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  • 2010 Detroit Auto Show Main Floor Already Packed Out

    2010 Detroit Auto Show Main Floor Already Packed Out September 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    2010 Detroit Auto Show Main Floor Already Packed Out

    Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. The event, arguably one of the biggest in the industry, had several noticeable empty booths--including Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Porsche, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki.

    Despite the despair of the past year, 2010 looks brighter for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Organizers have confirmed that next year’s show will be at least as big as 2009 and there’s hope that some of the missing...

    Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. The event, arguably one of the biggest in the industry, had several noticeable empty booths--including Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Porsche, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki. Despite the despair of the past year, 2010 looks brighter for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Organizers have confirmed that next year’s show will be at least as big as 2009 and there’s hope that some of the missing brands will return. "Every space on the main floor is full," show chairman Doug Fox said during an interview at last week’s 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Fox didn’t reveal any names of brands that may be returning to the Detroit event in 2010 but there’s a strong chance that Porsche may be among them (Porsche was one of the first brands to pull out). "Ford, General Motors and Chrysler are going to make very important statements that they're back and about where they're going," Fox said. Italian auto giant Fiat, which now controls Chrysler, is also rumored to be planning a major showing of its new models destined for the U.S.—the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo Milano (149 replacement). Some other highlights could be the arrival of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra at the show, at least one Chinese automaker and a new “Electric Avenue” dedicated arena. [Detroit Free Press] Read More

  • Buick's Second New Crossover Aveo-Sized?

    Buick's Second New Crossover Aveo-Sized? August 6th, 2009 By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive Editor, August 6th, 2009 Marty Padgett 6 Comments

    Buick's Second New Crossover Aveo-Sized? This morning's announcement from GM on a future Buick plug-in hybrid confirmed the presence of a second crossover vehicle--and according to one industry source, it's not just a standard gas-engined version of the upcoming hybrid SUV.

    Automotive News reports that the second Buick crossover will in fact be a version of a vehicle being spun from the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo.

    The Aveo replacement itself is said to be in the GM product queue as the 2012 Chevrolet Viva; though GM hasn't said it will be built in Michigan, it's thought that the Viva and spin-off vehicles will be assembled in the state in a deal brokered during GM's swing... This morning's announcement from GM on a future Buick plug-in hybrid confirmed the presence of a second crossover vehicle--and according to one industry source, it's not just a standard gas-engined version of the upcoming hybrid SUV. Automotive News reports that the second Buick crossover will in fact be a version of a vehicle being spun from the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo. The Aveo replacement itself is said to be in the GM product queue as the 2012 Chevrolet Viva; though GM hasn't said it will be built in Michigan, it's thought that the Viva and spin-off vehicles will be assembled in the state in a deal brokered during GM's swing through bankruptcy court earlier this year. An assembly site for a second small-car program, the 2011 Chevrolet Spark, still has to be announced, while GM has confirmed a slightly larger crossover, the Chevrolet Orlando, will be built alongside the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in Detroit. Bringing this all full circle, there's speculation that the Buick plug-in hybrid crossover will share some Voltec drivetrain pieces with the Volt, namely its lithium-ion batteries. The rest of the Buick crossover will be based on the recently killed Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, down to the V-6 engine and two-mode hybrid system. A gas-only version of the crossover will go on sale in 2010 through Buick as well. It will be offered with either GM's new 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter, direct-injection V-6 also destined for Cadillac's CTS lineup. [Automotive News] Read More

  • Foreign luxury carmakers could get loophole in upcoming fuel regulations

    Foreign luxury carmakers could get loophole in upcoming fuel regulations July 31st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 31st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Foreign luxury carmakers could get loophole in upcoming fuel regulations In May the White House unveiled a new fuel efficiency policy calling for 35.5mpg fleet averages by 2016, and almost immediately the carmakers began talking about how much it would cost them. But now it looks like the luxury carmakers in the U.S. - primarily foreign marques - could catch a break thanks to an exemption being considered by the Obama administration.

    Currently the plan would put an industry-wide standard into place, but the exemption, nicknamed the 'German provision' by lobbyists, would allow carmakers that sell fewer than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. each year to be held to a less stringent standard, report The Wall Street... In May the White House unveiled a new fuel efficiency policy calling for 35.5mpg fleet averages by 2016, and almost immediately the carmakers began talking about how much it would cost them. But now it looks like the luxury carmakers in the U.S. - primarily foreign marques - could catch a break thanks to an exemption being considered by the Obama administration. Currently the plan would put an industry-wide standard into place, but the exemption, nicknamed the 'German provision' by lobbyists, would allow carmakers that sell fewer than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. each year to be held to a less stringent standard, report The Wall Street Journal. Obvious beneficiaries of the exemption would be the German carmakers Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, two of the loudest opponents of the rule in the first place. In many ways the provision makes sense, since smaller carmakers are ostensibly less able to absorb the costs necessary to improve emissions to requisite levels due to the lack of small, low-end vehicles to boost their efficiency figures. The per-unit costs of such upgrades would also be huge for a small-volume carmaker, and legislating companies out of business isn't the goal. On the flip side, allowing these companies to continue with less strict fuel efficiency standards works against the intent of the single national framework sought by the Obama administration and also undermines the ecological benefits of more efficient vehicles. Other carmakers that could see some benefit from the proposed exemption include Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Subaru. Read More

  • 2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo

    2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo June 29th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 29th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    2010 Detroit Auto Show expected to lure big marques back to Cobo Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. And while the show did prove somewhat subdued, it was far from dead. Now plans for renovations at Cobo Center are sparking new hope for next year's show.

    The Michigan state legislature enacted a plan late last week to let the city of Detroit regain control of the aging Cobo Center and to use hotel and liquor taxes to fix its main problems - notably a lack of space and a leaky roof. With a $299 million cap on the cost of the expansion, there's... Fear-mongering reached new heights in the automotive world on the eve of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with naysayers predicting more somber processions and hushed voices than the average state funeral. And while the show did prove somewhat subdued, it was far from dead. Now plans for renovations at Cobo Center are sparking new hope for next year's show. The Michigan state legislature enacted a plan late last week to let the city of Detroit regain control of the aging Cobo Center and to use hotel and liquor taxes to fix its main problems - notably a lack of space and a leaky roof. With a $299 million cap on the cost of the expansion, there's still room for a lot of improvement. And that has excitement rising over the potential return of carmakers absent this year, reports the Detroit News. Electric vehicles will be bigger than ever, with an expanded track in the Michigan Hall basement facility. Brands like Fisker, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Land Rover and some of the other manufacturers that skipped the 2009 show will find a planned doubling of an American Express-sponsored private event an enticing proposition, especially since this year's event of just 200 people saw the sale of two Maybachs, a Lamborghini and a Fisker. The whole mix of upgrades and expanded and returning exhibitors means there should be more cars on show in 2010, and more cars means more visitors, which means more revenue and more interest from the car manufacturers. Union concessions on wages and worker requirements are also helping to lower the cost of putting on the big show, but it will really be the return of key exhibitors like Ferrari and Rolls Royce that make or break the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Read More

  • Updated Specter Werkes Corvette GTR delivers 615hp

    Updated Specter Werkes Corvette GTR delivers 615hp June 24th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 24th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 6 Comments

    Updated Specter Werkes Corvette GTR delivers 615hp Almost a year after the C6-based Corvette GTR from Specter Werkes was first unveiled the Michigan-based performance house has released an updated version of the modified supercar that is on sale now. A unique and flamboyant interpretation of the Corvette's basic shape, the Specter Werkes GTR mixes custom bodywork with a distinctly American take on supercar muscle.

    The addition of a custom cam design with more lift has liberated an extra 80hp (60kW) over the outgoing model, bringing output to a grand total of 615hp (459kW) and 578lb-ft (783Nm) of torque.

    The company says many levels of engine tune will be available, but this package is... Almost a year after the C6-based Corvette GTR from Specter Werkes was first unveiled the Michigan-based performance house has released an updated version of the modified supercar that is on sale now. A unique and flamboyant interpretation of the Corvette's basic shape, the Specter Werkes GTR mixes custom bodywork with a distinctly American take on supercar muscle. The addition of a custom cam design with more lift has liberated an extra 80hp (60kW) over the outgoing model, bringing output to a grand total of 615hp (459kW) and 578lb-ft (783Nm) of torque. The company says many levels of engine tune will be available, but this package is based on a stroked LS3 that sees displacement lifted from 6.2L to 6.8L. The vehicle is also fitted with a Corsa exhaust and gets full widebody treatment, with broadened suspension and a wider covering. The full bodykit includes exposed carbon fiber details on the exterior, a new front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. Special Forgeline VR3P wheels, measuring 19in up front and 20in in the rear provide ample room for the huge 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires. Stop Tech 15in slotted brake discs and six pistons up front mate with 14in and four piston calipers in the rear for abundant stopping power, lap after lap. The car is painted in BASF liquid silver color (the same used on Mercedes Benz AMG models), while the interior gets GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details. Like the last version, the Corvette GTR upgrade carries a base price of $34,995, with more custom work available for a premium. All GTRs are custom-built to order and carry documentation and identification to that effect. Importantly, the upgrades are available across the Corvette range, including the base Coupe, new Grand Sport, Z06 and even the ZR1.Specter Werkes GTR Read More

  • GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan

    GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan June 8th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 8th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    GM opens advanced battery lab in Michigan Despite a bankruptcy filing that's barely a week old, General Motors is fighting to preserve its image as a relevant and potent member of the automotive industry. To that end, GM today announced the opening of its Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren, Michigan.

    The new lab is where GM will do the foundation work on its next-gen electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as further development work on the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Both individual cells and assembled packs will be tested and developed on-site.

    "The new global GM battery lab will benefit consumers across America by helping us advance the development of battery... Despite a bankruptcy filing that's barely a week old, General Motors is fighting to preserve its image as a relevant and potent member of the automotive industry. To that end, GM today announced the opening of its Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren, Michigan. The new lab is where GM will do the foundation work on its next-gen electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as further development work on the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Both individual cells and assembled packs will be tested and developed on-site. "The new global GM battery lab will benefit consumers across America by helping us advance the development of battery technology in the United States and put cleaner, more efficient vehicles on the road more quickly and affordably," said Fritz Henderson, GM president and CEO. "Our new lab improves GM's competitiveness by speeding the development of our hybrid, plug-in and extended-range electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt." Corporate-speak aside, the fact that GM is building the plant in the U.S. is a important step to keeping both workers and the public happy. There had been some fear that bankruptcy would offer a convenient excuse to export even more manufacturing and R&D outside the U.S. The Global Battery Systems Lab is a 33,000 square foot facility, and will house the efforts of GM's advanced technology team that is currently at 1,000 engineers and still growing. Forty-two thermal chambers and 160 test channels give the chance to evaluate batteries under nearly any condition imaginable. Power output at the plant is a massive 6 megawatts, enough to power a small town. Construction on the plant started last August, just before the economy tucked into its nosedive. It has been complete and under testing since May, with the official opening today marking the lab's start of full-scale business. GM says the lab is now the largest of its kind in the U.S.General Motors Global Battery Systems Lab Read More

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