Can you imagine the technology of your car in the future? How about 80 years from now? Will your car fly? Will you have a personal jetpack? Here's one to consider: Take all the bad drivers you curse every day while you pilot your way to work and give them all flying machines. That would make for some fantastic video. And lawsuits, too.

It's not easy to look into the future. But it takes a good imagination, and true desire to look beyond what sits in the driveway today. And I would bet that every one of you has some of this future-think in your DNA.

Think about your car. What do you like? What would you like to remove from your car and install, say, in your mother-in-law's car? Or just eliminate, perhaps? Honda has been developing a remarkable documentary series. While it's true that it's a sales pitch, it's also terrific insight into the future of the automobile. Check out their idea about vehicles 88 years from now. (watch video)

Continue reading "What Will Cars Do in 80 Years?" »

Posted by dbarrett at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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As true of most manufacturers, Chrysler LLC is working on a full electric vehicle. Chrysler is going for the sport-minded set, though, teasing with a two-seat Dodge sports car, complementing Jeep Patriot EV and Chrysler Town & Country more practical-minded extended-range EV concepts.

Follow the jump for more photos and the full Dodge press release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: Dodge Circuit EV" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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At the 2009 NAIAS, GM announced that in 2011, a production version of the global Beat minicar and the Orlando seven-seater will both join the U.S. lineup. The Beat, due for a Geneva show production introduction, will be called Spark for production. In the photos that follow, the white vehicle is the Orlando and the green the Beat (eventually to be renamed Spark.)

Profitable or not, GM is bringing an international minicar to the States. While the Spark will reward drivers with terrific fuel economy, will the efficiency gains be enough to adapt to the small size?

The Orlando brings an internationally sized seven-seater to the States. Orlando, introduced as a concept at the 2008 Paris auto show, will focus on moving people more than stuff. Its box shape will provide maximum cargo room for the footprint, but this will not be a vehicle measured by whether or not it can hold a sheet of drywall.
Follow the jump for more photos and Chevrolet's official release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: The Beat Sparks On, and Orlando Comes to Town" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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GM's 2009 Sunday press conference packed a powerful punch, with several production vehicles and a hint of what a Cadillac based on the Chevrolet Volt architecture might look like. Introduced by Bob Lutz himself, the Cadillac Converj is likely to see light of day as a production vehicle down the road, though Cadillac is also just as likely to find an alphanumeric name. Though Cadillac did not specify launch timing, a logical expectation would be that the vehicle arrive about 2013MY.

Aside from distinctive Cadillac styling, the Converj gave GM a chance to discuss the next stage for their Voltec system (the new corporate name for their range-extended electric vehicle powertrain archicture). The 161HP Converj is, like Volt, a front-drive application, though a two-door coupe with seating for four.

Perhaps the current concerns about fuel efficiency, the allure of an ultra-cool-sounding powertrain, and the fact that Cadillac styling is strong across the range will be strong enough for the Cadillac brand to support an entry-level product like this, but the brand's history with brand cloning and small, front-drive entries is not good. Remember Catera? Cimarron?

In the meantime, follow the jump for the official Cadillac details and a few more photos.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: Cadillac Converj" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Volvo's mid-range sedan, the S60, shares a platform with the newly updated XC70 and V70 wagons, but the updated sedan won't arrive until next year. In the meantime, Volvo is building anticipation with a wonderfully styled S60 Concept said to be very close to the production car, minus the concept's crystal center stack.

More photos and a Volvo press release after the jump.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: Volvo S60 Concept" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Los Angeles Auto Show saw the world debut of the BMW Concept 7-Series ActiveHybrid. The concept shows the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the premium luxury car segment and is part of the BMW EfficientDynamics innovation strategy.

The objective of the 7-Series ActiveHybrid is to achieve much better fuel economy and lower emissions in a premium luxury car - a class not known for being particularly environmentally conscious.

Mild Hybrid Teamed With Potent V8

The BMW Concept 7-Series ActiveHybrid combines an 8-cylinder gas engine and electric drive as a mild hybrid. The drivetrain technology featured in the Concept Car allows enhanced driving dynamics together with a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions by 15% versus the same car running on an internal combustion engine only. BMW states that the ActiveHybrid does not compromise the driving dynamics, performance or features of the 7-Series.

BMW contends that there are no compromises to the original 7-Series equation when the mild hybrid is adopted. The ActiveHybrid Seven looks practically the same, has the same level of comfort and performance while getting better fuel economy with lower emissions through use of the mild hybrid technology.

Twin Turbo V8 Based on 750i Powerplant

The internal combustion engine portion of the BMW Concept 7-Series ActiveHybrid is a Twin Turbo V8 gasoline engine and high precision fuel Injection based on the 4.4L V8 of the BMW 750i. Maximum output of the conventional engine in the regular production model is 407 horsepower, with peak torque of 442 lb-ft.

BMW claims the V8 power unit is the most efficient engine in its class and is ideal for focusing on both driving dynamics and efficiency. BMW says its V8 is the only eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world with its turbochargers mounted in the Vee between the two cylinder banks.

Electric Motor incorporated in Transmission Housing

The V8 is combined with an electric motor fully integrated in the transmission housing, developing maximum output of 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft. So with the mild hybrid concept, the electric motor boosts the dynamic driving potential of the eight-cylinder gasoline engine in a unique manner most appropriate for the character of the BMW 7 Series, giving the car better acceleration than the already great acceleration of the 750iL.

Regenerative Braking Supplements Power for Accessories

Using Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor supplies electric power to the power-consuming items on board the car, minimizing the direct conversion of fuel into electrical energy and maximizing the drive power available for enhanced driving dynamics.

Continue reading "2008 L.A. Auto Show - BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid" »

Posted by George Peterson at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hyundai's focus at the 2009 LA Auto Show was all about green...er blue technology. Environmentally friendly technology has been a primary focus of the LA Auto Show over the last couple of seasons, and this year is no different. As Hyundai continues to gain mainstream acceptance amongst the US public, the company is striving to prove that it is no longer just a maker of inexpensive-yet-reliable vehicles, but at the forefront of the automotive game.

Continue reading "2008 LA Auto Show: Hyundai Blue Drive" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Chrysler today announced plans to jumping into the electric car market with both feet by offering up three high-voltage prototypes to reporters and a promise to put about 100 electric vehicles on the road in 2009. We've been waiting to get a sense of what the company's ENVI group is up to, and now we know.

One of the three concept vehicles, the all-electric Dodge EV, is sure to generate some buzz (Is it a Tesla for the common people?) for its fierce looks and eco-friendly, refuel-it-from-the-wall-socket appeal.

With that in mind, it could be easy to miss the hybrid-on-steroids potential of the Jeep and Chrysler EVs -- a Jeep Wrangler and a Chrysler Town & Country fitted with battery and range-extending engine setup (similar in concept to GM's Volt) that Chrysler claims will allow them run for 40 miles without touching a drop of gas.

Read the full report from Chrysler after the jump.

Continue reading "Chrysler enters the electric race" »

Posted by Katrina Ohlemacher at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Kia's New York auto show stage held both concept and production surprises. We believe that the KOUP concept, though too cutely named, hints at the next-generation Spectra. Kia described the KOUP as "closer to production than you might think," strongly hinting Kia may add the coupe itself. The production surprise was the facelifted 2009 Optima. This new look takes Optima a step forward.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - A Pair from Kia" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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One of the coolest things about working on the VehicleVoice team is the differing taste the team has. Trucks, SUVs, muscle cars, small cars. Lunch can be interesting, to say the least. While I appreciate anything with wheels, I’m slowly becoming more and more interested in minicars. Maybe it’s Europe-envy, or an increased sense of green, but I‘ve always been attracted to minimalism. From architecture to coffee without the fancy names.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – Mitsubishi “i”" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Respect. Suzuki gets less than it deserves. Consider some facts. Suzuki Motor Corporation took 35 years to sell 1 million vehicles per year worldwide. 15 more years to reach 2 million vehicles in 2005. Nearly 2.4 million vehicles last year. And in fiscal year 2009, expects to produce 3 million vehicles.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 – Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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You have to look long and hard to find a more difficult job than designing future Scion products. In its short life, Scion has raced to the forefront of Gen Y desirability. From zero to 173,000 units in just 4 years. Toyota Motor Sales claims the Scion brand to have a median buyer age of just 30 years old, which makes it the youngest brand in the United States. From the same group of people who bring us the Camry and Avalon, both standards for Boomer buyers, but neither evoking a youthful image.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 -- Scion Hako Coupe Concept" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 9:27 PM | Permalink

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Two Doors and a Bed: Are We Ready for an El Camino Revival?
Pontiac is GM's star at the 2008 New York Auto Show, introducing two new takes on just-launched G8 sedan. As well as a hotter GXP sedan for 2009MY, late in 2009 there will be a G8 Sport Truck.

Despite knowing quite a few people who profess their admiration for the old El Camino, the coupe-meets-truck thing never did much for me. A very unscientific show-floor poll found several people who thought the G8 ST looked cool, but didn't think they really wanted one for themselves. This does not bode well for the G8 ST's general acceptance. But Pontiac sees a market and has an inexpensive way to meet it, so meet it they will. The 2010 G8 Sport Truck gives Pontiac something no one else has and a truck that sort of fits with a sport-oriented lineup. They may not sell many, but as an image car it just might work in some circles.

Described by the marketers as "segment-bending," the G8 ST is a version of Holden's coupe-with-a-bed Ute. The G8 ST will offer strong performance, interesting looks, and give most buyers enough truckability with carlike fuel economy. Not to mention not seeing one on every corner can make it that much more interesting when you do. This isn't a product GM would be wise to share among their many U.S. brands, and it is different enough from the GMC Denali XT shown at 2008 Chicago show that those two could co-exist, assuming the GMC reaches production.

Pontiac is asking consumers to name the car, which can help build excitement as well gauge real interest. Cast your vote at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar; the winning entry is being announced April 15.

This truck will take 6.0L V8 of the sedan, the GT's upgraded braking system, and all of its convenience and safety features. As you might guess, it carries distinct sheetmetal, including doors, roof, and everything behind the B-pillar. It shares the sedan's rear-drive architecture, beefed up in key areas to allow for its expanded cargo and towing capacity. The truck is also longer than the sedan, almost all of the extra length between the axles.

Pontiac promises a zero-to-sixty time of 5.4 seconds, with 1074 payload and 3500-pound towing capacities, enough to tow a couple of jet skis, motorcycles, or a small boat. (The G8 sedan is only capable of towing 2000 pounds.) Though not my flavor, I can its appeal among the single, young, and nomadic.

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Video is rapidly becoming an important component for any new, magazine, or entertainment website. At VehicleVoice, we’ve been using video for nearly two years and we want to make certain you know how useful and entertaining our video stories can be.

Our video stories are typically fairly short, so you can enjoy them during a coffee break, or while waiting for that report to print. Two recent surveys show that more than three quarters of the people who use the Internet watch an hour or more of video every week. And, a huge percentage of that audience takes advantage of the lunch hour to enjoy the various video clips and stories now being posted everywhere from CNN to political campaigns to your own private website -- to, yup, right here at VehicleVoice.

Continue reading "Video Reviews, Test Drives, and Opinion from VehicleVoice" »

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Say it isn’t so! I sincerely hope that I’m wrong on this one, or at least over-reacting. Ford’s initial Press conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Show left me wondering, “”What about the Explorer?” Ford began the Sunday with Bill Ford, Mark Fields, Country music superstar Toby Keith, and enough fireworks and decibels to put a chill up your spine. We were shown the newly-redesigned F-150, the Verve Concept, and a herd of Mustangs. We saw the Explorer America Concept, or at least I think we did. It came on and off the stage faster than Charles Manson at a parole hearing. The pitch went something like this. “Unit body, 2.0 liter Ecoboost Engine, Adios!” I found this especially disheartening, because the vehicle looked so great. A forward-looking design that keeps real truck cues. Not another tall wagon!

Continue reading "Invisible Explorer" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Mitsubishi showed its RA Concept at the North American International Auto Show. The RA is a two-seat diesel powered sports car with styling cues that telegraph shapes to come from Mitsubishi.

Designed by perhaps the tallest styling team in the industry, both the Chief Designer and Interior Designer are well over 6-feet 5-inches tall. Dave O'Connell, Chief Designer, who is about 6-feet 7-inches tall admitted they "kept shaving off height until the car looked fabulous". And fabulous it is. Being height challenged I should be able to get into the RA without too much problem, but wouldn't even venture it. Neither of Mitsu's stylists would volunteer to get into their head turning cocept.

All that said, the reason for a concept car is to elicit reactions from showgoers and to help get the brand and the car on consideration lists. RA does that. But, Mitsu management stress that the RA is only a design study that probably won't be on the road any time soon. RA picks up Mitsubishi's new face... a downward scowl that gives a shark-like front end appearance. This front end look premiered on the Mitsu Lancer and will go a long way at giving Mitsubishi products a readily identifiable look. The body contours now look very organic with fluid shapes providing muscular fender flares tightly wrapped around meaty tires.

RA is Teaser for Next Generation Eclipse

Being a two-seater, the RA certainly isn't a production proposition. Mitsubishi needs a product that can sell 60,000 units a year to be happy and a two-seater just won't do it. Think of RA as showing us some of the shapes that may be seen on the next Gen Eclipse.

Now, about the next generation Eclipse. The present Eclipse is based on Mitsubishi's large PS platform. So, Eclipse tends to be bigger and heavier than most would like for the small sporty car class. The next Eclipse may not be based on PS. The GS platform of the Lancer, Lancer Evolution X and Outlander could also provide the basis for the next generation Eclipse. This would give the Eclipse the hardware needed to be a truly world class sporty car. Most of those bits, of course, would come from the Evolution X.

We could conceptualize a 4-seat sporty car using RA styling and powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder from Lancer, the 2.0L Twin Turbo from the Evolution X, and a 3.3L V6 from the present car. In that way, you'd have the secretary's car, the boy racer and the luxo model. Add AWD and Mitsubishi's outstanding paddle shift transmission and you have a winner.

Posted by George Peterson at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Best of Show

You always go to an autoshow with the hope that there will be a truly outstanding example there. VehicleVoice and AutoPacific's eight staffers at the 2008 North American International Auto Show were extremely impressed with the Lincoln MKT concept vehicle.

A vehicle we will call a Crossover SUV, the MKT is in many ways similar to General Motors Lambda Crossover SUVs and especially the Buick Enclave. The thing that makes MKT special is its exterior styling which uses all six Lincoln design cues (although they say seven at the show, Peter Horbury, Ford's head designer in North America says he only really uses six) which are critical to the definition of a Lincoln design. Wow, this thing is beautiful. From the bow wave grille to the relatively fast rear end treatment, MKT comes across as a premium, substantial vehicle worthy of carrying the Lincoln badge.

Not only is the exterior stunning, the interior carries on new Lincoln cues which are very upscale, contemporary and modern. A four passenger concept with no pretense at transporting seven passengers, the MKT is decked out like a luxury business jet.

Only Thing Wrong... The Name

A few years back, Ford made the unfortunate error of renaming Lincoln vehicles with alphanumeric names - MKZ (Zephyr), MKX (Aviator), MKS (Continental), and now MKT. Another great concept is the MKR flagship sedan. Better with a real name. Only the Navigator and Town Car have not succumbed to this folly. I guess MKT means Lincoln "Truck". No, it's really "Touring"... guess that fits better. Well, MKT certainly ain't no truck. It's really special and deserves better... a name.

[Even Mark Fields, Ford's President of North American Operations, botched up the name of the MKS when he introduced it at the Los Angeles Auto Show. He first said "MKX". If Ford's biggies can't keep 'em straight, think about salespeople at Lincoln dealerships and prospective buyers].

2009 Ford Flex Crossover SUV is Base for MKT

Based on Ford Flex (Ford Crossover SUV to be launched in mid-2008) underpinnings, MKT is powered by Ford's 3.5L Twin Turbo GDI EcoBoost V6. This should give it enough punch to qualify as a high performance Crossover. In the MKT the 3.5L V6 has 415-horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque.

Only A Concept - Get them to Build It

In discussions with Ford design management, there was no confirmation that the MKT - codenamed D472 - has been approved for production. In fact, the designers contend that the MKT design has not even been proven feasible. The front fenders and rear quarters have a very crisp blade on the upper surface that would be practically impossible to stamp out of metal. MKT uses plastic to get around that particular problem.

In any event, write, email, telephone Ford to convince them to produce the MKT. If they give the vehicle the go ahead, we could expect to see it in 2010 as a 2011 model year vehicle.

Ford's press release on the Lincoln MKT Concept is below the fold.

Continue reading "Lincoln MKT - VehicleVoice Best of Show" »

Posted by George Peterson at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Only the night before the official reveal at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz borrowed Detroit's Museum of Contemporary Modern Art for a media sneak preview of their Vision GLK FREESIDE. Presented by Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the concept is not a hypothetical exercise. This C-Class-based small SUV will be in showrooms in January 2009. Dr. Zetsche reminded us the C-Class has grown up since the sedan was first known as the Baby Benz, but the GLK will be the baby of Mercedes SUV family. Pricing is far from decided, but expect it to closely overlay the C-Class.

The Vision GLK FREESIDE is being shown with two different faces and different interior accents, though both have the same running gear and engine. There are also two colors, one a dramatic matte-finish white excellent for showing up the complex surfacing of this small SUV. Differences between the two Visions include front fascia, wheels, and interior trim. One conveys a more luxurious, sophisticated on-road personality while the other looks tougher and more capable, though still clearly a high-end compact SUV. The more capable-looking of the two is the one pictured here, and seems to be the favorite. It is possible that Mercedes offer both, in a strategy similar to offering both modern and traditional faces for the C-Class.

Continue reading "Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE: Baby Benz SUV" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ford Targets Millenials with Verve
Ford will re-enter the small-car segment in the States, one they haven't really played in here since the not-missed Ford Aspire (often referred to as the Ford "Despair"). If the Verve concepts are anything to go by, Ford is preparing a car that people actually may want to own. Ford of Europe has done well with its small cars, including the current Fiesta. But small cars have been notoriously unprofitable when built in the States where small cars are sold on (low) price alone. In Europe, they are more fully-featured and can command profitable prices. In today's climate, it is time to take another go at small cars here, and Ford's take will arrive for the 2010 model year.

At this year's 2008 North American International Auto Show, we are actually seeing the third Verve concept. The first Verve concept was a three-door hatchback introduced in Frankfurt in September 2007. The first sedan was introduced in China in November. This January, NAIAS is home to the introduction of another sedan, much like the China car. Ford's show stand will also feature the three-door. Europe is mad for hatchbacks and the three-door is a no-brainer there. By the same token, the sedan is a given for the States. Depending on Stateside reaction to the three-door, Ford may offer it alongside the sedan. It's uncertain if it will wear the Verve name, but at least it is a good option.

And if you're unsure who Millenials are, this is the group aged 13-28 - most call this age cohort Generation Y. Ford says 11,000 of them get their first driver's license every day, and for most the first car is a small car. Giving this one styling cues that can appeal to kids who've never known a world without cell phones and adults who have forgotten such a world might allow Ford to meet the goal of making target customers from both groups happy.

Continue reading "Ford Verve Previews 2010 Small Car - North American International Auto Show" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The World Has Caught Up to Saab…Or So Saab Hopes
For years and years, Saab has been struggling to find a happy medium between maintaining its unique and renowned character and possessing enough mainstream virtues to appeal to an audience big enough to sustain profitable volumes. It’s lucky for them that consumer values may be shifting in ways that make traditional Saab values suddenly more relevant.

What has made a vehicle uniquely a Saab? This has generally meant unique (and sometimes quirky) style, rejection of excess, and small displacement engines with high output, often through turbocharging. Consistent with these values, Saab has rejected many attributes that were up till recently a given for success, such as big and beefy engines and SUV bodystyles (on both those counts, we’ll forget the Saab Bravada…er 9-7X ever existed).

Today, however, those Saab values might be a little more relevant. Ford and others are touting small displacement direct injected turbos, and small premium multi-use vehicles are popping up all over the place. Hmm…has Saab’s time to shine finally come?

Continue reading "Saab 9-4X Concept: Finally, A Saab For the Times?" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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LRX Demonstrates Atomization of the SUV Market
Not all that long ago, we (and most other pundits) would have prescribed a pretty failsafe formula for how to create a successful SUV. Make it big, make it really upright, and give it plenty of power, OPEC be damned. Sure, everyone knows now that fuel prices are high, driving demand for more efficient means of transportation, but there are plenty of other factors driving the atomization of the once cookie-cutter SUV market.

Whatever you want to call them – body-on-frame utility vehicles, crossovers, car-based utilities, whatever – SUVs as a genre have matured to the point where there is plenty of space and demand for unique niches within the larger segment. In fact, consistent with the greater overall consumer demand we see nowadays for tailored, unique products that fit every taste (how many ways can you have your Starbucks?), the SUV segment is quickly becoming as diverse as the passenger car market. So is there a market for a sustainable, eco-friendly coupe-like Land Rover? Even five years ago, we probably would have given the notion a big thumbs down.

Seeking New Blood and New Concept Space
Land Rover’s LRX concept previews a niche luxury entry SUV product that we’re expecting to see within the next few years. This product would come in below the car-based Freelander, theoretically casting a wider net and providing a larger gateway to the Land Rover brand. We can see their logic here. Today’s oldest Gen Y buyers are coming of age and are starting to earn real money, and a huge number of them have grown up valuing prestige and premium branding. As a struggling brand (especially in Europe, where the traditional truck-based SUVs that Land Rover specializes in have become more irrelevant than ever), Land Rover has got to find some new blood – and the key hopefully lies in these young and open-minded buyers.

Continue reading "Land Rover LRX Concept: Times are Definitely Changing" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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When It's a FORUM.
Nissan created the Quest for buyers who needed a minivan but didn't really want to drive one. It was given an aggressive exterior supported by an odd and innovative interior, which took a major update that made it more conventional with the 2007 model year. But the Quest is too much for most minivan buyers, and sales have disappointed Nissan. Nissan must have done some things right, though; Quest owners gave it AutoPacific's 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Minivans.

Despite lukewarm response to Quest, Nissan has not given up on the cool minivan concept, proven by this year's FORUM concept. Jury's out on whether FORUM succeeds with showgoers, but much thought and detail went into development and it sports features that would be appreciated in any minivan. The not-minivan FORUM's angry-appliance looks would stand out in a sea of sameness.

FORUM's dramatic exterior is wrapped around clever features to keep all rows happy. There's no doubt that FORUM explores features and style for a new Quest, but Nissan executives indicated that if they don't think a new generation will be profitable, it won't be built.

Continue reading "Nissan Forum: When is a Minivan Not a Minivan?" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 3:26 PM | Permalink

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Toyota revealed their new ‘Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck’ (or A-BAT for short) at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. It’s not a smaller Tacoma. Think of it more like a small Toyota Ridgeline. It’s based on a unitized platform and swallows an inline 4 cylinder engine with Toyota’s Synergy Hybrid Drive.

Concept
No, the A-BAT was not designed in the dark by Avalanche and Ridgeline ex-patriots. The A-BAT was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty. Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research Inc. had this to say:

“We’ve taken Toyota’s truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain’s low emissions and fuel economy.”

Continue reading "Toyota A-BAT Concept – Toyota Makes a Prius Pickup?" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

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Explorer America – A Sustainable Showcase

To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford has created the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Actually, the Explorer America tips Ford's hand about the next generation Explorer due in 2010. Shifting from a body-on-frame traditional SUV to a unit body crossover SUV, Ford shows they firmly believe that crossovers are where the SUV market is headed.

The key here is the style and the package Ford is showing. Still a Premium Mid-Size SUV, Explorer America picks up more adventuresome styling than any Explorer before. It has overstated wheels and tires, large wheel openings, a tough and rugged appearance and a lowered roof line. Hopefully, the lowered roofline will be raised by production because spaciousness and headroom are things that SUV-buyers covet.

On the driver side, Explorer America has two conventional sedan-style doors. On the passenger side, Explorer America has a conventional front door and a sliding rear door like a minivan. Sometimes, automakers use center-opening or sliding doors on concept vehicles to allow them to showcase the interior better, so it is not known if the slider would make it to production. Anyway, it is an interesting approach.

Showcase for EcoBoost 4-Cylinder Turbo Powertrain

From Ford's early January press release....

The Explorer America concept delivers an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement – depending on engine selection – while providing room for six and their gear, along with moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

A powertrain lineup includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer.

Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics

A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it

A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain
The production model of the Explorer changed the landscape when it arrived on the scene in 1990 as a 1991 model, delivering an experience as unique as the owners who would eventually shape the design of the Explorer America concept.

Today’s Explorer leads the mid-size SUV segment in sales. Since its introduction 18 years ago, Explorer has sold more than 6.5 million vehicles.

Posted by George Peterson at 12:43 PM | Permalink

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With the North American International Auto Show still days away, information is leaking through sieve-like embargoes. Cadillac Provoq is a fuel-cell powered concept Crossover SUV that telegraphs cues for Cadillac's future Crossovers like the next SRX. Of course, the first question is why Cadillac used a name for this concept rather than an alphanumeric like "TRX" or "URX" or "VRX".

VehicleVoice will have more from the show floor next week when we can shoot the Provoq in the flesh.

Cues from Future Generation Cadillac Crossover SUVs

Provoq has contemporary body surfacing with a bold contour swage on the bodyside initiating from the inevitable gill in the front fender. The grille texture is very similar to the new CTS and closely follows Cadillac's present design language. So from a design standpoint, Provoq is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Nice looking in the way the new CTS is nice looking.

The Provoq rides on a 110-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 190-inches. So, it's about a half-size smaller than the SRX (116-inch wheelbase and 195-inch overall length). Based on GM's new compact crossover architecture, the Provoq has more to do with the Saturn Vue than the SRX.

Aerodynamics a Key to Improved Efficiency

The Provoq is optimized for low aerodynamic drag, with the front fascia featuring a computer-controlled grille that opens as cooling is needed. There is a wind-tunnel designed belly pan to smooth airflow beneath the Provoq. The functional rear spoiler helps reduce drag by smoothing airflow over the roof. In addition, the roof contains a solar panel for charging vehicle accessories.

Powertrain - Hydrogen Fuel-Cell

The powertrain is the fifth generation version of General Motor's hydrogen fuel-cell stack. (The fourth generation is presently powering a fleet of 100 hydrogen Chevrolet Equinox SUVs that GM has put into a testing rotation with people in California, New York, and Washington.)

This fifth-gen version is one-third smaller than what's on the road now, and its hydrogen fuel cell can provide a continuous output of 88 kilowatts. Three electric motors are expected to deliver 0-60 mph times of about 8.5 seconds with a governed top speed of 100 mph. The hydrogen is stored in two 10,000-psi tanks that hold 6 kilograms each, and the quick-fill feature works similarly to the Equinox test fleet. Range is expected to be 300 miles. The Provoq is also a plug-in hybrid incorporating a plug-in feature to pre-charge the lithium-ion batteries from your home electrical system. The ports for the plug-in hybrid are conveniently located on both sides of the vehicle. Both the brakes and transmission incorporate drive-by-wire technology.

While Provoq is a technology concept, think of it more as a styling and package concept for future Cadillac Crossover SUVs. When we see this styling on the road, it will be petroleum powered - either gas or diesel or maybe a gas-electric hybrid... but not a production hydrogen fuel-cell.

Posted by George Peterson at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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