Mazda makes the power hard-top MX-5 official
Mazda, as expected, debuted the production version of the MX-5 (Miata to all us in the USA) with a power hard-top at the British International Motor Show.Expect, when the car goes on sale, for it to bring a $2000 cost (US) as well as a mere 75 lb weight increase.
Small price to pay for a fun little coupe that just happens to turn into a convertible at the push of a button (after you release the manual header latch).
And now...some pictures:
Volvo C30 breaks cover
LLN has managed to scoop us all with a series of pictures of the production trim of the new Volvo C30.The C30 is based on the same C1 chassis that is shared between Volvo (S40/V50), Mazda (Mazda3), Ford (non-North American Focus), and Land Rover (LR2). This 2-door coupe/hatch should be priced lower than the S40 but ultimately be available with all the same engines (though if it will have available all-wheel drive is not known).
Expect an official announcement soon and a pricing announcement closer to its availability in each market.
US sales likely won't be until spring.
Read all about it at:
LeftlaneNews.com - 2007 Volvo C30 (production model)
Buick Enclave Spied!
Cheers and Gears has spy photos of the 2008 Buick Enclave. This vehicle, if you haven't been paying attention, was previewed this past winter as the first of the new family of full-sized (this guys are as spacious as a Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade) cross-overs with GM's 3.6l high-feature V-6 putting out over 260hp.Expectations are that a small V-8 will be made available a year after launch.
Of note here is that the interior spy shot shows that the production Enclave will follow the 'show car' very closely. Exterior design is practically spot-on identical to the 'show car'.
Check out all the details as well as more spy shots (and more of the interior shot above) over at:
Cheers and Gears - Cheers and Gears Exclusive: 2008 Buick Enclave (GMT-967)
Inside Line drives the new Mazdaspeed 3
Edmunds' Inside Line just couldn't wait to get their mits on the new Mazdaspeed 3 for a road test/driving impression.So, they sent their man to Japan to get in some seat time and he came away suitably impressed.
Aimed at the new VW GTI, the MS3 packs a full 64 hp more (264) and 74 lb*ft of torque more (for 280 total). All this in a 154 lb lighter package.
Their driver found that the 1st - 3rd gear torque management system was effective at taming that 280 lb*ft that could have easily made this 3 a nightmare to drive hard.
Japanese prices are expected to come in at around $21000 US - so this could turn into one of the hottest performance bargains in recent memory. I know I'll be keeping my eye on this one as a possible next car.
Read the Inside Line article at:
Inside Line - The Quickest Hot Hatch Ever
Ford to expand powertrain warranties on Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln
Ford, in what certainly seems like a smart move to overcome perceived quality problems with all domestic manufacturers, is increasing warranty coverage on the Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands.
Ford and Mercury will get a 5 year, 60000 mile powertrain warranty in addition to its 3 year, 36000 mile bumper-to-bumper. Previously, the powertrain warranty was also 3 year, 36000 miles.
Lincoln, which has had a 4 year, 50000 mile bumper to bumper and powertrain warranty, will now get its powertrain warranty expanded to 6 years and 70000 miles.
All brands will also expand their road-side assistance program to last until the end of the powertrain warranty.
The warranties will be effective on all 2007 model year vehicles - including those already sold to customers (a nice surprise, I'm sure).
This is a smart move on Ford's part. Hyundai and Kia (as well as Suzuki) have all made great strides in customer acceptance through expanded warranty coverage. Consumers have shown remarkable resistance to trusting brands based on JD Power and other quality survey numbers. The domestics have made great strides in quality, matching and occasionally surpassing quality leaders like Honda and Toyota - but customers have been reluctant to consider domestic brands anyway.
If this move shows to be successful and getting through to these customers, expect GM and Chrysler to follow suit.
Ford and Mercury will get a 5 year, 60000 mile powertrain warranty in addition to its 3 year, 36000 mile bumper-to-bumper. Previously, the powertrain warranty was also 3 year, 36000 miles.
Lincoln, which has had a 4 year, 50000 mile bumper to bumper and powertrain warranty, will now get its powertrain warranty expanded to 6 years and 70000 miles.
All brands will also expand their road-side assistance program to last until the end of the powertrain warranty.
The warranties will be effective on all 2007 model year vehicles - including those already sold to customers (a nice surprise, I'm sure).
This is a smart move on Ford's part. Hyundai and Kia (as well as Suzuki) have all made great strides in customer acceptance through expanded warranty coverage. Consumers have shown remarkable resistance to trusting brands based on JD Power and other quality survey numbers. The domestics have made great strides in quality, matching and occasionally surpassing quality leaders like Honda and Toyota - but customers have been reluctant to consider domestic brands anyway.
If this move shows to be successful and getting through to these customers, expect GM and Chrysler to follow suit.
New Silverado to debut in August
According to GM - the new Silverado will be unveiled officially on August 2, 2006.From the very slim slice of the truck's front end in this picture - you can see that the undisguised spy photo from a few weeks back was certainly the real deal.
Standing alongside the truck in this pic is country music group 'Big and Rich' who got this preview at an event before the Major League Baseball All-Star game in Pittsburgh.
See more of the new Silverado in this post from back in June.
Nanjing to bring back MG - and build them in a new plant in Oklahoma
Nanjing Automotive Group is expected to make an announcement today in Oklahoma related to their resurrection of the MG brand.
Expect them to announce a new plant in Oklahoma to build, at the very least, a new MG coupe.
Stay tuned for details.
Expect them to announce a new plant in Oklahoma to build, at the very least, a new MG coupe.
Stay tuned for details.
Beetle Turbo...Jet!
When a 180hp 1.8l turbo New Beetle Turbo S just isn't enough - you could follow the example of this guy profiled over at Wired.
He took a 1350hp jet engine and mounted it to his New Beetle for some serious speed.
Take a look over at:
Wired - Pilots Wanted