Nik J Miles

Archive for April, 2010

The current generation Chevrolet Camaro could get a bit smaller in 2015 when it is bolted to the same Alpha platform being developed for the smaller Cadillac ATS, according to a leak reported by Motor Trend magazine.

The new Alpha platform is cheaper to build and lighter weight making it more suitable for the Camaro.  The new size Camaro should be closer to the size of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, or about 182-inches long. Read the rest of this entry »

The Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC is a European racing series for the Maserati GranTurismo sports coupe. Maserati says the series is for “gentleman-drivers” – which in the world of high-dollar Eurocars means “really rich guys who want to go racing and aren’t afraid to lay out big bucks to be treated like F1 drivers.” The championship is held over seven rounds on the most prestigious European circuits, together with WTCC.

The series turned on the ignition with the pre-championship test held on April 24-25 in Vallelunga, a prep for the first practices in Monza on May 23. A long-run simulation was done to make the final checks of the cars assigned to signed-up drivers. One of the protagonists of the test has been Emanuele Smurra, the winner of the first Trofeo Maserati held in 2003. 16 other drivers from various European countries also participated in the test.

Women buy 52% of all new cars sold in the U.S. and influence more than 85% of all car purchases. They are the fastest growing segment of buyers for new and used cars.

Research shows, given the current economic climate, women are more concerned with fuel economy than car color or stereo options. And unlike their male counterparts, women are more likely to research for the best deal, even if it means shopping multiple dealerships. They also want things that will make their life and time on the road easier, without breaking the bank. Good safety records and reliability also plays a role, as women are often chauffeuring children to activities and events.

Additionally, new, more powerful 4-cylinder engines in SUV-like vehicles have been the top pick for many of these family decision makers this year.

The New Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Motor Co. made its world premiere of the all-new “Avante” compact sedan, the company’s best-selling model worldwide, at the Busan International Motor Show today. The Avante is badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea. The new design features Hyundai’s latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive. The new Avante/Elantra delivers a peak output of 138 horsepower and maximum torque of 123 pound-feet. The new car  is also about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to the direct injection, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.

This Camaro's got Seoul

Chevrolet, General Motors Company’s leading global vehicle brand, will be introduced in Korea in 2011. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology President and CEO Mike Arcamone made the announcement today at a press conference held in conjunction with the opening of the Busan International Motor Show.

“The introduction of Chevrolet will enable us to provide our customers an array of exciting new vehicles from the brand’s global lineup, giving them more driving options,” said Arcamone. “This will help GM Daewoo increase our sales and market share in the domestic market while generating additional revenue, strengthening our employees’ job security, creating new jobs and resulting in additional investment in Korea. We regard it as a key to our long-term success.”

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Ford Start Concept Car

Ford Motor Company recently announced that the automaker posted a net income of US$2.1 billion for the first quarter of 2010. Of that figure, US$1.2 billion was from Automotive operations. This contrasts with the same quarter in 2009, in which Ford lost over US$2 billion.

Credit for the boost in earnings was given to the improving economy and Ford’s strong lineup of new models, including the just-launched Fiesta subcompact, the Fusion hybrid sedan, Mustang performance models, and the funky-cool Transit Connect small van. Ford has improved its U.S. market share to 16.6% overall and a 14.1% retail share.

At the end of March, Ford entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group for $1.8 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010. As a result of the agreement to sell Volvo, all of Volvo’s 2010 results are being reported as special items and excluded from Ford’s general operating results.

Second generation Volkswagen Touareg shoppers will get an impressive menu of engine choices for 2011.  A standard 280-hp, 3.6-liter, V-6 FSI® gasoline engine starts the selection process, but the Touareg is also available in a pair of “green” choices: hybrid or diesel.  Each of the engine choice comes with a with Volkswagens new eight-speed automatic transmission – a first for an SUV.

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The next generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be a hybrid according inside information obtained by Motor Trend magazine.  The Evo XI is expected to have an electric motor driving the front wheels, and a 2.0-liter gas engine driving the rear wheels when needed.  It will run in an electric-only mode for short distances to improve fuel economy.  However the Evo XI will not disappoint performance enthusiasts, because the turbocharged gas engine is expected to be about 320-hp, for a combined power in the 350-hp range for the two.  Insiders say the target 0 to 60 mph acceleration is 4.5 seconds.   Handling will be enhanced with new Active Steering and Roll Control Suspension.  The Evo XI is should be read for the 2013 model year.

BROOKLYN, MI (April 26, 2010)- With eyes fixed on a $10 million purse, 28 teams, representing 36 super fuel efficient vehicles from around the globe, start arriving at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, MI to officially start on-track performance testing for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE.  The goal is to create a production-capable and super fuel-efficient vehicle that exceeds 100 MPGe (miles per gallon or its energy equivalent). Read the rest of this entry »

Mercedes-Benz is considering making its flagship S-Class sedan exclusively a hybrid model according to Automotive News.  The controversial plan would help the luxury brand meet global fuel-economy and emission standards.  It would also none of the S-Class models, including the high performance AMG versions, would be only gasoline powered.  The Mercedes hybrid system is a full hybrid system using lithium batteries.  Full hybrids are capable of driving on electric power only for short distances.  If the plan is approved it would take effect for the next generation, which is due in 2013 in Europe and a year later in North America.  A decision is expected by early this summer.