июля 2009 - Latest Auto News Blog

GM Reveals Next Chevy Malibu Interior

In an odd early-look, GM has released this image of the next-generation Chevy Malibu’s interior. The new mid-size sedan won’t make its public debut until the Detroit auto show in January, but the company is eager to show off what seems to be a much-improved interior with a two-tone color scheme. We say it seems much improved because this is just one image and we will withhold judgment until we see the car in person. However, we have tested a number of GM’s newest products, like the Chevy Tahoe and the Saturn Outlook, and they definitely show a marked improvement over previous interiors, which left a lot to be desired.

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Volvo pinning hopes on small cars, diesels

click above image for high-res gallery of the Volvo C30 Efficiency

In what sounds like an extremely unsurprising move, Volvo is planning on introducing more small cars and more diesel engines. Certainly, timing could not be better as small cars are handily outselling their larger, less fuel-efficient older brothers. Diesel engines are beginning to make a comeback of sorts in the U.S. market as Volkswagen, long the only automaker still holding the inexpensive diesel flag in the states, has reintroduced its TDI engine and such automakers as BMW and Porsche are planning on offering oil burners to their customers shortly. We would absolutely be ecstatic to see a vehicle like the C30 Efficiency concept, which was shown off at the last Motor Show in Frankfurt, introduced to the U.S. market. That concept car, with its 1.6 liter diesel engine, posted extremely good fuel economy numbers of over fifty miles per gallon. Sounds like just what the doctor ordered, wouldn't you agree?

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

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Nissan GT-R System Info Screens

For those of you who just can’t get enough of the Nissan GT-R, here are some screenshots of its customizable preset System Info screens.

Click Here to see the rest of the Nissan GT-R’s Systems Info Screens

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Top 10 World’s Fastest Cars

While gas prices continue to go up and the economy continues to go down, some could care less and would rather buy the fastest gas-guzzling cars on the road no matter how much they cost. Forbes has...

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Lamborghini: Wallpapers for your desktop pleasure

Car Magazine has updated their wallpaper area with some great Lamborghini pics. Enjoy!Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, LamborghiniSource: Car Magazine

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Tata Nano production to start this fall, greener variants coming

Tata Motors' diminutive Nano is getting closer to Job 1. if all goes as planned (and when doesn't that happen in the auto industry?) production of the Nano should kick off early this fall. As that date approaches, a number of questions arise. As an extremely fast growing economy, India faces one of the common problems of such scenarios: high inflation. With inflation running at 10 percent right now, will Tata still be able to meet its $2,500 price target? Regardless of price the Nano utlimately sells for, what comes next? Tata is reportedly working on cleaner and greener versions of the Nano to help deal with the issues of pollution and rising fuel prices. Tata has previously licensed the compressed air car technology developed by MDI and an air car based on the Nano seems like a good possibility. Battery powered and micro-hybrid (auto start-stop) are also likely.

[Source: The Earth Times]

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Chevrolet GPiX Concept Revealed In Brazil [Concept Cars]

Chevy revealed the GPiX — for Global Picture — crossover concept at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil earlier this week. The two-door crossover offers high ground clearance for traversing the stumps of burned-out rainforests, and was designed at GM's Brazilian design center using Chevy's new international design language. In one of the strangest statements by a GM exec ever, Carlos Barba, GM director of design for Latin America said "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil." We have no idea what's supposed to mean, but the presser is below if you want to figure it out for yourself.

Chevrolet Reveals the GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept

Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept today at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.

The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, "with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region."

Dynamic and daring design

The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.

Versatile on the inside with space for four

The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.

The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.

It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.

The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. "G" for global and "Pix" meaning "picture" or "image".

GM Design Center in Brazil

GM's Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.

GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.

The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its '3D' virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.

[Chevrolet]

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Cars not available in the USA

Surprisingly enough, there are cars that are not on sale in the States, there are many reason that go around as to why this is, but at the end of the day, these mainly European vehicles cannot be ordered despite that quality of the design and build.

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

Not available in the US:

Alfa Romeo Spider V6 model, Costs about $46,377.

Aston Martin Vanquish S Costs about $360,000.

Audi S3 Costs about $39,700.

BMW 1 Series Estimated U.S. Starting Price: Around $30,000.

Citroen C6 Costs about $54,000.

Fiat 500 Costs about $14,000.

smart fortwo Starting U.S. Price Under $12,000.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Estimated U.S. Price: Around $35,000.

Nissan Skyline Costs about $25,000.

Peugeot 4007 Pricing Not Available.

citroen c6

The top euro brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat are not sold in the States, the only euro type cars that you are likely to be seeing in a showroom are the high end brands, Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati etc, even German brands have trouble in some States this has something to with the emissions.

Yet it was not that long ago when the cars above were readily available and were sold in decent numbers too. So what has changed?

It was all to do with the 1990’s the euro car makers were struggling with high costs and prices, plus there was a new revival of the Japanese car makers, like Toyota and Nissan, one by one the euro cars were pulling out of the States and concentrating on the home market, of which they have done very well, but still they will not return to the States.

There are the weak possibilities that with the modern hi tech diesels that there may be another euro invasion of the states, with clean and green cars taking the lead these days for consumers on both sides of the USA, these cars could be the leading edge for them

So it would appear that US car buyers could have a little bit more of a choice when choosing a new car, but how many will want to take the leap of faith is anyone’s guess, the US car market is huge and people have the likes and dislikes, could the euro cars get it right? We can only wait and see.

Source [Forbes]

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Could DeLorean make a comeback?

In reality the DeLorean Motor Company never went away, it just stopped building new cars. Due the very public humiliation of founder John Delorean when he got himself into trouble trying to save the company. The DeLorean Motor Company was bought by a company based in Texas; they also have a network of regional affiliates, and are in the business of just keeping the company name and the car alive.

delorean

There were 9,000 DeLoreans built, but it is estimated that there are only around 6,500 on the road, which require parts and servicing etc. But the company cringes every time they see a mock up of the most famous of all DeLoreans, the one from the movie series “Back to the Future”.

So what could be the future for the DeLorean? It appears that there are plans to build the car again, however they will be in the form of kits, this way the company can save money and time, supplying a car in kit form has a lot less restrictions placed on them, than their factory built cousins.

delorean

As soon as the current restoration program has been cleared, it is then that the company will start to produce the kits and who knows where this would lead. There are many fans of the car, the film and both the car and the film, this is a pretty large base to be building on.

The estimated start date is believed to be around spring of next year, so we had better get saving then!

Source [Auto Blog]

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The time for housekeeping has come for General Motors.

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Krafcik named CEO of Hyundai America

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hyundai

Hyundai is once again shuffling the deck at its U.S. operation. Since 2003, four different backsides have sat in the CEO seat. Finbarr O'Neill, Bob Cosmai, Steve Wilhite, and Jon Eun Kim were not able to gain enough ground towards the brand's goal of selling 1 million units by 2010, so now it's time for John Krafcik to try his hand. Krafcik will move up from his VP of Product Development and Strategic Planning position where he helped shape Hyundai's most recent successes. He played a role ensuring the Genesis and Santa Fe would resonate with the American market, and his reward is the new title of acting President and CEO of the U.S. unit for Hyundai. In the past, individuals named as "acting" executives had the probationary title removed within just a few months. While Hyundai no longer thinks it will shift 1 million cars by 2010, Krafcik will try to keep the dealer body pleased with stable upper management and continuing to release world-class product at more reasonable prices than the competition.

[Source: Automotive News ,sub req'd]

Krafcik named CEO of Hyundai America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the Week: This Pantera Rocks!

De Tomasa Pantera

This eBay find of the week comes off the heels of a recent De Tomasoannouncement written about here by David Allen. It looks as though the company is going to start producing cars again, which makes this weeks eBay find a true black gem.

One persons treasure is an auction-able object soon to fulfill another personsdream. That is the case for this finely restored Pantera that by this time has reached its closing without finding a bid above its reserve. After investing more than $50,000 and countless hours into bringing this one-time fastest production car in the world back to life who can blame him for protecting that investment. But it would seem certain a reasonable offer post-bidding would be considered.

De Tomaso Pantera

Can you not just see yourself strapped inside that black cockpit feeling the rumble of that Ford 351 Cleveland engine nestled snuggly behind you?

De Tomaso Pantera

Finding a Pantera in such prestine shape is rare and serves as evidence of what a magnificent addition this car would be to any collection. If there was room in my stable and an extra stash of cash to spare the bidding would have been over by now. Instead it will just have reside in my very crowded mental auto museum.

Be sure to head over to eBay and give this De Tomaso Pantera some appropriate loving.

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Bob Lutz: EV1 never coming back

Our friend John McElroy isn't the only person out there who thinks that General Motors should dust off the old EV1 program and re-release it for public consumption again. Apparently, a passionate electric car enthusiast copied Mr. Bob Lutz himself on a letter suggesting that the EV1 needs to be brought back with its original lead-acid batteries. Remember, though, that Lutz is extremely involved in the Volt project, so it's not too surprising that he had plenty to say in response to the letter. In fact, Lutz echoes many of the sentiments expressed by our own Sam Abuelsamid, who recently wrote about the difficulties of reviving the long-dead program. Lutz highlights the fact that the General lost one billion buckaroos on that program the first time around and balks at the suggestion that lithium ion batteries are not yet ready for primetime. According to Lutz's response, the Volt's battery pack will not delay its launch. For our part, we're content to see the Volt picking up the pieces left by the loss of the EV1.

[Source: LA Times]

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Cars on Death Row

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Rally Crash: Why the Hell Would You Park There?

Even as someone who’s never been overly concerned about where I park my cars—motorcycles are a different story—the stupidity on display here is mind-bending. Seriously, who the hell thinks it’s a good idea to park their car on the edge of a rally course? Standing there is stupid enough, but at least you can count on your reflexes to give you a fighting chance if a driver looses it. It’s tough to tell exactly how many cars were damaged in the first crash, but it’s safe to say some major human carnage was avoided when a second driver plows into the mess. At one point, there are a dozen people in the road trying to move the crippled machine, and from what I can tell, they all got clear. The guy off to the right is one lucky dude…

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Shelby celebrates 85th birthday with Commemorative GT40

Celebrating Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday, Shelby will reproduce the three 1966 Shelby American GT40 race cars that won a number of titles in American automotive racing history. The new...

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Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera: Featherweight fighter

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is a featherweight fighter which looks fantastic in orange! See here.Read the full article here, Google-translated.Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Lamborghini Gallardo SuperleggeraSource: Classic Driver

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The Mercedes Non Diesel, Diesel Engine

Sounds a bit strange, well it is. There is not doubt that a diesel engine that does not use diesel fuel, has to be one of the strangest things that you are ever going to hear about in the engine department.

diesotto

But buying diesel fuel from the service station is getting a lot harder these days. How many pumps of diesel do you see at your local service station?

So the clever guys hidden away deep within Mercedes Benz, have been toying with the diesel engine and have come up with an idea that has been named DiesOtto, with full working prototype and everything. (more…)

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Techart Adds 660 HP GTstreetR To Porsche 911 Tuner Stable [Tuners]

Tuner Techart, apparently inspired by Porsche's endless 911 iteration game, has released its GTstreetR version of the 911 Turbo. The new model slots between the company's 630 HP GTstreet and 700 HP GTstreetRS, producing...you guessed it: 660 HP. The mods read like a laundry list of Teutonic speed parts, including new twin turbos, custom exhaust, special intercoolers and a custom coil-over suspension setup, all dressed up with scoopy bodywork said to add downforce. Of course, with stats like 3.4 seconds to 62 and a top speed of 215 MPH, who are we to be skeptics?

[Motor Authority]

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