Lexus Rocks the F-Sports at SEMA 2009

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Production

  • Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production

    Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production September 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, GLK Won't See U.S. Production

    Earlier today reports emerged of Daimler officials speaking with a German newspaper about Mercedes-Benz considering production of the C-Class sedan in the U.S., confirming a similar report from July of last year at the launch of the GLK crossover. But further digging by the High Gear Media team has uncovered a source from within Mercedes that says the Vance, Alabama plant up for C-Class production didn't get the bid.

    No explanation was given for the decision, and it's still not yet official, but don't expect to see GLKs or C-Class sedans rolling out of the Vance production line any time soon.

    Both the GLK and C-Class are built on the same...

    Earlier today reports emerged of Daimler officials speaking with a German newspaper about Mercedes-Benz considering production of the C-Class sedan in the U.S., confirming a similar report from July of last year at the launch of the GLK crossover. But further digging by the High Gear Media team has uncovered a source from within Mercedes that says the Vance, Alabama plant up for C-Class production didn't get the bid. No explanation was given for the decision, and it's still not yet official, but don't expect to see GLKs or C-Class sedans rolling out of the Vance production line any time soon. Both the GLK and C-Class are built on the same platform, so building one would have opened the door to building the other. Mercedes' SUV production and sales have historically been huge in the U.S., with the M-Class and GL-Class (as well as the slow-selling R-Class) being built here, so it would have made good logistical sense as well. And that's exactly why it was being considered. According to the German paper Stuttgarter Zeitung, the savings in moving some C-Class production Stateside would total about $95 million at 80,000 cars per year thanks to the 20 euros per hour savings in labor costs over European workers. Further, if the factory at Vance were tasked with building 80,000 cars, at least some of them would be due for export, as even before this year's nosedive, Mercedes sold only 50,593 C-Class sedans in the U.S., according to Automotive News' Data Center. Regardless of where the cars are built, the U.S.-market C-Class and GLK could both get a four-cylinder turbodiesel in the near future. In July of last year, Mercedes confirmed that both would be arriving by sometime in 2010, though the economic downturn has likely delayed that even further. The engine could be a 2.2-liter turbodiesel rated at 170 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, or one of two new variants found in the 250 CDI and 250 CGI, both rated at 204 horsepower but with the 2.2-liter 250 CDI scoring 369 pound-feet of torque and the 1.8-liter 250 CGI version making a somewhat more tame 229 pound-feet. Fuel efficiency of the three engines ranges from 33 to 49 mpg. A supercharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine is also rumored to be on the table for U.S. sale. We'll keep you abreast of the latest as it breaks. Read More

  • Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show

    Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show July 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Preview: Production Audi A1 headed to Frankfurt Motor Show Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show.

    But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary.

    Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers... Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show. But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary. Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door - along with higher average fuel prices - for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car. Three-door, five-door, electric and hybrid versions have all been discussed, though only the conventional models are expected to be launched later this year. Another angle that might get Audi to bring the A1 to the U.S. is the impending return of Fiat vehicles to America via its new connection with Chrysler. With the Fiat 500 on its way, Audi may want to lay the groundwork for the premium small car segment to help pave the way for future sales. For more on the A1 and its many variants, check out our previous coverage. Via: TheCarConnectionAudi A1 Sportback Concept Read More

  • Lexus IS C production struggling to keep up with demand

    Lexus IS C production struggling to keep up with demand July 9th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 9th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Lexus IS C production struggling to keep up with demand In the midst of its U.S. marketing blitz for the 2010 IS C, Lexus is working hard to build enough cars to meet consumer demand. Currently about 1,200 cars are leaving the Kyushu factory each month, but according to a Lexus official, that's just barely enough.

    The IS-C was introduced last October at the Paris Motor Show, and now that the hardtop convertible is finally in full swing in the U.S., Lexus is carefully managing the supply, reports Wards Auto. “I don't think we're going to outstrip demand with our build rate,” said Scott Wracher, Lexus's general manager for the Eastern area of the U.S. “There's a lot of value in... In the midst of its U.S. marketing blitz for the 2010 IS C, Lexus is working hard to build enough cars to meet consumer demand. Currently about 1,200 cars are leaving the Kyushu factory each month, but according to a Lexus official, that's just barely enough. The IS-C was introduced last October at the Paris Motor Show, and now that the hardtop convertible is finally in full swing in the U.S., Lexus is carefully managing the supply, reports Wards Auto. “I don't think we're going to outstrip demand with our build rate,” said Scott Wracher, Lexus's general manager for the Eastern area of the U.S. “There's a lot of value in the IS compared to our competition,” he added. That competition is stiff - mostly German, with Audi, BMW and Mercedes all on the list as well as the new Infiniti G37 Convertible. Interest in a Lexus convertible has been high ever since the first rumors began circulating that the IS-C was headed to production. Helping to drive the strong interest from buyers in the U.S. is a somewhat cryptic set of commercials based around a 'mischievous' story line that's targeting younger people. The next new thing from Lexus is a possible IS Coupe based on the IS-C's two-door layout. If demand for that car is as high as for the Convertible, Lexus may find itself picking up a new reputation for sporty and fun vehicles that's largely absent from the current lineup. For those that can't wait for the Coupe, the IS-C is available with the F-Sport performance accessory package, which includes 19in forged alloy wheels designed in a dark graphite finish, six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors, braided stainless-steel brake lines, sports pads, and a new shock absorber and suspension spring set. The 2010 Lexus IS 250C starts at $38,490 for the manual-equipped version, with the auto going for $39,660. The 350C, which is only available with the automatic, starts at $43,940.Lexus IS250C convertible2010 Lexus IS C F-Sport Read More

  • New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar

    New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar July 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 9 Comments

    New images of Spyker’s jet-inspired C8 Aileron supercar Concept cars are exciting, but as often as not, they're also huge letdowns. Why? Because you know they'll be so neutered by the time they make production that it's the same car only in name (Jaguar XF, anyone?). Luckily we have Spyker, a company where the production cars are more insane than most concepts, and they understand this problem and have built the C8 Aileron to be almost identical to the concept.

    Despite all of Spyker’s management reshuffles and financial setbacks of the past two years, the Dutch sports car company has used March’s Geneva Motor Show to debut the C8 Aileron. Spyker introduced the concept unveiled last... Concept cars are exciting, but as often as not, they're also huge letdowns. Why? Because you know they'll be so neutered by the time they make production that it's the same car only in name (Jaguar XF, anyone?). Luckily we have Spyker, a company where the production cars are more insane than most concepts, and they understand this problem and have built the C8 Aileron to be almost identical to the concept. Despite all of Spyker’s management reshuffles and financial setbacks of the past two years, the Dutch sports car company has used March’s Geneva Motor Show to debut the C8 Aileron. Spyker introduced the concept unveiled last year and made some minor changes to change that vision into reality. In order to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the car, several changes in styling were made such as stretching the canopy backwards and abandoning most of the shark-like gills , which results in a cleaner, smoother appearance. The front end is now characterized by a larger grille that gives additional cooling and the rear diffuser was redesigned for improved functionality. Finally, an extra spoiler has been placed under the diffuser, providing additional downforce to boost the ground effect produced by the diffuser. The C8 Aileron’s design is heavily inspired by Spyker’s aviation heritage, as was the case with all previous models, but with a clear emphasis on the jet engine and not the propeller that adorned so many elements of Spyker’s earlier cars. Compared to the short wheelbase of the first generation cars - the C8 Laviolette and C8 Spyder - the wheelbase of the C8 Aileron is 150 mm longer and its track is also 155m wider. The total dimensions of the front and rear track are now 1625mm and 1645mm respectively, while the kerb weight comes in at 1425kg (3142lbs). Power comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2L V8 rated at about 400hp (298kW) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque. Shifting duties are taken care of with a either a Getrag manual or ZF auto gearbox, both with six speeds, and drive is sent to the rear wheels. The automatic is Spyker's first, though it doesn’t hamper the car's 4.5-second run to 62mph (100km/h) nor its top speed of 187mph (300km/h). The car rides on a brand new front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system. The set-up includes a new kinematic layout of the front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, mono-tube dampers, and coil over damper steel springs. The suspension components are made of forged aluminum where possible, to keep the vehicle’s unsprung weight as low as possible. Stopping power is supplied by respected brake company AP Racing and these are fitted with black calipers with the Spyker logo. Carbon ceramic brakes will be available as an option soon. Inside, the C8 Aileron gets a Kharma sound system, GPS navigation, and all the standard modern electronics connectivity - Bluetooth, MP3, etc. The trademark engine turned aluminum dash will be present, plus 19in Aeroblade wheels and a quilted leather cockpit. Production of the new car will start in May, with sales following shortly thereafter. It is available in 16 standard colours, but customers may choose any colour they wish as an option, as well as the Spyker Squadron GT2 colour scheme. Pricing in Europe will start at €189,990.Spyker C8 Aileron production versionSpyker C8 Aileron Concept Read More

  • Porsche considering cutting 911 production

    Porsche considering cutting 911 production July 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Porsche considering cutting 911 production Earlier we reported that Porsche would be slowing down production at its Stuttgart plant in Germany from December 22 through January 9 due to flagging sales, and now we can report that more production cuts are expected to take place. The automaker is now considering stopping production for a full non-consecutive seven days at its Zuffenhausen factory – where the 911 is built – during the Christmas holidays as well.

    "We have to think about this if car sales continue to develop like this and do not recover again," an inside source revealed to Reuters.
    Porsche’s other factory in Leipzig, where the Cayenne and soon the... Earlier we reported that Porsche would be slowing down production at its Stuttgart plant in Germany from December 22 through January 9 due to flagging sales, and now we can report that more production cuts are expected to take place. The automaker is now considering stopping production for a full non-consecutive seven days at its Zuffenhausen factory – where the 911 is built – during the Christmas holidays as well. "We have to think about this if car sales continue to develop like this and do not recover again," an inside source revealed to Reuters. Porsche’s other factory in Leipzig, where the Cayenne and soon the Panamera are built, should remain unaffected by the output cuts in Zuffenhausen and Stuttgart. A Porsche spokesman said no decision was made yet for further production cuts, but if it became necessary management and labor could decide quickly on such a measure. Similarly, Porsche's soon to be subsidiary, Volkswagen, is also very strongly considering slowing down production, joining a growing list of carmakers having to rationalize output to meet record low levels of consumer demand over the last few months. Currently, VW is still in talks with union officials and worker representatives to shut down production for three weeks during the year-end holiday period, a move which would affect over 15,000 employees but one which may be necessary if the company is to avoid costly overproduction. Read More

  • Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run

    Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run July 1st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 1st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    Report: GTbyCitroen supercar to see six-unit production run Since the GTbyCitroen supercar crossed the pixel-reality barrier and leapt out of Gran Turismo 5 and onto the street, talk of a limited production run has circulated. Now that talk is taking shape, with an expected production run of just six cars according to the latest reports.

    Back in December we brought you the first hints that the French-branded Sony Playstation video game car might see actual sales, but the newest information claims to be based on inside information from Citroen's product chief Vincent Besson, reports Autocar.

    The low-slung and futuristic supercar will be priced around £1.1 million ($1.8 million) - about the same as... Since the GTbyCitroen supercar crossed the pixel-reality barrier and leapt out of Gran Turismo 5 and onto the street, talk of a limited production run has circulated. Now that talk is taking shape, with an expected production run of just six cars according to the latest reports. Back in December we brought you the first hints that the French-branded Sony Playstation video game car might see actual sales, but the newest information claims to be based on inside information from Citroen's product chief Vincent Besson, reports Autocar. The low-slung and futuristic supercar will be priced around £1.1 million ($1.8 million) - about the same as the comparatively common Bugatti Veyron. Most interestingly, though the high-tech construction and carbon fiber materials of the concept are mostly expected to carry over to the production model, the engine will be sourced from either Ford or GM in V8 format. After all, when you need a 500hp+ crate V8, there's no one better to turn to than the Americans. Unlike the Americans, however, the V8 powerhouse will likely be linked to a paddle-shift gearbox, but the final technical specs are still being worked out, so until the car sees its likely production-form reveal at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's just speculation. Wondering how this crazy French/Japanese concept slipped under your radar? Check out some of our other coverage on the GTbyCitroen concept.Citroen GT Concept car at Paris Motor Show Read More

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