Archive for January, 2009

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The state of the Motor City’s Motor Show in difficult times.

Monday, January 26th, 2009

By Nauman Farooq

 

Detroit, Mi. was once the most prosperous city in America. Back in the 1960’s it was home to the Motown record label, and of course it was home to the three largest car companies in the world.

 

Times sure have moved on, all the major record labels are now based in California, and while General Motors, Ford and Chrysler still call Detroit their home, these companies are no longer known as “The Big Three.”

GM Employee

GM employee (photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

Last year was especially tough for these companies, as sales of their trucks and SUV’s, which were once the lifeline for these companies, suffered tremendously, thanks to crude oil prices going as high as $147 a barrel (currently its back down to a more reasonable $40 a barrel).

 

The price of gas and the overall meltdown of the U.S. financial system lead to thousands of people losing their jobs and homes. Some are saying that this is the worst recession America has ever faced, even worse than the great depression of the 1930’s.

 

This had hit the American auto manufacturers hard and as a result they have cut down production on several models and closed down most of their plants for a month, if not more. If it wasn’t for the last minute government bail-out fund, these companies would have had to file for bankruptcy and thus would not have been at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (N.A.I.A.S.) held every January at the Cobo Hall in Detroit.

GM employee overlooks presentation

GM employee watches a live presentation (photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

Thankfully the bailout was approved and they all made it to the show, but the question on everyone’s lips was, with several car companies bailing out of this year auto show, and the troubling times with domestic manufacturers,  what will be the state of the motor show in the motor city?

 

To my surprise, I am glad to say, it is still an amazing auto show. The companies that didn’t show up (those are, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Suzuki, Nissan, Infiniti, Land Rover and Porsche), they are fools for not taking advantage by being at such a great show.

 

The companies that are here, they did put their best foot forward. The displays looked amazing, the cars really are the stars of this show, and the models (of the two-legged variety) were prettier than ever before.

 

Also thanks to the efforts of some dedicated Michigan dealers, some makes made a return to the N.A.I.A.S. even if it was in a smaller capacity. These include Aston Martin, Lotus and Bugatti.

Media at NAIAS

Media at NAIAS (photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

The Italian design house Bertoni is here too, showing its spaceship-esque B.A.T. 11 concept car (for those wondering, B.A.T. stands for Berlineta Aerodynamica Techinca).

 

So for all those who come to the auto show to look at dream cars, this years show certainly won’t disappoint.

 

Thanks to the efforts of new car companies like Fisker and Revenge designs, you will also see some cars before anyone else on the planet.

 

Over the last few years, some Chinese car firms have been showing their stuff at the N.A.I.A.S. and this year is no exception. You might have to wait a few years before you can buy a BYD or a Brilliance in North America, but you eventually will, and you know something, their products are getting better and better each year.

 

So if you have been toiling with the idea of going to this years N.A.I.A.S., I hope this would be enough to convince you to go, trust me, you’ll have a great time. You can send me thank you letters for recommending the show later.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Monday, January 26th, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

 

A new family of E-Class sedans and wagons is coming to Canada next fall. The cars were given a special introduction on the evening before the first press day but were not displayed on the show floor. The perfectly-recognizable front fascia now has pairs of pointy parallelograms for headlights instead of twin ovals.

 

A slightly creased line that flows almost the length of the car, front to rear, is said to evoke the famous 1953 Ponton Mercedes. It does give character to the car’s profile. The trapezoidal rear lamps look a bit derivative, on the other hand.

 

The new E-Class boasts the world’s best drag coefficient (Cd) at only 0.25, for a gain of 0.25 litres per 100 kilometres at 130 km/h. Only on the autobahn, of course. The car’s interior has also been entirely revamped with a flowing instrument panel design and it features new seats. The body shell has 30 per cent greater rigidity and the E-Class gets a new suspension to take full advantage of it, with an optional air suspension that works in synch with electronically-controlled dampers. The gasoline engines range in output from a 268-hp, 3.5-litre V6 to the 507-hp, 6.2-litre V8 in the E 63 AMG sedan.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E 350 Bluetec sedan gets a turbocharged diesel V6 that delivers 210 hp and a massive 400 lb-ft of torque. With AdBlue injection, it already exceeds 2014 European standards. New 4Matic models get a fourth-generation all-wheel drive system that is more compact, lighter by 20 per cent and much more energy-efficient. As usual, the E-Class has a plethora of the latest safety systems such as headlights that automatically dim to avoid blinding other drivers and brighten up on dark roads.

 

A standard drowsiness detection system monitors more than 70 different parameters. Systems such as Night View Assist and the radar-based emergency braking system, new to the E-Class, come from the S-Class in updated form. Other safety systems include eight standard airbags, blind-spot detection, lane departure and retention, the familiar Pre-Safe system and a new ‘active hood’ that raises by 50 millimetres during a collision to increase the deformation range and further protect pedestrians.

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BlueSport concept returns VW to populist roadster roots

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

By Michael Goetz

 

One of the few genuine surprises at Detroit was the world premier of the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport, a mid-engine, minimalist roadster. BlueSport was created to forward several propositions; that a fun-to-drive car can be made in a sustainable format; that a compact roadster is equally suited to thrive in both urban and “winding road” settings; that VW’s design language will return to simple and emotional shapes.

 

There can be no denying that this car would be fun to drive. Its 2.0-litre TDI diesel produces 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. It’s light and short, with a 45:55 front/rear weight distribution. It’s fitted with a six-speed dual clutch transmission. VW says the car can accelerate from 0-100 km in 6.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 226 km/h. 

VW BlueSport concept

VW BlueSport concept (photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

The sustainability aspect is covered off by this fact: average fuel consumption is rated at 4.3 L/100. Some of this is achieved by the auto-stop feature, which shuts the engine down in traffic, and regenerative braking, which means the engine can spend less time and effort producing electricity. 

 

The face of BlueSport is an interpretation of a new VW design language, which was introduced for the first time on the Sirocco and the new Golf.

 

Immediately after its unveiling in Detroit, we spotted the car’s principle exterior and interior designers, Christian Felske and Peter Witt, in the crowd.

VW BlueSport concept

VW BlueSport concept (photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

 

A quick Q&A ensued, excerpts of which follow….

What is the essence of VW’s new design language?

Felske: “During the last 10 years, we risked losing a clean automotive design language, so we’re coming back to that. A clean, simple design is better able to summon feelings and emotions. We don’t want to fall back into what we did in the 1990s.”

 

Was it difficult to achieve a clean design with this concept?

Felske: “A clean design is always difficult, you run the risk of being too banal. In this case the package was very good. It was very easy to make a very clean design over this package. The most difficult aspect was the foldable (manually operated) soft-top, because, when folded, it needs to sit on top of the engine. We needed it be thin, but a modern soft-top needs sound dampening and insulation. We worked together with Kharman, they ultimately completed the design – it’s a working unit.”

 

Roadsters are often created to celebrate something retro. How retro did you want to go with BlueSport?

Felske: For sure we didn’t want to make a retro design. Of course, when one thinks of mid-engine roadsters and VW, one thinks of the Porsche 914. We didn’t want to repeat any feature of that car. We wanted to make a modern car.

 

Where was the car designed?

Felske: The team at our studio in Berlin designed it, with lots of involvement with our main studio in Wolfsburg. 

 

Did you show the car to focus groups?  

Felske: “No we didn’t. We were quite sure we were on the right track. People like our earlier mid-engine concept, Eco Racer. We are quite confident we can do a production car based on this concept, and that’s where were put our focus … demonstrating that we could make this car at an affordable price.

 

How close is VW to confirming a production version?

Felske: “I don’t want to say anything, just that we made it look possible.”

 

Explain the design philosophy for the interior?

Interior Designer Peter Witt: “We wanted to take it back to a simple shape, because today, dash and instrument panel design is out of control. I like the simple stuff. Emotional and simple. We came up with the very compact centerpiece. This helps its sporty nature too; helps reduce things to the basic relationship — man and machine. Of course the interior must match the exterior, and not be too expensive to produce, as this would be an inexpensive car. The overall focus is simple, compact, and sporty.

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Toyota Prius

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

By Mike Gotez


If you want to understand what the new-gen Toyota Prius is all about, just consider this: Toyota’s objective is to sell 400,000 units each year by 2010. This will make Prius one of Toyota’s top selling global vehicles, right alongside venerable nameplates, like Camry and Corolla. Can you say “mainstream?”

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius

With this model, Toyota believes Prius will shed its “second car in the family” and/or “super econo freak” status, and take its place as a prime family vehicle. So witness the larger size, larger engine, and feature-laden interior.

 

The 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle engine is tuned to make lots of torque, so it can run at lower rpm at highway speeds. The engine also features an electric water pump, a new exhaust circulation system for faster warm-up, and no drive belts anywhere.

 

A new driver interface provides lots of fuel efficiency feed back to help the driver acquire eco-driving skills. Three are three selectable driving modes: EV mode allows for battery power at low speeds for about a 1.5 km; Power mode for a sportier drive; And Eco mode for optimum efficiency. A repositioned battery-cooling unit, and space saving contoured front seats, along with a bit more overall length, all contribute to more rear-seat and cargo space. 

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Lincoln MKT

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

By Mike Goetz

 

The Lincoln version of the Ford Flex crossover made its debut in Detroit. Like the Flex, this new MKT is assembled at Ford’s facility in Oakville, Ont. But, as you can see, it doesn’t look anything like the squared-off Flex. The rising beltline over the rear quarter is perhaps its most distinctive line, and helps give the vehicle a lot of character, particular when viewed from the rear (check out those wrap-around tail lamps!).

Lincoln MKT

Lincoln MKT

Inside you’ll find three rows of seating, in seven or six-seating configurations. The latter can be optioned with a “flow through second row console.” Other notable options include adaptive cruise control, a huge power sunroof, Active Park Assist, and a rear console mounted refrigerator.

 

Two V6 engines are available: the 268-hp 3.7-litre V6, which also powers Flex; and the all-new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost, which is Ford’s answer to the those who would normally need or desire a V8, but still want the fuel efficiency of a V6. Employing direct injection and twin turbochargers, the engine produces 355 hp at 5,700 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. AWD is standard and the both engines are mated to the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which can be manually shifted via steering wheel mounted paddles. 

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A test track yes, but not for speed

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

By Mike Goetz

 

A rather unique part of this year’s Detroit show is the indoor test track for trying out electric and hybrid vehicles. The speed limit is 10 mph. And it’s not too big. But it is beautifully landscaped, complete with two ponds. It was originally only to have one pond, but a plumbing problem one floor up, created another one, which the landscaping crew cleverly transformed into part of the scenery.

test track

Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands

I took out one of the new two-mode hybrids from GM, a Saturn Vue. My three-minute ride revealed not a lot. My next ride was the all-electric Mitsubishi iMiEV, which is on sale in Japan and on test in the U.S. Because it was all-electric, there was no danger of this car going into gas mode, I was encouraged by its handler, to “let ‘er rip.” I did. A little. And was suitably impressed again how instantaneous is the torque output of electric motors. But again, my time was short – only two laps per person, then you line-up again.

 

Some of the more cynical scribes at the press preview days suggested that the track was nothing more than space filler. They had a point. Usually during auto show days, this lower floor of the Cobo Hall would be filled with exhibitors from the non-automaker world – you know, the aftermarket guys, the custom builders, the guy selling the pickup truck shaped hot-tub.

 

Well, owing to all the no-shows this year (Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, etc.), there was space galore, and some thought the organizers didn’t want to advertise that fact with a virtually empty lower-floor exhibit area. Either way, space filler or legitimate show experience, it was different.

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Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150 win gold

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

 

Winning the coveted North American Car of the Year title is a breakthrough achievement for Hyundai and a historical first for Korean cars. The Ford F-150, on the other hand, is an old pro at this. Previous full redesigns of the long-running best-seller had effectively won Truck of the Year trophies twice before, in 1996 and 2004. The winners were announced at the start of the first media day of this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, on January 11.

 

The Hyundai Genesis is the carmaker’s first foray in luxury cars and it prevailed with a final score of 189 points over the Canadian-built Ford Flex, a close second with 180 points. Third was the Volkswagen Jetta TDI with 131 points. 

Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice-Chairman of R&D at Hyundai Motor Co.

Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice-Chairman of R&D at Hyundai Motor Co.

Accepting the award in Detroit, Doctor Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice-Chairman of R&D at Hyundai Motor Company stated that the Genesis was true to its name as “a new beginning for our company. It is our first global car, he continued, our first rear-wheel drive model and our first V8 engine.” In his eyes, the Genesis demonstrates the engineering excellence Hyundai as long been aiming for: ”It is a game-changing vehicle for us but it’s only the first: we will soon have the second and third stage, cars that we hope will bring us back on this stage many more times.”

 

In trucks, the Ford F-150 collected 259 points, giving it a solid margin over the Dodge Ram with 167 points, itself comfortably ahead of the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 Bluetec with 74 points. On the winners’ podium, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields first let out a heartfelt “Wow!” He then thanked the team that redesigned the truck that has been the leader in the full-size pickup segment for 32 years in the U.S. and 43 years in Canada, adding that Ford “always puts great effort in learning about the actual use of its trucks, so this award also belongs to its users.”

Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields

Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields

The ML 320 and Jetta TDI were also the first diesel-powered entries to make it to the final round in the history of the North American awards, in their sixteenth edition this year. The program was effectively created in 1994 and remains self-administered and self-funded by an independent group of journalists to this day. It relies on the collective experience of fifty of the top writers and reviewers representing virtually all the major automotive media on this continent. Of this number, seven journalists are from Canada, including this writer.

 

Jury members started their work in August of last year by narrowing down preliminary lists of 39 cars and 24 trucks or utility vehicles that were potential contenders for the 2000 model year. A first secret vote netted a list of fourteen cars that included the following models, in addition to the above-named finalists, the Audi A4, BMW 1 Series, Cadillac CTS-V, Dodge Challenger, Honda Fit, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKS, Mazda6, Nissan GT-R, Pontiac G8 and Toyota Venza. 

Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai Genesis

On the truck side, the eight other chosen contenders were the BMW X6, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Infiniti FX35/50, Kia Borrego, Nissan Murano, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan. To be eligible, a vehicle must be all-new or extensively redesigned for the new model year. It must also be available for sale at the time of announcement or shortly after and it needs to have projected annual sales of 5000 units in North America for cars and 2000 for trucks. 

 

After a second round vote, three finalists were announced in Detroit on December 18 and jury members then proceeded to cast a final vote for the grand winners. All secret ballots are sent to the Detroit office of international accounting firm KPMG and the results kept secret until the envelopes were ripped open in Detroit on January 11.

Ford F-150

Ford F-150

 

Interestingly, both the Genesis and F-150 would have already won their respective awards in the first round of voting. The Korean luxury upstart would have done so quite convincingly, with a tally of 223 points to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s 156 points and the 152 points allotted to the Ford Flex. 

 

The Ford F-150 had a closer battle on its mechanical hands, having collected 367 points in the first round while the Dodge Ram received 318 points. The Mercedes-Benz ML 320 Bluetec followed at some distance, with a total of 140 points.

 

On an entirely personal note, long-time North American Car or the Year steering committee member and organizer Chris Jensen shares this writer’s disbelief at the fact that the spacious and frugal new Honda Fit, with 106 points, did not even make the final round. The brilliant little Honda, a car for the times if there is one, would have made things extremely interesting in the final vote against the no less impressive Genesis, since jurors always give great attention to ultimate value in these awards.

 

PREVIOUS NACOTY / NATOTY WINNERS

2008 – NACOTY: Chevrolet Malibu

2008 – NATOTY: Mazda CX-9

 

2007 – NACOTY: Saturn Aura

2007 – NATOTY: Chevrolet Silverado

 

2006 – NACOTY: Honda Civic

2006 – NATOTY: Honda Ridgeline

 

2005 – NACOTY: Chrysler 300/300C

2005 – NATOTY: Ford Escape Hybrid

 

2004 – NACOTY: Toyota Prius

2004 – NATOTY: Ford F-150

 

2003 – NACOTY: Mini Cooper

2003 – NATOTY: Volvo XC90

 

2002 – NACOTY: Nissan Altima

2002 – NATOTY: Chevrolet TrailBlazer

 

2001 – NACOTY: Chrysler PT Cruiser

2001 – NATOTY: Acura MDX

 

2000 – NACOTY: Ford Focus

2000 – NATOTY: Nissan Xterra

 

1999 – NACOTY: Volkswagen New Beetle

1999 – NATOTY: Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

1998 – NACOTY: Chevrolet Corvette

1998 – NATOTY: Mercedes-Benz ML 320

 

1997 – NACOTY: Mercedes-Benz SLK

1997 – NATOTY: Ford Expedition

 

1996 – NACOTY: Chrysler minivans

1996 – NATOTY: Ford F-150

 

1995 – NACOTY: Chrysler Cirrus

1995 – NATOTY: Chevrolet Blazer

 

1994 – NACOTY: Mercedes-Benz C-Class 

1994 – NATOTY: Dodge Ram

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Twelve Japanese and Korean Premieres

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

 

Of the thirty-four new models that made their first Canadian appearance at the Montreal International Auto Show, more than a third were from Japanese and Korean carmakers and two were also making their North American début. Here is a quick rundown:

 

Kia Soul Hybrid Concept – Kia Koup Concept
Kia and Mitsubishi shared the honour of presenting North American firsts at this 41st edition of the MIAS. The Korean carmaker showed the Kia Soul Hybrid, a concept version of its funky new Soul compact urban crossover that will be available with a base 1.6-litre, 122-horsepower four cylinder engine or an optional 2.0-litre, 142-hp unit, both four cylinders. The Soul Hybrid is equipped with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 1.6-litre gas engine. It also shared the spotlight on the Kia stand with the fire-red Koup concept, a slick-looking coupe, as its name suggests. 

Kia Soul

Kia Soul (photo: Marc Lachapelle)

 

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was shown for the first time in North America with the help of two world-class athletes, former World Champion downhill skier Mélanie Turgeon and Benoît Huot, a multiple gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer. Mitsubishi was thus underlining its support of the Right To Play organization that helps children in need worldwide. Offered in response to the great popularity of hatchbacks in this country, the all-new Lancer Sportback will be exclusive to Canada. It will come to market this spring in GTS and Ralliart trims, both powered by a 2.4-litre, 168-horsepower double overhead cam four-cylinder engine coupled to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox. A CVT transmission with 6-step manual mode and steering-mounted paddle shifters is an option. Sportback models also get a sport suspension with larger stabilizer bars and a strut tower plus larger-diameter front and rear disc brakes.

 

 

2010 Honda Insight
Unveiled in Montreal mere days after its official world début in Detroit, Honda’s second-generation Insight could hardly be more different than its predecessor, a low-slung two-passenger coupe with aero skirts that was the first hybrid sold in North America. The all-new 2010 Insight is a small four-door hatchback sedan derived in part from the recently-introduced Fit. It is powered by the latest iteration of Honda’s series hybrid powertrain, built around an improved 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine and coupled to a CVT transmission. Its estimated fuel economy ratings are 4.8 L/100 km in city driving and 4.5 L/100km on the highway. The new Insight will be extremely well-priced, at little more then $20,000. It will definitely make big waves.

Honda Insight

Honda Insight (photo: Marc Lachapelle)

 

Hyundai Tucson FCEV Prototype
Still savouring its Genesis luxury sedan’s 2009 North American Car of the Year title, Korea’s top automaker had a surprisingly modified – the word ‘pimped’ comes to mind – version of it on display in its stand during press day in Montreal. Yet, the vehicle making its first Canadian showing was the Tucson FCEV hydrogen fuel-cell powered prototype. Hyundai representatives mentioned that a production version of this compact utility vehicle would go on sale in Korea for the 2012 model year.

 

 

2009 Nissan Cube
Trendy and sporty were the key words at Nissan and Infiniti. The first Nissan Cube was launched in 1998 and was an immediate hit in its native Japan: Ditto for the second-generation model, in 2002. Fast-forward to 2009 for the Canadian début of the third-generation Cube, now available here with typically boxy styling that has been likened to “a bulldog in sunglasses” and power from a 1.8-litre, double overhead cam four-cylinder rated at 122 horsepower. It drives the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT transmission. 

Nissan Cube

Nissan Cube (photo: Marc Lachapelle)

 

2009 Nissan 370Z
At the virtual extreme on the performance scale sits the second generation of Nissan’s reborn ‘Z’. The fully-redesigned 2009 370Z sports car is slightly shorter, wider and lighter than its predecessor. It is powered by a 3.7-litre, double overhead cam V6 with a maximum output of 332 horsepower, bolted to a 6-speed manual gearbox with a new system that electronically matches engine revs perfectly when downshifting. You can also get it with a 7-speed automatic gearbox that also matches revs in manual mode. With a base price of $39,998, the newest ‘Z’ promises exceptional bang for the loonie. 

 

 

2009 Infiniti G37 convertible
A few meters away, the Infiniti stand showcased the new G37 convertible, also making its Canuck début. Built on a longer-wheelbase version of the same rear-wheel drive platform as the ‘Z’ and powered by an ever-so-slightly tamer version of the same 3.7-litre V6, good for 325 horsepower, the G37 features a three-piece retractable hardtop.

Infiniti G37

Infiniti G37 (photo: Marc Lachapelle)

 

2009 Toyota Venza – Scion Fuse concept
There is great interest and curiosity, among visitors at the Montreal show, for the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover. Under its smooth bodywork, the five-passenger Venza can be equipped with either a 2.7-litre four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower or a 3.5-litre, 268-hp V6, both coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. In another hall, Toyota Canada displayed the Scion Fuse concept as a teaser for the planned Canadian début of its Scion brand, planned for 2010 with all-new 2011 models.

 

 

2010 Lexus RX 350 / 450h – 2010 Lexus IS Convertible
Meanwhile, a pair of non-identical twins starred in the Lexus exhibit. Under subtly-redesigned bodywork, the best-selling RX 350 and RX 450h luxury ‘crossover-utility vehicles’ get a myriad enhancements and upgrades. The RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre, 275-horsepower V6 gasoline engine coupled to a new 6-speed automatic gearbox. The RX 450h, on the other hand, gets an extensively revised gas-electric hybrid powertrain with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine running on the more energy-efficient Atkinson cycle but also new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and exhaust heat recovery systems that further reduce emissions and produce a claimed 14 per cent improvement in fuel economy. The combined calculated output of this engine and the system’s electric motors is 295 horsepower so this hybrid ‘ute is no slouch. And for sun-seeking sybarites, Lexus introduced the new IS convertibles. The IS 250 C and IS 350 C will share the same retractable hardtop when they roll into dealerships this spring.

 

 

2010 Mazda3
The 2010 Mazda3 is the extensively redesigned, second-generation version of a compact that became a top runner in Canadian sales overnight. With a wide new grin for a grille and flared front wheel arches inspired by recent Mazda concepts – and its RX8 sports car – the Mazda3 is nonetheless instantly recognized. It is available as a traditional four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback, powered by a revised iteration of Mazda’s 2.0-litre four that delivers 148 horsepower or a new 167-hp, 2.5 litre four hooked up to a new 6-speed manual gearbox.

 

 

2010 Subaru Forester – Subaru STI Rally Car
Finally, Subaru played it both clean and dirty at the Montreal show. It first unveiled the 2010 Forester, rated as a partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) thanks to its 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated horizontal or ‘boxer’ engine. The PZEV emissions rating is the second set by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) after only Zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) such as pure electrics. The Forester thus joins the Legacy and Outback PZEV models already on sale. On the flip side, ready for dirt, was the Canadian Rally Championship-winning WRX STi, introduced onstage by its driver. Patrick Richard won the national rally championship with co-driver Alan Ockwell in the maiden season of their new STi. They will be gunning for another title this season, against even tougher competition.

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Now inside the great walls in Detroit

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

 

 

Chinese carmakers were by no means at their first visit to the North-American Auto Show. This time, though, they would not be relegated to the lower level or outside corridors of Detroit’s Cobo Hall. No doubt aided by the absence of several prominent manufacturers, carmakers BYD and Brilliance would set up their wares at the heart of the show, between the giant spaces of Ford and GM.

 

Bound for Glory?

BYD (for Build Your Dreams) is a leading Chinese battery maker that started developing electric-vehicle batteries in 1996. Six years later, it started work on pure electric vehicles. It led to the launch of the e6 model that was the centerpiece of BYD’s display in Detroit. The company got a double boost of capital and publicity when legendary American investor Warren Buffett – still the richest man on this planet – injected $237 US million in BYD through Mid-American Energy Holding, a division of his famous Berkshire-Hathaway holding.

 

The electric-powered BYD e6 is a compact crossover built to showcase BYD’s Fe battery, said to deliver an exceptional 400-km range along with 0-100km/h times of less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 160km/h. The Fe battery pack can regain half of its power with a 10-minute quick-charge and get a full charge in just 60 minutes. In addition, BYD claims that the battery’s production is virtually pollution-free and that of its chemical components can be recycled.

 

BYD Auto has launched eight models in only five years and now wants to add crossovers and minivans to the mix. In Detroit, in addition to the e6, BYD exhibited the F3DM and F6DM, both gas-electric hybrid versions of compact sedans that are quite popular in China. The cars share a powertrain that combines a 1.0-litre gasoline engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 168 horsepower and a range of 580 km. 

BYD

BYD F6 DM (Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

The F3DM and F6DM can also reportedly go 100 km on battery power alone, which is substantially more than GM’s target of 60 km with the Chevrolet Volt. Yet, the F3DM started selling in China last December. That said, the car displayed in Cobo Hall was a dismally-built knock-off of the previous-generation Toyota Corolla. It certainly is not ready for prime-time in a cut-throat North- American market where competition is fierce. 

 

At the bottom end of the BYD range is the F0, a subcompact that is the spitting image of the previous-generation Toyota Yaris. It has an all-aluminum 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. BYD also makes the F6 CVT, a larger sedan powered by 2.0-litre gasoline engine mated to a CVT transmission. BYD’s current plans are to launch in Europe and Israel by 2010 and only “eventually” in North America. Beware the competitor that does not take the fledgling carmaker seriously. Remember Hyundai’s humble beginnings and see the gigantic banner it flew in Detroit this year, for its Genesis sedan’s victory in the North American Car of the Year awards.

 

 

Brilliance by association

The story of Chinese carmaker Brilliance Auto is quite different and so are its cars. By outsourcing substantial chassis and powertrain work to the engineering wizards at Porsche, by setting up joint ventures with BMW, by letting Giorgetto Giugiaro’s troops take care of styling and design and by using Toyota TQM system for manufacturing, Brilliance Auto has is quietly putting itself on the world map of car manufacturers. While not a global automotive powerhouse yet, its 300,000 sales in 70 countries last year are nothing to sneer at.

 

The cars themselves are rather attractive, although not yet design leaders. Brilliance displayed four models in Detroit: the M1 and M2 sedans, the M3 coupe and the FRV, a compact hatchback sedan designed by Giugiaro that looked like a Lancia, somehow. The sedans are ok and the M3 coupe quite decent-looking and powered by a Porsche-engineered 1.8-litre engine. Its closest equivalent would be a Hyundai Tiburon.

Marc Lachapelle)

Brilliance M3 (Photo: Marc Lachapelle)

All four cars show much better build quality and materials than their BYD compatriots. In the past two years, Brilliance has been a presence at the Detroit, Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt and Moscow auto shows, in a quest to raise public while actively seeking partnerships that would prove mutually beneficial. No timeline has yet been set for sales in North America, but we most likely have not heard the last of Brilliance Auto, nor of its charged-up neighbour.

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Ten Premieres for European brands

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

By Marc Lachapelle

 

The 41st edition of the Montreal International Auto Show has an abundance of the newest models on display, as if to defy the current economic doldrums. Here is a quick overview of the new models that were introduced by European manufacturers during the press day on January 15.

 

2009 Audi Q5 – Audi Q7 TDI – Audi A6 
There is lots of broad-shouldered – yet pragmatic – attitude in the Audi camp this year as the brand with the four rings rolls out its all-new Audi Q5 compact luxury crossover and a diesel-powered version of its bigger brother, the mid-size Q7. The Q5 is powered exclusively by a 3.2-litre, 270-horsepower V6 coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system. The diesel engine under the hood of the Q7 TDI is a direct-injection 3.0-litre V6 that produces 221 horsepower at 4,000 rpm but most importantly a ridge-climbing 406 lb-ft of torque at only 2,750 rpm. Sharing the spotlight in the Audi stand is a subtly-redesigned A6 sedan. All three are 2009 models.

 

2009 BMW 7-Series
It is a rich coincidence that BMW chose Montreal to reveal the all-new version of its flagship since the exterior design of this fifth-generation 7-Series sedan was the work of Karim Antoine Habib, who grew up in this city. Karim’s proposal was chosen among submissions by ten design teams within BMW because it best met the set objectives of being dynamic, elegant and blessed with great “natural presence”. The new ‘7’ is offered as the 750i or the extended-wheelbase 750Li, both powered by BMW’s new, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre V8 which develops 400 horsepower and a stout 450 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. Still no all-wheel drive for the 7-Series but it gets Integral Active Steering, which adds rear-wheel steering to the original system’s bag of variable-ratio tricks, plus active roll stabilization and lots more electronic trickery.
 

Marc Lachapelle)

Karim Antoine Habib (Photo: Marc Lachapelle)

 

2009 Mini Cooper and Cooper S Convertibles
In the next booth, the Bavarian carmaker’s Mini division introduced the new 2009 Cooper and Cooper S Convertibles. These new models look everything like their predecessors, which is the point with hot models. Last year, Mini Canada sales grew by a remarkable 33 per cent in a difficult market, so you don’t mess with such success. That said, the new convertible Minis get a number of pertinent upgrades such as much lower rear safety hoops that improve rear visibility immensely and concealed rear trunk hinges. In true Mini spirit, they are also equipped with the ‘Always-Open Timer’, a clock that basically shows: “how much time you spend topless” said Mini Canada head Stephen McDonnell In jest, during the presentation.

 

2010 Jaguar XK and XKR
New versions of two of Jaguar’s stalwart models made their Canadian début in Montreal. The XK and XKR coupe and convertible lines have been extensively refreshed, inside and out, for the 2010 model year. Both cars get new front fascias and subtly redesigned lower rear fascia, topped by new LED rear lights. And inside the cabin, they get the new pop-up JaguarDrive electronic rotary gear selector first introduced last year in the XF sedan. The new XK and XKR also have their own versions of Jaguar’s new, greener and more powerful direct-injection AJ-V8 Gen III engine. The XK get the naturally-aspirated version of the 5.0-litre V8 which produces 385 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The XKR’s V8 is supercharged and said to deliver 510 horsepower and a hearty 460 lb-ft of torque.

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4Matic
The highlight of the Mercedes-Benz stand in Montreal was the all-new 2010 GLK 350 4Matic entry-luxury compact sport-utility. Its styling fuses the sculpted surfaces of recent Mercedes models such as the C-Class sedan that shares its basic platform with the rugged, upright stance of the famed Geländewagen that begat the G-Class vehicles. Powered exclusively by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6, the GLK 350 runs on standard 19-inch wheels. It benefits from the full range of amenities, passive safety measures and electronic control systems one invariably expects from the dean of automakers, including an electronic stability control system that keeps things in check while taking advantage of the GLK’s 1,588-kg (3,500 lb) towing capacity. Mercedes-Benz Canada spokesperson JoAnne Caza shared the GLK’s base price of $41,800 during this new model’s Canadian launch at the show. 

Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

 

2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus
Turning a few degrees to her right, Ms Caza then introduced the new 2009 Fortwo Brabus models, offered as a coupe or a cabriolet by the Mercedes-own Smart brand. These two microcars are powered by the same 1.0-litre, 70-hp three-cylinder engine but get a full array of tweaks and accessories to enhance both its performance appearance. These range from a sportier exhaust system with dual chrome-plated tail pipes to modified suspension bits and a 10-mm lower ride height. A set of Monoblock VII alloy wheels also created by tuner Brabus and several body and interior accessories complete the package.

 

2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 
Volkswagen is expanding its portfolio of diesel-powered models upwards in the range with the introduction of the 2009 Touareg TDI midsize luxury sport-utility. This new version of the Touareg is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 that develops 221 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque at a very low 1,750 rpm. Coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, it helps this Touareg sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 9 seconds, with excellent fuel economy ratings of 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway in normal driving. It also meets the strictest emissions standards thanks to the AdBlue technology that injects a nontoxic, odourless and biodegradable solution to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

 

2009 Volvo XC60
The sleek and thoroughly elegant Volvo XC60 compact luxury crossover was the star of the Swedish carmaker’s stand at Palais des Congrès. This all-new entry is powered by a transversely-mounted, turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that develops 281 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. It is coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. The new XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and 7 cm lower than its big brother, the XC90. It also pioneers Volvo’s City Safety technology, a system that will apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision at up to 33 km/h (20 mph) and the driver does not react.

* The Montreal auto show had to be cancelled in 1999 and was held in November only once, in 2002.

 

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