NAIAS

Chrysler Pacifica: A Minivan With a New Purpose

January 13, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

New Chrysler Pacifica minivan may give the males amongst us one less reason to avoid a minivan.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

No doubt, the minivan segment has seen better days. And those better days aren’t likely to return, due mostly to a bevy of crossover sport utility vehicles offered by luxury and mainstream brands alike. Quite frankly, SUVs are red hot while minivans are an embarrassment, at least to one gender.

Chrysler was behind the modern minivan push, what brought the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan to the market in 1984. Notably, the segment peaked just over a decade later. Since then, most manufacturers quit producing minivans as sales declined, but a handful have persisted.

Today, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan represent Fiat Chrysler’s two offerings. Consumers can also shop the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, and the Nissan Quest. Yet, such brands as Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Hyundai, and Volkswagen are no longer represented. Furthermore, even Mazda with its “true” minivan, the svelte Mazda5, has bowed out.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Fiat Chrysler has promised to stay in the segment despite its niche appeal. The two FCA minivans account for roughly half the industry’s sales, so maintaining a presence is sensible. Indeed, beginning this spring, an all-new Chrysler minivan will roll out, but this time it will sport the Pacifica model name, what was once ascribed to a large crossover sold by Chrysler from 2004 to 2008.

By the way, Dodge won’t get a new model, but it will continue to sell the current generation Grand Caravan for the short term.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica seeks to take back the benchmark long set by either the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna over the past 15 years. Importantly, the new model is more exquisite, polished, and sumptuous, and will come with something no other manufacturer offers: an optional plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant with a 30-mile electric-only range.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

A Contemporary Chrysler Countenance

The Pacifica’s fascia is a familiar one too as it aligns nearly perfectly with the Chrysler 200. An even belt line, a sloping roof line and chrome garnishment are present. A wraparound rear window offers a more upscale arrangement. Wraparound combination lamps and chrome trim can also be found.

As for the dual sliding doors, they’re very much present. Just like the liftgate, they can be opened hands free — a kicking motion under either door or the liftgate will open same.

The platform undepinning the minivan is new from the ground up, but the proportions align closely with the outgoing model. Nevertheless, Chrysler managed to squeeze out enough extra interior room to make this minivan a true 8-seater, up from the previous seven seats.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Making a Case for Men

Importantly, the rear interior seats can fold flat, making it possible to carry an 8 x 4-foot sheet of plywood. That, my friends, may help lure the menfolk who might have been thinking “pickup truck” or “SUV” when searching for a new vehicle, but now have one less reason to reject a minivan. Okay, not maybe a great reason to switch, but at least one that hadn’t existed previously.

Under the hood of this minivan is a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine making 287 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. It will come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Further, six trim levels are associated with the standard model; two trim levels come with the hybrid.

Choose the Pacifica Hybrid and the same V-6 engine is paired with an electrically variable transmission featuring a pair of electric motors with both capable driving the vehicle’s front wheels. In addition, a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is part of the hybrid system. Importantly, Chrysler estimates that the electrified minivan will get 80 MPGe in city driving.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Stow ’n Vac Meets Stow ’n Go

Chrysler ripped a page out of the Honda Odyssey playbook by offering a vacuum system inside the minivan. Conspicuously, a Stow ’n Vac integrated vacuum has been exclusively designed for the Pacifica and is powered by RIDGID.

The vacuum, along with the company’s trademark Stow ’n Go seating system to provide this model with an important edge. By the way, those seats are also power operated — a switch located on the B pillar automatically moves the front seat forward so that the second row seat can fold into the floor tub.

Access to the third row seat is easier than ever too. An “easy tilt” features positions the second row seat forward to provide access to the third row. Notably, it does so even with a car seat installed in the second row.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Innovative Theater and Audio Systems

Other innovations present include an available an all-new UConnect Theater rear seat entertainment system. That system joins an 8.4-inch touchscreen display and your choice of premium audio units — a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Additional standout features in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, include keyless entry and push button start, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, and a host of available safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, and parking assist.

Will the new Pacifica make the grade? Despite losing the Town & Country mantle, Chrysler’s newest minivan appears to be a strong improvement over the outgoing model.

Internally, the automaker is as positive as expected about its latest offering. Noted Timothy Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, FCA – North America, “The all-new Chrysler Pacifica was thoughtfully designed and engineered to provide unsurpassed levels of comfort, convenience, technology and functionality, making it the perfect combination for modern families.”

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Release Dates and Pricing

Pricing for the Chrysler Pacifica will be announced closer to its spring 2016 release date. However, the Pacifica hybrid will not make its debut until the second half of the year.

Lexus RC F: More to Follow

January 17, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Fall 2014 release for RC line.

Toyota introduced two sport cars at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week: one was the Toyota FT-1 concept, the other was the production-bound Lexus RC F. Suffice to say the concept received more buzz than the model that will be produced, perhaps for a very good reason: the FT-1 may very well become the future Toyota Supra.

Supra rumors aside, the Lexus RC F deserves its own attention and for two good reasons:

1. For the stirring introduction by Detroit son, Jeff Bracken, now Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. Bracken told his Cobo Hall audience how the Shelby Cobra hooked him and defined his destiny. He graciously lauded the Cobra, using that tribute as a segue for introducing the RC F.

2. As much as the speech set the table for Lexus newest sports car it was the RC F itself that lit up the audience while also pointing to even better things to come. Sure, Lexus has had its share of performance models in the past including the IS F. But, Lexus has served up more hybrids than top performers, besides the brands expansive fleet of luxury vehicles.

2015 Lexus RC F

Lexus RC F Performance

The Lexus RC F is the third sporty/performance model introduced in as many months, following the introduction of the Lexus RC Coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show last month. That model features two very different powertrains: a 2.5-liter hybrid and a 3.5-liter V-6.

The RC F will be powered by a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, one making at least 450 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque. Said Bracken about the new model, This is the fastest and most powerful V8 yet for Lexus.

And it is no ordinary V8 engine either: it utilizes both the Atkinson and Otto cycle in a bid to enhance fuel economy and increase performance. At lower speeds the Atkinson cycle is at work; when performance is needed the Otto cycle takes over. The power management tool here is an 8-speed transmission.

2015 Lexus RC F

Dynamic Engineering Features

There are a number of special features at work in the Lexus RC F that should interest fans. For one, it features an active wing, much like the one found with the LFA. The wing serves to increase downforce and improve grip over the rear 19-inch tires. Another feature is the functional vent hood, designed to decrease aerodynamic lift. And, there is also a torque vectoring differential, designed to manage traction in, through and out of corners.

Lexus gave us select highlights about the the Fs interior telling us that the instrument panel will be punctuated by a 7-inch navigation screen. It will also feature a touchpad interface, working much like your iPad or similar device. Lexus says that climate control, navigation, and media selections can be operated by a swipe of a finger.

Release and Sales Production

You’ll have to wait a bit for the Lexus RC F and the like RC 350, with both models going on sale this fall. Lexus expects to sell 1,400 RC vehicles a month once it hits its stride. And, if you like the RC F you can be assured that Lexus wont be stopping there. Bracken notes that the “…RC F is only the next addition of more Lexus performance to come.” And Lexus fans rejoiced!

Related NAIAS News

Tease us Please: Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

Sleek Cadillac ATS Coupe Takes on Germanys Best

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Debuts>Toyota FT-1 Concept to a Supra Reality?

Toyota FT1 Concept to a Supra Reality?

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Tease Us Please: Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

January 15, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Korean automaker Kia is full of surprises. In fact, it coined the phrase the power to surprise just before releasing its Soul urban utility vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. At the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia pulled the wraps off of its GT4 Stinger Concept, a rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports car that is like nothing else that this Korean manufacturer has ever shown us.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Kia GT4 Concept

Stunning. Provocative. Emotive. Flaunting. Evocative. These are among the descriptives that may be used when characterizing the Kia GT4 Stinger. Its design is wholly modernistic, but Kia says that it hearkens [sic] back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars. Interestingly, the Kia GT4 Stinger arrives just as Ford prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang with a new model. That original Mustang may the same purebred, affordable sports cars that the concepts designers aimed to emulate.

“Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA). “It’s an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It’s about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gimmickry.”

The Kia GT4 Stinger is the work of the company’s US design team who undertook the project with the goal to reduce the vehicle’s weight, increasing its functionality and enhancing it pure driving enjoyment. The model eschews electronic gadgetry for a simple, minimalistic cabin layout.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Turbocharger and Gasoline Direct Injection

Under the concept’s hood, Kia uses a tuned version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine making 315 horsepower. It is the same engine used in Kias Optima race car, what make more than 400 horsepower. That engine is coupled with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

The concept features 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires in the rear and 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros to the front. Further, custom 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels feature carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction. Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers are tucked within each wheel to provide ample stopping power.

The concepts body, draped in Ignition Yellow is sculpted and rides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase. The Kia GT4 Stinger measures 169.7 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and just 49.2 inches tall. In other words it is about as long as the Forte Sedan, slightly wider than the full-size Cadenza and it sits lower than any other Kia model. It weighs just 2,874 pounds and features a 52 (front) to 48 (back) weight distribution.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Kia Design Language

Kia’s design language is evident in the concept model too. “We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance,” says Kearns. “It’s as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it.” It features the most current interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, placed low to the ground to maximize engine cooling and cold-air induction. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a styling theme found on the car from beginning to end. On both sides of the grille are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents molded into the bumper. To achieve added downforce at high speeds, a carbon fiber front splitter is mounted below the bumper, ensuring that the GT4 Stinger’s front tires stay firmly planted on the pavement.

Inside, the concept is outfitted with molded leather race-inspired bucket seats. A rubber floor mat is found beneath the billet-aluminum pedals. The concept includes a D-shaped steering wheel and a red LED-illuminated instrument panel with a large tachometer and gear indicator. Red-stitched pull straps are used instead of door handles, yet another nod to previous race car models. If you’re looking for an audio system, you won’t find one either with Kearns stating, “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes.” That performance tune is especially evident when the concept is on the go with its free-flow exhaust providing the tone that sports care aficionados will instantly recognize.

Concept to Production?

In a statement about the concept Kia noted that it has no plans to bring the concept to production. However, in a prepared statement by Kia management admits that the company has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.

So, if you’re waiting for a model that reflects the dreams and aspirations of Kias design team, it may take quite a bit of fan pressure to see this vehicle to production. And if the related buzz is any indication, It seems that fans wont be satisfied with anything less than making this concept vehicle a production reality.

Auto Trends: Kia GT4 Stinger

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors of America.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Debuts

January 14, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Audi fans may want to pay close attention to what the automaker is revealing at the Detroit auto show this week. The newly redesigned A8 sedan makes it debut as does the Q3, a compact crossover utility vehicle. Also getting press time is the Allroad Shooting Brake concept vehicle, a model that points to the engineering direction Audi will take in the near future.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake

While the A8 continues as the brand’s flagship sedan and the Q3 extends Audis crossover reach, the Allroad Shooting Brake concept points to a fresh direction that Audi is planning to take. The model is a hybrid electric vehicle, outfitted with two electric motors and designed to take on light-duty off-road work. The shooting brake designation describes a two-door wagon-like vehicle and in Audi’s case a model the cannot be conveniently segmentized.

“The show car combines sex appeal, highly efficient e-tron-quattro technology that produces 300 kW of power yet only consumes 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 US mpg) of fuel and cutting-edge electronic applications,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development. “We are offering very concrete glimpses of the near future in this show car.”

The concept features low-profile dual headlights, the form language of the Audi quattro models. Moreover, it advances the design cue first seen with the Sport quattro concept car at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last Sept. Audi says that braces partition the headlights into four segments; the matrix LED technology with its individually controlled light-emitting diodes guarantees excellent visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic. Beneath the headlights, narrow cross fins provide structure to the large air inlets.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake.

High-Performance Characteristics

Perhaps what captures the imagination most about the concept is its performance capabilities. Audi claims that the Allroad will make 408 horsepower and 480 foot-pounds of torque, weighing in at 3,527 pounds. Its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time is 4.6 seconds and its speed limited to 155 mph. It is a plug-in hybrid making up to 124 mpg with a driving range of over 500 miles.

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) makes 292 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque. It operates with a disc-shaped electric motor via a decoupling clutch; the electric motor outputs 40 kilowatts of power and 199 foot-pounds of torque. It is integrated with the six-speed e-S electronic dual-clutch transmission, sending torque to the front wheels.

Mounted to the rear axle is a second electric motor, what supplies propulsive power at low and moderate vehicle speeds with its maximum power of 85 kilowatts and 199 foot-pounds of torque. Audi says that it can be operated in company with the motor and engine at the front axle when the hybrid management system determines that all-wheel drive should be activated (e.g., slippery roads or off-road use).

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake.

Three Driving Modes

A lithium-ion battery pack sits just ahead of the rear axle, with Audi claiming that storage capacity is only minimally affected. The liquid-cooled battery has an all-electric driving range of about 31 miles before the gas engine takes over. Three driving modes EV, hybrid, and sport can be selected. When EV mode is chosen, power is sent to the rear wheels and operates at speeds of up to 80 mph. In sport mode, the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake taps both the gas engine and the rear electric motor to provide maximum power.

Many concept vehicles are never built, but the concrete glimpses referenced by Dr. Hackenburg indicates that this model will be produced. An official announcement will likely be made this year, perhaps by the fall with production beginning as early as next year.

Related NAIAS News

Sleek Cadillac ATS Coupe Takes on Germanys Best

Next Generation Chrysler 200 Loses its Sebring Sting

Toyota FT-1 Concept to Supra Reality?

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake photos courtesy of Audi of America.

Toyota FT-1 Concept to a Supra Reality?

January 13, 2014 by Terry Logan 6 Comments

Toyota Supra fans have been waiting for what seems like eons for the Supra to return, a 2+2 fastback coupe produced from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. Its cancellation removed an important and exciting vehicle from Toyotas line up, a model that has been rumored over the past few months to be on the fast track to a return.

Toyota FT-1 Supra

Toyota FT-1 Concept

That track may come by way of the Toyota FT-1 Concept, a vehicle introduced at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. FT stands for future Toyota and the 1 for ultimate. It is the work of Toyotas Calty Design Research team and represents what Toyota says is the ultimate expression of a Toyota coupe design, building upon Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S.

Whether the upcoming model carries the Supra mantle or some other name, the concept-turn-reality-vehicle would liven up the Toyota brand like no other model produced today. That reason alone is why the FT-1 fulfills chairman Akio Toyodas stated directive to fill the Toyota product line with exciting, even invigorating products.

Toyota FT-1 Supra

Toyota Sports Car Inspiration

The Calty team had been working on the concept for the past two years, what likely has fueled rumors that the Supra was on its way back. Alex Shen, Calty’s Studio Chief Designer noted as much stating, “Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota’s sports car past, especially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history. It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe.”

My Toyoda himself authorized the concept in a bid to reform Toyotas product line, what some have considered too plain and thus too safe for many years. Waku-Doi is a Japanese phrase meaning palpable heart-pounding sense of excitement, to build cars that emotively connect with its customers. Toyota has the quality and reliability part down pat, but a satisfying ownership experience also includes building vehicles that emotionally connect with people. In the FT-1, Toyota appears to have rediscovered that, mirroring what Harley-Davidson has done with motorcycles.

Raw, Muscular Design

The Toyota FT-1 is marked by a design language that is muscular, curved and highly suggestive. It looks like it belongs on the track and has the inlets, ducts, and vents that race cars employ for airflow management. It even comes equipped with a retractable rear wing that deploys and tilts forward at higher speeds to create additional downforce.

As expected, the concept is a front engine, rear-wheel drive model with the cockpit pushed further back to even out its weight distribution. Elements of the classical Toyota GT2000 design are evident too with its wraparound windshield and side glass openings.

The FT-1 could just easily have been called F-1 to point to its racing-inspired steering wheel. The low to the ground cockpit, a delta-shaped display zone and overall minimalism places the focus on the drive without the distraction of too many bells and whistles. A color head up display keeps important vehicle information in the drivers line of sight.

Toyota FT-1 Supra

From PlayStation to Concept

Toyota first developed the concept for the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment. Mr. Toyoda, himself an accomplished race car driver, completed the virtual circuit and was hooked. Especially after beating the lap time at Fuji in his LFA. That paved the way for the concept to be built and begin touring the international auto show circuit. And although Toyota has not committed to building this vehicle, it “…embodies elements of the emotion and performance that Toyota will imprint upon future production designs. Yes, the Supra seems likely to return or at least its spirit wrapped in a sports car frame.

See Also — Production Reality: 2018 Lexus LC 500

Toyota FT-1 concept photos courtesy of Toyota Motors of America.

Next Generation Chrysler 200 Loses Its Sebring Sting

January 13, 2014 by Jason Bayless 4 Comments

If you are a car manufacturer and you have a model name that is hated, how do you get rid of it? You have two choices here: cancel the model or rename it. In Chryslers case they gave the Sebring a mid cycle refresh in 2011 and renamed it the 200. Not that they had much choice: the brand had little else to offer besides the 300 sedan and its Town & Country van.

2015 Chrysler 200

Four years later Chrysler introduced the next generation 200 at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a midsize sedan that loses its Sebring sting. Yes, the 200 removed some of the Sebring’s drabness, but the product was virtually the same. With the new edition Chrysler gets a much more competitive sedan, equipped with a standard 2.4-liter four cylinder engine paired with the worlds first 9-speed automatic transmission. The base engine makes 184 horsepower and 173 foot-pounds of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V-6 makes 295 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. It, too, is mated to the new transmission.

The new Chrysler 200 is underpinned by the same platform that powers the smaller Dodge Dart, but its overall proportions are larger. This five-passenger front-wheel drive model will also offer optional all-wheel drive, the latter with an automatic fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy when AWD is not needed.

Price and Competition

Importantly, the new model carries a base $21,700 sticker price ($22,695 with destination), putting it near the bottom of the price spectrum for this segment. The 2015 Chrysler 200 will go up against several recently refreshed or newer models including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy, and the Volkswagen Passat.

Chrysler describes the 200s exterior design as featuring the new “face” of the Chrysler brand. Said Al Gardner, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will be the new benchmark for mid-size sedans with an exceptional driving experience, fuel economy of up to 35 mpg highway and exquisite craftsmanship. Gardner went on to praise the sedans functionality, new transmission, choice of engines, and new technologies.

Trim Levels and Amenities

The 2015 Chrysler 200 will be available in four trim levels: LX, Limited, S, and C. Both the S and the C can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. The 200 LX is outfitted with 17-inch steel wheels set within all-season tires. Silver, polished, and satin silver aluminum wheels ranging in size from 17- to 19-inches are available elsewhere. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and power door locks, LED ambient lighting, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, UConnect infotainment, power outlets, and cloth seats.

Optional equipment includes leather-trimmed front bucket seats, an 8-way power drivers seat with 4-way lumbar support, a 6-way power passenger seat, a navigation system, a premium group with zoned climate control and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, an upgraded audio system, and an enhanced infotainment system. The 200C editions offer a Safetytec option package that brings in adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross path detection, forward collision alert, automatic headlamps and park assist. Various comfort and convenience packages will also be available.

Mopar Tie-In

Chrysler also plans to aggressively help owners customize their vehicles, offering a tie-in with Mopar, its authorized parts distributor. Moreover, those parts ranging from Autonet Wi-Fi to a rear backup camera/mirror and from a bicycle hitch receiver to an engine block heater for the four cylinder engine, can be installed on the factory floor, saving the customer money.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is scheduled to arrive in Chrysler showrooms during the second quarter of 2014. As Chrysler noted in a related press release, approximately one in six vehicles sold in the United States is a midsize sedan. The new model loses its Sebring sting, but it remains to be seen if its 200 bling will attract a surge of new buyers.

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

GM Restructuring Continues Apace

December 19, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Cutbacks in Korea, Australia planned. Expansion set for US manufacturing.

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

News from General Motors continues to dominate the auto industry, trumping its competitor’s new product introductions. That Mary Barra will ascend to GM’s top office in 2014 is big news, what overshadows the, is he going to Microsoft or staying put?, chatter about Fords Alan Mulally.

All that suits GM just fine because as it leaves government ownership and stewardship in its rearview mirror and focuses on its future, it can finally move forward on several matters it likely has had to put off handling until the federal government sold its remaining shares in the automaker. Those matters are not minor issues either and include the following news stories:

Opel to Trump Chevrolet

The recent news wave began prior to the Akerson/Barra announcement. GM said that it was pulling back its Chevrolet Europe strategy to focus on Opel. Although GM admitted defeat, it likely won itself much needed and desired support in Europe where Opel and Vauxhall are its main products and homegrown ones at that.

Chevrolet entered Europe in 2005 and has lost money since. It wont be a complete abandonment, however, as select Chevrolet models such as Corvette will still be offered. Moreover, Russia will remain an important market for the bow tie brand.

See Also — The History of the Pontiac Fiero

Korean Manufacturing Scaled Back

Korea is an important market for GM and has been since the automaker took over the country’s third largest automaker, Daewoo, in 2001. It was one of the few very good financial decisions GM made leading up to its 2009 bankruptcy and restructuring, a company since renamed GM Korea.

GM Korea supplies the Chevrolet Spark to the US market and also builds Chevrolet models for Europe. But with GM cutting back its Chevrolet exposure across much of the western part of the continent, the automaker has said that it will scale back Korean manufacturing. Indeed, this week GM announced that it would offer up a voluntary retirement for up to 6,000 salaried workers by the end of March reports Fox News. The company says that it expects to reduce its Korean manufacturing by 20 percent to reflect its new strategy for Chevrolet Europe.

Peugeot Stake Sold

One of the worst decisions GM made post-bankruptcy was to secure an alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen, the beleaguered French automaker. Not just an alliance, but it also took a financial stake worth hundreds of millions of dollars. That 7 percent stake is now gone as GM sold its shares in Peugeot this week.

The two companies say that they plan to continue collaboration on new product, but if Peugeot fails then GM should be able to walk away relatively unscathed. So much for a strategic alliance.

GM Financial trumps Ally Financial for new car loans.

GM Exits Ally

The company once known as the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and now called Ally Financial, had long played a role in helping GM car buyers get auto financing. GM separated GMAC from its own operation in 2006, but most of its business remained with GM. When GM began its slide into bankruptcy, GMAC applied to become a bank holding company.

Later, GM gave most of its new car financing business to AmeriCredit, renamed GM Financial. It still held an 8.5 percent stake in Ally, but sold its shares on Dec. 11, 2013, for $900 million. “This transaction releases capital from a non-core asset and further enhances our financial flexibility,” said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Ally continues to play an important role in financing our dealers and customers in the United States.”

Holden Manufacturing to Halt

Will we soon see an end to the beautiful cars imported from Australia that we have come to know and love? Those models currently include the Chevrolet SS and the Chevrolet Caprice SS, based on the Holden Commodore. They aren’t the first Holden-supplied models, with the Pontiac GTO and G8 starting the Aussie onslaught, disappearing as Pontiac was closed down.

GM says that it will stop making cars in Australia by the end of 2013, relying on imports beginning in 2018 to supply its Australian customers. GM, citing costs, will close down its one manufacturing and one engine plant. The company insists that it will keep the Holden brand alive. “Australians have been driving Holden vehicles for decades – and we are determined that Australians will drive Holden vehicles for many years to come,” Mr Devereux said. The high cost of doing business in Australia is behind GMs decision.

Updated Manufacturing and Jobs in the US

With GM cutting back jobs abroad pulling Chevrolet out of Europe and divesting itself of financial stakes in Peugeot and Ally Financial it may seem that the automaker is seeking to conserve cash. However, that recently expanded largesse will soon be tapped to pay for a planned $1.3 billion investment in five manufacturing plants three in Michigan and one each in Indiana and Ohio. GM says that the move will create or retain about 1,000 jobs.

The investment will pay for retooling to support the production of an existing 6-speed transmission, a new 10-speed transmission, and the building of a new V-6 engine. The funds will also pay for plant upgrades as well as for a new paint shop and logistics optimization center.

“GM is committed to a strong American manufacturing base and creating jobs in dozens of communities throughout the country. Today’s announced plant upgrades continue the momentum of a resurgent auto industry,” said GM Executive Vice President and North America President Mark Reuss. “More importantly, these investments add up to higher quality and more fuel-efficient vehicles for our customers.”

Is a Cadillac Elmiraj announcement pending?

But, Wait…There is More!

With Dan Akerson leaving and Mary Barra’s ascendancy timed to coincide with the start of the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, GM also wont miss out on a major media opportunity to showcase one or more new cars as it parades Barra before the media.

We already know that the Cadillac ATS Coupe will be revealed, but might we also learn the status for another new product that has everyone talking? That would be the Cadillac Elmiraj, a beautiful full-bodied coupe that made its debut at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. It is the latest super concept for the Cadillac brand and the one that many enthusiasts hope Cadillac decides to build. Yes, the Detroit auto show would present the ideal place to showcase this $100K+ luxury coupe, providing perhaps the best send off for Akerson and a hand off of company leadership to Barra.

Ford Recruiters on Hand at Detroit Auto Show

January 22, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Automaker is recruiting from the auto show floor.

If you have still haven’t visited the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, there is still time to take in Detroit,s most significant event of the season. The weather outside may be frightful, but the models inside are certainly delightful. As are the Ford recruiters standing nearby to speak to you about a possible job opening.

Public Display

In an usual recruiting move, the Ford Motor Company has assigned recruiters to the auto show floor for the entire public display, which runs through Jan. 27. Earlier this month, Ford announced that it would hire 2,200 salaried employees this year as reported by Auto Trends on Jan. 11. A number of those opportunities will be in Michigan, not far from Cobo Hall, the venue for the 2013 NAIAS. The current recruiting effort builds on the 8,100 hourly and salaried positions that were added in 2012.

target Said Fords recruiting manager, Laura Kurtz, about the company’s unusual recruiter effort, We see this as an opportunity to find great people in unexpected places.

Where Kurtz and her people are likely to find the bulk of prospective Ford people is right around the Ford Atlas display, a much talked about concept pickup truck that is giving us a strong indication where the F-Series line is heading. Then again, Ford brought its entire showroom to the NAIAS this year with vehicles ranging from the tiny Fiesta to largest SUVs and everything in between.

Ford Career

If you are looking for an opportunity to speak with a recruiter, just ask and you’ll be pointed in the right direction. Do not bring a copy of your resume with you as they’re not being accepted on site but do ask questions and if you’re someone that Ford is interested in speaking with further, you’ll be directed to the Ford corporate careers website to make application.

You can also follow Ford Careers on Facebook and on Twitter. On Twitter, for example, @FordCareers has posted, Were hiring! From finance to product development, to manufacturing and more, check out Fords exciting career opportunities. Those tweets are being shared by Emilie Mecklenborg (@EmilieMeck) a communications and social media coordinator for the Ford Motor Company.

Job Opportunities

The Ford Motor Company is one several Michigan-based employers looking to beef up their staffs this year. If you’re still in college, we shared a list of Michigan Automotive Engineering Internships this month too. Elsewhere, companies such as Nissan, Honda and Volkswagen have announced that they are hiring, but to our knowledge, no other company has taken to the auto show floor as Ford has done at this years Detroit auto show.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept Points to Possible Third Luxury Model

January 20, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

When Hyundai made it known in 2008 that it had no plans to launch a separate luxury brand to market its top of the line vehicles, this writer and many others did not expect that its marketing strategy would succeed. Five years have passed and we’ve been proven wrong as both its Genesis coupe and sedan, and its Equus sedan have enabled Hyundai to extend its reach into the premium segment.

Premium Market

Concept Hyundai Indeed, Hyundai claims that its Genesis line and Equus sedan enable Hyundai to claim 9 percent of the premium market or well above the 5 percent market share the entire Hyundai brand enjoys.

In 2012, Hyundai sold 33,978 Genesis units and 3,972 copies of its top-of-the-line Equus, seeing its share of the premium market increase from 8.8 to 9.0 percent. Within that market are the three segments where Hyundai competes: entry-premium coupe (Genesis coupe), mid-luxury (Genesis sedan) and premium luxury (Equus).

HCD-14 Concept

At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Hyundai revealed the HCD-14 Genesis concept, a vehicle it says provides a hint at the future technologies its premium models could offer. The concept reveals a stunning sedan design that could presage the next generation Genesis sedan or an all-new model, perhaps both.

John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America told NAIAS media representatives that the success of its current premium models …paves the way for a new generation of rear-wheel drive premium products. Krafcik added that the HCD-14 gives an …indication of the focus were placing on driving dynamics and technology.

Fluidic Sculpture Design

In recent years Hyundai has been using the term fluidic sculpture to describe the sculpture or body lines evident in its current design language. That design is most popularized in its midsize Hyundai Sonata sedan and is evident in its other cars. A variant of that language is apparent in its SUVs.

The HCD-14 attempts to update that design language, at least for its top of the range models. The concepts face is described as bold with sporty LED headlamps flanking the sides. Deep fog lamp ports and a muscular hood advance this models premium look. The grille is as pronounced as you would find in an Audi, but with its own design characteristics present.

The concept features a familiar sedan profile with a sharply tapered cabin and shore rear deck. Notably, the almost coupe-like look of the sedan offers hint of something unusual rear pivoting rear doors that provide ease of access to the second row. Such suicide doors are not commonly used these days, but have been played with by designers from time to time.

Cabin Comforts

Inside, the designers worked to make the cabin more ergonomically useful for the driver. Gone is the traditional center stack, replaced with a driver interface that Hyundai says is intuitive and offers 3-D hand-gesture recognition. The system makes use of eye-tracking, thumb controls and gesture recognition to control infotainment, audio, climate commands, navigation and smartphone access. A windshield head up display reduces driver distraction.

Hyundai explains that its proprietary interface represents the companys vision for its premium vehicles, one that …sets a new benchmark in active driver safety technology.

Engine and Transmission

The HCD-14 concept is powered by Hyundais 5.0-liter TAU V-8 engine, an award-winning 32-valve motor currently available in the Genesis sedan and standard in the Hyundai Equus. That engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. The concept is equipped with paddle shifters for more engaged driving.

As far as concepts go, Auto Trends sees this model going into production, perhaps without the rear pivoting rear doors. That latter change would be a shame as so-called safety concerns eliminate what we see as an important design characteristic for this handsome sedan.

See Also — Second Look: 2017 Genesis G80

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

Award Winner: Nissan Resonance Concept Crossover

January 18, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Although it has been said that most concept vehicles are never built, there is a very good chance that the Nissan Resonance Concept will go into production or at least a vehicle very close to it. The concept crossover SUV was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, an all-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a hybrid electric drivetrain.

Nissan Murano

Some have suggested that the Nissan Resonance Concept is the next generation Nissan Murano. That is a possibility as the next Murano is ready for an update and it could be offered in gasoline and hybrid versions. Nissan, as bold as it has been with its LEAF production, might possibly forgo the gas engine altogether and produce a hybrid alone much as Ford has done with it C-MAX that is sold only in HEV and PHEV versions.

The Resonance Concept attracted a large following at the 2013 NAIAS and won the esteemed 2013 EyesOn Design Award on Jan. 15 for the best concept vehicle. The award recognizes the innovative and forward-thinking work that automotive designers offer in both production and concept vehicles. The judges pointed to a number of positive features about the concept including its floating roof design, steeply raked A-pillars and the full-length glass panel that flows back to the D-pillars. In other words, Nissans concept resonated with the judges.

Design Team

Nissans senior vice president and chief creative officer, Shiro Nakamura, led the San Diego design team that crafted the Resonance Concept. The interior is based on what the designers thought that flying first class in a space craft might be like, its bright white interior and flowing cabin design advancing that thinking.

Powering the Resonance Concept is a hybrid electric drivetrain that advances Nissans patented one motor, two clutch system. That design brings together a small gasoline engine and an electric motor that work with a lithium-ion battery pack to form an advanced energy management system.

Nissan News

Orchestrating the changes that Nissan is undertaking is Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. At the NAIAS, media caught up with him to get an update about the companys direction and what future trends it will be positioned to advance.

For this year, Ghosn predicts that sales will improve in China, held down in 2012 as China and Japan worked through a territorial dispute. The Russian market should present an enormous opportunity for growth as Nissan has invested in automaker avtoVAZ. India and Brazil, representing the other two BRIC countries, should perform well too. Always having an impact on the Nissan bottom line is a strong yen, with Ghosn expecting that its value against the dollar will offer little movement in 2013.

Ghosn also expects that sales of its LEAF EV will rise this year, especially in the United States where sales increased by just one percent in 2012. The LEAF is now built in Tennessee and its price has been lowered by 18 percent. Ghosn also offered that the first self-driving cars will take to the road in 2020, about five years earlier than what some other experts have offered.

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.

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