock for the last few months, the Volt was the first implementation of GM's E-Flex concept.

In essence, picture the E-Flex (and the Volt) as an electric car. Using cutting edge Li-Ion battery technology (similar to what you'd find in consumer electronics like laptops), the vehicle allows for range of around 40 miles on a charge and the ability to charge in a few hours from standard household current.

While 40 miles would not be enough to entice most folks, GM gets around this by putting a highly efficient secondary power source on board to help charge the batteries and produce electricity for times when the batteries are not sufficient. This provides flexible choices for the secondary power source, from gasoline engines, E85 powered engines, or even fuel cells.

With the secondary source, you get the ability to drive 40 miles on pure electricity while not having to worry that, if something unforeseen comes up, you might not be able to complete your trip and make it home (a major limitation of previous electric vehicles).

Given the optimized size of the secondary power source, you should see fuel economy numbers of at least 50-60mpg while seeing many owners never having to fuel the vehicle for months at a time and effective mileage in the hundreds of miles per gallon. And, unlike most previous electric vehicles, a Volt would have the utility and range of a conventional car (and the ability to refuel to extend your trip) - while giving you extreme fuel savings in your average day-to-day driving.

While this system has created quite a buzz, most (myself included) have been somewhat cautious about warnings from GM that battery technology might not allow the concept to come to market for some time.

Now, Automotive News (via Leftlane News) has reported that GM has officially green-lighted Volt for production. It will be an off-shoot of the Delta II chassis that will also serve as the basis for the next Chevy Cobalt as well as the next Saturn Astra (not the model that comes to market this fall).

Also of interest is that GM expects to make the production Volt available in 2010 and will offer a choice of either a gasoline or fuel cell secondary power source.

I'll be keeping a very close eye on this one and might consider it as one of my choices for my daily driver (while keeping a nice sports car on the side for my enthusiast 'needs').

Read about it at:

Leftlane News: Shocking! Volt Production by 2010?

Chevy sponsors online Transformers game

2007-05-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

Anyone following the upcoming Transformers movie has seen how ingrained GM is in the new movie (taking the place of just about every Autobot we knew and loved in their previous form...come on, Bumblebee is a Camaro?!).

Now, Chevy has put a Transformers game online at www.chevy.com/autobot where you can you can register, pick your Chevrolet (and give it a suitably Transformer-ish name) and challenge others to 5-round battles.

It's fun so far - just tell them Bladeicus sent you. :-)

GM Brands - Live or Die?

2007-04-30T12:45:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've heard by now about the piece in Fortune (my least favorite source for automotive content) about what GM should do to get back in the game...

It's strange to me how a company that is as large and successful as GM, is the only one of the 'big 3' that isn't either in serious trouble or for sale...is considered by so many journalists as a failure.

So, Toyota sold more cars world-wide than GM in the first quarter of 2007...okay. The margin is still tight and with GM's turn-around plan fully in motion, there is no reason to believe that their market share slide will not slow, stop, or even turn around soon.

But, let's accept for a moment the concept that they have not changed enough structurally and need to do more drastic things to match the Toyota machine...do they need to slice off brands and shrink down to a more manageable size?

Fortune suggests killing off Saab, Hummer, Buick, and Pontiac. Moving GMC to a commercial-only vehicle brand, repositioning Saturn as a Scion killer, and leaving Cadillac and Chevrolet as full-line brands to compete against Lexus and Toyota.

Well - I doubt I'd go nearly that far. But, the idea of bringing some coherency to the GM lineup has some appeal.

Here's my plan for GM's brands:

Saab - this brand has no place in GM's future. As a global luxury brand - it competes with Cadillac. As a competitor to Volvo - it ends up in the no-mans land between Buick and Cadillac. As a beloved quirky brand of hatchbacks and a favorite of college profs everywhere...you're killing me with a lack of attention/attempts to mold the brand into something it isn't and shouldn't be. Find a company that could understand what Saab is about and sell it to them ASAP.

Hummer - the brand everyone loves to hate, but a success story if ever there was one. Who would have ever thought that GM could have a viable competitor to Jeep so soon after launch. Sure, there are other GM brands with trucks, but Hummer has such focus and such credibility as a producer of off-road vehicles that this brand will go down as one of the success stories of the early 21st century.

Will it sell in huge numbers? No. Should GM keep it anyway? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. This brand shows exactly what laser-like focus on a brand's mission gives you. Everyone knows a Hummer on sight, everyone knows what it can do, and it is true to these brand traits from top to bottom.

Not to mention, that it doesn't cost a lot to keep them around and they don't compete at bit with anything else GM sells (incremental profit - thy name is Hummer).

GMC - in the dictionary under 'redundant'... GMC sells rebadged Chevrolet trucks and, in the case of the Acadia, a rebadged Saturn. I understand this brand is cheap to maintain and successful in certain markets...but unless GM is serious about 'Professional Grade' enough to drop the crossovers and light-duty trucks from GMC and drop all heavy-duty trucks from Chevy - leaving GMC as a heavy-duty and commercial truck division, then just kill them and let Sierra buyers get Silverados. I can't imagine that the extra dealer body and marketing efforts are made up for by the incremental GMC buyer who would not ever buy a Chevrolet.

Chevrolet - full line, all the time. Assuming that Chevrolet keeps their truck line (it will), then Chevy can easily become the full-line brand that Toyota is. Chevrolet should be your source for everything from micro-cars through leather-lined Impalas. It is a hodge-podge brand that can be just about anything to anyone with a smattering of high-performance products, mainstream front and rear-drive product, trucks, etc.

Cadillac - 'Standard of the World' in the making. Cadillac will be a major beneficiary of a lean, mean GM. The money saved by not supporting Saab product development and GMC can be funneled into an expansion of Cadillac into a true Mercedes/BMW killer. A smaller-than-CTS sedan and coupe, a CTS coupe and wagon, a smaller-than-XLR sports car, a small SUV, as well as an ultra sedan and coupe on the upper end would book-end GM's offerings on the upper end.

Pontiac - focused like Hummer only for the on-road enthusiast. Word is that Pontiac is going all rear-drive. This is going to tick off the Pontiac dealers that are used to being a sporty Chevy...but the success of Pontiac needs to be by offering something focused. A rear-drive line, from a sub-compact through a Grand Prix sized rear driver (the new G8) in sedans/coupes/convertibles...allowing for a resurrected GTO, the Solstice, and possibly a Firebird (as more of a 2-seat, smaller, V-8 equivalent to the GTO) - then Pontiac will mean something. Think of Pontiac as a rear-drive Mazda without the SUVs and minivans and you will see the idea.

Buick or Saturn - pick one. As you have likely heard, Buick is going after Lexus (but given Lexus is totally in Cadillac price territory...why?). Saturn is expanding with sophisticated and stylish product to compete against imports (how antiquated a niche is that in this day and age?). Both are aiming at front-drive for the majority of the lineup. However, Saturn is going for everything from mid-teens hatchbacks (the Astra) through mid-30's crossovers (Outlook).

Buick is at the early stages of a resurgence with the Enclave SUV (based on the same platform as the Saturn Outlook) and will have mid and large sedans (and coupes?) as its basis.

GM needs to make a decision here. Buick or Saturn, but not both.

Saturn is becoming a full-line manufacturer (which seems to get in the way of Chevrolet). However, on the plus side, they have a young buyer and a great reputation through their dealer body and no-hassle philosophy.

Buick, on the plus side has decades of history, loyal buyers, and would carry a stately, elegant, American Jaguar aesthetic quite well. As a softer, less sporty, front-drive alternative to Cadillac's rear-drive lineup - it could work. However, with its aging buyers and less focused niche, I'm not sure how it will fit in with smaller Cadillacs and larger Chevrolets.

I can make a case for either, but better if Chevrolet is limited to softer, middle-of-the-road, tuning for their larger stuff and by merging Buick and Saturn into a single entity that sells sophisticated, stylish, near-luxury product.

So, for me, the ultimate GM would be one that sells Saab, kills GMC, merges Buick and Saturn, moves Pontiac into a hard-core sports brand, and gives the savings to Chevrolet and Cadillac to compete with Toyota and BMW, all the while spending a little bit of money giving Hummer 3 or 4 models that are various sizes of the hard-core off-roader concept.

It isn't as shocking and likely to get me press as Fortune's story...but it might be the one that gives GM an even better shot at long-term success.

Mitsubishi Evo X unveiled - and Road and Track's renderings of the Subaru WRX STI

2007-04-26T09:52:00.000-06:00

The good folks over at Mitsubishi have unveiled this picture of an 'exterior styling study' for the Evolution X (Evo X for us in the USA).

Expect this to be identical to the production Evo that we'll see later this year, packing 300-ish horsepower, and more electronic do-dads than you can shake a stick at (including an available dual-clutch automatic similar to the DSG sold by VW).

Also, today Road and Track put an article up on their website showing renderings of the new Evo (so you can compare against the official pic above) as well as their take on what the next WRX STI will look like.

Enjoy.

Road and Track: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STI

More pics of the Buick Riviera concept

2007-04-20T14:46:00.000-06:00

Check out these great shots of the new Buick Riviera concept. This was designed in China at GM's design studio there.

Buick is GM's most successful brand in China and the designers/engineers there will be working with their US counterparts to develop a cohesive brand image for Buick in both countries (currently, China has cars badged as Buicks that don't exactly resemble what we get here).

Expect this design language (itself showing signs of the swoop-y styling of the Enclave) to heavily influence the future face of Buick for many years to come.

All I can say is, 'it is about time'.

TCC Spies 2009 Mazda6

2007-04-19T16:07:00.000-06:00

The Mazda6 has been quite a successful car for both Mazda - making it a legitimate player in the mid-sized sedan game, and Ford - server as the basis for most of their new mid-sized product (Fusion, Milan, Edge).

So, the redesign of the Mazda6 is a big deal - and the folks over at the Car Connection have spotted the new car in disguise.

Ford's versions of the platform were stretched and the new 6 takes advantage of the extra room in the 2nd generation car seen here.

Expect stronger family resemblance to the RX-8, MX-5 (Miata), and the CX crossovers with defined front fender bulges and swoopy light clusters front and rear.

Expect the new 6 to debut later this year.

Read all about it over at:

The Car Connection: 2009 Mazda6 Spied

Bangled Again - BMW shows CS concept 4-door coupe at Shanghai

2007-04-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

Yep, more news from Shanghai. This time from BMW with a preview of their upcoming Mercedes CLS, 4-door coupe, competitor.

Larger in length and width than even the grand-daddy 7-series BMW, the CS also previews the future of the Chris Bangle, flame-surfacing, design ethic.

New are much larger kidney grills, large air intakes in the lower corners of the front fascia (echoed in the rear with integrated exhaust tips), and even more of the concave/convex complexity that has become a BMW hallmark (and is influencing design from manufacturers the world over - for good or bad, your choice).

Expect the production version of this concept to appear in approximately a year.

More fun from Shanghai - Audi CrossCoupe Quattro

2007-04-19T10:11:00.000-06:00

This Shanghai Auto Show (in China, for the geographically impaired) is turning out to be quite the international-league auto show.

Today we have Audi's new CrossCoupe Quattro concept that is almost certainly a strong preview of the upcoming Q5 SUV.

Expect the production Q5 to look almost exactly like this concept (perhaps with something other than the impossible to keep clean cream-colored dash and floor).

More pics of the Buick Riviera concept

2007-04-18T16:16:00.000-06:00

The folks over at the Hollywood Extra blog have shown us all some more pictures of the Buick Riviera concept that will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show.

I'm really liking how the Enclave style translates into an elegant, sporty package.

I'd expect this to preview a product for both the Chinese and US markets for the end of the decade.

Chinese owned Rover (Roewe) shows styling promise

2007-04-16T13:14:00.000-06:00

1. Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corp (SAIC) purchased the assetts of UK's Rover brand.

2. SAIC is stymied in its plan to re-launch the Rover brand when Ford excercised it's option to purchase the Rover brand from BMW.

3. SAIC renames Rover as Roewe and continues with plans to bring re-launch the cars anyway.

4. We get to see the first of the newly freshened Rover/Roewe cars in the W2 concept shown here. Unlike some product we've seen lately from companies that shall remain nameless (I'm looking at you Subaru)...SAIC is showing that they have some styling chops.

There are several established players in the world car market that should be nervous (assuming Roewe can get quality down as well).

Buick Riviera Concept

2007-04-16T11:14:00.000-06:00

Buick's Chinese arm is preparing a concept coupe for the Shanghai Auto show.

Digging up the classic Riviera name, this coupe seems to show how some of the Buick design language from the Enclave might make it to a sportier package.

Since Buick in the US and China are committed to working closely from now on, we should see some of this design language influence Buicks we can by in the USA as well.

This would make a great Zeta-based coupe for Buick (assuming GM continues down the Zeta-for-everyone path - currently on hold pending new US regulations for fuel economy/CO2 emissions).

More details and pics as they are released.

GM to show next E-Flex vehicle in Frankfurt

2007-04-13T12:13:00.000-06:00

The good folks at Winding Road are reporting on a statement made by Bob Lutz at last week's NY Auto Show about the follow-on to the Chevy Volt concept.

Another E-Flex vehicle (a battery powered vehicle with a supplementary engine/power source to extend range) will be shown at the Frankfurt show in September, likely badged as an Opel.

Expect this E-Flex to use a biodiesel engine as the 'range extender' and to have a unique body to that of the Volt.

GM still plans on putting an E-Flex powered vehicle into production in 2010 - barring any unforeseen problems getting the Li-Ion battery technology scaled up to allow electric-only operation for 30-40 miles.

See the video of the interview at:

Winding Road: Bob Lutz - New Volt-based Concept will Debut in Frankfurt

GM reconsidering all their cool rear drive plans?

2007-04-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

I mentioned earlier today that government or consumer action would possibly cause the automakers to change their product mix...I really didn't expect to see a concrete example the same day.

Over at Winding Road, they are reporting that Bob Lutz is saber-rattling that GM might have to hold off on some of their most exciting upcoming product to see what the Bush Administration does with regard to CAFE (fuel economy) rules, etc.

In the report, they claim that the Camaro is a done deal, but most everything else is now being reconsidered. This could include the Alpha platform (next Pontiac G6 and Cadillac BLS), rear drive replacements for the Chevy Impala and Monte Carlo, as well as rear-drive Buicks, etc.

The issue, according to Lutz is that they don't know how they'd get 30% better economy from these platforms.

My take? They think they know how to get there - but aren't sure yet. So, the benefits of mentioning product cancellations (possibly causing Washington to enact less aggressive new rules) outweigh the bad PR of looking less eco-friendly.

Come on, Bob...you can't talk about how green GM is and how hard you are working on all this cool technology and then claim that you can't figure out how to make RWD as efficient as FWD...it makes you and GM look like you don't know what you are doing (at best) or are lobbying away our future to save a buck (at worst).

Read about it at:

Winding Road: Lutz - Most of GM's Rear-Drive Future 'On Hold' Due to Possible Regulation Changes

Check your politics at the door - changes in the auto business and global warming.

2007-04-10T10:48:00.000-06:00

Our world is changing.

Dispute the causes all you want, but the truth is that our climate is changing and we can either sit on our hands or we can do everything in our power to try to stabilize the climate (using the things we agree we can control) and protect the lives we've all become accustomed to (whether that means having to run your A/C a certain number of days a year or keeping your beach house above the ocean - though the whole in-house aquarium thing might become a selling point down the road).

There are countless little things that we can do as individuals to try to help. They all center around using less energy (either directly or in the things we buy).

Since this is a blog about cars...I'm not here to talk to you about switching to florescent light-bulbs (though that would be a cheap and easy start, if you are interested).

Ultimately, there are decisions that need to be made with regard to what we choose to drive. Evaluations need to be made about what we really need in a car and what the environmental impact of said choice will be. Since CO2 is a direct by-product of the amount of fuel you burn, the flip-side of this coin is that you can not believe in global warming as a human caused phenomenon and still justify a low CO2 emitting choice on the basis of fuel savings or reducing our national consumption of oil.

Of course, the decisions may get made for us in light of the US Environmental Protection Agency's new mandate (via the US Supreme Court) to regulate CO2 emissions as an official pollutant. This may force our and automakers' hands with regard to vehicle choice.

I, for one, would much rather make conservation choices now and send a message to automakers - giving them a head start - then to live through another 1980's fiasco where awful cars get built to meet a deadline from the government.

As consumers and/or government shift their thinking and make environmental factors part of the buying decision/production requirements, automakers will add offerings (or alter current offerings) in response.

...and what companies are best positioned to take advantage of this shift most quickly? A couple names might not surprise you, but I'm sure one will. You can also check out the latest report from the Union of Concerned Scientists rating relative pollution (including CO2) from the major automakers - even though they disagree with one of my choices below.

Honda, already an established producer of economical cars has made an enviable position for itself with its hybrid models, but also its new Fit hatchback. The Fit is a roomy, versatile, economical product - all while being quite a little go kart that keeps you from feeling like you sacrificed driving fun for your lower carbon footprint. Combined with Honda's IMA hybrid technology that can easily be retrofitted to just about any product they make and they could quickly put a hybrid of just about any product on the road.

Toyota, the 800lb gorilla of the current eco-car movement (even though they sell plenty of guzzlers as well) has their green poster child Prius (as well as the related hybrid versions of several Toyota and Lexus products). Less expensive are the eco friendly cars in the Scion line (xD and xB) as well as the Toyota branded Yaris sedan and hatch. Toyota certainly has a nice niche carved out for itself with products in several categories that would make nice alternatives to its competition all while providing higher economy (and subsequently lower CO2 emissions).

Now for the unexpected player in this 3-way eco race...GM.

'What?!' I hear you saying. 'Isn't GM a long-in-the-tooth sign of everything that is wrong in the auto industry? Aren't they a company that has made their name selling low-mileage, CO2-spewing, low-tech junk for decades.' - not anymore (not to mention that their reputation of selling low-economy is way overblown) . Witness the following:

GM developed arguably the most sophisticated electric vehicle ever to see production, the EV1, in the 1990's. Lack of customer acceptance killed that electric car - GM was well within their rights to pull them all back in - given the legal requirements to keep parts on the shelf for years after they went out of production. The only reason you've heard that they 'killed the electric car' is because some very influential and money-ed individuals in Hollywood had their feathers ruffled when GM wouldn't give them exactly what they wanted.

GM is a global company with incredible reach with regards to technology that they can bring to bear. They have subsidiaries with incredible expertise in technologies as diverse as electric powertrains, biofuels, diesel, fuel cells, and efficiency increasing technologies for the workhorse gasoline engines.

One example of this is the 'skateboard' chassis that they have had in development for years. It would allow a wide range of hydrogen fuel-cell products to be brought to market quickly and cheaply (of course, first we would have to see significant efficiency gains for the fuel cells and a hydrogen infrastructure for refueling).

A second example is the recent Volt concept from Chevrolet - using a technology GM calls 'E-Flex' the architecture shown by this concept is much closer to reality than the 'skateboard' in that it uses existing electric powertrain elements from hybrid cars and allows for a supplementary power unit that could be a conventional gas engine, a diesel, a small fuel cell, or any of a wide range of biofuel options. The E-Flex concept would allow for high effective fuel efficiency products that could also leverage recharging via a conventional wall-outlet (and therefore drawing power from what could be a more eco-friendly point source of pollution).

A third example is GM's broad investment in ethanol fuels. Millions of GM vehicles already on the road could be fueled by an E85 blend of gasoline and ethanol - and, once ethanol production is shifted away from a corn-only system, would be close to carbon neutral. Saab is the GM subsidiary that is taking the lead in ethanol vehicles and has recently shown a Saab 9-5 wagon that is optimized to run on E100 (100% ethanol).

Forth and most recent is GM's serious consideration of micro or city cars. These are quite a bit smaller than some of the smaller cars available already on the US market - but would be recognized immediately in Europe or Asia. GM is preparing to have 4-seat cars that would have 1.0 litre gas or diesel engines, perhaps with hybrid technology as well and seating for 4 adults. At the New York Auto Show, they showed 3 different flavors of this class of car, a micro crossover called the Trax, a 4-door shrunken version of the Chevy HHR (or PT Cruiser, if you prefer) called the Groove, and then a tiny 3-door with a sporty vibe that looks like a shrunken version of Honda's Fit.

So, as you can see, while our cars might get smaller with smaller engines (or no engines whatsoever) - regulations that might force lower CO2 emissions won't put consumers into quite the bind that you might expect. Some manufacturers are already set to provide what the market will need and others will follow suit. And, once consumers realize the fun and functionality that can be had in these packages - we will all be able to breath a bit easier.

Lexus breaks the 100k barrier with the LS600h L

2007-04-09T08:14:00.000-06:00

Lexus has released the final tidbit of info on their new hybrid flagship.

The price.

Going on sale in June 2007, the LS600h L is a hybrid version of the LS600 L, long-wheelbase version of the Lexus' largest sedan. The base MSRP will be $104000.

The LS600h is unique in the Lexus line, not only in having a hybrid powertrain, but is also the only LS to have all-wheel drive, a continually variable transmission, and meets the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standard.

At this point, there are no actual fuel economy figures, but Lexus is claiming that the 430hp sedan will have efficiency equal or better than that of V-6, all-wheel drive, mid-sized sedans - with performance on par with V-12 powered competitors.

More Seoul Auto Show debuts - Hyundai Veloster

2007-04-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

Now that we are done hearing of the concepts the major automakers debuted at the New York show, we are starting to hear reports of concepts shown at the 'other' major show starting this week - the Seoul Auto Show in Seoul, South Korea.

Yesterday, we showed you the Kia KND-4 concept and now we have a sport-coupe concept from Hyundai - the Veloster.

Expect this to preview some styling elements we might see in the new Tiburon, though this concept is one step smaller and could preview a brand new, Elantra-based coupe.

This concept also furthers the automakers fascination with coupes that are really 2-door, steeply-raked sport wagons...which the automakers see as a way to get customers buying sporty 2-doors again (by tempering their natural lack of utility with an extra-large cargo area out back).

See some more pictures over at:

Winding Road: Hyundai Unveils Veloster Coupe Concept in Seoul

Kia shows off KND-4 concept...but not in New York

2007-04-05T14:38:00.000-06:00

You'd be forgiven if you thought the New York Auto Show is the only event going on this week...but this debut would prove you wrong.

Kia debuted today their KND-4 3-door SUV concept at the Seoul Motor Show.

Interesting is if you take this concept together with the previously shown Kue concept (shown below) from earlier this year...the styling elements that are common likely are a strong indicator of the styling of a new Kia SUV to hit the market within the next two years and further to styling elements that we'll see on other Kia products as well.

I'd criticize this for being derivative in styling...but what SUV is truely unique, styling-wise?

Read more about the concept over at:

Winding Road: Kia Debuts KND-4 Concept in Seoul

Lexus LX570 unveiled

2007-04-05T14:11:00.000-06:00

Lexus took the opportunity of this year's New York Auto Show to debut their big, bad version of the Toyota Land Cruiser - the LX570.

Underhood, the new LX is packing a version of the Tundra's 5.7l V-8 (381hp and over 400lb*ft of torque) giving an 8500lb tow rating. This works out to over 100hp and a ton more towing capacity than the vehicle it replaces.

The LX is a technological tour de force with an electro-hydraulic suspension with height control, has a cross linking technology that ties opposing corners together and uses energy from opposite corners to help counter-act road forces.

Active Height Control does the standard things such systems do (lowering the vehicle at highway speed and raising things up by 3 inches when the 4wd is shifted into low range).

On the interior front are an extra inch of width as well as 4 inches of extra length. Crash protection comes in the form of 10 airbags that include dual front bags, dual front knee bags, side bags for the front two rows, as well as curtain bags for all three rows.

See even more pics over at:

LeftLane News: 2008 Lexus LX 570 unveiled

2009 Ford Flex

2007-04-04T11:27:00.000-06:00

Ford is in desperate need of product that shows that they are not ready to go just yet to go belly-up.

They need something that shows that they have intelligent minds behind the scenes that know exactly what customers really want and are working late nights to bring it to them before all the money runs out and Ford becomes a footnote in the early 21st century automotive history.

The Flex...unfortunately, is not that product.

Looking like a, somehow, less attractive version of the Fairlane concept, the Flex is being billed as a crossover for families (neo-minivan). While it has a few unique elements (incredibly angular styling, available refrigerator, etc...it comes across, especially with blacked out pillars and a white roof as Ford's 7-seat answer to the Mini Cooper.

Also, the obvious question is 'does Ford need _another_ 3-row, available AWD, V-6 crossover/wagon/thing? Exactly how is this serving a different need than the Freestyle (or as it is now known - Taurus X). Now Ford has 2 5-seat people movers in the Escape and Edge and 2 7-seaters in the Flex and Taurus X...wouldn't the duplicated development have been better spent in improving the products that _don't_ compete with other Ford products?

Oh well...I guess time will tell.

See more pics over at:

Winding Road: New York Auto Show: A Fairlane by any Other Name - Ford Debuts '09 Flex

GM Unveils all three microcar concepts

2007-04-04T11:12:00.000-06:00

As you may remember from earlier, GM teased us about a 3-concept roll-out at the New York auto show, with pictures of the Trax concept.

Today, we get more details on the Trax, Beat, and Groove as well as the ability to vote for our favorite at vote4chevrolet.com

Each concept has a slightly different take on what an A-class car can be (this is similar to the class of car that the Smart ForTwo and ForFour exist in - they are aimed at urban dwellers where ability to park in small spaces and economy are prime concerns).

Trax, the concept we've already seen a teaser for, is a crossover slant on the microcar. It packs, in addition to its 1-litre gas engine, a battery pack and electric motor that power the rear wheels - providing a low-cost 4wd system.

Groove is aimed at being a more retro take on the microcar concept, though the overall look seems to be similar to the just shown 2nd generation Scion xB. It is powered by a 1-litre diesel engine.

Beat, unlike the other two concepts, is a 3-door hatch. It is aimed at a sportier driver / tuner audience and carries the design language previewed earlier this year on the WRC concept. True to the sportier mission, the Beat packs a 1.2l turbocharged engine (though putting power down through an automatic transmission).

Be sure to vote for your preferred version over at vote4chevrolet.com - the winner will likely inspire a production microcar from GM for sale in the US market (assuming the Smart ForTwo does well here).

VW Jetta gets update and wagon

2007-04-04T10:52:00.000-06:00

2008 will bring a slightly updated Jetta to the US. Included will be the mildly anticipated wagon replacement.

Proving that the folks responsible for the good-looking A4 (platform name, no relation to the Audi) Jetta and Jetta wagon have long since lost influence at VW...the 08 Jetta shows no sign of abandoning the 'look-at-me' chrome grill and continues the fascination with bland tail-light design that brought Toyota Corolla tail-lights to the sedan and now give us the most anonymous lights imaginable for the wagon.

On the plus-side, 08 will bring the return of the TDi diesel engine, now with BlueTec and in a 2.0l size (up from the previous 1.9l TDi). Additional powertrain updates include a 20hp bump for the 2.5l 5-cylinder (now at 170).

Read more about it at the best VW site around:

VWVortex: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Could someone please loan Subaru a designer - Tribeca refresh

2007-04-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Okay, Subaru has gone for years without a real stylist on staff...then they decided to try one out and he forced a design language he couldn't get Alfa Romeo to accept on them (you can't blame them...what did they know about design and this guy was an 'expert')...the result was the B9 Tribeca...a dumb name with a front end that nobody seemed to like.

So, instead of firing the bad designer and hiring a better one...Subaru had a knee-jerk reaction and went back to their old ways.

The results we've already seen are the bland Impreza.

Now we get the refreshed Tribeca (note the lack of the B9 which Subaru is dropping with the refreshed front styling). Unfortunately, the Tribeca, while still stylish from the A-pillar back, now looks like the Chrysler Pacifica from there forward.

Again, I ask...could someone please loan Subaru a designer before it is too late?

Chrysler Crossfire cancelled

2007-04-04T09:28:00.000-06:00

I've always liked the Crossfire - or at least really wanted to.

The styling, while not nearly as edgy as its namesake concept car, was provocative, unique, and showed Chrysler's (now lost, it seems) flare for design.

Unfortunately, given Chrysler's tie-up with Mercedes, the car that ultimately got produced had a cheap feeling interior (which is odd since it is shared with the Mercedes SLK on which it is based), poor handling, and a weak powertrain.

Ultimately, sales suffered and the last Crossfire will roll off the assembly line this summer.

I only wonder what the Crossfire could have been if Chrysler's German masters hadn't been holding it back.

Winding Road: Chrysler Crossfire to be Euthanized this Summer

Mini Clubman S spotted

2007-04-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

Of course, we knew all along that the stretched Mini Cooper (the Clubman) would get the turbo treatment of the Cooper S...now WorldCarFans has the spy shots to prove it.

Check out their pics of the turbo Clubman (Clubman S?) testing:

WorldCarFans.com: Spy Photos: Mini Clubman S

2008 Jeep Liberty

2007-04-04T07:55:00.000-06:00

Well, this should have been expected...Dodge gets the Liberty platform to develop the Nitro...so why wouldn't the next Liberty take the platform back from Dodge and give us a new Liberty that looks pretty much like a Jeep-ified Nitro. Or maybe it is just the offspring of a Nitro and a Jeep Commander.

Unique to the Liberty, besides some styling details, is what Jeep is calling the 'Sky Slider' roof. Not a conventional big sunroof since Jeep's is fabric, covers from the front seat almost to the hatch, and can be opened from the front or rear and any combination of the two.

Retained are the independent front suspension that had Jeep faithful howling when the original Liberty came out (to replace the XJ Cherokee), prompting the name change in the North American market (the Liberty still goes by Cherokee in Europe). However, we now get a new 5-link rear suspension (sounds like an independent arrangement to me)...I can just imagine the hate-mail Jeep will get now.

It appears that Jeep's product planners hear the faithful screaming about 'not a real Jeep' and think that means it isn't square enough, needs a fabric roof (how very Wrangler), and needs a snappy press release touting the heritage of Jeep...it's a shame they don't understand their own ad copy.

More pics of the 2008 Subaru WRX

2007-04-02T12:28:00.000-06:00

As we get closer to the New York Auto Show, we are getting more details of products that will debut. Today we have the first official pictures of the new Subaru Impreza sedan as well as better pictures of the wagon replacement/hatch and the interior.

Unlike some of the pictures we saw earlier, that were scans from the latest issue of Motor Trend, these pics show the hatch in a better light. We're still a bit iff-y on the front-end (so you can expect that Subaru is already hard at work at a better look for the 2010 model since they are renown for their Impreza freshenings on pretty much that schedule anyway.

Powertrain details are also out, and it appears that we'll have to wait for a year or two to see serious performance upgrades for the standard WRX. The 2008 is going to keep the standard 2.5l turbo, flat-four with the same power output (though the rpm for both the horsepower and torque peak are both a touch lower now).

It will be interesting to see how competitive the new Impreza will be with the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Evo X and, assuming the Impreza is not class-leading, how long it will take Subaru to adjust.

More details later this week after the debut.

Preview - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2007-04-01T15:38:00.000-06:00

As yet another preview of what was to be a New York Auto Show debut - Jeep has shown some details of the 2008 refreshed Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Of note are the updated headlights (now curved at the top and the bottom), availability of the new SIRIUS Backseat TV and MyGiG entertainment systems, updated interior styling, and the addition of the 3.0l common-rail diesel V-6 and an updated 4.7l V-8 with additional power and flex-fuel capability.

Another interesting detail is that a large portion of the lower front fascia (including the fog lights) is removable for better approach angles when off-roading.

More details closer to the official NY debut.

Ford Foose F-150 - a Lightning by any other name...

2007-03-30T15:19:00.000-06:00

Ford's SVT group had a long run of very impressive machines - from the Mustang Cobra through the Contour and Focus SVT models.

Of particular fame was the high-performance F-150 dubbed the Lightning.

However, Ford has fallen on hard times and one of the first things to get dialed back was the SVT programs. Now, the only product left is the Mustang GT500, which is more a vehicle to carry the Shelby name than SVT.

Anther casualty was the hi-po F-150...until now.

Ford has entered into a partnership with Chip Foose and the first product of this relationship is the F-150 Foose Edition. Packing a 450hp supercharged 5.4l V-8 (similar to the 500hp version in the GT500 Mustang) - this is the most powerful half-ton F-series ever.

Other changes include customer grill-work, lowered suspension, and 22" wheels w/ Z-rated rubber.

Expect this to be a sign (along with the relationship with Shelby) of how Ford plans to market SVT-type vehicles in the future. Give customers the extra enticement of a famous name label on the special edition products to give them more cache then SVT was able to provide alone.

Holy Crap! - Shelby to unveil 540hp Mustang at New York

2007-03-30T10:34:00.000-06:00

Back in the day, Carol Shelby was responsible for some pretty hot Mustangs. Now, he's lending his name again to even more hot Mustangs such as the Shelby GT-H (a special GT for Hertz), Shelby GT, and the GT500 coupe and convertible.

If you thought the Shelby GT500 with its 500hp was an impressive ride - check this out.

The GT500KR (KR = King of the Road and hearkens back to the classic GT500KR of 40 years ago) is a limited production (only 1000 will be built), coupe only, with an even higher performance version of the 5.4l supercharged V-8 from the standard GT500. In this iteration, we get 540hp and 510lb*ft of torque.

Other special touches include:

Recalibrated suspension, underhood cross brace, carbon composite hood with scoops paterned after the original GT500KR, 20" Shelby designed wheels for the concept (18" of the same design for the production KR), front brake cooling ducts, and 40th anniversary badging all over.

Expect MSRP's over 50k with actual transaction prices quite a bit higher.

Chrysler and Sirius to offer back-seat TV system

2007-03-29T09:39:00.000-06:00

Chrysler and SIRIUS announced today the exclusive availability of SIRIUS Backseat TV™ programming in 2008 Chrysler Group vehicles starting with the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans.

The initial offering will be 3 channels of live, family TV programming from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network delivered directly to the vehicle.

The system will later be made available in the 2008 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The system will carry an MSRP of $470, which includes the first year of service, when packaged with Chrysler Group’s Rear Seat Entertainment System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. After the first year, SIRIUS Backseat TV is available for $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($12.95 per month).

Pictures of the Infiniti EX concept

2007-03-28T12:25:00.000-06:00

Infiniti is readying a new crossover to compete against the likes of the BMW X3.

This 'concept' that they call the EX is looking quite ready for production and is expected to hit showrooms by the end of the year.

Oddly, the EX is practically the same size as Infinti's current FX crossover, but with better packaging. It will be interesting to see if this V-6 crossover means the FX is not long for this world or that it will be redesigned soon to make room for the new EX.

Expect more details next week after the official unveiling.

Chevy to show 3 microcar concepts in New York

2007-03-28T12:13:00.000-06:00

Update: April 4, 2007 - Chevy has unveiled all three microcars and opened voting at vote4chevrolet.com. Check out the new post with pictures!

Today, Chevy announced that they will have a trio of microcar concepts to show off at the New York Auto Show.

They have teased us with a rendering of the Trax concept, designed, along with the other two (the Groove and Beat) at GM's design center in Incheon, South Korea. The Trax packs a 1.0 litre gas engine and is aimed (as most micros are) at urban drivers.

GM will be allowing show goers to vote on their favorite at vote4chevrolet.com starting on April 4th.

It looks like GM may be taking the threat of the DaimlerChrysler Smart ForTwo seriously and is preparing their own competing product - and using the web site to gauge which concept is closest to the mark.

Hummer news - H3 gets a V-8 and H2 gets an upgraded interior

2007-03-27T11:29:00.000-06:00

It looks like a couple more of the GM announcements for New York have broken cover...

First is a mid-cycle refresh of the Hummer H2, with a freshened front end (not that anyone outside a Hummer fanatic could tell), a version of the 6.2l V-8 from the Cadillac Escalade (increasing the tow rating to 8000 lbs), and a brand new interior with new seats, new dash and gauges, and improved appointments all around.

Then there is the baby Hummer, the H3. Always criticized for being a bit of a laggard on-road, even if it had serious off-road cred. The inline-5, shared with the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon just didn't have what it took to be competitive.

That's nothing that 3 more cylinders wouldn't take care of...and that's what we get. The H3 Alpha brings GM's 5.3l V-8 with 295hp and 317 lb*ft of torque to bear to not only move the H3 down the road with more authority, but also to increase the tow rating by 33% to a solid 6000 lbs.

Expect the freshened H2 and the H3 Alpha to go on sale later this year.

Gee, Buick...that's just Super

2007-03-27T10:46:00.000-06:00

As I've mentioned before, Buick will be unveiling it's 'performance' series of cars at the New York Auto Show in April.

The badge being applied to these is 'Super'. This will show up first on the LaCrosse and Lucerne and mark the first V-8 in the LaCrosse and a performance suspension, etc. on the Lucerne.

As you can see here, they will also sport bigger, Enclave-like grill work that, in at least the LaCrosse's case - will be standard across the line.

It will be interesting to see if these actually help Buick sales while we wait for true re-designed models in the vein of the Enclave's style.

Chevy's Lambda to get Nomad badge

2007-03-27T08:49:00.000-06:00

It's unusual, in the GM pecking order, for Chevy to have to wait for anything. However, when it comes to the Lambda chassis (Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave) - Chevy gets to be last.

Word out of Edmund's Inside Line sub-site is that Chevy will correct this in the 2009 model year with their own version of the Lambda crossover. Along with the new crossover (that will effectively replace the defunct Uplander minivan, much as the other Lambda's replace Saturn's Relay and Buick's minivan-esque Rendezvous), they are expected to recycle another classic name from Chevy's past - Nomad.

Nomad, in case you aren't familiar, was used decades ago on Chevy's station wagons, and more recently on a Kappa-based, rear-drive sport wagon concept. So, at least they'd be consistent in putting the name on a utilitarian vehicle.

Unknown is if the new Chevy Nomad will be stylistically similar to the Saturn/GMC version or if GM will do the right thing and differentiate the styling as Buick as done with the Enclave.

Obviously, I'm hoping for the latter.

Check out the Edmund's story at:

IL: Chevy Mulls Reviving "Nomad" Name for New Crossover Vehicle

New Subaru WRX breaks cover - courtesy Motor Trend

2007-03-27T08:32:00.000-06:00

Well, there's been lots of turmoil over at Subaru with regard to styling (witness the corporate face they played with on the Tribeca and then quickly walked away from when customers balked). Now we can see yet another direction with the new WRX hatchback.

Personally - I think the front end is hideous. The rest is simply okay.

Now, performance specs might change my mind a bit...but Subaru really needs someone who can draw pretty cars on the payroll.

Check out the rest of this pic as well as more pictures from Motor Trend's spread (in their new May issue) at:

NASIOC: New 2008 WRX from Motor Trend

Hyundai Genesis - real pics

2007-03-26T09:24:00.000-06:00

Finally, Hyundai has put out some actual photos of the Genesis concept. I still think it bears more than a passing resemblance to some other products already on the market (the Toyota Avalon comes to mind first).

This 'concept' previews a new rear-drive, V-6 and V-8 powered Hyundai that we should be seeing in production very soon.

Expect the V-8 model to start under 30k and pack over 300hp.

I guess that explains the naming...new baby crossover CX-5 coming from Mazda

2007-03-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

I wondered when Mazda brought out the CX-7 based loosely on Mazda3 components, why they went with such a high number.

Then, they brought out a Mazda6 based CX-9 (cousin to the Ford Edge) and I wondered the same thing all over again.

Now, Auto Express is showing a rendering based on the recent Hakaze concept that shows what a sub-CX-7 crossover with Mazda's new design language could look like.

Expect this to be more in line, size-wise, with the Mazda3 (the CX-7 is a bit bigger), seating for 4, comfortably, powered by a non-turbo 4-cylinder. It would be available in front or all-wheel drive with either a manual or automatic tranny. Instead of 4 conventional doors, expect a very RX-8 like treatment with suicide rear-doors offering exceptional access to the back seat.

While AE expects the CX-5 to hit the ground as a 2010 vehicle, we've been hearing from Mazda that the concepts they have shown this year would culminate with a production-ish vehicle at the end. Given that, I'd expect to see a CX-5 early in the next auto show season (which starts in September 2007). Then again, the Hakaze could have been the 'production-ish' one also.

Of course, why these crossovers aren't named CX-3, CX-6, CX-9 in keeping with Mazda tradition is beyond me.

AutoExpress.com: Baby Mazda to face Freelander

It's still on its way...Caliber SRT-4

2007-03-22T15:37:00.000-06:00

According to a chat with the SRT guys held at the CaliberForums.com site, we should be seeing SRT-4's on the streets come fall of this year (of course, assuming that Chrysler's new masters are okay with such hooligan-ism).

Remember, the Caliber SRT-4 is a turbo 2.4l powered front-driver packing at least 300hp. Seeing how Mazda needed computer trickery to get the Mazdaspeed3's 260hp to flow well - it will be interesting to see how Dodge manages the trick of putting down an additional 15% over the Mazda.

It should be interesting, if not all that refined an experience.

Kappa + Zeta = Alpha? Pontiac G6 to go rear-drive

2007-03-22T11:39:00.000-06:00

Gotta love those crazy engineers at GM.

For some time now, we've been hearing that GM planned to take the Pontiac line in a rear-drive-only direction.

The Solstice, while an example of this, certainly was no proof. Then the Grand Prix replacement went to the Zeta chassis as the G8 it started to look like there might be something to all this talk.

However, it has always bothered me that the G6 could not easily make the transition. It is based on GM's Epsilon global front-drive platform. Even though the 2nd generation Epsilon2 is supposed to have all-wheel drive as an option...all-wheel drive just isn't the same as rear-wheel drive. Especially to enthusiasts. How did GM plan to take a mid-sized sedan to this new rear-drive Pontiac ethic?

Now, word comes that GM is far into development of a new platform...part Kappa, part Zeta...and going by the name 'Alpha'.

This chassis will serve as the basis for both the next generation G6 as well as it's Euro-cousin in the Cadillac lineup, the BLS.

Now that this puzzle piece has fallen into place, we can only hope that we will soon hear rumblings of a Kappa based small sedan/coupe to replace the current Cobalt-clone G5...perhaps with the G4 name.

Ah, a fun time to be a GM fan no matter how you slice it.

Winding Road: GM's Next RWD Platform: Alpha

New Taurus SHO in the works - with turbo power?

2007-03-22T10:43:00.000-06:00

The good folks over at Jalopnik have been hearing rumblings lately of a resurrection of the high-performance Taurus.

It appears that a couple mules are testing, one with the Yamaha developed V-8 that traces it roots back to the 2nd generation SHO's 3.4 - but is much more stout in the Volvo cars that use it now (XC90, S80, etc.).

More exciting, if less of a nod to the original SHOs would be a mule running around with a twin-turbo 3.5l 'Twin-Force' V-6 - packing well over 400hp!

Let's just hope they are smart enough to make a manual transmission at least optional on this beast - if it actually makes production.

Concept image courtesy of BringBackTheSHO.com

GM plans 7 debuts at New York show

2007-03-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

While news is trickling in of what will come from various automakers at the New York show in April, we do know a bit about GM's plans.

Expect 6 new production vehicles as well as 1 concept to make their world debuts at the NYAS.

Already known of the 6 production cars are the Lucerne and LaCrosse 'Super' packages. LaCrosse is also expected to get a freshening, so it might count as one of the 6 as well.

Also due could be a mid-cycle refresh of the Cadillac STS (we've seen the interior over at CaddyEdge.com already) as well as the expected HHR SS.

The concept is a complete unknown at this point - but this should make for a great cap to the auto show season for the resurgent GM.

Ford to debut production version of the Fairlane at NY show

2007-03-22T08:21:00.000-06:00

It appears that Ford is ready to unveil the production people-mover, based in part on its Fairlane concept from 2005 (concept shown here).

Now, we had been warned that Fairlane would likely not be the name, and the latest reports bear that out. Expect this 3-row, 7-seater, non-minivan to carry the 'Flex' name when it debuts the first week of April at the New York Auto Show.

Interestingly, the Flex is expected to have what Ford is calling 'French Doors' rather than rear sliders (too minivan-y, I suppose) or even conventional opening rear doors. I'm sure a lot will be made of this design and name (since 'suicide doors' is something the marketers shy away from).

The only question I'll have is how they will significantly differentiate this from the Taurus X (old Freestyle) that is also a 3-row, 7-seat people mover at about the same price point.

Lincoln will also get a version of the Flex, but that won't debut until later in the year.

Read about it at:

The Car Connection: Ford Flex Replacing Minivan in NY

New Toyota Tundra not all its cracked up to be?

2007-03-21T08:19:00.000-06:00

Toyota is working hard to push their new Tundra as the best thing for truck-buyers since the invention of the leaf-spring...but they are running into some snags.

First is the realization that the Tundra is the only full-sized pickup to _not_ get a 5-star front crash rating from the US government. (ouch).

Now, courtesy of Jalopnik - we have the contents of a letter from GM to their dealers that pokes some holes in the recent Tundra ad where the truck pulls a trailer up a steep incline of a see-saw device and then comes to a screeching halt at the end (once it all tips over and becomes a steep down-hill...

This is an interesting read and shows how you have to read that fine print...

Thought you might want to know this. Pass it along to your sales staff. It might help them to sell more vehicles. BTW.....attended the Minneapolis Auto Show kick off breakfast on March 8. Two of our Sandy trainers did a nice job explaining the Tundra ads. I would guess all of you have seen the stupid ad where the Tundra pulls a trailer up a steep grade (a 'see-saw'), and then barrels down hill and locks the brakes up just before the end of the ramp. Seen it? Yeah you have.
Couple things to keep in mind. The V.O. at the beginning of the spot says...."It's tough pushing 10,000 lbs up a steep grade". Myth: Toyota would like the audience to believe the trailer is 10,000 lbs. Fact: It's a 5,000 lb truck pulling a 5,000 lb trailer. A little slight of hand? You bet.

Then, on the way down the grade, the camera zooms in on the brakes as the vehicles comes to a screeching halt just prior to the end of ramp. Next time you see the ad....look for the 'mice type'. It indicates the trailer is equipped with electric brakes. Fact....the electric brakes stop the trailer -- not the truck. A little slight of hand? You bet.

And why does Toyota have bigger brake pads? They need them....their truck is heavier. Stopping distance between our truck and theirs is virtually identical. And why does Toyota have a 6 speed transmission? To improve their fuel economy....which is still 2 mpg less than ours.
And don't forget....their big V8 has one axle ratio -- a 4.3. Suck fuel much? Our trucks offer several axle options to optimize towing and fuel economy. Bottom line: OUR TRUCK IS BETTER! Spread the word.......we can all make a difference.

Media leakage - Infiniti G37 revealed

2007-03-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

Embargoes falling all over this year. This time we get an early peek at the Infiniti G37 coupe in all it's 330hp glory.

A little swoopier but not as pretty as the G35 coupe it replaces, unfortunately.

This should make a strong competitor to the BMW 3-series coupe.

Expect plenty of detail in the next day or so as all the currently embargoed info gets released early.

Cheap Green - Saturn Aura Green Line is cheapest hybrid

2007-03-19T15:02:00.000-06:00

Sure, in a world of full-hybrids (cars that can operate fully on electric power or both on electric and gas power) - the Green Lines from Saturn aren't all that impressive.

However, when you realize that the majority of hybrid economy gains actually come from turning the darn engine off when you are sitting still and that this is the trick the Green Lines perform nicely - then maybe they aren't so bad after all.

Now, add this to your calculator...the Aura Green Line is now the cheapest hybrid at $22,695 (including destination) and qualifies for a $1300 federal tax credit...and fuel economy of 28 city/35 highway.

Sounds like a pretty compelling argument for a 'mild-hybrid' to me.

Maybe that _is_ Smart?

2007-03-19T14:36:00.000-06:00

As the time for the 2nd generation Smart ForTwo to go on sale in the US come near, we are getting more and more details.

Like today, we find out that the base ForTwo is aiming at a starting price of 'under $12000'...granted, this is sans stereo and very likely also without A/C. The upper coupe will go for around $14k with AM/FM/CD and, I assume, air.

This is a very compelling price for this unique urban runabout (especially here around Boulder, CO where there are already imported 1st gen ForTwo's running around - even after the conversion brought the sticker to $28000...yep, no typo...Folks here are spending over 2x the expected price of the 2nd gen car for the privileged of owning one now).

If you'd like to make your interest official, head over to SmartUSA.com and plop down your $99 deposit to let them know you want one.

Team attempting high-altitude record in new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons

2007-03-16T11:16:00.000-06:00

A team of 15 folks are currently attempting to break their own record of highest altitude driven to by taking a pair of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons (this is the 4-door Wrangler in its most off-road worthy trim) to the top of Ojos del Salado (the tallest volcano in the world) in the Andes mountains of Chile.

The current record is 20,860 ft above sea level - set by German Matthias Jeschke who is a driver for the current team as well. The current record was also set on Ojos del Salado.

The only modifications to the two Jeeps will be a Warn winch and Goodyear MT/R tires.

The goal, other than to prove the new Wrangler is the most off-road capable vehicle in stock trim, is to reach an unbreakable record altitude of 21325 ft.

Catch the latest updates at the North American XJ Association forum at:

NAXJA: Only in a JEEP: new height world record in a JEEP Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Geez...Pontiac replacing the Vibe

2007-03-16T10:10:00.000-06:00

Just when you thought GM's product planners had a good idea for Pontiac...

It appears that the Vibe will return for a second generation. Expect sportier handling, more refined interior, etc. in this twin to the Toyota Matrix (rumored to be called Blade in its second generation).

What happened to the RWD plan for Pontiac? Like the G5 coupe (twin to the Cobalt coupe from Chevrolet), it appears the GM is simply unable to tell their dealers 'no.'

Expect the Vibe replacement to continue Pontiac's move to a G'x' naming scheme.

See a larger version of this spy shot over at:

The Car Connection: Spies catch the next Pontiac Vibe

Future Saturn - Opel shows Corsa OPC

2007-03-16T10:06:00.001-06:00

Opel, GM's Euro-brand that serves as a partner for our Saturn, has just shown off the top model of their entry-level car, the Corsa OPC.

This fall we will get the 3 and 5-door versions of the Astra hatchback, the Corsa's big brother. GM has also made it clear that, when the Corsa is redesigned in a few years, that a Saturn version would be on the way.

I'd be all for bringing this little pocket-rocket over as-is. 190hp, 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, 38+ mpg in the UK combined test (imperial gallons, remember - US numbers would be closer to 32mpg).

This would make a great competitor against such B-class cars as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris which top out under 110hp (though they do get better mileage - but a base Corsa could compete handily with that).

Check out the pictures of the Vauxhall (UK brand that sells Opel cars) Corsa VXR at:

CAR: Vauxhall Corsa VXR

New roadster from BMW

2007-03-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

Lots of controversy about this one. Is this a new model from BMW (Z6?) or is it merely a new version of the Z4?

The question arises because this is obviously bigger than the current Z4 (which itself was bigger than its predecessor the Z3). BMW is also expected to be working on a smaller roadster based on the 1-series car.

There is also an expected roadster meant to compete against the SL from Mercedes.

Given that BMW is expected to stick with even numbered models for the roadsters...I'd expect the 1-series based model to be dubbed Z2, this car to be the new Z4 (bigger only to make room for the Z2) and then the SL competitor to be the Z6 (and, as yet, unseen).

Additional confusion has arisen from the fact that this car has been seen with a retractable hard-top, but this would make sense for a mid-range luxury convertible (expect the Z2 to have a fabric roof).

Read all about it at:

WorldCarFans.com: Spy Photos: BMW Z4 with Roof Down

Jaguar XF spotted

2007-03-16T08:56:00.000-06:00

The good folks over at Drive.co.au have spotted the new Jaguar XF (replacement for the retro-themed S-Type) undergoing testing.

This is yet another move on Jaguar to become a styling leader as they were in their heyday decades ago.

Styling is very similar to the C-XF concept from earlier this year (as expected) with a higher roof-line.

This should be quite a looker and a good sign for Jaguar's future styling and success.

Read all about it at:

Drive.co.au: Jaguar's saviour caught out in the cold

Mitsubishi Evo X spied

2007-03-16T08:24:00.000-06:00

We're getting close to an official unveiling of the next Mitsubishi Evo, but until then, we have to make due with spy shots.

Over at LeftLane News, they have a few new spy shots of a disguised Evo undergoing testing.

Expect a turbo version of the 2.0l 'world engine' developed with Chrysler and Hyundai pumping out 300-ish horspower and routing all that juice through all 4-wheels through a manual transmission or an available paddle-shifted automatic.

On-sale date should be 1Q08.

Read all about it at:

LeftLaneNews.com: Spied: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Unhealthy Obsession with Cars

Rocky Mountain Driving Experience 2011

GM Researching Passenger Car Diesel, Mid-size Pickup, Minivan

This Could Be a Buick?!

Lotus Debuts 2015 Elise

Lotus Shows Off a Smart Done Right

Mazda shows off Minagi Concept

Mazda Mulling Options for next RX

Porsche Green-Lights 918 Spyder

Next Miata Going Super-Lightweight

We're Baaaaaack...

JD Power APEAL awards announced

AutoPacific Ideal Awards announced

Short Take: Suzuki Kizashi Turbo

Mazda comes late to CPO game

2012 Corvette to get new 5.5l DI Smallblock

JD Power IQS ranks Detroit ahead of imports for the first time

Smiles No More - Mazda walking away from 'Nagare' design language

Short Take: Audi A3 TDI

Wagons Ho! - Opel Astra Sport Tourer could be small Buick wagon

Short Take: 2010 Camaro SS

Rocky Mountain Driving Experience

Engineer Spotting

*tap* *tap* *tap*...Is this thing on?

New EPA mileage numbers for hybrids

Microcars for all! - GM unveils Opel/Vauxhall Agila

DaimlerChysler spins off Chrysler Group

Next Saturn Aura spied

Chevy Volt approved for production!

Chevy sponsors online Transformers game

GM Brands - Live or Die?

Mitsubishi Evo X unveiled - and Road and Track's renderings of the Subaru WRX STI

More pics of the Buick Riviera concept

TCC Spies 2009 Mazda6

Bangled Again - BMW shows CS concept 4-door coupe at Shanghai

More fun from Shanghai - Audi CrossCoupe Quattro

More pics of the Buick Riviera concept

Chinese owned Rover (Roewe) shows styling promise

Buick Riviera Concept

GM to show next E-Flex vehicle in Frankfurt

GM reconsidering all their cool rear drive plans?

Check your politics at the door - changes in the auto business and global warming.

Lexus breaks the 100k barrier with the LS600h L

More Seoul Auto Show debuts - Hyundai Veloster

Kia shows off KND-4 concept...but not in New York

Lexus LX570 unveiled

2009 Ford Flex

GM Unveils all three microcar concepts

VW Jetta gets update and wagon

Could someone please loan Subaru a designer - Tribeca refresh

Chrysler Crossfire cancelled

Mini Clubman S spotted

2008 Jeep Liberty

More pics of the 2008 Subaru WRX

Preview - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ford Foose F-150 - a Lightning by any other name...

Holy Crap! - Shelby to unveil 540hp Mustang at New York

Chrysler and Sirius to offer back-seat TV system

Pictures of the Infiniti EX concept

Chevy to show 3 microcar concepts in New York

Hummer news - H3 gets a V-8 and H2 gets an upgraded interior

Gee, Buick...that's just Super

Chevy's Lambda to get Nomad badge

New Subaru WRX breaks cover - courtesy Motor Trend

Hyundai Genesis - real pics

I guess that explains the naming...new baby crossover CX-5 coming from Mazda

It's still on its way...Caliber SRT-4

Kappa + Zeta = Alpha? Pontiac G6 to go rear-drive

New Taurus SHO in the works - with turbo power?

GM plans 7 debuts at New York show

Ford to debut production version of the Fairlane at NY show

New Toyota Tundra not all its cracked up to be?

Media leakage - Infiniti G37 revealed

Cheap Green - Saturn Aura Green Line is cheapest hybrid

Maybe that _is_ Smart?

Team attempting high-altitude record in new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicons

Geez...Pontiac replacing the Vibe

Future Saturn - Opel shows Corsa OPC

New roadster from BMW

Jaguar XF spotted

tap tap tap...Is this thing on?