GMInsideNews says that the 2010 Saturn Aura, a clone of Opel's new Insignia midsize sedan, is on hold. GM has already shipped much of the tooling to the Kansas facility where it was planning on churning-out the Aura in late 2009 as a 2010 model. While GM hasn't made an announcement, GMI confirmed that the program has been paused, and speculates that the move will, at the very minimum, delay the next gen Aura's arrival in America. This after recent rumors that one or more of GM's brands is headed to the great automotive dealership in the sky. Is Saturn about to be strategically reviewed to death? We're not exactly talking about a critical brand for GM here, with about 7k – 8k non-SUV sales per month. Lest we forget, GM did the same product pause prior to Oldsmobile's euthanasia a few years ago. Talk about irony: Oldsmobile was starved for product and funding in the 1980s to develop the Saturn brand. On the other hand, some commenters at GMInsideNews see it differently: the pause is for fresh fuel efficient engine development. Or alternatively, Saturn will delay the Aura until 2012 or 2013, adding "Oh, and by 2013 GM will be picking up momentum at which time the 4-Door Sedan version of the Aura can return." With apologies to all you extremists, I respectfully think that's notgonnahappenatall.com.
Posts By: Justin Berkowitz
Much like BMW, Audi is taking the forced induction route for upping horsepower of its V6 engines– rather than just increasing displacement, a la Mercedes or Nissan. Audi officially announced the specs on its anticipated 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine (the T must be silent, or refers to totally supercharged, not turbo). The new powerplant will pump-out 290 horsepower and 310 lb ft of torque. On paper, it's nearasdammit the same as BMW's 300 hp/300 lb ft turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 engine. The bottom line: Audi anticipates stronger fuel economy than they'd get with a bored-out larger displacement naturally aspirated V6. Not to mention the packaging and weight benefits. Oh wait. Anyway, a tuned version will probably power the next generation Audi S4, rather than the current 4.2-liter V8. This is great news for Audi fans, since the 3.2 -liter V6 they've been using so far in the A4 and A6 is down on power compared to German, Japanese, and even American rivals. And we can't have that, can we?
Whenever we talk about alternative powertrains in development, some people (this writer included) inevitably say: gasoline and to a lesser extent diesel are past, present, and medium-term future. But a number of sources claim Mercedes Benz is thinking otherwise; they're dumping the need for petroleum-based fuels in their future products in favor of electric, fuel cell, and (yuck) biofuels. Apparently Benz has spent billions of Euros on a "sustainable mobility" plan. According to the UK's Sun, Mercedes plans to spend another $14b or so in the next seven years to further develop the petroleum-free lineup. Will Mercedes give up sales in all the parts of the world in which there is no infrastructure for electric or fuel cell cars? The hedging response: their cars would still be capable of running on gasoline or diesel– meaning that biofuel flex fuel cars would satisfy this wild claim from the British tabloid. Even still, huh?
The day is here. TTAC is hosting its first ever meet-up event. Farago can't make it down from RI due to his beloved Sam's dental work, but I'll be there with Road Test Editor Captain Mike Solowiow, along with two Bentleys for you to peruse (cruise?). We're getting started around 7pm. As I'm studying for the NY bar exam is my alternative, I'll be there for quite a while. (If you're unsure of our appearance, I'll be holding a Sunday Times under my left arm drinking a vodka gimlet. Mike will be wearing a G-suit and spats.) Yes, there will be other events held around the country, with greater advance notification. Meanwhile, for those who make it tonight, Mike and I will be able to answer all your questions about the website, including:
-What was the story about TTAC writers, the giraffe, and the Ferrari Enzo in the South of France?
-Did Sajeev Mehta really tune a Lincoln Continental to make 1200 horsepower?
-What is it like working in such a large office building?
-The time Justin was the victim of an assault and battery by Honda employees (that one is real)
Date and Time: Thursday, June 26, 7PM to whenever.
Where: Peter McManus Cafe, 152 7th Ave at 19th st. Close to subways: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, F, V, L Google maps link.
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is set to meet with both GM CEO Rick Wagoner and Ford CEO Alan Mulally this week, in what the Detroit Free Press calls (thinks/hopes/opines) a "thaw" in frosty relations. A year ago, Barack Obama slammed manufacturers for their fuel efficiency and excuse mongering. "But expensive is no longer an excuse for inaction," Obama railed. "The auto industry is on a path that is unacceptable and unsustainable – for their business, for their workers, and for America. And America must take action to make it right." Whether "America" was code for "we the people" or Senator Barack Obama isn't clear– though the fact that Ford and GM are hurting for dough is. And now that Detroit's on the ropes, it's ready to meet Mr. Obama's challenge, begging bowl at the ready. Barack baby, we want to build more fuel efficient cars. We can build more fuel efficient cars. We already are building more fuel efficient cars. We bloody well have to build more fuel efficient cars. We will be building more efficient cars. So now can we have our subsidies, tax credits and CAFE exemptions? And you know what? They'll get it.
How do I put this delicately? The new Ferrari California looks like a Chevrolet Corvette crossed with a BMW Z4 tuned by Brabus. The front end is the best angle, but it's still busier than Sunday morning at a college health clinic. The Fezza's side and back, however, are a goddamn mess. The gills, no doubt an homage to the properly stunning 1957 Ferrari 250 GT California, look completely out of place on this car. The bizarre lines on the side are overdone. The back end is a disaster. Quad stacked pipes? Black plastic trim? It's more TVR or Lorinser than Ferrari. Folding hardtop? On a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, sure. A Ferrari with a folding hardtop is like a nuclear-powered toaster. Can you imagine the embarrassment at Wolfgang Puck's Spago in Beverly Hills when that thing gets stuck in full vertical? While the engine sounds phenomenal, the interior probably smells like Adriana Lima's cleavage and it's sure to handle with all the visceral panache that we expect from Ferrari's legendary death cars, it's not enough to save the California from pastiche-land. Then again, with guaranteed waiting lists and eBay adjustments, the men from Maranello will, once again, put their customers hands in the air like they just don't care. But I do.
Parlare con CAR, VW design guru Walt de'Silva admits he isn't exactly thrilled about VeeDub's current design direction. Pensare? The Jetta looks like a Corolla and the Passat looks like a bar of soap. So VW’s styling will "return to simple design language that’s easy to understand – a clear hierarchy of grilles and rear-end treatment." Scribe Adam Towler says "Expect the next generation of VWs to have spiritually more in common with the late 1990s range of cars rather than the current set." For those of us that have long lamented the descent of VW into aspirations of ascent, this is fantastic news. The biggest question: where will this makeover leave the Volkswagen brand in the European market? When Ferdinand Piech decided to take VW into Mercedes territory, matching the Mercs models for model, Skoda and Seat filled VW's cheap and cheerful, honest and robust, everyday car remit. Maledetto! It sounds like someone has too many brands.
You may not know this, but Acura has only two executives. One of them oversees the design and build of fantastic, fun, reliable, affordable cars. This suit was responsible for all the Integras, the NSX, the Legend and the original TSX. The other executive has the reverse Midas touch. He botched the RSX, let the NSX stagnate for a decade, and shot the Legend in the head and gave us the RL. And now, that sonofabitch got his hands on the new TSX. To say the result is disappointing is to say that gas is becoming a bit dear. Advance? I don't think so.
Edmunds Auto Observer is often the first website to review a new car– in the sense of showering it with love and happiness or, at worst, gumming it to death. Suddenly, uncharacteristically, under the guise of humor, the bloggers who still won't fully disclose car manufacturers' contributions to their editorial (a.k.a. junketeering) grew a pair. Ish. Writer Bill Visnic offers a list of cars that "don't have a chance." Of course, it's not the carmakers' fault. Oh, no these whips are doomed "mostly [due] to the new rules governing the auto industry" Some of the cars– which now "suddenly look titanically dumb"– are easy targets (VW Rotten). Others are guaranteed sales successes (Honda Accord). So we put it to you, our Best and Brightest: which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things will not belong? And what other vehicles should be on this list of future flops, and why?
BMW X6
Cadillac CTS-V
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Ram
Ford F150
Ford Flex
Honda Pilot
Honda Accord
Infiniti FX50
Lincoln MKS
Hummer H3T
Toyota Venza
VW Routan
VW Tiguan
Well that was quick. After the Honda Clarity gave Jamie Lee Curtis' bologna a first name (O-S-C-A-R), some members of the mainstream media have cottoned-on to the fact that hydrogen has to come from somewhere. The UK's Independent newspaper thoroughly slams Honda and its sexy fuel cell car. "Is Honda's technologically dazzling hydrogen programme the long-term solution to CO2 pollution?" scribe Michael Booth asks. "Yes and no," he answers. "Mainly no. Almost entirely no, if you ask people who know." Booth argues that the fuel's a waste a time as it's created with conventional energy. The process merely shifts the site of pollution; it's like breaking wind and blaming the dog. Booth also notes that hydrogen fueling stations are notable by their absence. "Right now there is just one hydrogen station in the UK. Even Japan has only 12." Alas, Booth concludes by saying that electric cars should be our high tech future– and that's where his own arguments do him a disservice. Shifting the source of pollution from power generation? Check. Infrastructure problems? Check. Environmental problems from battery disposal? Check. Still, props for calling Honda's buff. I mean, bluff.
Maserati has revealed its refreshed Quattroporte S sedan.The 4.3-liter V8 making love to your ears from the engine bay remains for "standard" Quattroportes. The S gets a newer 4.7-liter V8, shared with the GranTurismo S. Horsepower is up from 400 to 430, a necessary but not overwhelming bump for this class of machine (cough 518hp S63 cough). The Italian's standard transmission becomes the ZF six speed automatic– now that Maserati has finally realized most buyers were not interested in the F1-style clunkbox transmission. The exterior is also slightly refreshed, and as far as I'm concerned, it's as though Monica Belluci just put on a new dress. TTAC will be driving the Quattroporte, so keep the peepers open in the next few weeks for a review.
Automotive News [AN, sub] reports that Ford is limiting plans for the new line of big block V8 engines, codenamed "Boss" (after Hurricane Katrina made the name "Hurricane" politically unwise). The plan was: stick a 6.2-liter Boss engine in the F-Series pickup trucks. Truck delayed. Plan delayed. AN reckons the Mustang's future 5.0-liter V8 is still on the table; Mark Fields is on record saying they plan to make future V8 engines as fuel efficient as possible. The bad news: without a much-needed boost in horsepower, those few people willing to buy a large SUV or truck are going to pass. That said, the market for big trucks with big engines right is currently in apocalyptic mode. Hell, Ford's in apocalyptic mode. Pumping development cash into a bad-ass V8 makes no sense whatsoever. Ford needs every penny to get the European Focus and Fiesta into the U.S. market– without a Focus 1.0 style failure to launch (with decent quality). This is another sign that CEO Alan Mulally is serious about prioritizing resources– and the dire state of Ford's potential profits.
For Edmunds, the upshot of writing what RF calls "Pimpatorials" is that they get to break inside information (although who knows how long they've been sitting on the news). The Inside Line folks report today that Infiniti is planning a small rear wheel-drive (RWD) coupe. The brand extension will be an entry-level two-seater slotting under the Infiniti G37 coupe. The new car would likely pack a smaller engine (2.5-liter V6?). That said, yours truly thinks that'll go out the window once the G37 upgrades to an even more powerful version of the VQ block. But Edmunds says the two-seater hardtop will focus on luxury, not performance. Odds are pretty darn good that this baby coupe will be a close relative of the new Nissan RWD sport coupe (perhaps wearing the legendary Silvia name) about which many have speculated. Sounds like the Nissan model, with naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, will be far more interesting. But Infiniti's conquest of the luxury world must march forward, even if that means going toe-to-toe with other badly conceived luxury models (cough – 1-Series – cough).
Images and details of Alfa's compact MiTo are officially official, and so is the press kit. Thanks to this modern marketing marvel we can bring you a gallery of photos as well as some specs on the upcoming car, that's not upcoming to America until someone has an IPO for Swine Airlines. This car is meant to be a B-segment entry for Alfa, so in Europe that means it'll compete head on with the MINI, among others. At launch, only three engines are available (and they are stick shift only). A 1.4 liter 4-cylinder, which this writer drove in the Fiat Grande Punto and is a giddy little 78 hp engine. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a 16 valve turbocharged 1.4 liter engine with 155 hp. And if diesel is your schtick, a 1.6 liter 120 hp, 206 lb ft oil burner will be available also. The suspension and drivetrain are fairly sophisticated for a small car, and should help improve the handling for this little front wheel drive car. In an apparent ode to competitor SEAT, the MiTo's interior is not particularly exciting – nor is it original (compare the MiTo's interior to the SEAT Ibiza's). Still, hopes are high that this will be a more reliable and yet still fun new cheap Alfa, which is desperate for new small-car product. [Source: Alfa Romeo]
The car we know as the Pontiac G8, you probably already know is a twin of one of GM's Australian bread and butter cars, the Holden Commodore. They've got all sort of variations of it over there – El-Camino style sport trucks (yes Jalopnik, we know), station wagons, AWD models, long wheelbase luxury versions, and yes, in-house specially-tuned high-performance professional ass kickers. We'll be getting one of the latter category of INSTHPPAK models as the Pontiac G8 GXP with a 400 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 out of the Corvette. But that's not enough if you're properly power hungry. Holden's HSV tuning folks presented the 7.0 liter (they call it a 427, because they are that badass) LS7 powered murderer version of the Commodore. Not only that, but in the ultimate act of hilariosity, the HSV W427 model as it's called will be available in the stretched luxury car called the Statesman. Like the Corvette Z06, the Holden W427 will have a hair over 500 horses and 472 lb ft of torque. Holden is building only 427 examples of the car, and they cost $150,000 AUD. That makes it 3.5 times the cost of a V6 Commodore (which is the $27,000 G8 V6 in America), but about the same price as BMW M3 in Australia. Still a hell of a bundle of cash. [Source: Holden ]
Recent Comments