Mike Goetz « Auto Show by Auto Trader

Posts Tagged ‘Mike Goetz’

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

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.

: Toyota Prius

: Toyota Prius

: Toyota Prius

Tags: 2009, 2009 North American International Auto Show, Auto Show, Mike Goetz, NAIAS, Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands, Prius, Toyota
Posted in Detroit 2009, Gallery | Comments Off

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

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.

: Lincoln MKT

: Lincoln MKT

: Lincoln MKT

: Lincoln MKT

: Lincoln MKT

Tags: 2009, 2009 North American International Auto Show, Auto Show, Lincoln, Mike Goetz, MKT, NAIAS, Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands
Posted in Detroit 2009, Gallery | Comments Off

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.

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.

Tags: 2009, 2009 North American International Auto Show, Auto Show, Electric Vehicles, Hybrid, Mike Goetz, NAIAS, Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands, Test Track
Posted in Detroit 2009, Gallery | Comments Off

Jaguar XFR

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

By Mike Goetz

Jaguar had a few things to growl about at Detroit. Most notable was the introduction of its all-new-from-the-ground-up 5.0-litre V8, which finds its way into both the new XF sedans and the XK coupes and convertibles.

It purported to feature the world’s first spray-guided direct injection system. Naturally aspirated versions are good for 380 hp @ 3,500 rpm and 461 lb-ft of torque, from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm. (By the way, the current 300-hp 4.2-litre V8 stays in the line-up, partly to keep XJ powered, and partly to be an alternative to the competition’s V6 models.)

Jaguar XFR

For duty in the first-time-seen XFR, which also debuted at Detroit, and the revised XKR, the new 5.0 litre V8 is boosted the traditional Jag way – by fitting twin “Eaton” type superchargers. The blowers crank the V8’s output to 461 hp (2,500-5,500 rpm) and 625 lb-ft of torque (2,500-5,500). That’s sic.

To demonstrate the awesomeness of this engine, Jaguar took an XFR to Bonneville, and during a secret speed trial, posted a stunning top speed run of 225.675 mph, making it the fastest Jaguar ever.

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XFR

: Jaguar XKR and XFR

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

: Jaguar XFR at Bonneville

Tags: 2009, 2009 North American International Auto Show, Auto Show, Jaguar, Mike Goetz, NAIAS, Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands, XFR
Posted in Detroit 2009, Gallery | Comments Off

Lincoln C Concept

Friday, January 16th, 2009

By Mike Goetz

There weren’t too many notable surprise concepts at Detroit – this was one, the Lincoln C Concept. The “C” stands for C-size car, which means Focus/Corolla/Civic territory. This would be a dramatic move, if the premier Lincoln brand were to actually build a production car in this category.

Lincoln C Concept (Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

Ford’s chief designer for the Americas, Peter Horbury, noted that people have gotten used to the idea that you could pay more for a smaller version of the real thing, citing examples like laptops, iPods and digital cameras. “People will be happy to buy a smaller car that is better for the environment and more maneuverable in the city as long as the vehicle has all the attributes they want.”

The concept features a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine and Ford’s all-new, dry, dual-clutch Powershift six-speed transmission. The interior is way out there, with steering wheel, console and seats that appear to be floating in space. The vehicle also debuted Ford’s vision for future connectivity – a new human-machine interface that puts the original Star Trek’s “bridge” to shame.