The Non-Subaru New Car News Thread #1 [Archive] - Page 6

mh_WRX

05-03-2004, 09:28 AM

Boxy Nissan Cube may come to U.S.
By Yuzo Yamaguchi
Automotive News / May 03, 2004

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says the next Cube will be sold worldwide.

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor Co. is expected to sell the next generation of its tiny Cube and the high-performance Skyline GT-R sports car in the United States.

The Cube could become Nissan's youth-targeted Toyota Scion-fighter, and the Skyline GT-R would extend the Infiniti range.

"The next Cube and the next Skyline GT-R will be sold globally," says Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

He wouldn't say where the cars would be sold, but analysts expect them to be in U.S. showrooms. Both cars are being engineered for North America.

"There are no global markets without America," says Tatsuo Yoshida of Deutsche Securities Ltd. in Tokyo.

The boxy 1.4-liter Cube will be redesigned in 2006.

Nissan stopped production of the 280-hp, 2.6 liter Skyline GT-R in 2002, but a new version is planned in 2007.

The Cube, which costs the equivalent of $10,890 in Japan, could counter the Scion brand. Toyota sold 7,675 units of the similarly shaped Scion xB in the United States during the first quarter of this year. The xB starts at $13,680, including destination.

The new tC sports coupe will be added to the Scion lineup in June. Toyota forecasts Scion sales to total 100,000 in the United States next year. The Scion brand now consists of the boxy xB and wedge-shaped xA hatchback.

Next year's redesigned Nissan Sentra will be larger than the current model, says Kunihiko Shiohara, analyst at Goldman Sachs (Japan) Ltd. He says the Cube could be needed for positioning below the Sentra.

Shiohara and other analysts expect Nissan to build the Cube at its Aguascalientes, Mexico, plant.

Analysts say the Skyline GT-R would help boost Infiniti's image. The car "could be the top brand among Infiniti sports cars," says Shotaro Noguchi of Mitsubishi Securities.

The new Cube and Skyline GT-R are among 28 new and redesigned models Nissan says it will introduce in the next three years.

The plan calls for annual global sales of 4.2 million units in the fiscal year ending in March 2008. Nissan expects to sell 3.38 million vehicles in the fiscal year which began in April.

Of the extra 820,000 sales, the Japanese automaker expects 250,000 to come from North America, 150,000 from Japan, 70,000 from Europe and 350,000 from other markets.

Nissan has ample cash to develop the models. It posted a record operating profit of $7.29 billion on a consolidated basis in the fiscal year that ended March 31.

The 11.9 percent jump from the previous year was driven by a 10.4 percent increase in global unit sales to 3.05 million, the first time Nissan sales have topped 3 million in 13 years.

That pushed Nissan's operating margin up by 0.3 percentage points to 11.1 percent. Net income also rose 1.7 percent to $4.45 billion on revenues of $65.60 billion, up 8.8 percent over the previous year.

mh_WRX

05-03-2004, 01:03 PM

Report: DCX to sell its stake in Hyundai
Reuters / May 03, 2004

FRANKFURT -- DaimlerChrysler plans to sell a 10.5 percent stake in Hyundai Motor Co. worth nearly $1 billion via a block sale, an official at South Korea's top automaker said on Monday.

The official denied a report that Hyundai would buy back the stake from the Stuttgart-based group, but added: "As far as we know, the German carmaker is seeking to sell the stake via a block sale to other buyers."

German newspaper Handelsblatt cited industry sources on Monday as saying DaimlerChrysler would sell to Hyundai.

Sources on DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board told Reuters that it would drop plans to form a commercial vehicles joint venture with the South Korean company and confirmed that Stuttgart wanted to sell its 10.5 percent holding.

"There's no sense anymore," a source on the board said, referring to the joint venture.

CFO Manfred Gentz said on Thursday the future of the investment was open.

"We're still negotiating," a DaimlerChrysler spokesman said on Monday.

A sale would be DaimlerChrysler's second major reversal in Asian strategy in as many months after the group cut off financial support to its ailing Japanese partner, Mitsubishi Motors in April, dividing the management board and prompting CE0 Juergen Schrempp to offer to resign.

Schrempp survived after he won a statement of support from the supervisory board at a meeting in New York on Thursday.

The rebellion against Schrempp's Mitsubishi bailout plan produced one casualty: Wolfgang Bernhard, who had been due to take over as Mercedes chief on Monday, was ousted for his vocal opposition to the plan.

Hyundai said last week it was planning to scale back its partnership with the Stuttgart-based group to work on a project-by-project basis rather than in a full alliance.

MERCEDES CHINA DEAL SIGNED

The two companies have been in talks to produce commercial vehicles and engines in China, but the relationship soured.

Hyundai suspended the talks, aimed at forming a joint venture, after Daimler signed a deal with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., which Hyundai said violated its own agreement with the Chinese automaker.

DaimlerChrysler formally signed an agreement with BAIC during a German visit by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on Monday. The deal will allow it to build as many as 25,000 C and E-class Mercedes cars annually at a new works in Beijing.

The group said in a statement that production would start in the near future but was not more specific about the timetable.

The Hyundai stake is worth more than $940 million and has doubled in value since DaimlerChrysler bought it in September 2000.

Hyundai shares rose 1.56 percent to close at 45,450 won on Monday. Shares in DaimlerChrysler edged 0.6 percent higher, in line with its European peers, after falling 2.5 percent on Friday as the group's decision to stand by Schrempp and his strategy disappointed some investors.

Sunday's edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper reported that some members of the supervisory board were still discussing possible replacements for Schrempp and that the chief executive could be replaced within two years.

gumball

05-03-2004, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by Alpha1

Way cool to me, this car would make a great toy for the occassional open air adventure and weekend romp. I might be looking for a nice use Mini Cabrio 4 or 5 years from now. Alpha1

the fricking thing about Minis is the used ones sell for as much as the new ones. BMW intentionally holds back supply so that there's a constant overdemand. Maybe in 5 years that won't be the case, but it really sux right now.

Rotorflyr

05-04-2004, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by suby-brue
I thought Hyundai and Kia were already independant and not part of Mitshu

Yep and IIRC Hyundai owns (most of?) Kia

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 02:21 PM

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/news/2004/05/03/193101.html?{LF}&

Mitsubishi Motors Reports April U.S. Sales

CYPRESS, Calif., May 3, 2004 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today reported April 2004 U.S. sales of 16,269 units. Sales of the Mitsubishi Endeavor were up 13 percent over last April while the Mitsubishi Lancer posted a 25 percent gain. Mitsubishi Motors has sold 73,130 units year to date in the United States.

The company also announced today the start of "Mitsubishi's Triple Diamond Days," a month-long sales event featuring 3-year/45,000-mile free scheduled maintenance on 2004 Galant and 2004 Endeavor. The new marketing program also promotes Mitsubishi's standard 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 02:27 PM

GM Delivers The World's First Full-Size Hybrid

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/03/193121.1-lg.jpg

DETROIT May 3, 2004; General Motors will deliver the world's first full-size hybrid pickup today when it presents a Chevrolet Silverado to Miami-Dade County at the 10th National Clean Cities Conference and Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Later this month, Miami-Dade County will take delivery of a total of 50 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab hybrid pickups for inclusion in its fleet.

The hybrid pickups feature GM's powerful 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a new hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups, giving the hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra the best highway fuel economy of any full-size truck on the market. The trucks also feature reduced emissions and unique accessory power capability, without any sacrifice in load-carrying, towing and grade-climbing capability.

"GM is committed to providing practical hybrid solutions on the widest range of high-volume vehicles, including full-size trucks. Today's delivery shows GM is delivering on this commitment," said John Gaydash, GM Fleet and Commercial marketing director. "These hybrid pickups will save more fuel than gasoline-powered pickup trucks, with no compromise in performance or utility. In addition, Miami-Dade will now have the flexibility and productivity of generating wall-quality electrical power from the GM pickup truck when in remote locations."

"We are looking forward to putting our new hybrid trucks on the road and on the job," said Olga Diaz, Miami-Dade County. "The county is looking forward to earning fuel economy savings of up to 12 percent on every hybrid pickup."

In addition to improvements in fuel economy and emissions, the GM hybrid pickups feature four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary power outlets under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed that can accommodate up to four accessories while driving or when parked. With this auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition and can be used to power anything from tools at a construction site to appliances at a campsite.

In the event of a power outage, the hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits.

The GM hybrid pickups are more efficient because of the engine start/stop function and regenerative braking, which turns the motor into a generator as the truck decelerates. Extra fuel savings come from quickly shutting off fuel any time the truck is coasting or braking, and using the electric motor to smooth out any resulting vibrations.

Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrid truck features a compact electric motor that is integrated in a patented, space-efficient way between the engine and transmission. The electric motor provides fast, quiet starting power and the ability to generate up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power.

At a stoplight, the gasoline engine stops running, but the accessories continue working on stored electrical power. When the light turns green and the driver releases the brake, the gasoline engine kicks in again seamlessly, with little or no delay or disturbance.

To ensure full accessory capability while the engine is temporarily stopped, an electrically driven hydraulic pump provides power steering, an electric pump continues to circulate hot water if cabin heat is needed in the winter, and cold, dry air is supplied in the summer for an extended period through control of the conventional air conditioning system.

Hybrid versions of the 2005 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups will be available to retail customers starting this fall.

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 02:29 PM

Mitsubishi Motors tries to reassure angry shareholders

By Yuri Kageyama / AP Business Writer

TOKYO - Cash-strapped Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. faced angry questions from shareholders Friday as officials tried to assure them a revival plan was in the works despite partner DaimlerChrysler's decision to abandon the effort.

Some of the more than 300 shareholders at the company's Tokyo headquarters said they were worried that the automaker may collapse. Although challenging questions at Japanese shareholders' meetings are relatively rare, several shareholders raised doubts about prospects for a comeback and scolded executives for not doing enough.

Often raising their voices, they pointed to the surprise decision by the German automaker last week not to give further financial support for Japan's No. 4 automaker, as well as to recurring scandals about defect cover-ups that have sent sales plunging and damaged the company's image.

"The automaker is on a precipice of crisis," 71-year-old shareholder Hiroshi Koike told The Associated Press after the meeting. "The big question is how quickly the company can win back trust from consumers."

The shareholders at the meeting, which was shown to reporters through TV monitors, voted on two resolutions _ issuing new shares and board appointments _ that had been on the agenda before DaimlerChrysler's decision to pull out of the turnaround plan.

And they wanted an apology and an explanation.

President and Chief Executive Rolf Eckrodt, who was sent by DaimlerChrysler in 2001 to lead Mitsubishi Motors, resigned Monday and was not present. Keiichiro Hashimoto, chief financial officer, presided over the meeting.

"We thought we had set the correct direction for revival," Hashimoto told shareholders, adding that a DaimlerChrysler team had arrived in February to hammer out a plan. "The decision by DaimlerChrysler came as a shock to our company."

DaimlerChrysler, the top shareholder with a 37 percent stake, said last week that it had decided against pumping more money into Mitsubishi Motors, dashing hopes that Friday's meeting would unveil a massive bailout plan.

But the Mitsubishi group companies have promised to stand behind the automaker. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries owns 15 percent of the automaker, trading company Mitsubishi Corp. a 5 percent stake, and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi 3 percent.

Hashimoto said a new plan without DaimlerChrysler cash would be worked out by mid-May. He did not say how much money the Mitsubishi group had promised.

In reply to a shareholder's question, he denied a report Friday in the business daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun that Toyota Motor Co.p., Japan's leading automaker, may provide some financial backing for Mitsubishi Motors.

Mitsubishi Motors is saddled with more than a trillion yen (US$10 billion) in debt, plunging car sales both in Japan and North America and a badly tarnished image over a defect cover-up scandal four years ago that was followed by a spate of recalls.

It is forecasting a 72 billion yen ($661 million) loss for the fiscal year ended March 31, a reversal from a 37 billion yen profit the previous year.

Police are investigating a suspected defect cover-up in the 2002 death of a housewife who was crushed by a wheel falling off a Mitsubishi truck. Speculation has been growing that arrests may be imminent.

At the meeting, shareholders approved the appointment of Yoichiro Okazaki, a director at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as president and chief executive to replace Eckrodt.

Okazaki, 61, who has little experience in the auto industry, was nominated chairman in February to head the turnaround team, but assumed all three titles Friday. A resolution to issue new shares also passed.

"We realize our company is in such serious trouble its very existence is in question," Okazaki told shareholders. "We must change our corporate culture."

The appointment of Eckhard Cordes, a senior executive from DaimlerChrysler to the Mitsubishi Motors board, was also approved by shareholders, but he was not present.

DaimlerChrysler has not said what it will do with its 37 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors, though it has indicated that selling the stake is an option. It has said the two automakers' joint projects in Chrysler, Smart and other passenger cars will continue.

Mitsubishi Motors spun off its truck division last year, and analysts say Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. remains a key part of DaimlerChrysler's ambitions to expand its truck business in Asia's growing market.

At a news conference Friday, Okazaki blamed communications breakdowns for the company's slow response to scandals.

He refused to disclose specifics of any planned job cuts, plant closures or financing, but did not rule out alliances with automakers besides DaimlerChrysler.

"We are not considering one now, but I believe it is a possibility in the future," he said. "The question is how can Mitsubishi Motors hope to survive."

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 02:33 PM

Mitsubishi Motors' Executives Face Investigation

May 4 (Bloomberg) -- Japanese police will conduct a criminal investigation into executives at Mitsubishi Motors Corp. as early as this week for allegedly falsifying reports of an accident in which a wheel came off a Mitsubishi truck and killed a woman, the Mainichi newspaper reported, without citing anyone.

Police in Kanagawa prefecture, where the accident happened in January 2002, may start the investigation as soon as the spring holidays end on May 5, the newspaper said. As many as seven executives at Mitsubishi may face investigation, including Takashi Usami, former chairman of group company Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp., the paper said.

A woman died and her two children were hurt when one of the truck's front wheels came off. Mitsubishi Fuso recalled about 112,000 trucks and buses in March to fix wheel hubs that have been blamed for about 50 other accidents. The police are investigating the Mitsubishi companies on suspicion they falsified documents about the safety of the hubs, the Mainichi said.

A recorded message at Mitsubishi Motors in Tokyo said the company will open on May 6, after the holidays.

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 02:35 PM

Ouch, Kind of hard to justify the Evo when the Lancer is down 4%, and the Evo sales are > 1% of sales.

Mitsubishi Motors Reports April U.S. Sales
CYPRESS, Calif., May 3, 2004 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today reported April 2004 U.S. sales of 16,269 units. Sales of the Mitsubishi Endeavor were up 13 percent over last April while the Mitsubishi Lancer posted a 25 percent gain. Mitsubishi Motors has sold 73,130 units year to date in the United States.

The company also announced today the start of "Mitsubishi's Triple Diamond Days," a month-long sales event featuring 3-year/45,000-mile free scheduled maintenance on 2004 Galant and 2004 Endeavor. The new marketing program also promotes Mitsubishi's standard 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of nearly 700 dealers throughout North America. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Following is the sales breakdown for April 2004:

2004 2003 2004
APR CYTD APR CYTD APR CYTD

ECLIPSE COUPE 958 5,279 2,765 8,905 -65.4% -40.7%
ECLIPSE SPYDER 957 4,739 1,418 4,337 -32.5% 9.3%
LANCER 4,786 17,714 3,829 18,428 25.0% -3.9%
LANCER EVOLUTION 418 1,629 447 1,027 -6.5% 58.6%
LANCER SPORTBACK 157 485 -- -- 0.0% 0.0%
MIRAGE COUPE -- -- 1 170 -100.0% -100.0%
MIRAGE SEDAN -- -- -- -- 0.0% 0.0%
GALANT 4,160 18,688 9,141 28,493 -54.5% -34.4%
DIAMANTE 227 2,332 703 4,355 -67.7% -46.5%
TOTAL CAR 11,663 50,866 18,304 65,715 -36.3% -22.6%
OUTLANDER 1,753 7,639 2,719 13,757 -35.5% -44.5%
MONTERO SPORT 557 2,849 1,414 9,959 -60.6% -71.4%
ENDEAVOR 2,033 9,395 1,794 2,029 13.3% 363.0%
MONTERO 263 2,381 531 3,381 -50.5% -29.6%
TOTAL SUV 4,606 22,264 6,458 29,126 -28.7% -23.6%
TOTAL 16,269 73,130 24,762 94,841 -34.3% -22.9%
US Assembled
Cars(1): 6,075 28,706 13,324 41,735 -54.4% -31.2%
Imported Cars(2): 5,588 22,160 4,980 23,980 12.2% -7.6%
US Assembled
Truck/SUV(3): 2,033 9,395 1,794 2,029 13.3% 363.0%
Imported
Truck/SUVs(4): 2,573 12,869 4,664 27,097 -44.8% -52.5%
US Assembled
Vehicles: 8,108 38,101 15,118 43,764 -46.4% -12.9%
Imported
Vehicles: 8,161 35,029 9,644 51,077 -15.4% -31.4%

(1) Galant, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder
(2) Lancer, Lancer Sportback, Lancer Evolution, Diamante, Mirage Coupe,
Mirage Sedan
(3) Endeavor
(4) Montero, Montero Sport, Outlander

Selling Days MTD YTD
April 2004 26 102
April 2003 26 101

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 02:53 PM

I just posted that article with a link since the sales chart looks crappy posted here. I was quite surprised too at those numbers, sucks for those that work at Mitsu now.

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 02:53 PM

Solstice Pics and test drive:
http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0503/0503Solstice1_main.jpg

Solstice test Drive (http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=01911011)

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 03:03 PM

If Toyota can sell Scion xB and Nissan can bring the Cube, why doesn't Subaru market the new Justy in N. America under a different name? That is if Suzuki doesn't already plan to do it since it's also their home market Ignis.

http://www.kloek-und-stroehle.de/galerie/justy/justy-extgal1.jpg
http://www.kloek-und-stroehle.de/galerie/justy/justy-extgal3.jpg
http://www.kloek-und-stroehle.de/galerie/justy/justy-extgal4.jpg
http://www.subaru.ch/g3x-justy-awd-13.jpg
http://www.infomotori.com/foto/art_2654_2_Subaru%20Justy%2001_.jpg
http://www.infomotori.com/foto/art_2654_3_Subaru%20Justy%2002.jpg

Ghostrider600

05-04-2004, 03:19 PM

^^ Beats me. Maybe because Subaru has its head...

The Justy should not only sell as well as any of those other boxes, but Subaru desperately needs *something* to help their CAFE rating--without resorting to classifying every vehicle in their lineup as a truck--and the Justy is the perfect short-term solution.

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 04:14 PM

From GMInsidenews:
In a follow up to an earlier GMInsidenews article concerning the future of GM’s performance trucks, we are glad to report that the first piece is essentially confirmed.
We are referring to the first part of GM’s performance truck tri-fecta, a high performance SSR. Word is spreading around the internet that a dealer briefing took place this week in which GM shared the first official details of this new SSR. The basics are that the 2005 SSR will have an all aluminum 6.0 Liter LS2 V8, a new six speed manual, an upgraded 4L65E transmission, new bluish-purple hue changing paint color, upgraded rear end, and other detail bits. The new SSR is reported to be capable of low 5 second 0-60 sprints and sub 14 second quarter-mile passes. These upgrades had been planned from the beginning, as the SSR is Chevrolet’s halo truck.

Also to clarify things, this is the second version of the LS2 rumored by many sources. To be honest, in simplest terms the LS2 (both versions) is nothing more than an aluminum evolution of the LQ9 iron engine in the Silverado SS with Gen IV upgrades. This means that while the iron 6.0L will continue in the various truck apps, all performance versions will have the aluminum 6.0L block and be referred to as LS2 (a nice marketing ploy). LS2 Version 2.0 will likely be rated in the neighborhood of 380-390 HP with more tuning towards TQ. It is designed to be used in both car and truck applications and is can pretty much fit anywhere the 5.7L block can. This two pronged approach shadows GM's treatment of the LS1 when they had the 350 HP Corvette LS1, and the "slightly detuned" F-body LS1, only now they are sharing 6.0L with truck applications and further spreading development costs. The LS2 will next year be the top engine in the C6, so in my opinion, I would not expect the SSR or any other LS2 powered vehicle to carry a 400 HP "rating". Expect to see this new LS2 in the Trailblazer SS (the SSR is a Trailblazer, so this obvious), Silverado SS Shortbox, and........(sit down).....possibly the high performance GTO. Eventually the 5.3 Liter and 6.0 Liter Gen IV engines will replace the 5.7 Liter in all applications.

Alpha1

05-04-2004, 04:45 PM

First Look: Mazda6 Sport Wagon And 5-Door
If sporty station wagons are, in fact, the next rage, then Mazda is just in time.

http://www.motortrend.com/motor/roadtests/sedan/112_0404_first_mazda01_l.jpg

By Matt Stone
Photography by the author
Motor Trend, April 2004

Competing against Accord and Camry isn't easy. Just ask the people who build cars like the Malibu, Galant, and Mazda6. Credit the last with a scrappy effort, however, as it brings two new bodystyles to the fray--neither of which is offered by Honda or Toyota.

If sporty station wagons are, in fact, the next rage, then Mazda is just in time with the handsome and practical Sport Wagon. It's already on sale in several other world markets and makes its way here boasting 60.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. That equals many smaller sport/utilities.

2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon and 5-Door

Hatchback sedans have seldom been popular in the U.S., but the Mazda6 5-Door will attempt to change that trend. It carries 22 cubic feet of stuff in its covered cargo area, about double the trunk size of the standard sedan. Fold the seats flat, and it'll hold 58.7 cubic feet of groceries or gear.

Powertrain and trim-level options remain much the same. All Sport Wagons and 5-Doors ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, and the 6's sport package comes standard on the wagon. As much as we love the 220-horse V-6, don't sell short the smooth, revvy 2.3-liter, 160-horsepower four, which moves the Mazda6 smartly and economically.

Sportwagons and hatchbacks have satisfied Asian and European market buyers for years; some are even seen as cool. There's no reason these two new versions of the Mazda6 shouldn't be considered the same.

Base prices $18,500 (I-4); $21,900 (V-6), (MT est)
Vehicle layout Front engine, fwd, 4-door, 5-pass (Sport Wagon); front engine, fwd, 5-door, 5-pass (5-Door)
Engine 2.3L/160-hp I-4, DOHC, 4-valves/cyl; 3.0L/220-hp V-6, DOHC, 4-valves/cyl
0-60 mph, sec 7.2 (V-6, MT est)
On sale in U.S. Currently

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i549/54985_00mg.jpg

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
^^ Beats me. Maybe because Subaru has its head...

The Justy should not only sell as well as any of those other boxes, but Subaru desperately needs *something* to help their CAFE rating--without resorting to classifying every vehicle in their lineup as a truck--and the Justy is the perfect short-term solution.

Maybe Subaru should sell Pleo, the current design has really grown on me.

http://www.car-promenade.co.jp/liberal/pleo/img/01.jpg
http://www.car-promenade.co.jp/liberal/pleo/img/02.jpg
http://www.car-promenade.co.jp/liberal/pleo/img/03.jpg
http://www.car-promenade.co.jp/liberal/pleo/img/04.jpg
http://motor.days.co.jp/ncarimp/pleo19981204/pic/photo_1.jpg
http://sakura17.hp.infoseek.co.jp/pleo30e.jpg
http://www.zerosports.co.jp/message/image/PLEOSVGA.jpg

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 04:47 PM

Originally posted by Alpha1
http://www.motortrend.com/motor/roadtests/sedan/112_0404_first_mazda01_l.jpg

Wow,

It's amazing how much smaller the sedan is than the wagon... :lol:

mh_WRX

05-04-2004, 04:59 PM

Just heard a rumor printed in a JDM Auto mag that Nissan is developing a Silvia S16. That part I like....

BUT, they say its being developed as a FWD. I think I would rather not have a car named Silvia than have a FWD model.

Maybe it's just me.

I'll see if I can find it online and post it here.

subyfanatic

05-04-2004, 09:35 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Just heard a rumor printed in a JDM Auto mag that Nissan is developing a Silvia S16. That part I like....

BUT, they say its being developed as a FWD. I think I would rather not have a car named Silvia than have a FWD model.

Maybe it's just me.

I'll see if I can find it online and post it here.

Is this the one you saw?
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=26232&img=2006silviaS16_.jpg

It was posted on a site with the rumors that this may be the next S16 for 2006. I didn't see anything about what drivetrain layout it will use though.

JaySee

05-04-2004, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Wow,

It's amazing how much smaller the sedan is than the wagon... :lol:

That's the 5-door. Not the sedan.

We won't see the S16 Silvia here in NA for the same reason we never got a real s13 or s14 and not even a fake s15. Nissan fears it will eat sales of the Z. Even more so now that the Z is even closer in price to where the Silvia would be. The Z is the hottest selling sports car in the U.S., but I doubt they'll slow production and bring another model to fill the 20-25k sports car gap they have. They'd rather sell Altima SE-Rs.

Blitzkrieg

05-05-2004, 01:12 AM

I tend to agree with nissans stupidity when it comes to the 240sx/silvia. IF they where to bring it over with a turbo 2.0. The car would easily eat into the Z sells. Most people love the heritage of the Z, but hate the weight of the car.

I truly miss driving my old 92 240. That car was a blast to slip, or drift around curves.

BlitZ

P.S. i would sell my scooby in a heart beat in order to purchase a turbo silvia (stock).

mh_WRX

05-05-2004, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by subyfanatic
Is this the one you saw?
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=26232&img=2006silviaS16_.jpg

It was posted on a site with the rumors that this may be the next S16 for 2006. I didn't see anything about what drivetrain layout it will use though.

No, that's the old one. This one is in a current issue.

I feel the new Silvia may be a re-packaged of the new Sentra.

mh_WRX

05-05-2004, 12:13 PM

Report: Mitsubishi bailout cost could double
Reuters / May 05, 2004

TOKYO -- A revival plan for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. may cost as much as $4.6 billion, double initial estimates, and involve seeking fresh funds from institutional investors, a Japanese newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Mitsubishi, Japan's fourth-largest automaker, is mired in losses and debt and is under pressure to come up with a restructuring plan after top shareholder DaimlerChrysler pulled out of a multi-billion dollar bailout plan last month.

The new plan would cost as much as 400 billion to 500 billion yen ($3.7 billion to $4.6 billion), compared with initial expectations of around 250 billion yen, and might include a debt-for-equity swap and approaching institutional investors for additional funding, sources close to the situation told the Asahi Shimbun.

It added that the plan would be coordinated with other Mitsubishi firms -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corp., and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi and others this week.

Officials at Mitsubishi were unavailable for comment.

Mitsubishi has yet to recover from a recall scandal four years ago that exposed its decades-long practice of illegally hiding customer complaints, and it faces similar allegations over a design defect in trucks that were involved in accidents, including one that killed a woman two years ago.

The company owes about $10.4 billion in interest-bearing debt and is expected to post a loss of 72 billion yen for the year to March 31 after an easy credit policy in the United States backfired.

Company officials have said details of the new business plan would be announced by the end of May.

Japanese stock markets were closed on Wednesday for the Golden Week holidays.

mh_WRX

05-05-2004, 04:57 PM

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/04/193277.2-lg.jpg

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/04/193277.1-lg.jpg

http://www.autoindex.org/images/news/832/norm_1_orig.jpg

With its combination of state-of-the-art motorsport technology, driving dynamics more familiar from the race-track, captivating styling features and unrivalled exclusivity, the new Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG will set the pulses of car enthusiasts racing that much faster. Limited to a production run of only 100 units, this two-door masterpiece combines an AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine developing 428 kW/582 hp, a newly developed chassis, optionally available sports tyres and aerodynamics optimised in the wind tunnel to deliver a truly exceptional high-performance experience. The AMG thoroughbred accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, and on to an electronically governed maximum speed of 320 km/h. The template for the development of the new CLK DTM AMG was the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK, which Bernd Schneider drove to overall victory in the 2003 German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series and which finished the season as the most successful model in the championship. The fixtures and fittings of the CLK DTM AMG also take their cue from its race-track sibling. Two leather-trimmed AMG sports bucket seats with four-point safety belts ensure unbeatable lateral support, whilst the oval AMG racing steering wheel with suede covering and new AMG instrument cluster with 360 km/h speedometer dial bring extra touches of motor racing allure to the interior. The first examples of the 100-unit limited-edition series will be delivered to customers from autumn 2004.

You need look no further than the exterior design of the new CLK DTM AMG to find the first traces of its racing pedigree, the transfer of high-end motorsport technology to the road given visual expression by the low slung front apron with large cooling air inlets, striking fender flarings, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffusor-look rear section with rear wing, all of which recall the head-turning muscularity of the successful CLK racing touring cars competing in the DTM. Added to which, a host of body components have been constructed from the high-strength and ex-tremely lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced material CFRP.

Under the bonnet lurks a specially revised version of the AMG supercharged eight-cylinder engine familiar from the SL 55 AMG, featuring modifications to the crank-case, pistons, valve train, cooling system, intake duct, supercharger and exhaust system. The AMG V8 engine develops 428 kW/582 hp at 6100 rpm from its 5439-cc displacement, with peak torque of 800 Newton metres available from 3500 rpm.

Performance comparable with a super sports car

Boasting instant accelerator response, impressive torque development, free-revving vivacity and an unmistakeable V8 soundtrack, the wonderfully powerful AMG 5.5-litre supercharged V8 at the heart of the CLK DTM AMG was born to deliver performance characteristics normally the preserve of super sports cars. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h vanishes in only 3.9 seconds on the way to an electronically governed maximum speed of 320 km/h.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission injects further doses of motor-racing magic into the new arrival. The driver changes gear with a short dab of the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, the amazingly short shift times pushing back the boundaries of sporty driving and dynamic feel.

Newly developed spring and shock absorber units with adjustable coil springs, plus a locking differential on the rear axle

The chassis, meanwhile, is a more than worthy complement to the beguiling muscle of the powertrain. Already a firm fixture on the race-track, height-adjustable spring and shock absorber units with adjustable coil springs are also an integral feature of the new road car. The rear axle has been redesigned to include totally new spring links and hub carriers, as well as reinforced drive shafts. Uniball joints on both axles replace rubber elements and imbue the car’s driving characteristics with unrivalled precision. A multiple-disc limited-slip differential at the rear axle ensures optimum traction, whilst Acceleration Skid Control ASR and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® have been adjusted to take into account the enhanced levels of performance.

Optional Dunlop sports tyres offer exceptional grip

Optionally available sports tyres from DTM motorsport partner Dunlop (225/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear) help the car maintain unrivalled contact with the road surface. These tyres offer particularly high levels of grip and are fitted on multi-piece AMG light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design (front: 9 x 19, rear: 10 x 20) which have been developed exclusively for the CLK DTM AMG. Their visually alluring spokes are extremely effective not only when it comes to turning heads, but also in providing ventilation for the brakes. And the newly developed AMG high-performance composite braking system with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and four-piston fixed callipers at the rear can be relied on to ensure flawless deceleration.

Functional racing-car ambience in the interior

Once inside the CLK DTM AMG, the driver is struck by a functional racing ambience laced with the trademark exclusivity of AMG high-performance cars. Two leather AMG sports bucket seats made from exceptionally lightweight CFRP and fitted with four-point safety belts offer the two occupants optimum lateral support, whilst the thick and oval-shaped rim of the high-grip suede-trimmed AMG racing steering wheel helps to transmit a particularly acute feel for the car. The door panels are made from CFRP, as are many other elements of the interior such as the instrument cluster. The newly designed centre console boasts a selection of eye-catching features, including the silver-coloured selector lever surround, the starter button, four rocker switches for auxiliary functions and a badge bearing the vehicle number.

The racing credentials of the CLK DTM AMG have not in any way diluted its adher-ence to the hallmark virtues shared by all Mercedes models – practicality, durability, safety, quality and service all meet the highest standards. The racing-inspired AMG Coupé will be built by hand as part of a close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and H.W.A. GmbH. One of the most successful touring car racing teams of all time, H.W.A. GmbH is also responsible for the development and running of the new C-Class DTM cars. The first examples of the 100-unit limited-edition CLK DTM AMG will be delivered to customers from autumn 2004. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is responsible for marketing, sales and service activities relating to the new car.

Alpha1

05-05-2004, 05:00 PM

2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE
ON SALE: Fall 2005
BASE PRICE: $19,995 (est.)
POWERTRAIN: 2.4-liter, 170-hp, 170-lb-ft I4; rwd, five-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 2860 pounds
0 TO 60 MPH: 7.2 seconds

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0503/0503Solstice1_main.jpg

The steady, cold rain from the night before had dried up, but heavy gray skies still threatened, giving us a taste of a typical late-winter day in southern England. The weather can be dicey-temperatures can climb into the 50s in the afternoon but just as easily drop to near freezing. Add in for good measure the aforementioned rain. Weather was important because we had come to Surrey and Sussex counties south of London to drive convertibles, and unless the skies opened back up and unleashed another deluge, we were determined to drive with the top down. We brought an extra wool sweater and a Gore-Tex jacket, just in case.

So why go to England, where in February you can go days-maybe even weeks-without seeing the sun, to drive convertibles? The simple answer is because that's where General Motors offered us the first drive of the Pontiac Solstice.

Solstice is the hot project at GM. Talk all you want about all the other cars GM has in the pipeline, from Chevy's new Cobalt small car to the sixth-generation Corvette, but inside the company Solstice is the one everyone is watching. It represents a new way of doing business for GM. It is the first car to be built on a new rwd (Kappa) architecture, and it's the first car, from concept to production, with product czar Bob Lutz's fingerprints all over it (AW, Feb. 2). Also, the car is 18 months away from production, so we're driving it very early.

Solstice had one of the shortest gestation periods in GM's (and much of the car world's) history, going from computer math design to foam model in 21 days. Just 15 weeks later it rolled onto a Detroit stage as a concept car. It was the darling of the 2002 North American International Auto Show, snagging our Best in Show award. We weren't the only ones who liked the car. The public loved it, too, and GM began the process to make the concept a reality.

"THE F WORD STILL HAUNTS THE halls of GM," said Doug Parks, chief engineer for small cars, referring to the Pontiac Fiero, the two-seat, mid-engine sports car that lived a short, unfulfilled life from 1984 to '89. "The Solstice absolutely has to perform as well as it looks. That was the Fiero's problem... it never delivered on its looks until it was too late. The expectations are higher for this project than for anything I've been associated with at GM," Parks said. "Expectations are through the roof. It has to be right, right out of the box."

Driving the Solstice around the Goodwood Motor Circuit was an experience completely different from hutling the Triumph TR3a, above, around the track.

Those great expectations were what brought us to England, driving a car that won't go on sale for quite some time yet. Parks said a typical new car program allows just three months from the time testing cars made with production tools is finished, until actual production begins. With the Solstice he will have nearly a year.

"We're changing a lot of paradigms within GM-doing things a lot differently with this car," Parks said. "Everyone is watching."

A couple of weeks before our arrival, two engineering cars and a couple of engineers were sent to the United Kingdom to test chassis and suspension on narrow, twisty, undulating country roads, adding to the thousands of development miles Solstice has covered on tracks and public roads in Europe and the United States.

Our mission was to evaluate the ride and handling, with one of the cars at "85 percent of what we believe will be the finished setup," according to Parks, and the other at about 75 percent. The interior panels were crude, to say the least, and the flat-black-painted steel body panels were merely window dressing-the final tooling has not been done-but this was our first look at the car's folding convertible top. Although a prototype, it gave us a good indication as to how it will look and function. And as we said, despite the mercury hovering in the mid-30s, we came to England to drive a convertible-with the top down.
GM engineers brief the Solstice drivers in Dunlop Mac's Bungalow at Brooklands.

With just two Solstices for five journalists wanting wheel time, there appeared to be a scheduling problem. Being in England, where sports roadsters flourished in the 1950s and '60s, GM arranged for four examples of British roadsters to occupy our time between Solstice drives: a 1960 Triumph TR3a, a 1967 Triumph TR4a, a 1969 MGB and a 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint. And while we looked forward to driving these classic cars, it was the Solstice we wanted.

Our first look at the two Solstices we would drive came at Brooklands, site of the world's first closed-course auto racing track. It opened in 1907, two years before the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Long since closed as a track-the racing surface was torn up and trees planted to camouflage the area from German bombers in World War II-Brooklands is now the site of a museum housing a collection of race cars, airplanes and memorabilia.

Even though the car is a two-seater, Solstice seems bigger than what you'd expect, and in comparison to the British roadsters mentioned above, it's a giant. In reality, Solstice is big for a car in its class. Compared to the Mazda Miata, Solstice is two inches longer, more than four inches wider and two inches taller. Solstice's wheelbase is nearly six inches longer than Miata's. And just to put Solstice into perspective, it's just one inch narrower than the new Corvette, with a track just two inches narrower.
Solstice is the first north-south installation of an Ecotec powertrain.

Before letting us slip in behind the wheel, the GM engineers folded down the mechanical top. The process starts by twisting a latch on the inside that releases the top from the header, and then opening the trunk in reverse fashion. There are a couple of wings at the rear of the top that fold inward, and then you're ready to fold the top down into the trunk. After the top is stowed, the trunk lid can be closed and the finished look is clean with no need for a boot. There is very little cargo room in the car, even with the top up. There is no space behind the seats for any storage, so unless a cargo rack is added, judicious packing is required for even weekend trips. Don't even think of bringing your golf clubs.

Solstice's larger size was welcomed when getting behind the wheel. At a bit more than six feet tall, we had no problem finding a comfortable driving position with decent legroom and great shoulder room. At no time did we feel cramped or uncomfortable.

With the top secured in the trunk and after a brief talk with Steve Padilla, our co-driver and Solstice's vehicle dynamics performance engineer, we lit the 2.4-liter I4 Ecotec, found first gear and set off into the chilly English countryside.

One of the first things you notice is a rather bulbous hood that limits your ability to see the edge of the road, a minor irritation compounded by driving left-hand-drive (American) cars on the left-hand side of the road. The co-driver on this trip was as important as in the World Rally Championship. Also, with the flared headrest bumps behind the seats, rear vision is blocked while looking over your right shoulder. Seats in our test cars were not production units and seemed a bit too low, further increasing our inability to see out.

While the chassis and suspension still had work to be done on them, the driveline is set. The 2.4-liter engine produces 170 hp at 6400 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to an Aisin five-speed manual transmission we enjoyed working through a short-throw shifter. The clutch take-up was good and while the shifter action wasn't quite the snick-snick movement of a Honda S2000's, it's the best-feeling GM shifter-short of maybe a Z06's Tremac T56-we can remember operating. It is worth noting this is the first north-south installation of an Ecotec powertrain, so there is no need for the extensive shift linkage as in a fwd, transverse-mounted installation. Another reason to love rwd.
The Solstice's roomy interior can easily handle the six footers.

The engine felt strong, easily propelling the 2860-pound car, with an aggressive exhaust note. The 2.4-liter is a good starting point, especially for a car that will sticker at $19,995. At no time did the car feel underpowered, and we drove many miles on the twisty roads in second and third gear, keeping the revs in the sweet spot, enjoying the engine noise echoing off the trees and rolling hills. At speed, we were able to carry on a conversation with our passenger.

GM engineers wouldn't reveal details, but they let on there will be more thrust available at some point. The 2.0-liter, 205-hp supercharged version of the Ecotec, now available in the Saturn Ion Red Line and the upcoming Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged, could be offered. And when we reminded the engineers a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec is making more than 1000 hp in the NHRA's sport compact series, they just smiled. We smiled, too, at the thought of even half, or a quarter of that power in this little car.

The Surrey and Sussex roads were a good choice to test the chassis and suspension, with lots of off-camber turns that twist the chassis and a lot of undulations that work the suspension hard, keeping the driver busy with the wheel. Solstice has four-wheel independent suspension with coil-over monotube shocks, and 18-inch alumi-num wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle RS-A P245/45 rubber. In the 85 percent car, we found the suspension firm but not harsh, easily smoothing out much of the roughness of the road. The setup needs to be firm enough for sporty driving but comfortable enough for simple cruising, a balance that still needs to be worked out. Turn-in was crisp, but it still was not quite as nimble as the aforementioned Miata or S2000. And Padilla noted S2000 is a target for Solstice handling.

The 75 percent car seemed a bit softer, with Padilla admitting they didn't bring as many suspension components to England as they would have liked to, with only one car getting all the updates. The mostly aluminum chassis seemed superb, with no indication of any flex over the rough roads.

Solstice's rack-and-pinion steering is quick and responsive, and the engineers admitted it has received much fine-tuning. The steering rack is solid-mounted and there is no isolation in the system, giving the driver as direct a link to the front wheels as you can get. The steering has good on-center feel but the effort was too light, a condition that became even more apparent on our second day of driving around the fast, 2.4-mile Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Though we were limited to a 75-mph top speed-or a speed close to that-we found Solstice to have good track manners, and the four-wheel disc brakes worked well. Driving Solstice back-to-back with some of the classic British roadsters made us wonder who came up with the phrase, "the good old days." The vintage cars certainly looked great and were a lot of fun to muscle around thetrack-especially the 1500-pound Lotus, a car you wear as much as you drive-but as far as ride and handling character-istics are concerned, we like the cars of today.

One of the engineers likened our early Solstice drives to getting a taste of the batter before the cake is baked. Well, the batter tastes pretty good, and we can't wait to sample the cake after it has been frosted

mh_WRX

05-05-2004, 05:08 PM

Alpha1,
The same article is posted at the top of the page.

mh_WRX

05-05-2004, 05:08 PM

2004's Top 20 Selling Vehicles in U.S. January - April

DETROIT, May 4, 2004; Reuters compiled the the 20
top-selling vehicles in the U.S. through April of 2004 as
reported by the automakers.
Total sales of the top 20 vehicles rose 0.5 percent or 8,875
units to 1,828,802.
Following is a list of the top-20 selling vehicles, ranked by
total units.
1 Ford F-Series pickup 279,187 252,543 1 +10.6
2 Chevy Silverado-C/K pickup 207,891 202,064 2 +2.9
3 Dodge Ram pickup 136,129 133,112 5 +2.3
4 Toyota Camry 130,647 126,799 4 +3.0
5 Honda Accord 114,492 125,849 3 -9.0
6 Ford Explorer 111,460 111,778 6 -0.3
7 Toyota Corolla/Matrix 102,775 106,536 9 -3.5
8 Honda Civic 100,626 98,836 8 +1.8
9 Ford Taurus 96,583 114,363 7 -15.5
10 Chevrolet Impala 94,773 83,272 13 +13.8
11 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 81,217 74,252 14 +9.4
12 Dodge Caravan 80,020 86,614 19 -7.6
13 Nissan Altima 78,625 63,183 15 +24.4
14 Chevrolet Cavalier 67,278 70,629 11 -4.7
15 Ford Focus 66,414 78,307 12 -15.2
16 Jeep Grand Cherokee 64,200 58,710 18 +9.4
17 GMC Sierra pickup 62,533 57,361 17 +9.0
18 Ford Escape 59,021 47,998 N/A +23.0
19 Ford Econoline 58,392 54,964 N/A +6.2
20 Ford Ranger pickup 57,958 73,694 10 -21.4

Alpha1

05-05-2004, 05:39 PM

http://www.carbc.com/news2/highres/mxmicro-01.jpg

Posted by: Justin on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 03:01 PM PST

Yet another Mazda concept car has cut the mustard and made it to production. So far, of the MX-branded concept cars, many have made the leap to full-scale mass production, and not just to local markets. The MX-Runabout became the Mazda Demio/2, the MX-Sportif became the Mazda Axela/3, and this year's Mazda MX-Micro Sport is about to become the Mazda Verita. It's simply amazing at the progress that automobile manufacturers can make with a few month's preparation time: the tiny red four-door hatchback made its world debut at Detroit, will be on sale in Japan shortly.

MX-Micro Sport (shown here) concept is now being prepared for full-scale production.

The name Versia is made up of a combination of two words, the first 'verita' which means 'truth' in Italian, and the English word 'satisfaction'. Neither reflects the car's sporty exterior, nor the car's Japanese background. The Versia will make it onto showroom floors with a 1.5 liter 113 horsepower, 103 lb-ft inline four that features variable valve timing - the same as what is featured on top of the line Demios/2. This takes the place of the 2.0 liter 146 hp motor featured in the concept car. The Versia comes equipped standard with keyless entry, and can be optioned with a 20 gigabyte hard drive for about 3,000 MP3s. Photos will come close to the car's debut this summer.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2004/Chrysler/100330169/023941-E.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2004/Chrysler/100076303/002837-E.jpg

The new Mazda 2 (Versia) is destined to be another successful offering from Mazda. With the optional 150hp 2.0 MZR powerplant this little box is going to rock and provide a performance value beyond anything available in the sub-compact market.

There is the potentual that Mazda could follow the path of Chrysler with the PT Cruiser and its new sister car, the PT Convertible; with a Versia Cabrio.

A 2.0 liter Versia Cabrio would provide a four seat ragtop comparable to the Mini Cabrio with performance somewhere between the base and S Mini's. All this could be brought to market retail priced under $20,000.

Again making Mazda the preeminent seller of Convertibles in the US market with the Versia Cabrio and new Miata leading this charge. This is a good place for Mazda to be and again exposes Subaru's need to expand it's model lineup as rapidly as possible. Alpha1

http://www.bmwworld.com/images/cars/mini/cabrio_red_300.jpg http://www.bmwworld.com/images/cars/mini/cabrio_silver_300.jpg

reks

05-06-2004, 01:58 AM

I doubt that Subaru could compete in the convertible market. Expanding into it would be a wasteful if not suicidal venture.

Beaverboy

05-06-2004, 09:40 AM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
http://www.autoindex.org/images/news/832/norm_1_orig.jpg

:eek: *drool*

Attn Subaru. That is how you flare a fender. :p

Originally posted by Alpha1
"THE F WORD STILL HAUNTS THE halls of GM," said Doug Parks, chief engineer for small cars, referring to the Pontiac Fiero, the two-seat, mid-engine sports car that lived a short, unfulfilled life from 1984 to '89. "The Solstice absolutely has to perform as well as it looks. That was the Fiero's problem... it never delivered on its looks until it was too late [...]," Parks said.

Not to mention the Fiero's afinity to throw a rod (lots of defective rods from the factory) and ignite it's plasic & fiberglass body.. In many ways, the Fiero did live up to it's name. :cool:

mh_WRX

05-06-2004, 10:12 AM

Mitsubishi Motors Raided by Police on Truck Accident
Tokyo May 6, 2004; Bloomberg reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and affiliate Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. were raided by police investigating whether the automakers falsified reports on faults blamed for 50 accidents and one death, police said. Mitsubishi Motors stock fell 7 percent.

The raid on the companies' head offices in Tokyo was part of a probe into possible false reports to the transport ministry about design flaws in the wheel hubs of Fuso trucks and buses, the Kanagawa police said.

The raid is the latest sign Japan's fourth-largest carmaker, 37 percent owned by DaimlerChrysler AG, failed to improve quality procedures after the discovery of 20 years of hidden customer complaints prompted a 2 million vehicle recall in 2000 and 2001. DaimlerChrysler, which has refused to spend more on Mitsubishi Motors, raised its stake in Fuso to 65 percent in March.

``This raises fresh safety and quality concerns at Mitsubishi Motors,'' said Yasuhiro Matsumoto, a credit analyst at BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Ltd. in Tokyo. ``The bad image may be passed on to Mitsubishi Motors,'' because the problems arose while Fuso was still part of the automaker and the two companies still share the Mitsubishi brand.

Shares of Mitsubishi Motors fell as low as 254 yen and traded at 257 yen as of 1:14 p.m. in Tokyo. Shares of Fuso, which separated from Mitsubishi Motors in January 2003, aren't publicly traded.

coolbluelb

05-06-2004, 11:34 AM

Tokyo May 6, 2004; Bloomberg reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and affiliate Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. were raided by police investigating whether the automakers falsified reports on faults blamed for 50 accidents and one death, police said. Mitsubishi Motors stock fell 7 percent.

The raid on the companies' head offices in Tokyo was part of a probe into possible false reports to the transport ministry about design flaws in the wheel hubs of Fuso trucks and buses, the Kanagawa police said.

The raid is the latest sign Japan's fourth-largest carmaker, 37 percent owned by DaimlerChrysler AG, failed to improve quality procedures after the discovery of 20 years of hidden customer complaints prompted a 2 million vehicle recall in 2000 and 2001. DaimlerChrysler, which has refused to spend more on Mitsubishi Motors, raised its stake in Fuso to 65 percent in March.

``This raises fresh safety and quality concerns at Mitsubishi Motors,'' said Yasuhiro Matsumoto, a credit analyst at BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Ltd. in Tokyo. ``The bad image may be passed on to Mitsubishi Motors,'' because the problems arose while Fuso was still part of the automaker and the two companies still share the Mitsubishi brand.

Shares of Mitsubishi Motors fell as low as 254 yen and traded at 257 yen as of 1:14 p.m. in Tokyo. Shares of Fuso, which separated from Mitsubishi Motors in January 2003, aren't publicly traded.

mh_WRX

05-06-2004, 11:57 AM

Police arrest 7 former Mitsubishi executives

Reuters / May 06, 2004

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japanese police on Thursday arrested seven former Mitsubishi Motors Corp. executives suspected of professional negligence and falsifying reports about a faulty truck hub blamed for one death and dozens of accidents, media said.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp, an unlisted truckmaker owned 65 percent by DaimlerChrysler AG and 20 percent by Mitsubishi Motors, admitted in March that a design defect had been responsible for more than 50 truck accidents since 1992 and recalled 112,000 trucks in Japan.

Until then, it had blamed improper maintenance by users for the wheel hub problems.

The case comes at a bad time for Mitsubishi Motors, which is struggling to revive itself after its biggest shareholder, DaimlerChrysler, refused to offer it further financial support.

The incident is also expected to damage Mitsubishi's brand image, already tainted by a similar recall scandal four years ago when an insider's tip revealed the automaker had been hiding customer complaints illegally for more than two decades.

Mitsubishi Motors eventually recalled more than 2 million vehicles and was fined $36,790, the maximum penalty available.

A spokesman at the Kanagawa prefectural police confirmed the arrest of seven former executives but declined to identify them or say why they were being held. Local media said former Fuso chairman Takashi Usami, who resigned last month, was among the seven.

A spokesman for DaimlerChrysler said no current or former DaimlerChrysler employees were among those arrested. Mitsubishi Fuso's current CEO is Wilfried Porth, a former DaimlerChrysler executive.

DaimlerChrysler has spent about $1.26 billion for its controlling stake in Mitsubishi Fuso, which was formed from the spinoff of Mitsubishi Motors' truck and bus operations in March 2003. Daimler bought a 43 percent stake at that time and another 22 percent earlier this year.

The profitable Japanese truckmaker remains a key part of DaimlerChrysler's Asian strategy, despite the German automaker's retreat from Mitsubishi Motors.

"EXTREMELY EVIL"

Japan's Transport Ministry separately filed a criminal complaint with the police against Mitsubishi Motors and five former and current executives involved in the incident for falsifying reports.

"It is truly regrettable that Mitsubishi Motors has committed the same crime despite having been prosecuted and punished in 2000 for filing false reports," Land and Transport Minister Nobuteru Ishihara said in a statement.

"They falsified the reports to escape recalling the vehicles, and that is an extremely evil act," he added.

Police raided Fuso's headquarters in connection with the accident in 2002 that killed a woman and injured her two sons. The three were hit by a wheel that came loose from a Fuso truck.

"We deeply regret this third search, (but) we are fully cooperating with the investigations," Fuso said in a statement.

The company declined further comment, but a spokesman said Fuso Chairman Michio Hori and Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and President Yoichiro Okazaki would hold a news conference to brief on the arrests and related matters.

Kyodo news agency said police also planned to file criminal charges against Mitsubishi Motors on suspicion of failing to carry out adequate safety measures to prevent the fatal accident.

mh_WRX

05-06-2004, 11:58 AM

BigElm

05-06-2004, 01:20 PM

^ Think DC had an 'inside tip' something was going down and they backed out sooner than later?

I wouldn't doubt it...

mh_WRX

05-06-2004, 03:09 PM

http://www.fastdrive.org/e107_images/rs32.jpg

http://www.fastdrive.org/e107_images/rs3.jpg

The most powerful, most capable – and most desirable – variant of Audi’s latest A3 has finally been granted the production green light by the German car maker’s chairman, Martin Winterkorn.

Set to receive RS3 badges, Ingolstadt’s new 350bhp rocket will bypass the traditional hot-hatch brigade and land directly in the territory occupied today by the Subaru Impreza WRX, at last providing Europe with a worthy rival to the iconic rally-bred Japanese saloon.
Engineers at Audi’s Sport division – the same team responsible for the ’Bahn-storming RS4 and RS6 – have already started developing the new car, which is planned to reach the UK by mid-2006 in hatchback and Sportback estate bodystyles, as previewed by our exclusive images.
But before the new £35,000 über-hatch lands here, Audi plans to unleash a milder S3 model running a naturally aspirated 280bhp version of the same 3.2-litre V6. Aimed at cars like the Ford Focus RS, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA and Volkswagen Golf R32, it will arrive in 2005 priced around £26,000, according to well-placed Audi sources.

Yet while the S3’s launch is eagerly anticipated on these shores, it is the more aggressive RS3 that will make the bigger headlines. With a state-of-the-art turbocharged powerplant and an advanced four-wheel drive system capable of constantly varying the drive to each axle, it promises to deliver supercar-slaying performance for the price of a well-kitted executive car.
Recent hot Audi models have been big on stealth, with little more than a handful of styling modifications hinting at the huge performance that lies beneath. The RS3 continues this tradition with an inherently muscular but hardly flamboyant appearance that’s dominated by Audi’s imposing new shield grille positioned up front, as seen on the recently introduced A6 and A8 W12. It will quickly become a trademark of all Audi models.
Among the changes over the standard A3 are a deep spoiler with a trio of large air ducts, more heavily flared wheelarches, wider side sills under the doors, an additional spoiler atop the rear hatch and an extended rear bumper that’s designed to draw air more cleanly from underneath.
Insiders say that these styling modifications – whose aerodynamic characteristics have been carefully honed in Audi’s own wind tunnel – might be subtle, but they all serve a particular purpose, rather than merely enhancing the looks.
These purposeful looks are backed up by the sort of firepower rarely seen in the hatchback ranks. Under the RS3’s bonnet lurks a heavily refettled version of the Volkswagen Group’s 24-valve 3.2-litre V6, as used in today’s top-of-the-range A3.
Mounted transversely, the compact 15-degree unit has been upgraded with the inclusion of Audi’s advanced FSI (fuel stratified injection) direct-injection tech and, in keeping with earlier models to wear the illustrious RS badge, it is also turbocharged.
The result is an appreciable 100bhp jump over the output of today’s 3.2-litre V6, highly placed Audi sources confirm. They hint the upcoming RS3 is likely to serve a tantalising 350bhp in final production trim. With a target weight of 1560kg, this means a power-to-weight ratio close to 225bhp per tonne – an impressive 30bhp per tonne more than Subaru claims for the Japanese-spec Impreza WRX STi. Torque should also be prodigious, swelling from an already impressive 250lb ft to more than 335lb ft.
It won’t only be the engine that places the RS3 at the top of enthusiasts’ shopping lists. In keeping with recent fast Audis, the new car will adopt a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox with a paddle nudge-shift manual over-ride.
Drive is channeled through an electronically controlled multi-plate Haldex clutch. It apportions power to all four wheels, continuously alternating the split from zero to 100 per cent for optimum traction regardless of the conditions.
With the advanced driveline dishing up such high levels of traction, acceleration should be at least as good as that of the giant-killing Impreza WRX. It’s still too early for final figures, but an Autocar engineering source privy to early technical data revealed the RS3 will receive a 3.6:1 final drive ratio and should run 0-60mph in under 5.0sec – almost 2.0sec faster than today’s fastest A3.
Top speed will be limited to 155mph, like all of Audi’s high-end models. Without the restrictor, the true figure is said to be closer to 170mph.
Forming the basis of the RS3 is a reworked version of the Volkswagen Group’s versatile PQ35 Golf chassis. Suspension geometry remains the same as lesser A3 models, but engineers have introduced new levels of tautness to the MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension.
The changes are predictable and in line with recent hot Audi models: stiffer springs and dampers, less compliant bushes, beefed up anti-roll bars, reduced ride height and widened tracks. Underneath the flared wheelarches lurk purposeful 235/40 profile tyres on 18-inch alloys.
The A3’s electrically assisted power steering will be carried over without any significant changes, but the brakes will be heavily upgraded with a similar disc and caliper pairing as that seen on the discontinued RS4, according to Autocar sources.
Inside, the RS3 will pamper its occupants with a high level of luxury by traditional fast hatchback standards. Among the items prospective buyers can expect are heavily contoured Recaro sports seats offering a higher level of lateral support than standard A3 pews, alongside typical RS elements such as unique instrument graphics and subtle changes in the dashboard trim.
Our artist’s impressions show a three-door RS3 hatchback, but this summer’s new five-door Sportback estate will also come in hot RS3 form (right). The Sportback range will be unveiled this summer and go on sale in the autumn. It’s designed more as a lifestyle estate than an out-and-out load lugger. However, with a boot of around 400 litres, it offers an extra 50 litres of space compared to the hatchback. It shares a wheelbase with the three-door, but adds an extra 100mm in the rear overhang.
The S3 hot hatch will be assembled at Audi’s sprawling Ingolstadt headquarters, while the more potent RS3 will be built at the firm’s increasingly active Sport division base in Neckarsulm – the same facility responsible for the assembly of the RS4 and RS6 and a limited run of Lamborghini Gallardos.
Production volumes aren’t yet decided, but it appears that Audi’s earlier strategy of restricting RS numbers will be dropped for higher volumes – and therefore higher profits

Thursday 06 May 2004 - 05:35:23

Achilles38WRX

05-06-2004, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Beaverboy
:eek: *drool*

Attn Subaru. That is how you flare a fender. :p

ack! looks like a cheap boy racer body kit. what next altezza lights and spinner wheels?

AWDPilot

05-06-2004, 03:39 PM

Umm no, I think you miss the part where these are actully functional and mold with the rest of the body work.

Redneck Ricer

05-06-2004, 03:42 PM

Originally posted by gibjer
Umm no, I think you miss the part where these are actully functional and mold with the rest of the body work.

and fromt he looks of it, act as a brake cooling duct for the rear brakes :)

I WANT I WANT IWANT!!

Beaverboy

05-06-2004, 04:06 PM

D T M != rice
:p

xfader

05-06-2004, 09:18 PM

Has anyone seen any pics of the 2005 Odyssey?

mh_WRX

05-07-2004, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by xfader
Has anyone seen any pics of the 2005 Odyssey?

Yes, do you want them posted?

Achilles38WRX

05-07-2004, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by gibjer
Umm no, I think you miss the part where these are actully functional and mold with the rest of the body work.

they're definitly functional, no doubt about it. they look fine on a real race car. the fender flares just dont posess the typical mercedes "understated elegance." they really do look tacked on, they dont work well with the rest of the car.

i guess its somewhat acceptable since it is derived from the race car, but that doesnt mean i have to like it.

xfader

05-07-2004, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Yes, do you want them posted?

Yeah sure! I've only seen pics of the Elysion.

mh_WRX

05-07-2004, 10:52 AM

There are two schools of rumors :

One is it will be the same as the JDM version, just released:

http://www.auto-g.jp/image.html?image=news/200309/05/newcar03/02_b.jpg
http://response.jp/issue/2003/1019/article54836_1.images/57393.jpg

or it will have a new grill:

http://www.prelude-fan.de/pics/odyssey-2gen.gif

http://img41.photobucket.com/albums/v126/retrolax/odyssey.jpg

Given that the JDM version has already been seen testing in the US, My guess would be one of the top two.

Achilles38WRX

05-07-2004, 01:11 PM

the next oddesy will be based off of the Honda ASM concept:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/03tms_honasm_2.jpg

more:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/03tms_honasm/index1.html

Alpha1

05-07-2004, 06:53 PM

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040507concours-villadeste/images/impression3-19.jpg

May 7, 2004 – André Malraux, the French writer, once stated "If you want to design the future, you must leaf through the past". The concours d'elegance provide excellent opportunities to all manufacturers looking for their roots or, in today's jargon, their DNA. Thus, it is not surprising to see many designers attending such gatherings.

Sponsored by BMW Group, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is located on the idyllic grounds of the hotel of the same name situated on the shore of lake Como in Northern Italy. It differs from most of other similar events in that it has a history dating back to 1929, though it was interrupted for a long period between 1949 and 1995. For comparison, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance started in 1950, whilst the Louis Vuitton Classic had its first edition in 1988.

Spotted amongst the various design personalities attending this years event, held April 24, were Lorenzo Ramaciotti (Pininfarina), who was chairing the jury, Patrick le Quément (Renault), a member of the jury, Wolfgang Egger (Alfa Romeo), Roberto Piatti (Bertone), Shiro Nakamura (Nissan), Andreas Zapatinas (Subaru), Chris Bangle (BMW Group), Ian Cameron (Rolls Royce), Andrea Zagato and, from a different industry, Carl Gustav Magnusson (Knoll furniture). The last four, joined by Chris Dercon (Director of the 'Haus der Kunst' in Munich) and Jean-Marc Droulers (President of the Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Villa d'Este), also staged a design talk moderated by author and journalist Jürgen Lewandowski.

There were also concept cars, all known and already highlighted in Car Design News on the occasion of their introduction at motor shows. Yet, there is quite a difference between seeing them on display inside a hall and discovering them in a more natural environment and in real light.

The Alfa Romeo 8C looked the worthy successor of the marque's most collectible examples, the Bertone Jet2 raised new hopes of a coachbuilder being able to answer the special requests of demanding clients, and the Nissan Jikoo deserved second looks for the lovely preservation of typical Japanese craftsmanship.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040507concours-villadeste/images/alfa-8c451.jpg

The Renault Wind's very clever interior and attention to details were particularly appropriate in the sunny atmosphere and the Rolls Royce 100EX summed it up by including it all, its designers certainly in agreement with André Malraux' suggestion.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040507concours-villadeste/images/renault-wind452.jpg

Main results

- Trofeo BMW Group (Best of Show by the jury): 1957 Ferrari 250 GT cabriolet Pinin Farina
- Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este (Public choice): 1933 Lancia Astura double phaeton Castagna
- Design Award (Public choice): 2003 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

RightyTighty

05-10-2004, 01:04 AM

It's all here. Check it out.

Honda Diesel (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=234399)

Subaru..... you guys taking note of this? I want a boxer diesel!

SUBE555

05-10-2004, 01:18 AM

A Subaru diesel is supposed to be in the works, but we don't know much of anything about it yet.

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 07:54 AM

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8015_image.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8016_image.jpg

As if the 400-horsepower CTS-V Series isn't enough, we photographed General Motors' Performance Division engineers testing an even higher performance version.

Referred to as the CTS-V Series Plus by spectators at the Nürburgring, this CTS mule is said to be powered by a 6.0-liter V-8, and sources are estimating the horsepower to be in the 475-500 range. General Motors is aggressively testing this more powerful CTS, but production plans have not yet been confirmed.

The vehicle show here is actually an older CTS-V mule. The higher-performance CTS-V Plus uses a larger-displacement pushrod small-block engine, so the hood hump should disappear in production.

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 09:40 AM

Hyundai develops long-life 4-cylinder engine
Powertrain also will be used by Chrysler

By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / May 10, 2004

GYUNGGI-DO, Korea - A high-tech engine family with a planned 300,000-mile life span will replace nearly all four-cylinder engines at the Chrysler group, Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Developed by Hyundai, the engine family has three displacements, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liters. Turbocharged versions also will be available, along with a liquid-propane version that at least Hyundai will offer. All versions will be equipped with variable valve timing to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. North American production begins next year in Dundee, Mich.

The new engines will make the Chrysler group's small cars and some other vehicles more fun to drive, providing more horsepower and torque than the Chrysler group's current four-cylinder, which is 11 years old.

Ironically, details of the engine family are emerging as the partnership that made it possible - involving DaimlerChrysler AG, Hyundai and Mitsubishi - is falling apart.

Long life span

Hyundai engineers set a target of 300,000 miles without a major failure, twice the Big 3 target for most engines. But the 300,000-mile target will not be reached for three or four years, says Lee Hyun Soon, Hyundai senior executive vice president for powertrains.

"Some of the component suppliers will not be meeting the target" when Hyundai begins assembly of the engines this year in Korea, Lee says. Some suppliers will require as many as four years to upgrade their plants to meet the higher quality targets.

Hyundai's previous four-cylinder engine had a 180,000-mile target, Lee says. He was interviewed at a Hyundai press event in Gyunggi-Do, Korea, two weeks ago.

Lee says by the time each supplier reaches the quality targets, combined worldwide engine production by the three automakers is expected to reach 2.5 million annually.

Lee says Hyundai reached the 300,000-mile goal by aiming for "tighter quality control, tighter tolerances. Usually we can do that, but it pushes up the costs. But now we have volume to cut costs so we can give (higher specifications) to the supplier."

Lee, a Korean, received master's and doctorate degrees from the State University of New York and worked on advanced engine research for General Motors. He joined Hyundai in 1984.

Hyundai in charge

Lee says the three automakers will assemble the same engines using the same basic components. Some suppliers will differ because of logistical costs, Lee says.

"We control all of the engineering specs," Lee says. "Neither Mitsubishi nor Chrysler can change that because we would like to keep commonality so we can share components."

Chrysler's newest engines are engineered for 150,000 miles without a major failure, says Bruce Coventry, president of Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance in Dundee, Mich. The alliance is the joint venture formed by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi to produce the engines.

The alliance will continue even though DaimlerChrysler decided last month not to provide a multibillion-dollar cash infusion to Mitsubishi. DaimlerChrysler also plans to sell its 10.5 percent stake in Hyundai.

Coventry would not provide a mileage target for the engines.

The engines will be used in Chrysler group vehicles such as the next-generation Dodge Neon and Stratus and eventually in the automaker's minivans and low-end Jeeps. They also will be used in Mitsubishi vehicles.

The Dundee site will have two engine assembly plants, capable of producing a combined total of 840,000 engines. The first Dundee engine plant will open in June 2005. The second will follow in 2006.

Hyundai in Korea will begin engine production this year. Kia Motors Corp., owned by Hyundai, is building another plant for the engines in Korea, and Mitsubishi is constructing a plant in Japan.

Hyundai brand plans 6-model blitz in 3 years

The Hyundai brand's product blitz of six new or redesigned vehicles in the next three years begins this fall.

Hyundai will emphasize safety, quality and value in the new models. For example, six airbags, including side curtain bags, will be standard on the compact 2005 Tucson sport wagon. Stability control will be optional.

The Tucson, which goes on sale this fall, is based on the Elantra platform. Four- and six-cylinder engines will be available. Tucson prices are expected to start at about $17,000. Hyundai is aiming for 50,000 annual U.S. sales.

The Tucson will be followed by the redesigned 2006 Sonata mid-sized sedan, which will be assembled at Hyundai's new plant in Montgomery, Ala. Production begins in May 2005. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord were benchmarked, Heung Soo Lheem, Hyundai's senior vice president for export planning, said at a press event here.

Also coming from Alabama will be the redesigned Santa Fe sport wagon, which is expected to move upmarket in size and price. Seating for seven or eight people is expected. Production begins in January 2006.

While many automakers are engineering plants to assemble several models, Heung Soo Lheem said the Alabama plant will produce just two, the Sonata and Santa Fe. Production capacity is 300,000 units, he said.

The Hyundai brand's first minivan, a redesigned Accent sedan and a redesigned XG350 sedan also will debut during the 36-month period.

A full-line Hyundai
Ambitious automaker looks at big pickup and a luxury channel

Hyundai Motor Co. is considering aggressive moves to expand its U.S. product lineup, plans that might include a luxury brand and a full-sized pickup for Kia.

If approved, the luxury division would get an SUV, a mid-sized sedan and a full-sized sedan, said Lee Hyun Soon, Hyundai Motor's senior vice president of powertrain for Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

Proposals for a luxury brand and full-sized pickup are elements of Hyundai's ambitious expansion plans in the United States.

The company plans to sell 1 million Hyundai-brand vehicles annually in the United States in 2010, about 2½ times last year's sales of 400,221 units.

Only five brands topped 1 million last year - Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge and Honda.

Hyundai Motor also plans to launch six new or redesigned nameplates for the Hyundai brand over the next three years. (See story, Page 36.)

Hyundai Motor is expanding despite DaimlerChrysler AG's plans to sell its 10.5 percent stake in the Korean automaker. Hyundai Motor spokesman Oles Gadacz said Hyundai is not looking for another partner. "We are capable of achieving our goals without any other alliance," he said.

The Hyundai brand's image got a major boost after it scored well on J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study. But company executives are not yet convinced that Americans are ready for a Korean luxury brand.

"Are (buyers) willing to pay more for a Hyundai luxury brand? We are not quite sure," Lee said. "We have spoken to many consulting companies about this point because it is so critical for us. Still, even the consulting companies cannot give us a clear answer."

The marketing costs of launching a brand are enormous, Lee said. The proposed luxury channel, he said, "is one of our headaches. We have to be confident we can build the brand image."

One vehicle for the luxury channel would be the Equus, a large, V-8-powered, rear-drive luxury sedan sold in Korea. The redesigned Equus will debut in Korea in 2006.

If the automaker decides against a separate luxury brand, the Equus would be sold at Hyundai dealerships. The Equus may debut in the United States in 2007.

New pickup?

Hyundai Motor also is studying potential demand for a full-sized pickup. Some at the company have concluded that Hyundai cannot make money on a compact pickup, although Kia displayed a compact concept truck in February at the Chicago Auto Show.

Both Hyundai dealers and Kia dealers would like a pickup, but the full-sized pickup if developed likely would be a Kia.

In a move that hinted at its plans for more trucks, Hyundai Motor America last month hired Ford truck veteran John Krafcik as its top product planner. Krafcik, 42, was named vice president of strategic and product planning. Previously he was chief engineer for the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

"We need somebody who knows product - not only trucks - but also somebody who knows the American market and product," Lee said. "That is why we hired him, not specifically for the pickup truck business."

Significant obstacles stand in the way of a Hyundai or Kia pickup.

The company's assembly plant under construction in Montgomery, Ala., was designed for unibody vehicles, not body-on-frame vehicles such as standard pickups. "That means we have to build a brand new plant," Lee said.

Importing a pickup from Korea is unlikely because it would be subject to the chicken tax, a 25 percent duty on the value of imported pickups.

Lee said the automaker also is observing U.S. reaction to the full-sized Nissan Titan pickup that went on sale last fall. "It is not selling (well) so we would have to be very careful," he said. "Brand loyalty is not that easy for us to get. Timing (for the introduction of a new pickup) is still a big question."

Distinct brands

As models are introduced this decade, the company will begin to differentiate the Hyundai brand from Kia, executives said.

The two product lines now overlap. In the future, Hyundai-brand vehicles generally will have more standard equipment, although their prices will remain similar to Kia's, executives said. Platform sharing will increase, but Hyundai and Kia nameplates eventually will have their own styling themes.

Lee said Kia will have sportier vehicles. Hyundai will chase "a more mature customer." Also, Kia will have more SUVs, and Hyundai will have more cars.

Hyundai vehicles will avoid plastic inside in favor of materials such as fabric and aluminum, said Young Il Kim, senior vice president of strategy coordination.

Hyundai Motor opened a styling center in Namyang, Korea, for the Hyundai and Kia brands last year. Computer lines link it with styling studios in Irvine, Calif.; Russelsheim, Germany; and Chiba, Japan. The centers can review design proposals simultaneously.

Also, Hyundai America will complete a proving ground in California's Mojave Desert late this year and will open an r&d office near Ann Arbor, Mich., next spring.

sooberoo

05-10-2004, 11:52 AM

This is the exact reason as to why I will not consider buying a hybrid car! Remember Honda got 90+ MPG out of a European market Accord (American market TSX)!

Sure it still burns old dinosaurs, but until the hydrogen fuel cell technology is perfected I would be perfectly content driving a car like that (even though it is a Honda)!

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 02:37 PM

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_12mg.jpg

The Money SHot:
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_6mg.jpg

GM TOYS WITH BRINGING BACK CAPRICE - BASED ON A CAR FROM DOWN UNDER
Last big, rear-drive V-8 Chevrolet was produced in 1996

General Motors may revive the Caprice name in North America with a V-8-powered rear-drive sedan called the Chevrolet Caprice Royale.

The new four-door sedan would be a variation on the Caprice that GM's Holden operation sells in Australia now, featuring several North American touches, including the famous Chevrolet bowtie badge on the front. GM has made no secret of its plan to use its far-flung global empire as a source of new cars for North America.

GM has not announced this Caprice for production yet, but is clearly testing the waters by leaving one out for the press to see during a visit to the company's testing grounds in Milford, Michigan.

It was left-hand-drive and had several cosmetic touches that clearly differentiated it from the Australian model.

Should GM decide to produce the Caprice Royale, it would be the biggest car in the Chevrolet fleet, running 5,193 millimetres in length on a 2,939-mm wheelbase and weighing in at about 1,780 kg.

The Caprice uses MacPherson struts up front with a sway bar and progressive-rate coil springs, and a control-link independent rear that also gets a sway bar and coil springs.

It's likely, however, that it would get a suspension retuning before coming to North America.

In the Pontiac GTO, which GM takes from the Holden Monaro, the 5.7-litre V-8 delivers 350 horsepower at 5,200 r.p.m. and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 r.p.m. through a four-speed automatic, so we can probably expect similar output in the Caprice.

There is, of course, a chance that we will not see the Caprice in Canada even if it comes to the United States, because GM of Canada currently does not import the GTO.

GM dropped the Chevrolet Caprice Classic and its sister models, the Cadillac Fleetwood and Buick Roadmaster, when it ended production of its venerable "B-body" line in 1996. The Texas plant where the big rear-drive cars were assembled was converted to truck and sport-utility production.

-----------------------------------------------------------

GM MAY BRING CHEVROLET CAPRICE HERE FROM AUSTRALIA

GM has made no secret of the fact that it plans to use its far-flung global empire as a source of new cars for North America, so it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that the company is working on a V8-powered rear-drive sedan called the Chevrolet Caprice Royale.

The new four-door model will be a variation on the Caprice that GM's Holden operation sells in Australia now, featuring several North American touches, including the famous Chevrolet bowtie badge on the front.

GM has not announced this car for production yet, but I saw one while visiting the company's testing grounds in Milford, Michigan.

It was left-hand drive and has several cosmetic touches that clearly differentiate it from the Australian model.

Should GM decide to produce the Caprice Royale, it will be the biggest car in the Chevrolet fleet, running 5193 mm on a 2939-mm wheelbase and weighing in at about 1780 kg.

The Caprice uses Mac struts up front with a sway bar and progressive-rate coil springs, and a control-link independent rear which also gets a sway bar and coil springs, though it's likely that the Caprice will get a suspension retuning of some sort before it comes to the North America.

In the Pontiac GTO, which GM takes from the Holden Monaro, the 5.7-litre V8 delivers 350 hp at 5200 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm through a four-speed automatic, so we can probably expect something like that in the Caprice.

There is of course a chance that we will not see the Caprice in Canada even if it comes to the U.S., since GM of Canada currently does not import the GTO.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_9mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_2mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_4mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_5mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i18/1893_8mg.jpg

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 03:06 PM

Must be nice to not get one, but two 997 cars to check out.

http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6637643632643637.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3331343266633733.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6435346438376239.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6139306431303961.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3932363665613166.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3132343961306264.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3733396665663035.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6133326132313233.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6366386538356138.jpg

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 03:07 PM

http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6532623538383764.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3130393332353039.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3662356438306536.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6665393734383033.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3931653830323532.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3536343338303564.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3639613933373635.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6366366532646565.jpg
http://www.autocity.com/img/actualidad/galerias/20031209152759gal2.jpg

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 03:08 PM

http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3439666564363639.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_6337616561623062.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_6661643361623732.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3337303238353262.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_6265636663346361.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3034613233346537.jpg

mh_WRX

05-10-2004, 03:08 PM

http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3263653837666537.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_6139366631653931.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3936306462646161.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_3461646633353862.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/79/650379/400_6261653134366336.jpg

Alpha1

05-10-2004, 04:54 PM

http://www.carbc.com/news2/highres/300cdiesel-02.jpg

An American werewolf in Paris? The Chrysler 300C just might be that, but hitting many other cities across Europe as Chrysler is officially bringing the 300C to Europe. This very classy executive sedan captures the 300's swagger and style form the '60s without giving up any of the boldness and cleanness of 21st century cars. Like other Chrysler and Jeep products that will be headed to Europe, most motor combinations will be available. In the case of the 300C, two V6s and the Hemi V8 with variable displacement will be featured, but there's a little extra that will head overseas that we won't see here. The motor that won't show up on the ordering options list is a turbodiesel. Surprised? We are.

300C is just arriving in dealers, but you won't be able to get something the Europeans can get...

In order for the 300C to be a success in Europe, it must feature an economic power solution that's refined and powerful. Turbodiesel power is the golden key which will differentiate the 300C from other large American luxury sedans that tried to set foot where gas is liquid gold (namely the Cadillac STS). While all the details on this motor have yet to be released, we have a fair bit of information. This is an all-new motor, not a preexisting powerplant form an associated Daimler Chrysler product. Logically, the 300C should have used one of Benz's current straight sixes, however the nose section of the 300C isn't long enough. Power and torque figures, as well as those of fuel consumption and emissions release have yet to be published.

... namely a state of the art 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel and a wagon.

Although North American Chryslers do not feature turbodiesel motors, their European division have been designing and assembling oil-burners for years, fitting them to Caravans, PT Cruisers and other mass-produced cars. We're certain that this 3.0 liter V6 will be top notch as Benz will be fitting it to its E-Class to gap the bridge between its 2.7, 2.8 and 3.2 liter turbodiesels, as well as other upcoming products. As a large, luxurious cruiser with tons of attitude, Chrysler expects moderate sales of the 300C. After the release of the turbodiesel, and the upcoming Europe-only Touring Wagon model, it is expected that Chrysler will take a strong hold in the upmarket executive segment making cars such as the Opel Signum, Peugeot 607, and even the Audi A6 fearful for their sales.

If this engine option becomes available in the US shortly after the 2006 sulfer diesel mandate, DCX Chrysler unit would have trumped the Auto Industry. This would amount too a 1,2 punch with an afforable fuel efficient V6 turbo diesel and the Ultra performance Hemi V8 powered 300C.

Chrysler has just gone for the jugular.

Currently, regular gas is averaging around $1.80/ gallon. If you don't think that the fullsize 300 sedan and/or Magnum wagon powered by a modern 3.0 liter V6 turbo direct injection diesel is not major, you may need to check your pulse. Alpha1

http://www.carbc.com/Car-News-801.html?POSTNUKESID=e1670eb1f4df980a76dd6404f41ab a28

RightyTighty

05-10-2004, 08:57 PM

The new Honda accord gets over 90 MPG! When will Subaru get a diesel boxer out on the market?

Honda test (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=234399)

Sounds very very promising!

darknightohio

05-10-2004, 09:00 PM

Its actually 76 mpg.

RightyTighty

05-10-2004, 09:07 PM

ohh my bad...

still though, anything over 60 MPG is amazing in my book. I wonder what it's like only filling a car up once every couple of months:p :p :disco:

trinidriver

05-10-2004, 11:58 PM

The 997 looks great. Any guesses on US pricing?

DarkSTaR05

05-11-2004, 07:15 AM

92 mpg imperial, i guess that means on the highway/freeway. anyway, howd they manage to do that?

patmc

05-11-2004, 07:28 AM

I'm pretty sure the 'Imperial MPG' is based on an 'Imperial gallon', as opposed to a 'US' gallon. Same mileage, different math.

Beaverboy

05-11-2004, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by sooberoo
Sure it still burns old dinosaurs, but until the hydrogen fuel cell technology is perfected I would be perfectly content driving a car like that (even though it is a Honda)!

:rolleyes: Where do you think they plan to get all this hydrogen from? Petroleum.

Fuel cell technology is not our saving grace.. it's just GWB's excuse to cut the EPA's budget in favor of continued research into new ways to use oil.

Better to drive a hybrid vehicle today and make a vote with your wallet now.

Mike Wevrick

05-11-2004, 09:30 AM

Yeah; Imperial gallon is 5 qts instead of 4.

That engine is probably a torque-monster too.

When we get the new cleaner diesel here in a few years I think there will be a big boom in them, especially if gas prices stay up.

mh_WRX

05-11-2004, 09:34 AM

along the same lines:

Edmunds.com Names Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
Average Fuel Economy is 19 Miles per Gallon in Cities, 26 on Highways; Average Annual Fuel Expense is $1,310 per Vehicle

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 10 -- Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com/), the Internet's premier resource for automotive information, today announced the most fuel-efficient cars for the 2004 model year(1).

They are:

(1) Honda Insight

(2) Toyota Prius*

(3) Honda Civic Hybrid

(4) Volkswagen Golf TDI
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Volkswagen New Beetle TDI

(5) Honda Civic HX

(6) Toyota Echo

(7) Toyota Corolla

(8) Scion xA

(9) Scion xB

(10) Dodge Neon
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Celica GT*
Toyota Matrix
"It is impressive that the most fuel-efficient vehicles enjoy nearly double the per-gallon mileage of the vehicles lower on the list," remarks Karl Brauer, Editor In Chief of Edmunds.com. "During city driving the Insight and Prius are rated at 60 miles to the gallon, while the vehicles tied for 10th place get 29."

To view the entire list and obtain additional information about the cars referenced, please visit http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/101576/article.html.

Edmunds.com has also determined that the average fuel economy for 2004 model year vehicles is 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 26 mpg on highways.

Additionally, Edmunds.com has found the average fuel expense is $1,310 per vehicle, assuming 15,000 miles are driven per year. On average, cars run up $1,178 in fuel expenses per year while trucks, SUVs and minivans average $1,606 annual fuel costs. The most fuel-efficient segment is coupes priced under $15,000, with an average fuel cost of $843 per year while the least fuel-efficient segment is SUVs priced over $45,000, with an average fuel cost of $1,956 per year. The most popular segments are the sedans priced between $15 - $25,000, with an average annual fuel cost of $1,013, and the large trucks, with an average annual fuel cost of $1,874. For details on fuel costs and other ownership expenses, check Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own(TM) tool at http://www.edmunds.com/ownership.

Edmunds.com expects the market to change drastically in the next couple of years as more manufacturers introduce hybrid vehicles, including SUV and truck models. Awaited as 2005 models are hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford Escape, GMC Sierra, Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander. Additional hybrid vehicles are in development for the 2006 and 2007 model years. Other fuel-saving technologies are also becoming more common, such as the cylinder deactivation systems recently introduced by GM and Chrysler.

(1) Edmunds.com compiled the list based on the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) miles per gallon ratings for city and highway travel,
using the EPA's combined fuel economy formula. No all-electric or
natural gas vehicles were included. All ratings apply to base models
equipped with a manual transmission, except where indicated otherwise
with a single asterisk (*).

R32Guy

05-11-2004, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by Beaverboy
:rolleyes: Where do you think they plan to get all this hydrogen from? Petroleum.

Fuel cell technology is not our saving grace.. it's just GWB's excuse to cut the EPA's budget in favor of continued research into new ways to use oil.

Better to drive a hybrid vehicle today and make a vote with your wallet now.

Actually, I think Iceland has it right. Create electricity from geothermal springs, use the electricity to break Hydrogen out of the water. No petroleum used there.

PBS article (http://www.pbs.org/saf/1403/features/borroni.htm)

BTW, if someone starts building a comfortable family sized hybrid car that does 0-60 in about 6 seconds or less, I'll whip my wallet out no questions asked.:D

bull3964

05-11-2004, 11:51 AM

As impressive as that milage is, look at that performance.

Personally, I would feel unsafe in that car. It can't even get out of it's own way. It takes over 1/4 mile to even make it to 60mph and won't hit 80mph until the mile is almost over. That's like RV slow. Even the prius is at 78mph for the 1/4.

If that made it to US shores (which it never will) it would most likely be the SLOWEST car on the market.

reks

05-11-2004, 12:55 PM

That's great for iceland. It's not going to work for most of the rest of the world.

gumball

05-11-2004, 01:03 PM

Does anyone know why Honda didn't make that the US Accord, and instead bring it over as the Acura TSX? I'm guessing it was too small to compete w/ the Camry. But its way better looking than the US Accord.

ewt

05-11-2004, 01:08 PM

Bull3964,

that 54.198 mph in the quarter mile is the average speed for the entire run, not the trap speed. Someone on Vtec.net did the quick calculation and came up with 16.6 seconds for the 1/4. Not too bad at all :-).

Eric

R32Guy

05-11-2004, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by reks
That's great for iceland. It's not going to work for most of the rest of the world.

Did you read the article, or are you just a post whore?

Iceland uses geothermal springs due to availablilty. The rest of the world can embrace the phenomenal powers at hand. You've probably heard of them...wind, water and sun. Even nuclear is a better alternative to petrol. No matter where in the world you are, there is the potential for a petroleum alternative that creates equal power, and causes less (and in some case no) environmental side-effect. As it is, I believe that most electricity delivered in the US, and most other countries, is deriverd from Nuclear and Water power. Automobiles and home heating are the 2 leading reasons for the current petroleum grapple-hold on the economy.

Hydrogen should be the future, but sadly, in my lifetime it won't.

mh_WRX

05-11-2004, 03:38 PM

Spy Shot: Cadillac CTS-V/STS-V Plus
Cadillac may not be a big name in the UK, but Stateside, it still aspires to being a player in the luxury sector. These shots show muscled-up Plus versions of the mid-size CTS-V and full-size STS-V saloons testing on the Nurburgring. The current CTS-V, on sale in America, already delivers 400bhp from its V8, but GM has engineered the Plus's V8 to put out nearly 500bhp. Reports suggest the STS-V Plus could develop as much as 700bhp from its tuned version of the Corvette's 6.0-litre V8. 0-60mph shouldn't take much longer than five seconds, for either car. Both ride on versions of GM's rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture; a 4x4 system is also under development, however.

The saloons' brawny looks are undoubtedly eye-catching, though that big raised hood air-intake won't ultimately feature. Both models should handle well thanks to independent front and multilink rear suspension, and considerable time testing on the Nurburgring.

The CTS is one Cadillac product that's a certainty for Europe, though Cadillac hasn't given a date just yet. The STS - GM's riposte to the S-Class and 7-Series - should arrive by 2006. With other big Yank V8 contenders such as the Chrysler 300C and Ford Mustang crossing the water to Europe, are we seeing a revival of American muscle cars? 4Car can't wait to get our hands on a few...

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/C/03-large/Cadillac-STS-V-Plus-01.jpg

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/C/03-large/Cadillac-STS-V-Plus-02.jpg

http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/C/03-large/Cadillac-STS-V-Plus-03.jpg

Alpha1

05-11-2004, 06:04 PM

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/911-Carrera-S-Rear400.jpg

IT MIGHT LOOK LIKE A mildly facelifted version of today's model, but Porsche says its 2005 911 is essentially an all-new car.

On sale across North America this fall, the latest incarnation of Porsche's legendary two-door, codenamed 997, closely adheres to the company's tradition of hiding significant technical innovations beneath familiar-looking sheetmetal.

Under its mildly more muscular styling lurks a stronger horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, a new six-speed gearbox, myriad suspension changes and variable-ratio steering. There's also a friendlier and more comfortable interior, a host of new standard features and additional luggage space (thanks to elimination of the spare tire).

In what represents a major shift in marketing philosophy-one clearly modeled on that of the smaller and cheaper Boxster-Porsche is launching the 2005 911 as two separate models: a base Carrera running a 325-hp 3.6-liter flat six, and a distinctly sportier Carrera S with a 355-hp 3.8-liter flat six. Until now, Porsche has launched every new 911 as a single model and then augmented the lineup with additional variants throughout its model cycle-a practice that led to the 13 variants of the 996.

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/911-Carrera-Front400.jpg

2005 Carrera

Future 997s include Carrera 4 and Cabriolet models in 2005, followed by a Turbo and Carrera 4S in 2006 and race-inspired GT3 and GT2s in 2007. Targa will be phased out due to slow sales and production complexity.

Porsche says the design of the 997 was influenced by the 993 Carrera 4, the last of the air-cooled 911 models. Like all 911 models, styling changes are evolutionary and avoid any radical departure from the classic Ferdinand Alexander "Butzi" Porsche-designed original launched 40 years ago.

Porsche says all body panels except the roof are new. At the front, the corners of the sloping hood are rounded like the Carrera GT to provide a tighter seal. Simpler oval assemblies that sit more vertically on the leading edge of the front fenders replace the teardrop-shaped headlight units of today's model. The front indicators are separated from the headlights and are mounted on the bumper.

The front and rear wheel arches bulge out more to house 18-inch (Carrera) or 19-inch (Carrera S) alloy wheels. Side sills are wider, providing the 997 with a shape reminiscent of the 993 when viewed from above. In the words of one Porsche designer, "The 911 once again has hips."

Taillights wrap further around into the bodywork and are more angular than before. The pop-up spoiler is reworked and incorporates just four cooling slats instead of the seven used on the outgoing model. At 174 inches long and 71 inches wide, the new car is slightly shorter, but 1.5 inches wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase remains at 92.5 inches.

Aerodynamic gains are notable, with the Carrera's co-efficient of drag down from 0.30 to 0.28 in the new model. Lift is marginally reduced for better high-speed stability.

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/911-Carrera-Rear400.jpg

2005 Carrera

For the first time in 21 years, Porsche is providing the regular 911 with engines of differing capacities. The Carrera retains the 3.6-liter engine, but electronic engine management revisions boost power by 10 hp to 325 hp at 6800 rpm, while torque stays at 273 lb-ft at 4250 rpm. For the Carrera S, increased bore pushes the engine to 3.8 liters, with 355 hp at 6600 rpm, and torque topping out at 295 lb-ft at 4600 rpm. Porsche plans to upgrade the 911's engine to incorporate direct-injection, but this is three years away, according to AutoWeek sources.

Mated to the new engines is a six-speed manual gearbox carrying slightly lower ratios. Porsche isn't talking about a rumored six-speed double-clutch gearbox, but the fact that Porsche isn't upgrading its Tiptronic automatic from five speeds to six signals its intention to offer an alternative, and the more advanced double-clutch setup seems likely.

Underneath, 997 employs reworked MacPherson struts in front and a multilink rear suspension. Together with increased front and rear track measurements, it gets new mounting points for the rear suspension arms, increased spring travel and more compliant bushings claimed to better isolate road noise. An optional sports package is available with firmer springs and dampers, reduced ride height and a more aggressive limited-slip differential. Porsche Active Suspension Management, standard on the Carrera S and optional on the Carrera, uses adaptive dampers from Bilstein to continuously alter the level of damping through normal and sport settings. The 997 also gets a speed-sensing variable-ratio power steering system. Brake size increases, with ceramic discs available on the S.

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/911-Carrera-S-Side400.jpg

2005 Carrera S

Porsche claims an 8 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 40 percent increase in bending stiffness due to improved welding processes, better adhesives and additional reinforcements. One drawback: increased weight. The Carrera is 55 pounds heavier, tipping the scales at 3075 pounds, while the Carrera S tops out at 3131 pounds. But with the increase in engine output, power-to-weight ratios remain the same at 1:9.5 for the Carrera and 1:8.8 for the S.

Carrera's 0-to-62-mph time and top speed remain at 5.0 seconds and 177 mph, while the S improves to a claimed 0-to-62-mph time of 4.8 seconds and top speed of 182 mph.

In a move that is set to make the 911 more user-friendly, Porsche has jettisoned the retro interior theme that has been around since the launch of the 996 back in 1996 for a more modern look similar to the Cayenne. A new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach, while the dashboard employs the latest soft-touch plastics and aluminum-look trim.

Pricing for the Carrera starts at $70,065, with the S starting at $79,865.

INFORMATION BELOW PROVIDED BY PORSCHE

Porsche Releases Initial Details of New 911 Models For 2005

ATLANTA, GA, May 11, 2004 – Porsche® today disclosed the first information available on two all-new Porsche 911s destined to be the flagship models for its 2005 sports car lineup. The all-new Porsche 911 Carrera and more powerful 911 Carrera S combine the classic 911 silhouette, a trademark of the model for more than 40 years, with new and more aggressive styling.

Both models feature Porsche’s traditional horizontally opposed flat-six cylinder engines. The 911 Carrera’s 3.6-liter unit produces 325 HP (SAE) while the 911 Carrera S’s larger 3.8-liter power plant develops 355 HP (SAE). Both cars also have a newly developed six-speed gearbox and a reworked chassis, which includes active suspension as standard on the S modelThe new 911 models will go on sale in the second half of 2004. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 911 Carrera is $69,300 US and $101,400 Canadian and for the 911 Carrera S $79,100 US and $115,650 Canadian.

Somethings need to remain similar to the original artical, such is true of the 997. (911) Porsche continues to make the world of sportcars go around.

Thank god for Porsche, what a beautiful car, Alpha1

trinidriver

05-11-2004, 11:09 PM

Thanks Alpha1. Nothing to complain about there, except maybe the variable ratio steering.

west_aust

05-11-2004, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6532623538383764.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3130393332353039.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3662356438306536.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6665393734383033.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3931653830323532.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3536343338303564.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_3639613933373635.jpg
http://www.arcor.de/palb/alben/52/704052/400_6366366532646565.jpg
http://www.autocity.com/img/actualidad/galerias/20031209152759gal2.jpg

spshultz

05-12-2004, 03:13 AM

Out here on I-76 in eastern Colorado I have seen all of the new Dodge Magnums and Chrysler 300's being tested (for the past 4 - 6 months). These cars are bad to the bone. They usually travel in packs of 3 to 5. I just saw a pack of 5 Chryslers on my way to work last night. They all looked just like the picture above.

A pack of 3 Dodge Magnums were stopped in Prospect Valley (which is in BFE). One of the cars was being looked at by the guy in the lead car.

Next time I see them I'm going to stop and ask if I can sit in one or take some pics.

I'm really liking these cars. Wish I had the money.

NicoGamine

05-12-2004, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by spshultz
These cars are bad to the bone. They usually travel in packs of 3 to 5. I just saw a pack of 5 Chryslers on my way to work last night. They all looked just like the picture above.
Someone in my neighbourhood has bought a 300C (see it on my way to the dog park... :) ) and it looks good/bad :) but is much smaller than the pictures make it look, and it is VERY low... nice looking iron...

Nicolas

reks

05-12-2004, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by R32Guy
Did you read the article, or are you just a post whore?

Yes I read the article and many more like it over the years.

There are many environmental consequences for using water and nuclear power which we hear about all the time. When these costs are factored in, these technologies become much less attractive which is a big part of why we don't see more nuclear reactors in this country.

There are reasons why we don't use alternative fuel sources. Some are not available, some simply don't provide enough to be feasible, some are too expensive. Liking the idea of something doesn't nec. make it a good one in practice.

I digress. Back to the news.

coolbluelb

05-12-2004, 11:31 AM

It is a frightening realization that the world's oil supply will likely run out in my lifetime, and there is no viable replacement anywhere on the horizon...

Sorry, I will not take the thread off topic again.

BigElm

05-12-2004, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by coolbluelb
It is a frightening realization that the world's oil supply will likely run out in my lifetime, and there is no viable replacement anywhere on the horizon...

Sorry, I will not take the thread off topic again.

Just saw in the news last night how someone is turning garbage into fuel, which is cleaner, purer and takes less time to process/make than crude oil with less chemical hazards....

Who knows, where this will go...

Sorry I crashed the party... back to topic :)

reks

05-12-2004, 12:14 PM

Changing World Technologies (http://www.changingworldtech.com/)

samagon

05-12-2004, 01:09 PM

staying in the off-topic theme (sorry, I guess no new car news right now)...

I know from personal experience that oil companies own patents to hundreds if not thousands of viable solutions to fossil fuels.

one of my friends fathers is a chemist and came up with a fuel that could replace gasoline today, and burn clean. he sold it to an oil company for about 10 mil.

the reason the oil companies and car companies alike are only looking at one option (fuel cells) is because out of most of the viable solutions, it will offer to retain a huge infrastructure. should be good for the economy I guess.

the media plays it out that this is a huge deal and that we are running out of resources and options. I personally am not worried.

d4d4d4d4

05-12-2004, 01:52 PM

I think you're right. The previous 1/4 time seems un believeably slow. I could accelerate faster than that on my bike.

16-17 sec. 1/4 doesn't sound bad for a car that gets over 60 mpg!

ohh yeah one more thing.... just because a diesel has a low rev limit doesn't make it slow. All that torque is being converted by the tranny into long forward movement so that sweet 1000-2000 RPMS in the rev range last longer than gasoline engines.

Ghostrider600

05-12-2004, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by Blitzkrieg
I tend to agree with nissans stupidity when it comes to the 240sx/silvia. IF they where to bring it over with a turbo 2.0. The car would easily eat into the Z sells. Most people love the heritage of the Z, but hate the weight of the car.

I truly miss driving my old 92 240. That car was a blast to slip, or drift around curves.

BlitZ

P.S. i would sell my scooby in a heart beat in order to purchase a turbo silvia (stock).

^From 2 pages back, but having had the rare pleasure of driving my friend's JDM S15 Aero-R in Kyoto, I would sell my kidney to get an S16 (RWD, turbo, 6MT, SuperHICAS) from the factory.

I've always loved the Silvias, always hated the 240SX for not being what it could be (old ex had one) and with the Drifting craze coming to the US, inspiring kids to go dig 10+ yr old cars out of junkyards (many are 240s) and mod them or import a JDM front clip, it seems entirely unfortunate ("stupid" comes to mind) that Nissan wouldn't give us (finally) a Silvia.

Yes, it'd be close to the Z, but so're the Legacy GT/WRX/STi, close doesn't matter if you carve out a clear demographic--and tons of 240s were bought by secretaries who won't go near the 350Z.

And, the 350Z, with options, IS priced up and above where the Silvia should sit, not to mention the 350 is a heavier car with a different purpose and different target market segment and image.

So, bring it, slot it inbetween the Sentra Spec-V and the 350Z, offer it to the tuner/drift crowd in Spec-R (or V if they want to keep the US tag) trim, and in SE trim for the secretaries, and you'd sell it by the truckload, basically an SRT-4 with RWD....and I'll take the first Spec-V/R Aero Turbo 6MT HICAS you can unload.

Blue please, or graphite.

...if only, eh?

;)

mh_WRX

05-12-2004, 04:50 PM

EPA enters diesel deal with International
WASHINGTON — The EPA says it has developed a diesel engine that would meet near-zero emissions standards without the need for after-treatment devices. The agency has made an agreement with International Truck and Engine Corp. to commercialize the engine for vehicles.

Alpha1

05-12-2004, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
^From 2 pages back, but having had the rare pleasure of driving my friend's JDM S15 Aero-R in Kyoto, I would sell my kidney to get an S16 (RWD, turbo, 6MT, SuperHICAS) from the factory.

I've always loved the Silvias, always hated the 240SX for not being what it could be (old ex had one) and with the Drifting craze coming to the US, inspiring kids to go dig 10+ yr old cars out of junkyards (many are 240s) and mod them or import a JDM front clip, it seems entirely unfortunate ("stupid" comes to mind) that Nissan wouldn't give us (finally) a Silvia.

;)

I grew up in the error of rear wheel drive cars and drifting was a standard affair for the sport driving enthusiast. I am gald that the next generation of sport drivers are returning to the thrill of hanging the tail out. This is why BMW with its rear wheel drive and dynamically balance chassis has historically been regarded as the ultimate driving machine. The return of the compact BMW rear drive 1 & 2 cars promises the tail out thrills for the next generation.

But, BMW won't be alone, Lutz is a car guy and the Kappa platform will offer the abilities of Silvias (240SX) chassis. Once GM figures out that there is a larger market for a sports sedan and/or sport coupe made off the Solstice hardward they will be back in the game.

http://www.autointell.net/nao_companies/general_motors/pontiac/pontiac-solstice/pontiac-solstice-side-640.jpg

DETROIT -- "Keep it simple, pure, and beautiful and it will be easy to love." These were the basic inspirations set down by Bob Lutz, GM's chairman of North American Operations, in creating a "sketch-off" for the first concept vehicle commissioned by GM's new product chief. The call went out at the end of September and by mid-October, the Pontiac Solstice roadster was under development.

The Solstice is powered by a rear-wheel-drive 2.2-liter DOHC supercharged EcoTec four-cylinder engine generating up to 240 horsepower with premium fuel. The supercharger is an off-the-shelf unit supplied right out of the GM Service Parts performance catalog. The engine is mated to a Borg-Warner performance six-speed manual transmission, the same one used in the Corvette.

The Solstice's basic structure started life as a derivative of GM's global small car architecture, with several modifications for structure and balance, including extensive use of aluminum.

The front end uses a simple and reliable strut configuration with a rack-and-pinion steering system derived from the Subaru WRX, one of GM's alliance partners. The all-aluminum independent rear suspension is derived from GMs mid-size crossover SUV family and also doubles as the mount for the rear differential, which was derived from the new GM mid-size SUVs. Unique fabricated drive-shafts power the rear wheels.

http://www.xtremefool.com/cobalt.jpg

This car would have been much nicer, if it where rear wheel drive. Alpha1

mh_WRX

05-13-2004, 10:41 AM

From Today's AutoExpress and TOV:

CIVIC CRX SET TO STORM BACK

There's nothing civilised about the new Civic. With the emphasis firmly on making its family hatchback more sporty than ever, Honda has radical plans for the next-generation car - and they include bringing back the CRX badge.

The mag's exclusive spy picture reveals what the all-new model will look like, and shows another interpretation of the Civic shape that has evolved over the past 30 years. The front end will be more rakish, while the current version's MPV-like styling will be smoothed out into a more conventional hatchback form.

While both three and five-door variants are expected to be available from launch - set for 2006 - Honda is also said to be planning a high-performance flagship coupé. That would wear the CRX badge last used in 1997. All versions are certain to get Type R models, with power outputs in excess of 200bhp. Also expect less extreme cars with plenty of visual impact, but without the high running costs of a hot hatch.

However, there will be more to the new Civic than just driving thrills. Honda knows that a large proportion of buyers still place practicality as their top priority, so the five-door is likely to be one of the most versatile family cars on the market. Adapting design ideas from the Jazz, it is expected to get impressive interior space and rear seats that fold away to leave a completely flat load floor.

mh_WRX

05-13-2004, 10:41 AM

'06 MDX - With all the hubbub of the past few years surrounding the '04 TSX, '04 TL, '05 RL, and ''0? NSX replacement, we've sort of ignored what's going on with the development of the all new MDX, due next year as an '06 model. To be honest, we've heard virtually zilch about it. I would be shocked if Honda isn't planning to offer IMA across the board, in some form or another. The MDX would be a perfect candidate. I would hope to see a strong focus on improving the grade of materials selected for the interior. If all else stays the same, for Pete's sake find better fake wood!

'05 Acura RL - As you probably know by now, a prototype of the production '05 RL is set to be unveiled at next month's New York International Auto Show. As usual, the Temple of VTEC will be in attendance, delivering full coverage. Just recently we've heard some information from several diverse sources and the info seems to be fairly solid. Some of the stuff has already been "confirmed" (by logical interpretation of public statements), but some of it is new. In the first category is the drivetrain - we can say with virtually 100% certainty that it will be a V6 with AWD. The AWD system will almost certainly be based upon the Pilot/MDX's VTM system. One source (in our own forums) goes a step further and reports that the standard torque biasing will be 70/30 front to rear. Current horsepower estimates peg the car at around 300hp. We've heard a number of figures on displacement ranging from 3.4 to 3.8L, but our best guess is that it will use a 3.5L variant of the TL's motor. IMA does not seem to be a part of the equation at the time of launch. Other interesting tidbits: the RL will feature fairly extensive use of aluminum body panels: roof, hood, and trunklid. The car will also continue to build upon Acura's renewed emphasis on performance. The car is said to perform as well or better than the hot '04 TL (recall the TL 6MT's very impressive skidpad and slalom figures). Based upon our sources, it seems the car will be positioned lower than where earlier rumors had it pegged (those rumors indicated it would be a true 7-series, S-class or Lexus LS competitor). While the TL is positioned against the 5-series (yet priced like a 3-series), the RL will very likely fall somewhere in between the 5-series and 7-series in size. Pricing will probably not deviate too far from the current RL's pricing, and the content level will build upon the TL's segment-blasting features. We've heard a few reports that luxury items such as power adjusted rear seats will appear on the RL. It's our understanding that the car's audio system was not developed with ELS. I will personally be surprised if it surpasses the TL's superb ELS system. As in past Legend/RL models, the car's development was carried out almost entirely in Japan and it will be built there as well. update 06.mar: one other item that was rumored to be in the car is "paddle shifters". If true, in all likelihood this means the car has switches mounted on the steering wheel to control the Sportshift function of the automatic transmission - the source of this partiicular rumor did not know anything beyond "paddle shifters".

'05 Acura RSX - The RSX is due for an MMC (minor model change) this fall, and with its current sales pace, it's not a moment too soon. We have only bits and pieces of info on what the MMC will involve and are waiting for more information to corroborate with what we've heard before releasing any info. We can tell you what the RSX needs, however: 220hp 2.0L, 8500rpm, Limited-slip differential, stiffer suspension, lighter vehicle weight, high performance 17" tires wrapped around lightweight BBS wheels, Recaro seats, brembo brakes, Xenon headlights... Seems like Acura could pull it off.

'06 TL - With the '05 RL launching with AWD, does that mean we might be able to get AWD in a TL? We haven't heard anything solid about that yet, but we hope it happens.

Acura Small SUV (RDX?) - There really isn't a lot of info on this vehicle yet. A few sketches have surfaced, the most recent appearing in Mag-X. Contrary to popular belief, it's almost a certainty that the "RDX" will be based upon the global-midsize platform (Accord, TSX, TL, Pilot, MDX, Odyssey) rather than the global-compact platform (Civic, Element,CR-V). Sources indicate that current plans are for it to be produced in Marysville, OH, with some Accord production moving over to East Liberty. In terms of the drivetrain, there's really not much solid info - some people are saying that it will feature a version of the TSX's 2.4L 4-cylinder motor, possibly incorporating IMA-assist, and (of course) AWD. This is pretty much exactly what was shown on the RDX concept, however, so I think things will change by the time we see the production car. Since it will apparently be based upon the global-midsize platform, I would think that a V6 might be offered. If so, I would expect it to be smaller than the MDX's V6. For what it's worth, word has it that development of the "RDX" began in the US, but has since shifted to Japan due to America's R&D resources being focused on the next generation MDX and Pilot development.

'05 TSX - There's not much to say about the '05 TSX. We don't expect any major changes for 2005. The current car is selling very well, so there is no impetus for Acura to change much of anything else. But we like the TSX a lot, and a lot of our nearly 200000(!) monthly readers seem to as well, so I thought I'd include it in this list here. That said, I would be surprised if the '05 car doesn't get the heated outside mirrors that the '04 forgot. The '05 Accord is said to be getting illumination for the redundant controls on the steering wheel and I would hope the TSX would also benefit from such treatment. An A-Spec package is currently under development for the TSX, but we don't have a release date yet (well, thanks to one of our readers, now we do: June, 2004). Our best guess is that it will be ready in time for the '05 model year, and possibly (hopefully) sooner. As for the wishlist, I don't expect to see this feature, but mirrors that dip down when you engage reverse (as in the TL, RL, and MDX) would be a nice touch. As the happy owner of a 2004 TSX, my personal dream would be to get a slightly stiffened TSX with another 40hp and Brembo brakes (and yes, I'm aware there's a TL available with 70 more hp and Brembos). Lose the painted-plastic-posing-as-metal trim. Everything else can carry on as it is. Mr. P., do you hear us? We'll be sure to keep you abreast of any solid developments

'06 Honda Accord - Believe it or not, we've already heard that the '06 Accord will be the subject of some fairly significant changes for its MMC in MY06. Sources indicate that there will be changes to both the front and rear of the vehicle which go beyond the scope of your typical MMC refresh. And yes, we have double checked - this not related to the announcement of the introduction of the IMA system in the '05 Model Accord.

'06 Honda Civic - The current Civic makes a strong case for Honda to return to a 4-year product cycle for its volume passenger car models. What good is it to stretch it out over 5 years if sales wither for the final 24-30 months? At the moment, there is very little to go on in terms of developments for the '06 Civic. Since the Fit seems to be headed to North America, this provides some freedom for Honda to notch the Civic upmarket slightly. It's unknown whether Honda will do this or not. We do not expect to see the D-series motor in the next generation Civic, but what will replace it? The logical answer would be a derivative of the K-series, as currently fitted in the Civic Si. This would make sense in a premium version of the Civic sedan and coupe, but lesser models might make do with a less expensive motor (the K-series is quite sophisticated with DOHC i-VTEC), but we don't know what that might be yet.

'05 Honda Odyssey - Honda's kept a very tight lid on this product. Amazingly, in its 6th and final model year the current Odyssey's sales are only down about 10% from last year's strong pace, a testament to the strength of this product. We expect adherence to the adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", so the new Odyssey will likely be an evolution of the current model, addressing the few shortcomings it has. From a drivetrain perspective, the Odyssey already has best-in-class power, refinement, and acceleration, so we don't see Honda spending too much effort there, with the exception of IMA. It would be a huge coup for Honda if they could get IMA launched on the Odyssey at the very beginning, but the reality is that it might not come until later. There have been mumblings of making AWD available, but not much more than mumblings. This is purely speculative, but it's possible AWD would be part of the IMA setup. NVH improvements will certainly be in the mix. There's still no word on the Odyssey Si model we publicly dared Honda to build.

mh_WRX

05-13-2004, 11:12 AM

testing at Nürburgring.

http://corvetteforum.de/userfiles/icedsoul/c6/P5122464.JPG

Blitzkrieg

05-13-2004, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600

I've always loved the Silvias, always hated the 240SX for not being what it could be (old ex had one) and with the Drifting craze coming to the US, inspiring kids to go dig 10+ yr old cars out of junkyards (many are 240s) and mod them or import a JDM front clip, it seems entirely unfortunate ("stupid" comes to mind) that Nissan wouldn't give us (finally) a Silvia.

And, the 350Z, with options, IS priced up and above where the Silvia should sit, not to mention the 350 is a heavier car with a different purpose and different target market segment and image.

I could only dream of driving a true to form silvia. So im just a tad jealous of your driving experience. I too would have followed the craze of dropping a SR in my car had i not destroyed the engine and under carriage of my car :(. Im still debating weather or not to buy another, coupe, maybe.

You are right that That the Z has a different target image, but i still believe that a true Turbo S16 would just own the other car "stock for stock".

Bah we could argue forever about demographics. Either way nissan should forget about giving us a Turbo Z and give us what I want ;) a car called "silvia!"

Any color damn it just make it loud, RWD, and with a turbo. For crying out loud i would "almost" take the QR out of the Spec V. My old car just had balance like no other, and was just so fun to kick the rear end out on corners. Mmmm need to buy another someday

BlitZ

Ghostrider600

05-13-2004, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by Blitzkrieg
I could only dream of driving a true to form silvia. So im just a tad jealous of your driving experience. I too would have followed the craze of dropping a SR in my car had i not destroyed the engine and under carriage of my car :(. Im still debating weather or not to buy another, coupe, maybe.

You are right that That the Z has a different target image, but i still believe that a true Turbo S16 would just own the other car "stock for stock".

Bah we could argue forever about demographics. Either way nissan should forget about giving us a Turbo Z and give us what I want ;) a car called "silvia!"

Any color damn it just make it loud, RWD, and with a turbo. For crying out loud i would "almost" take the QR out of the Spec V. My old car just had balance like no other, and was just so fun to kick the rear end out on corners. Mmmm need to buy another someday

BlitZ

I actually wanted to buy a JDM Silvia and import it over, but the regulations require waaay too much money for me to make it happen (costs to alter the car to US spec, costs to put up 150% value in bond while it's being modded, costs to test to verify it's up to spec, etc etc.). I contacted an importer in Florida (forget the name atm) who imports JDM-spec Intergras, EVOs, and STIs and asked about the Silvia, but they said that right now there just wasn't enough interest in the car to make it worth their while--plus it's now discontinued, so it'd be a used Silivia, not one of the driven-to-export low mileage cars.

And be glad you never drove one on the twisty, hilly, secondary roads outside the basin of Kyoto, living without one has been torture ever since--and that was in 2001! ;)

As Alpha1 suggest, *maybe* GM can help witha coupe/3door Solstice, or if D-C would only bring us the Razor they tormented us with a few years ago.

There were even old rumors of a (slightly cheaper than the convertable) coupe S2000, but I've never seen anything more on it.

And though there were rumors to the contrary, Mazda has said there will *not* be an RX-7 version of the RX-8.

Someone, somewhere has *got* to get on the entry-level/cheap-and-fun RWD ball, and I still hope (dream) that it'll be Nissan, and it'll be a Silvia.

mh_WRX

05-13-2004, 03:45 PM

My thoughts too:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=495521

Ghostrider600

05-13-2004, 04:08 PM

Guess we can always wait (2006?) for the BMW M2...though it won't be cheap, it looks good and should have everything that the 'M' series BMWs are known for.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20040415090346M2_1.jpg

mh_WRX

05-13-2004, 04:10 PM

A good car maybe the upcoming Saturn Sky and Curve. I never thought I'd say that about a Saturn.

Ghostrider600

05-13-2004, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
A good car maybe the upcoming Saturn Sky and Curve. I never thought I'd say that about a Saturn.

Yeah, maybe...I still can't say it.

And I just still can't convince myself to buy a Saturn...rather get two jobs to support the M2 I guess...

My friend, while working at a (Nissan/Infiniti/Saab) dealership, commented on Saturn's "friendly no-haggle pricing" as its big lure--"Hell, if everyone wants to pay Sticker, I won't haggle them for less." ;)

SUBE555

05-13-2004, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
EPA enters diesel deal with International
WASHINGTON — The EPA says it has developed a diesel engine that would meet near-zero emissions standards without the need for after-treatment devices. The agency has made an agreement with International Truck and Engine Corp. to commercialize the engine for vehicles.

Now if only all countries use it to improve upon the environment.

I saw the other day diesel will see significant refinement and the black sooty exhaust will soon be a thing of the past. Right now diesel contains about 3400ppm of sulfur, should be down to 500ppm or less by 07 and around 90ppm by 2010. That would really help the environment and the cleaner fuel will hopefully help rid the impression of diesel being so dirty.

In the near future, if fuel costs cease to drop from their current levels (as world demand clearly is going up with other countries like China further industrializing), I can see myself getting a small diesel-powered car that would make 75-100mpg on the highway for commuting. :)

STi Boy

05-13-2004, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
Guess we can always wait (2006?) for the BMW M2...though it won't be cheap, it looks good and should have everything that the 'M' series BMWs are known for.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20040415090346M2_1.jpg

g35 coupe with bmw front end and gills:o

im waiting for the new VW GTi and still waiting if audi is going to make an a4 coupe..

Blitzkrieg

05-13-2004, 11:00 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600

Someone, somewhere has *got* to get on the entry-level/cheap-and-fun RWD ball, and I still hope (dream) that it'll be Nissan, and it'll be a Silvia. [/B]

Im with you on the small cheap RWD game. Maybe just maybe GM will manage to get all their ducks in a row with the Kappa platform. The engine is a pretty stout platform to build off of, and hopefully the domestic aftermarket suppliers will back it as well. I think GM has the potential of spear heading the return of small affordable RWD cars. If they do well maybe nissan will wake up and smell the rosses and bring back the car.

I love speculations and dreams.

From what i have read the M2 wont be all that affordable :(.

BlitZ

R32Guy

05-14-2004, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by reks
Yes I read the article and many more like it over the years.

There are many environmental consequences for using water and nuclear power which we hear about all the time. When these costs are factored in, these technologies become much less attractive which is a big part of why we don't see more nuclear reactors in this country.

There are reasons why we don't use alternative fuel sources. Some are not available, some simply don't provide enough to be feasible, some are too expensive. Liking the idea of something doesn't nec. make it a good one in practice.

I digress. Back to the news.

Pretty fair retort Reks. I must appologize for the tone in that post. I worked a 12.5hour nightshift before browsing NASIOC that day:D . (I was grumpy to everyone within 100 feet.) At any rate I do still think that Hydrogen Fuelcell Technology has the potential to be far superior to petrol, but there is no question that the initial cost would be greater as well.

Off note...
I love the new 997 front end. Its about time they srapped those hideous 'non-porsche' style lights for the original 'bug-eye' look.

reks

05-14-2004, 10:34 AM

Fuelcell technology is very cool where it is feasible. And if it keeps me in 'zoom zoom' in the future instead of 'putt putt' all the better ;).

And I agree the 911 sure is pretty. Usually I wait until the 2nd year when the 4S comes out to start drooling :D.

mh_WRX

05-14-2004, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
From Today's AutoExpress and TOV:

CIVIC CRX SET TO STORM BACK

http://www.honda-club-ems-jade.de/Honda%20News/Honda_Civic_2007/Honda_Civic_2007_1/CIVIC_2006_g.jpg

Blitzkrieg

05-14-2004, 03:19 PM

Here is an interesting tidbit that i found off the evo website.

Mazdas Ready To Turn Up The Heat

A raft of bespoke Mazda Performance Series (MPS) models are being prepared for Britain.

There will be a hot 240bhp four-wheel-drive MPS3, based on the 3, and priced around £18,000. It goes on sale in early 2006, and will have a turbo 2.3-litre engine and borrow Ford's AWD system used on the Volvo V50. Kicking the range off will be a 280bhp MPS6, on sale early next year costing £20,000.

http://www.evo.co.uk/

its under the news section

BlitZ

Ghostrider600

05-14-2004, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by Blitzkrieg
Here is an interesting tidbit that i found off the evo website.

Mazdas Ready To Turn Up The Heat

A raft of bespoke Mazda Performance Series (MPS) models are being prepared for Britain.

There will be a hot 240bhp four-wheel-drive MPS3, based on the 3, and priced around £18,000. It goes on sale in early 2006, and will have a turbo 2.3-litre engine and borrow Ford's AWD system used on the Volvo V50. Kicking the range off will be a 280bhp MPS6, on sale early next year costing £20,000.

http://www.evo.co.uk/

its under the news section

BlitZ

18,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 31,699.80 USD United States Dollars

20,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 35,222.00 USD United States Dollars

Even if they came here, I'd get something else for the money.

...Though if the MPS6 were AWD 6MT (which I didn't see, so I assume it's still FWD)...it's still a lot at $35,000.

mochanges

05-14-2004, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
18,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 31,699.80 USD United States Dollars

20,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 35,222.00 USD United States Dollars

Even if they came here, I'd get something else for the money.

...Though if the MPS6 were AWD 6MT (which I didn't see, so I assume it's still FWD)...it's still a lot at $35,000.

The prices never translate that way when going from one market to another.

For example, in the UK a Mazda3 2.0 liter 5dr Sport retails for £15,500. This converts to $27,297.05. The 2.3 liter Mazda3 five door in the US starts at $16,895.

P2x

05-14-2004, 09:19 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
18,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 31,699.80 USD United States Dollars

20,000.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 35,222.00 USD United States Dollars

Even if they came here, I'd get something else for the money.

...Though if the MPS6 were AWD 6MT (which I didn't see, so I assume it's still FWD)...it's still a lot at $35,000.

..the UK I think has quite large tariffs on imported vehicles so it's very hard to translate that amount into a US dollar equivalent.

Blitzkrieg

05-14-2004, 11:51 PM

£18,000

Lets see a standard WRX in uk is worth around 20,000 GBPs, price grabbed off of subaru uk, and the projected price of the three will be 18,000GBP. I think thats a pretty decent price for the car considering the target audience. personally the way subarus competition is going, Mitsubishi. They may not have no incentive to reinvent the wheel constantly. Mazda, please bring it here, may just spark a HP war all over again. Then again maybe mitsu wont tank either.

BlitZ

coolbluelb

05-14-2004, 11:54 PM

Even if they came here, I'd get something else for the money.

...Though if the MPS6 were AWD 6MT (which I didn't see, so I assume it's still FWD)...it's still a lot at $35,000. [/B]

http://members.optusnet.com.au/m6gr8/mps6/mps1.jpg

Seems to be closer and closer to a reality. Recent picture from AU. 276 HP, AWD 6-speed, and approximately 3200 lbs.

Might be interesting, so long as they ditch those wheels...

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/mazda_sps.htm

Hazdaz

05-15-2004, 09:18 AM

THats pretty damn nice (and I like the wheels).

Powered by a direct-injection, turbocharged/intercooled version of Mazda's 2.3-litre MZR engine, the powerplant combines low emissions and excellent fuel efficiency with high performance.
... the problem I see with that, is that while direct-injection is teh future, I have read that our gas is just not 'clean' enough to fully utilize that technology here in the US. I believe the BMW 7 series was the first DI car in the US market, and I think it had to be de-tuned because of the high amount of a certain chemical in our gas.

I think that Mazda exterior blows away some of the concept cars I've seen from Acura and Lexus as of late - seems like they are trying to go in a similiar swept-back/aero-look, but this Mazda is putting their concepts to shame.

Hazdaz

05-16-2004, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by gumball
Does anyone know why Honda didn't make that the US Accord, and instead bring it over as the Acura TSX?
...cuz big fat Americans like big, fat, heavy, gas-guzzling cars and SUVs.

Either way, this is just more proof of Honda's untouchable engineering excellence.

What have the Big 2.5 done lately? SAID that they will EVENTUALLY sell a pick-up hybrid IN A FEW YEARS that gets maybe 10% better gas-mileage, and also hang ALL their other hope of truely better fuel-efficiency on fuelcells that will hit the market "ANY DAY NOW". :rolleyes:

BlackfeetVI

05-16-2004, 11:19 AM

Either way, this is just more proof of Honda's untouchable engineering excellence.

:rolleyes: I wouldn't say they're untouchable by any means. Yes, they're one of the industry leaders, but I think that there are other companies out there that either are as good as or better than Honda. Those are great economy numbers though. My family had a diesel Jetta back in 1991 that got just over 50mpg on the highway. I'm glad that diesels are starting to make a comeback, they're a very cool powerplant and with the cleaner fuels and new engine technology the emissons shouldn't be as much of an issue as before.

Hazdaz

05-16-2004, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by BlackfeetVI
I think that there are other companies out there that either are as good as or better than Honda.

Yea? Besides Toyota, name one.
Honda produces more engines than any other manufacturer in the world - remember they have experience with everything from lowly lawnmower engiens to motorcycle engines to ofcourse car engines, and are now getting into the airplane industry.
They are a world leader when it comes to durability and quality, and have been at the forefront of car and engine tochnology for decades.

About the only thing missing in their car line is more "soul" and more fun - but for an average driver (which is like 90% of the people out there) that just wants to get from point A to B, their cars are perfect.

SUBE555

05-16-2004, 02:39 PM

I think when the new diesel standards are in place in both 2007 and 2010, diesel will be much more viable, particularly in Cali, where now it's not a viable solution.

Currently US diesel fuels contain 3400ppm of sulfer, by 2007 levels are required to be below 500ppm, and by 2010, at or below 90ppm. That's a VERY significant reduction if you ask me, and that is a major reason for the sooty black smoke we see out of big trucks, machinery, and almost anything that uses diesel as a fuel. Considering that is one of the big holdbacks, there should be few problems after that other than turning the public's perception on diesel based on the past.

I agree Hazdaz, Honda is an industry leader in producing some of the best small engines on the market, why do most contractors prefer Hondas on their generators, compressors and other machinery? Because it works and works so well for a long time. That is the same for much of their products.

I feel with new, cleaner diesel standards, diesel will become more mainstream, and allow more efficient vehicles that use less fuel and are more cost effective. Diesel costs may somewhat offset themselves if a change in use over the next 10-20 years becomes a significant shift.

I do feel there is still a lot of efficiency left in the internal combustion engine that can be rung out with advances in design and materials. The biggest hurdle is the cost of R&D, then tooling.

Mike Wevrick

05-16-2004, 04:01 PM

:confused: Are you sure the soot is related to the sulphur content? Diesel in Europe has low sulphur and is still pretty sooty.

Hazdaz

05-16-2004, 06:08 PM

"Currently US diesel fuels contain 3400ppm of sulfer, by 2007 levels are required to be below 500ppm, and by 2010, at or below 90ppm."

... Is that an actual LAW that is gonna force that, or is that the usual industry giving lip-service to cleaner fuel but not following-through?

A similiar thing is happen with the dirty gasoline we have here in the US - because of that, direct-injection engines which have been around for a few years in areas less controlled by the oil-companies, but here in the US, those DI engines are just not as efficient.

I hope that 2007 is an actual date 'set in stone' for cleaner diesel, but just like with other environmental/efficiency initiatives, the current administration has been doing its darndest to circumvent or handicap them for the good of a few large industries, even if its to the detriment of the public in general.

I too believe that the internal-cumbustion engine has a long ways to go before it is replaced, but thats ONLY if companies spend money on R&D, instead of on political lobbyists hell-bent on keeping the status-quo.

SUBE555

05-16-2004, 07:56 PM

Here's the article I found it in...
Link (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/11/politics/11ENVI.html?ex=1085198400&en=25b3670c9490f1d0&ei=5006&partner=ALTAVISTA1)

And my 2010 numbers were off, the target is 15ppm. :eek:

I too believe that the internal-cumbustion engine has a long ways to go before it is replaced, but thats ONLY if companies spend money on R&D, instead of on political lobbyists hell-bent on keeping the status-quo.
That is definitely a big issue, the status quo for many corps is what is right now helping spur the lack of innovation in many areas. Subaru is above the mark compared to most, but I think they still have a lot of potential in them.

One good direction to look for innovation:
REVETEC (www.revetec.com). Despite seeing full numbers on the efficiency, the basic concept is sound. Aside from the new thinking found in that concept, it's still primitive to what can be done.

As the old saying goes, you can build anything with enough money. Or put that in the collective sense as per communist countries, with the right motivation.

Hazdaz

05-16-2004, 08:49 PM

Never heard of revetec before - looking through their website now - interesting stuff there.

Ofcourse I personally don't see companies like this really taking off (even if their technology is sound) - I see their ideas just brushed away by the too close-minded established car builders as being too radical or something similiar. After all, when you have the largest car maker on the planet (GM) STILL pimping out pushrod designed here in 2004, I REALLY don't see much innovation coming from the big boys (alteast not any US car makers).

hhcchen

05-17-2004, 12:04 AM

sorry, can anyone explain, why diesel is better than regular gas?
in what perspectives? thanks
does diesel oil also came from dead dinosaurs too?:confused: :lol:

Blitzkrieg

05-17-2004, 01:34 AM

Originally posted by hhcchen
sorry, can anyone explain, why diesel is better than regular gas?
in what perspectives? thanks
does diesel oil also came from dead dinosaurs too?:confused: :lol:

I think the only good thing from it is that it is cheaper to refine, and you are oiling your engine at the same time that fuel is buring.

subyfanatic

05-17-2004, 08:57 AM

From Auto-Asia Network

5/16/2004: Paper claims MMC plan orders 9,000 job losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reports in a number of Japanese newspapers claim to have inside knowledge of some of the building blocks of the new turnaround plan. One of them, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, says the plan calls for the loss of 9,000 jobs in North America, Japan and Australia.

The Yomiuri says MMC’s Australian assembly plant will be shut down in order to save 3,200 jobs. This news, it should be stressed, has not been confirmed by MMC officials. Australian executives and politicians are in Tokyo making the case for the Adelaide facility to be spared.
The Yomiuri says the plan also orders the closure of an assembly plant in Gifu, Japan. Production of the Pajero SUV will be transferred to a plant in nearby Okayama.

On the finance side, MMC is understood to be close to securing 450 billion yen (USD3.93 billion) in aid from within the Mitsubishi group, including a capital injection and debt-equity swap, according to a report this morning from Reuters news agency, quoting sources close to the negotiations. It is also reported to be talking to private Japanese investment company Phoenix Capital.

Phoenix, it is reported, may take JPY200 billion yen in common shares, making it MMC’s biggest shareholder with voting rights. DaimlerChrysler is the lead shareholder at this point, with 37 percent, but this stake will be diluted as new cash is put in. Phoenix has strong links with Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, which owns Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi Trust & Banking.

subyfanatic

05-17-2004, 09:01 AM

Hyundai-DaimlerChrysler alliance breaks up

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Continuation of ‘World Engine Project’
*** Continuation of joint procurement activities
*** Termination of commercial vehicle engine alliance and of talks regarding commercial vehicle joint venture
*** DaimlerChrysler to sell 10.5 percent stake in Hyundai Motor

Hyundai Motor and DaimlerChrysler announced today that they have agreed to “realign their strategic alliance to better reflect their respective companies’ current business and strategic objectives”. In reality, it marks the termination of what was intended to become a deep and wide-ranging global alliance but collaboration is several important areas will continue.
Under the new agreement Hyundai will acquire DaimlerChrysler’s 50 percent stake in Daimler Hyundai Truck Corporation, an existing commercial vehicle engine joint venture in Korea, for 60 billion won (USD51 million). Talks regarding a comprehensive commercial vehicle joint venture in Korea are to be abandoned.

Going forward, the companies’ relationship will include the following:

* Joint development and manufacture of a family of four cylinder petrol engines between Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi Motors (the so-called ‘World Engine Project’).

* Distribution of Hyundai’s Atos and Verna (Accent) passenger car models in Mexico market through Chrysler.

* Joint procurement activities.

* Supply by DaimlerChrysler of medium-duty bus engines (OM906) to Hyundai.

Putting a gloss on things, the two firms pointed to “significant changes in the global commercial vehicle and automotive markets, which have resulted in a re-prioritisation… of strategic objectives.

Commenting on the agreement, Hyundai Motor vice chairman Dong-jin Kim (top man Mong-koo Chung is in China at the moment) said: “We have been partners with DaimlerChrysler for nearly four years now and believe that the realignment of the strategic alliance is an important step forward to better position both companies to capitalize on opportunities in the changed market environment now facing us.”

Dr. Eckhard Cordes, head of DaimlerChryser’s commercial vehicles division commented, was even more diplomatic. “Over the last few years, we created multiple strategic options for sustainable and profitable growth of our business in Asia,” he said. “We are now implementing the strategy with good progress. In light of these developments, DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor have agreed to primarily focus on a collaborative relationship on a per-project basis in the future.”

Such an ad hoc approach to collaboration meant that a shareholding relationship is no longer necessary, he added, and so DaimlerChrysler will sell its 10.5 percent stake in the Korean automaker. DaimlerChrysler may sell these shares at any time within a specified period of time.

Achilles38WRX

05-17-2004, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by hhcchen
sorry, can anyone explain, why diesel is better than regular gas?
in what perspectives?

its cheaper. and i belive in europe theres less taxes applied to diesel than gasoline.

ewt

05-17-2004, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by hhcchen
sorry, can anyone explain, why diesel is better than regular gas?
in what perspectives? thanks
does diesel oil also came from dead dinosaurs too?:confused: :lol:

I think one reason is that diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gas. Something like 147K BTU's/gallon vs 125K BTU's/gallon. So were all other things equal you would not need to be burning as much stuff to get the same energy output.

Also, I think there are some advantages to the diesel cycle that make it more efficient. They use direct injection (which I guess gas can too, now) and they can run higher compression ratios.

Eric

amdmaxx

05-17-2004, 12:59 PM

diesel=torque

mh_WRX

05-17-2004, 01:05 PM

Mitsubishi Motors to get $3.9 billion aid, shut Japan plant

Reuters / May 17, 2004

TOKYO -- Cash-strapped automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is in final talks with the Mitsubishi group to receive 450 billion yen ($3.93 billion) in aid, including a capital boost and debt-equity swap, sources familiar with the talks said.

Mitsubishi Motors needs cash to develop new cars and overhaul its loss-making operations but faces an uncertain future after DaimlerChrysler AG, which has a 37 percent stake in it, pulled the plug on a multi-billion-dollar refunding last month.

The Japanese automaker has been working with other big shareholders -- trading house Mitsubishi Corp., machinery maker Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (BTM) -- to secure funding.

Under the new plan, the three companies would take 40 billion yen of newly issued preferred shares each, while other Mitsubishi group companies will take more than a combined 30 billion yen.

As a result, the Mitsubishi group, which holds a combined 32 percent in the automaker, will account for more than 150 billion yen of the capital infusion, the sources said.

In addition, BTM and Mitsubishi Trust & Banking Corp will agree to swap up to 200 billion yen of debt into preferred shares, the sources said.

The Mitsubishi group is also negotiating with Tokyo-based Phoenix Capital and other private funds for a capital infusion, they said. Phoenix has close ties with Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, which owns BTM and Mitsubishi Trust & Banking.

Local media have said Phoenix Capital could take around 200 billion yen in common shares, which, unlike preferred stock, carry voting rights. That would make it Mitsubishi Motors' biggest shareholder.

As part of the restructuring, Mitsubishi Motors will close one of its under-utilized domestic plants, transferring production of the Pajero sport utility in Gifu prefecture to the Okayama plant, also in central Japan, the sources said.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said on Monday that Mitsubishi Motors would slash 9,000 jobs, or about 20 percent of its workforce.

The headcount will fall at MMC plants in North America and its headquarters in Japan. The company's Australian plant will be closed in a second round of restructuring, with 3,200 jobs going, the paper said.

Australia's Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and South Australian Treasurer Kevin Foley will meet Mitsubishi executives later on Monday to discuss the restructuring plan, an MMC spokesman said.

To reduce vehicle development costs, Mitsubishi Motors will also discontinue some models other than its core small cars and sport utility vehicles, the sources said.

Through this and other measures, the auto maker aims to return to the black by the business year ending in March 2006, the sources said.

Dogged by more than $10 billion of interest-bearing debt, Mitsubishi Motors expects a net loss of 72 billion yen for the year that ended in March after its easy credit policy in the United States backfired.

It plans to gain approval of the new business plan from DaimlerChrysler this week and announce the outline on Friday, along with its earnings results.

Ghostrider600

05-17-2004, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by coolbluelb
http://members.optusnet.com.au/m6gr8/mps6/mps1.jpg

Seems to be closer and closer to a reality. Recent picture from AU. 276 HP, AWD 6-speed, and approximately 3200 lbs.

Might be interesting, so long as they ditch those wheels...

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/mazda_sps.htm

Thanks for the link.

Definitely ditch those rims (way too busy) and if that AWD 6MT was available here, yeah, I'd go for it.

I like how the article compares the above to the Subaru Legacy (Liberty) as its natural adversary, and a turbo 4 was always more attractive to me than the Ford v6 with mazda heads.

With a little bit of luck and solid consumer feedback, the MPS concept may end up one day rolling off the production lines at Mazda's huge Hiroshima factory in Japan.

Apart from the look - which inherits all of the Mazda6's bold lines plus a handful of subtle-but-sporty extras - the MPS makes lots of sense commercially too.

Think of Subaru's Liberty for a moment. There are a number of capable entry-level models, the volume sellers if you like, and then there's the GT: A turbocharged, lightning fast, hero car.

The MPS could easily be the Mazda6's GT, and it would help garner more interest in the entire Mazda6 range, plus there's also the fact that the V6 version of the Mazda6 isn't sold here in Australia - even more reason for a blown 4-cylinder model.

Shown recently at the 2004 Brisbane International Motor Show (Feb 6-15), perhaps to test Australian sentiment towards such a vehicle, the Mazda6 MPS concept takes the same 2.3-litre inline 4-cylinder engine from the standard model and almost doubles the power thanks to forced induction.

Mazda's senior managing executive officer, Stephen Odell, who was in Australia last month, said: "Mazda should have a flavour of sports cars in everything we do.

"In terms of out and out performance there is an opportunity for us to create a car that is not too far removed from this concept."

I really want to like the 6. I love their styling, I like their interior, and the new 5-door hatch has my interest up. However, the 6s I drove here suffered from a heavy but underpowered V6 and typical fwd push, the 6i had the more nimble handling, probably due to the lack of v6 bulk, but it also lacked the power to make it fun...if they brought the MPS6 AWD 276HP 6MT (probably another 'MazdaSpeed' over here, right?) and priced it under $30 (like the upcoming SE-R Altima--which also needs to be AWD) then I'd buy it.

Pity too that Acura gets AWD for their pricey redesigned RL, and still won't offer it on the torque-steering but otherwise great TL...otherwise a TL AWD 6MT would also be a major player.

PanamaJack

05-17-2004, 04:20 PM

MPS 6 = BOSS

Beaverboy

05-17-2004, 04:26 PM

When a barrel of crude oil is refined it is heated at the bottom of one of those refining towers (they heat more than 1 barrel at a time, I'm just trying to illustrate a point) to around 500F. The oil vaporizes and travels up the tower. The point/height at which it cools and condenses determines which type of fuel it becomes. Propane and other gasseous petro fuels are collected from the very top in their gas form. Gasoline is the top-most fluid that forms, while Kerosene and Diesel form below in that order. Your engine oils form somewhere below that.

So, the cost of a gallon of Diesel in relation to a gallon of Gasoline has much to do with the current demand of the other products. Since gasoline is in such high demand the other petroleum products are often priced lower. A huge switch to diesel (already used by nearly every large truck and as 'jet fuel' in turbines) in the US automotive scene would probably cause a rise in the diesel prices. Petroleum prices will be easier to swallow when we stop swallowing so much petroleum... so in that respect, some modern diesel engines are still good news.

NicoGamine

05-17-2004, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by Beaverboy
(good explanation of oil refining ommitted... :) )

So, the cost of a gallon of Diesel in relation to a gallon of Gasoline has much to do with the current demand of the other products. Since gasoline is in such high demand the other petroleum products are often priced lower. A huge switch to diesel (already used by nearly every large truck and as 'jet fuel' in turbines) in the US automotive scene would probably cause a rise in the diesel prices. Petroleum prices will be easier to swallow when we stop swallowing so much petroleum... so in that respect, some modern diesel engines are still good news.
To back it up, diesel costs about the same as gasoline in Winter in Canada, as there a lot of demand for it: Heating oil is basically diesel fuel with coloring... :(

Nicolas, former owner of a 1982 MB Turbodiesel... :)

Hazdaz

05-17-2004, 07:23 PM

Ford CEO paying more lip-service to higher gas-mileage cars, but as usual, not having any REAL products to show for it:

http://www.cars.com/news/stories/051404_storya_dn.jhtml?page=newsstory&aff=national

hhcchen

05-17-2004, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by Beaverboy
When a barrel of crude oil is refined it is heated at the bottom of one of those refining towers (they heat more than 1 barrel at a time, I'm just trying to illustrate a point) to around 500F. The oil vaporizes and travels up the tower. The point/height at which it cools and condenses determines which type of fuel it becomes. Propane and other gasseous petro fuels are collected from the very top in their gas form. Gasoline is the top-most fluid that forms, while Kerosene and Diesel form below in that order. Your engine oils form somewhere below that.

So, the cost of a gallon of Diesel in relation to a gallon of Gasoline has much to do with the current demand of the other products. Since gasoline is in such high demand the other petroleum products are often priced lower. A huge switch to diesel (already used by nearly every large truck and as 'jet fuel' in turbines) in the US automotive scene would probably cause a rise in the diesel prices. Petroleum prices will be easier to swallow when we stop swallowing so much petroleum... so in that respect, some modern diesel engines are still good news.

ah, that's the information i am looking for... thanks:)
however, still not an alternative fuel for the future...
we still need to buy oil from middle east, still causing green house effect, still pollute the earth... but only cheaper :(

SUBE555

05-17-2004, 09:15 PM

It is more efficient to a point.

A turbo-diesel hybrid. Hmm. 100mpg and close to 2.5i performance? I'd be game. :cool: Would it be so bad then?

Beaverboy

05-18-2004, 08:58 AM

Especially cool if you use Bio-Diesel.

http://www.wdnweb.com/articles/2003/06/02/news/news01.txt

Devonvh

05-18-2004, 02:12 PM

Why would you want the Evo MR to have a 2.4 litre engine? If they changed the engine in any way I would be so pissed off there wouldn't even be words. It better have a 2 litre.

Ghostrider600

05-18-2004, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by Devonvh
Why would you want the Evo MR to have a 2.4 litre engine? If they changed the engine in any way I would be so pissed off there wouldn't even be words. It better have a 2 litre.

More torque, newer engine architecture, probably easier to meet CAFE/EPA standards over the old 4G63, closer in size to the 2.5 STI for sales purposes, etc, etc...

But, last I heard, the MR has the same old engine, the 2.4 won't be in it--IF we get the MR at all.

SUBE555

05-18-2004, 11:07 PM

Didn't the STi crowd say the same thing until they found out the benefits of that extra 1/4 of displacement. ;)

mh_WRX

05-19-2004, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
wow, check these out

New MB CLS AMG..

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1418&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80
http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1419&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80
http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1420&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80
http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1421&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80
http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1422&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80
http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=1423&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

and now unmasked:

http://6.pichold.com/erprobungswagen.jpg

hampster

05-19-2004, 09:56 AM

I thought some people might be interested in the latest article from Wards Autoworld on the Saab 9-2x:

Wards Autoworld Article (http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_ushers_change_saab/index.htm)

This may be old news, but I didn't know Saab was offering leather seats/covers for the 9-2x.

Also, Motorweek did a segment on the 9-2x 2 weeks ago. You can read their review at:

Motorweek Review of Saab 9-2x (http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/search.shtml)

Details of the show:

Show Summary (http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/upcomingshows.shtml)

MotorWeek #2336
With Host John Davis
PBS Broadcast Window Begins May 7, 2004

Road Test: The All-Wheel-Drive Saab 9-2X
Road Test: 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sport Wagon
Goss' Garage: Restoration Products
For a Cleaner America Series - Future Forecast for Heavy Duty Hybrids
Long Term Update: Mazda6 and Chrysler Pacifica

JaySee

05-19-2004, 10:01 AM

Eeeeeeeewwwwwwww

ANZAC_1915

05-19-2004, 10:50 AM

"The Aero's 2.5-liter flat-four"

Morons.

They also got the torque wrong.

Beaverboy

05-19-2004, 10:57 AM

:eek: Looked better masked.

Coati

05-19-2004, 11:45 AM

If the Saabaru really had the turbo 2.5, I'd probably go out and buy one today.:)

BigElm

05-19-2004, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by Glenn Wallace
"The Aero's 2.5-liter flat-four"

Morons.

They also got the torque wrong.

Doesn't anyone verify this info before they publish it? :rolleyes:

samagon

05-19-2004, 12:17 PM

forgive me if I missed it somewhere, but how does the suspension in this compair with that of the regular wagon?

I would only assume it is more luxury, and not more performance oreinted, so it would not be a viable option for take offs for better road handling, unless someone wanted a plush handling wagon :lol:

any other thoughts?

cirque

05-19-2004, 12:25 PM

The 9-2 wagon does have aluminum front control arms. Similar to those that are optional on the WRX sedan

Coati

05-19-2004, 12:30 PM

The cabin may have come from Subaru, but it has been outfitted in modern Saab-style. That means it is packed with plenty of standard features, from power windows, to cruise control, to CD audio. :huh:

Coati

05-19-2004, 12:33 PM

While the front seats boast standard side airbags, and Saab's whiplash-reducing active head restraints.

That's not even a real sentence.:lol:

sneezy316

05-19-2004, 01:32 PM

Autoweek has a couple of articles also.
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&loc_code=index&content_code=06882023
The 9-2x has revised damper and spring rates. The pics also show a single pipe exhaust, is this the same one from the STi?
The article also mentioned a quicker steering rack for the Aero vs the Linear. Would is this the case for the WRX vs RS?

gumball

05-19-2004, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Glenn Wallace
"The Aero's 2.5-liter flat-four"

Morons.

They also got the torque wrong.

But wait, I thought SAAB was offering BOTH the 2.5 N/A
and the 2.0 Turbo in their Saabaru line. They just got the
model name wrong.

Beaverboy

05-19-2004, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by gumball
But wait, I thought SAAB was offering BOTH the 2.5 N/A
and the 2.0 Turbo in their Saabaru line. They just got the
model name wrong.

The rest of the sentance:
"The Aero's 2.5-liter flat-four engine revs freely punching the 9-2X out of corners with real spirit, but suffers from more turbo lag than Saab's own turbocharged inline fours."

Oops :D

They did mention it was a 2.0L when first describing the Aero.. so it's just some niggling.

Mike Wevrick

05-19-2004, 02:12 PM

:lol: I'm amazed how how bad some automotive journalism is. My favorite was a writer who refered to an engine as having some number of "torques."

Alpha1

05-19-2004, 04:19 PM

http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2003/losangeles/highlights/images/dodge-magnum2280.jpg

I saw a Magnum GT upclose yesterday, got to sit in the car and was not impressed by the interior appointments. The 300C has much nicer interior material quality. The overall vehicle is quit nice, very stout and spacious, you get a real feeling of security in this large car, much like that of a SUV. The Magnum will be an interesting addition to the wagon market, although it is not a home run by any measure. Alpha1

mh_WRX

05-19-2004, 04:24 PM

Automakers Take A Supercharged Interest In Turbos
They get better mileage, but still deliver a punch
USA TODAY
May 19, 2004
James R. Healey and Earle Eldridge

Rising fuel prices are reawakening interest in turbocharging, an old engine technology that can improve fuel economy and boost power.

Automakers are offering more turbocharged gasoline-power cars and have plans for others. At the same time, diesel-power cars and trucks -- always turbocharged -- are becoming more common.

Turbocharging can cut fuel consumption 10% to 20% in gasoline-power vehicles. It uses smaller engines and boosts power -- and thus fuel consumption -- only when needed. Diesels get about 30% better fuel economy than similarly powerful gas engines.

Turbocharging is widely used where fuel prices are higher.

"We're beginning to see increased interest from U.S. automakers as they look to gas turbos to attract younger, affluent, performance-oriented buyers," says Martin Verschoor, vice president of technology for Honeywell Turbo Technologies. "But the real change will be the likely adoption of turbo diesels in the U.S. Who doesn't want a high-performance car or truck that can get over 45 mpg?"

The first quarter this year, 42 car and truck models were available with turbocharged engines -- 16.3% of the 258 models available, according to the Power Information Network, an affiliate of J.D. Power and Associates. That's up from 28 turbo models first quarter 2002, or 11.3% of 248 models.

R.L. Polk data show that 317,603 turbocharged cars were newly registered last year, 4.1% of all new cars. That's down slightly from 4.2% in 2002, but well above 3.2% in '00. In Europe, with doubled fuel costs, 43% of cars are turbocharged.

Roadblocks

Two question marks make it unclear whether the surge in activity, especially among automakers, is the beginning of a trend or a blip en route to other technologies.

* Automakers are wrestling with whether to step up turbo development and production at the expense of, say, advances in gas-electric hybrids and other technology that can improve both performance and fuel economy.

* Automakers wonder whether U.S. buyers, accustomed to torque-rich V-8 and large V-6 engines, will accept smaller, turbocharged six-cylinder and four-cylinder engines.

Torque is low-speed power that lets a vehicle shoot from a stoplight or tow a heavy load. It mainly depends on how big an engine's displacement is. "You want to feel that torque," says Robert Larsen, director of the Center for Transportation Research at the Energy Department's Argonne National Laboratory. "That's what Americans are used to, and that tends to be the disadvantage of these smaller-displacement engines."

"Our customers tend to put some stock in displacement and number of cylinders," even when a smaller, turbocharged engine performs better, says Dan Kapp, Ford Motor's chief powertrain engineer.

Other than its Volvo brand, Ford sells no turbocharged cars in the USA. "We're not against it. We're looking at it, along with many other technologies," Kapp says.

One reason not to build a few to test the market: "From a cost perspective, it is not insignificant. . . . It's a $ 300 to $ 500 addition" per car, he says -- in an industry where a part that adds $ 1 is iffy.

Nonetheless, Larsen notes, everybody is working on advanced technology engines that would require a feature such as turbocharging for proper operation.

In the works

While a huge boost in the number of U.S.-market turbo gas engines can't happen overnight, automakers and turbo suppliers have serious development underway, drawing on experience from producing millions of turbo engines annually for other markets.

"We know that turbocharged engines are more efficient at the same power level, and we do have some experimental (turbocharged) vehicles that do feel like driving a large-displacement engine," says Ko-Jen Wu, manager of advanced technological development at General Motors' engine and transmission operations.

GM has a rich tradition of producing turbo engines, he says. Its newest line of engines, so-called Ecotec four-cylinders, were designed to be compatible with turbochargers.

For years, turbochargers have routinely been used on heavy- and light-duty diesels and on aircraft engines. But gasoline engines' higher exhaust temperatures and wider range of engine speeds make turbocharging them a challenge.

GM pioneered turbos on mainstream, gas-engine cars with the 1962 Chevrolet Corvair and Oldsmobile Jetfire.

The technically enticing part is that turbos are driven not by a power-robbing accessory belt on the engine, but rather by the engine's otherwise wasted exhaust gas. The drawback has been a pause, called turbo lag, between when the driver steps on the gas and when the engine's exhaust begins to spin the turbine wheel fast enough to provide a significant power boost.

Most modern turbochargers use smaller, lighter parts to cut inertia and minimize lag.

Hazdaz

05-19-2004, 05:32 PM

ALPHA1 - Concerning the interiors of the 300C/Magnum....Any perceived difference in interior quality probably has ALOT to do with the colors of the interior.

Since both cars are basically the same, I couldn't imagine there being a big difference in the acutal quality of the interior, however I have seen how certain colors make interior plastics look much cheaper than other colors. Usually tan/black/light grey interiors looks more upscale, than blues/greens or any other funky colors tend to looks very cheap, even if its the EXACT same part.

amdmaxx

05-19-2004, 06:03 PM

this is NOT amg..

Originally posted by mh_WRX
and now unmasked:

http://6.pichold.com/erprobungswagen.jpg

Alpha1

05-19-2004, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by Hazdaz
ALPHA1 - Concerning the interiors of the 300C/Magnum....Any perceived difference in interior quality probably has ALOT to do with the colors of the interior.

Since both cars are basically the same, I couldn't imagine there being a big difference in the acutal quality of the interior, however I have seen how certain colors make interior plastics look much cheaper than other colors. Usually tan/black/light grey interiors looks more upscale, than blues/greens or any other funky colors tend to looks very cheap, even if its the EXACT same part.

I 've sat in both cars and the brushed aluminum on the 300 dashboard and the upper door panels are a quite different. The RT has interior fininsh more like the middle grade 300. You need to see for yourself, as I was not expecting the differences to be so great. Botton line is the Magnum interior looks much more like what would be expected of a fleet vehicle. Alpha1

coolbluelb

05-20-2004, 12:32 AM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Turbocharging can cut fuel consumption 10% to 20% in gasoline-power vehicles.

I thought turbo engines were actually less efficient than NA engines when off-boost, due to the need to run lower compression.

E. Nick

05-20-2004, 09:58 AM

Sure, but your turbo motor probably produces only half its power when off boost. Thus, a comparable N/A motor, power-wise, would need to be almost twice as efficient in order to make up the difference.

Back to the new cars...

Anyone know if the Dodge Razor is slated for production? It was to have the SRT4 powertrain in a RWD roadster configuration.

coolbluelb

05-20-2004, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by E. Nick

Anyone know if the Dodge Razor is slated for production? It was to have the SRT4 powertrain in a RWD roadster configuration.

Official word is "no", yet rumors abound...

http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/photos/razor-back.jpg

http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/photos/razor-side.jpg

http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/photos/razor-3-4.jpg

Click Here for more speculative info... (http://www.allpar.com/model/concepts/dodge-razor.html)

SUBE555

05-20-2004, 10:43 AM

The sheet metal of the Razor sure makes it look like a pig despite a target of 2500lbs.

mh_WRX

05-20-2004, 12:33 PM

Porsche Extends Its Current 911 Sport Car Range With 911 Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet for MY 2005

ATLANTA, May 20, 2004 -- Porsche today announced it is extending its 911 range to include the 911 Turbo S. The new model will be available as both a Coupe and a Cabriolet and will go on sale in August 2004. The Turbo S is based on the 2004 911 Turbo and will join the all-new 911 Carrera and Carrera S in the 2005 model year line-up. Just last week Porsche released the first details and photos of the new-generation 911 models.

The 2005 911 Turbo S, with power from the 3.6 twin-turbocharged horizontally opposed flat-six cylinder engine, produces 444 HP (SAE) and 457 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm, up from 415 HP (SAE) and 415 lb.-ft. in the 911 Turbo. The Turbo S has a maximum track-speed of 190 mph (307 km/h) and accelerates from a standing start to 124 mph (200 km/h) in just 13.6 seconds, 0.8 seconds quicker than the 911 Turbo.

Standard equipment on the 911 Turbo S includes further developed Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB(R)). The internally ventilated ceramic discs have a diameter of 13.78 inches, both front and back. The front brakes use six-piston monobloc fixed callipers rather than the four-piston version used on the 911 Turbo. Ceramic composite brake discs provide a 50-percent weight savings compared to conventional metal discs. This reduces unsprung weight, enhances shock absorber response and vehicle handling.

In addition to the Turbo S logo on the rear lid and on door mouldings and centre console, the Turbo S is identified by its 18-inch wheels painted in "GT silver metallic" with colored Porsche crests. Other standard features include cruise control, a six CD changer system and a green-tinted band at the top of the windscreen. Also for this new model, special dark olive metallic paint is a no-cost option.

Inside, the Turbo S features aluminium gauge faces and a Turbo S logo on the tachometer. Optional special leather is available on the seats, steering wheel, shift lever and hand brake lever.

Manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 911 Turbo S Coupe is $131,400 US and $192,400 Canadian. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is $141,200 US and $206,800 Canadian.

mh_WRX

05-20-2004, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by SUBE555
The sheet metal of the Razor sure makes it look like a pig despite a target of 2500lbs.

Except it's really small. It was smaller than I thought once I saw it. Kind of like the Elise.

mh_WRX

05-20-2004, 01:13 PM

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/19/195667.2-lg.gif

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/19/195667.1-lg.gif

Tokyo May 19, 2004; (JCNN) - Nissan has begun marketing special limited editions of its Cube and Cube3 compact cars through its nationwide sales outlets on May 17.

Designed in collaboration with the UK-based fashion brand, Conran, the Cube+Conran and the Cube3+Conran feature specially designed interior and exterior color combinations, high-quality suede-effect seats, an ion generating air conditioner, front fog lamps, and an automatic light system.

The prices start from 1,470,00 yen (approx. $12,900) for the Cube+Conran, and from 1,627,500 yen ($14,300) for the Cube3+Conran. Nissan plans to produce a combined 1,000 units.

Ghostrider600

05-20-2004, 02:44 PM

Got an email back after I asked about the Mazda 6 MPS (from a few pages back).

Dear

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you.

In regard to your inquiry, Mazda has made no decision on producing a MAZDASPEED MAZDA6 (MPS) for the United States market.

The prototype you refer to was created to measure consumer opinion, and does not represent any plans to build an actual vehicle at this time.

Consumer feedback ...blah blah blah... continuously being reviewed by our Product Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality products to our customers.

Regards,

Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.mv?file=car.mv&num=1481

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/large/1481-1.jpg

Alpha1

05-21-2004, 03:18 PM

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040519whatsnew/images/opel-astrawgn075.jpg

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2004/040519whatsnew/images/opel-astrawgn076.jpg

Opel Astra Estate

A few months after the launch of the five-door model, the new Astra station wagon will have its premiere at the Madrid Motor Show this week. In keeping with the more dynamic character of the new Astra range, the side windows taper strongly towards the rear, and compact three-dimensional taillights joined by a chrome strip give a more upmarket feel than its predecessor.

With a 2700mm wheelbase, around 90mm longer than the five-door and station wagon predecessor models, the Astra station wagon offers a load volume of 530 liters, and up to 1570 liters with seats folded. Overall dimensions are: length 4510mm, width 1750mm, height 1500mm.

An optional sliding rear bench can be adjusted to increase legroom, with an adjustment range of 105mm. With an optional foldable front passenger seat, maximum load length extends to 2750mm. The load area features Opel's FlexOrganizer system, straight side walls with side storage, and a storage area beneath the floor.

This is a nice wagon from Opel, GM should rebadge this as a Buick product and provide North America with what appears to be the best midsize wagon in GM's portfolio. Alpha1

Hazdaz

05-21-2004, 05:10 PM

Wait... isn't that Opel the same as our Chevy Malibu/Malibu Maxx?
I love how they always 'dumb-down' cars that are sold here in the US, versus the ones in Europe. The Malibu is boring as hell looking - that Open is actually decent for a family sedan, and I bet it has a heck of a nicer interior too (the Malibu's looks quite cheap).

Ford did the same thing with the old Focus (and they will probably do the same with the new Focus and with our version of the Mondeo)

:furious:

Alpha1

05-21-2004, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by Hazdaz
Wait... isn't that Opel the same as our Chevy Malibu/Malibu Maxx?
I love how they always 'dumb-down' cars that are sold here in the US, versus the ones in Europe. The Malibu is boring as hell looking - that Open is actually decent for a family sedan, and I bet it has a heck of a nicer interior too (the Malibu's looks quite cheap).

Ford did the same thing with the old Focus (and they will probably do the same with the new Focus and with our version of the Mondeo)

:furious:

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482714_3_full.jpg
Opel GT

I agree, there are quite a few European Ford and GM products that have much nicer interior and exterior design features than their US counterparts. Buick was the North American dealer network for Opel in the sixties and seventies. With Lutz wanting to go after Lexus with the BuiK brand, you would think more of the European GM variants would support that mission. GM, however never seems to get it, So my expectations are low. Alpha1

http://www.mantaclub.nl/m005.jpg
Opel Manta GT

Ghostrider600

05-21-2004, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by Hazdaz
I love how they always 'dumb-down' cars that are sold here in the US, versus the ones in Europe.

:furious:

Europe? You're forgetting all the JDM-spec goodies we never get. ;)

Consider our US "Accord" and even our TSX against the JDM Accord, in all it's trim & accessory options, and you realize we got the Dumb N Dumberer version.

[insert Silvia S-15/JDM Dual AVCS Twin-Scroll Bilsteined Legacy Spec B/Forester STI rant here ;) ]

And this is ignoring all the JDM-specs we never even get a version of, at all, in any form (fatted up Taurus-clone or not).

(not that anyone here really wants a Cube...)

But, perhaps you're right to think it's even more infuriating when it's a US-based corporation (with cars made in Mexico and Canada) that's keeping the "good stuff" out of our hands but selling it elsewhere.

...at least we got the Monaro :rolleyes:

Hazdaz

05-23-2004, 09:54 AM

I probalby will get flamed for this - and don't really care - but I think it has to do with the expectations of the US consumer.

If GM or Ford tried selling some of the cars that they sell here, and tried selling them in Europe or (god forbid) Japan, they would be laughed out of the country (and they almost were, when you look at their market share). I think the European (and espeisially Japanese) consumers realised that just cuz a car is inexpensive, doesn't mean that it has to be cheap.

I rmemeber going to Europe (10+ years ago), and Id always try to get rides in cars that we don't have, and I would just marvel at the realitive quality of those cars (even the 'American' ones), all while back at home in the US, Ford was still trying to pimp out pieces of crap like the Escort and Taurus, and GM had its countless mediocre cars it was trying to sell.

R32Guy

05-23-2004, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by Hazdaz
I probalby will get flamed for this - and don't really care - but I think it has to do with the expectations of the US consumer.

If GM or Ford tried selling some of the cars that they sell here, and tried selling them in Europe or (god forbid) Japan, they would be laughed out of the country (and they almost were, when you look at their market share). I think the European (and espeisially Japanese) consumers realised that just cuz a car is inexpensive, doesn't mean that it has to be cheap.

I rmemeber going to Europe (10+ years ago), and Id always try to get rides in cars that we don't have, and I would just marvel at the realitive quality of those cars (even the 'American' ones), all while back at home in the US, Ford was still trying to pimp out pieces of crap like the Escort and Taurus, and GM had its countless mediocre cars it was trying to sell.

Amen to that.

JaySee

05-23-2004, 02:06 PM

Cars in other countries aren't viewed the same as in the USA. Cars here are a reflection of self and image. Consumers here are also much more lazy and don't know how to drive. It's also the biggest market, so crap can slide through the cracks and stupid consumers won't even know it.

In Japan the Japanese car companies make MANY cars that clash each other in price range, but are distinctly different. Different sizes, different purposes. Cars are a luxury there. Consumers are more well-informed who buy the "expensive" cars (anything near 20k or more) and the ones who need them as necessities buy the tiniest ones like a Honda Beat.

In most places in Europe it's the same type of deal, though having a car isn't quite as much a luxury as in Japan.

mh_WRX

05-24-2004, 09:48 AM

Pulled from SPyshots:

I was getting restless over the weekend, and found these off Response.jp. These are MMC's presentation slides for their future plans.

http://response.jp/issue/2004/0521/article60537_1.images/66678.html
http://response.jp/issue/2004/0521/article60537_1.images/66679.html

I took the liberty of replacing Japanese captions with English:

http://homepage.mac.com/leon/mmc1.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/leon/mmc2.jpg

NeoteriX

05-24-2004, 10:15 AM

That Mitsu is consolidating platforms, does that also mean they will reduce the overal numbers of their automobile lineup? A lot of this platform sharing consolidation just seems to make common sense... I didn't realize they had like 4 separate platforms/cars in the same size segment.

crash

05-24-2004, 11:42 AM

The Galant and Eclipse already share a platform FWIW

Ghostrider600

05-24-2004, 02:36 PM

Anyone else notice the new K-car "MR" platform?

MR Spyder competitor?

Cars in other countries aren't viewed the same as in the USA. Cars here are a reflection of self and image. Consumers here are also much more lazy and don't know how to drive. It's also the biggest market, so crap can slide through the cracks and stupid consumers won't even know it.

It's also that our roads encourage/allow for a lot of crappy/wallowy cars to float around town.

We don't have the tight, twisty, narrow roads that the UK, Japan and Germany (for example) have to deal with. So, the American Consumer wants a Lay-Z-Boy on wheels, with cupholders and a place to jack in his cellphone for recharging when (briefly) not chatting on the way to work.

I think the cars we get a far more a reflection of the attitudeon driving here in the states more than any special market conditions--except one: Most other countries have extensive mass transit systems (which are nice and clean) and these make cars a luxury item, or a leisure-time item, so people are more keen on buying a good car.

Here, we see cars as a basic right, and given the poor status of mass transit, a basic necessity if you don't live in the various metro areas (NYC or DC).

Add in lack of training or emphasis on driving dynamics, import tarrifs, corner-cutting, profit maximization, and you can see why the US market is flooded with bottom-rung crap.

The new Mustang, finally off the Fox platform, *still* sports a live rear axle.
Countless GMs have rear drums...it goes on and on...

With the bar set so low, why bother bringing good cars over here?
Especially when people will complain (our magazine editors too) about firm suspensions and anything that doesn't conform to the Taurus template?

Sadly, until and unless the consumer demands something more, it's all we'll ever get...given that the Focus and Taurus are two of the highest-volume selling cars, I doubt we'll ever see a change.

mh_WRX

05-24-2004, 02:50 PM

In a capitalist business model, they will always build what the consumer will buy. We get crap because that's what the majority buys. Very few USA consumers are Auto enthusiest, they view the car as nothing more than an appliance, like a toaster. To the same ends, the auto in the US is considered disposible, so why build them to be a lasting item?

Its JQ public that decides what we buy, and until more demand something different by buying something else, it's what we will continue to get.

mh_WRX

05-24-2004, 02:51 PM

Check this out, a Monaro/GTO convertible:

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/21/196055.3-lg.jpg
http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/21/196055.2-lg.jpg
http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/21/196055.1-lg.jpg

To bad it won't ever be built. The company that did the design and prototype for Holden went out of business.

BigElm

05-24-2004, 03:00 PM

^ That would be nice.....

Alpha1

05-24-2004, 03:56 PM

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1015/101567_00mg.jpg

http://www.autoweb.com.au/cms/A_101567/newsarticle.html

1. BMW Diesel Engine Power At The Forefront Of Global Technology

BMW introduced its first diesel-engined variant to Australia in March 2003.

The BMW X5 3.0d quickly gained a huge following and in 2003 accounted for more than 30 percent of sales helping to underpin the X5’s dominance of the luxury SUV market.

The 3.0d engine was upgraded at the start of 2004 offering substantially increase power and torque.

BMW Group globally engineers and produces a vast number of highly powered, low emission, low consumption diesel engines in a variety of configurations, in four and six cylinder, and V8 configurations.

In the UK and South Africa, BMW’s diesel-powered cars have been widely acclaimed and awarded, with the BMW 320d chosen as the South African Car of the Year in 2001.

5. BMW Unveils Multi-Stage Turbocharging in the BMW 535d.

The very latest BMW diesel engine technology was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2004.

BMW set a new standard in passenger car diesel engine technology with its industry-leading technology in the new 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine equipped with multi-stage turbocharging.

This engine is due to enter production in Europe in late 2004, fitted to the 5 Series sedan and Touring (wagon) as the 535d.

Maximum output of this innovative power unit is 200 kW. But the incomparable driving characteristics of this engine on the road are even more impressive with two-stage turbocharger technology providing 500 Nm of torque at just 1,200 rpm, peaking at 560 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 6.6 seconds.

By introducing two-stage turbocharger technology, BMW’s engineers have succeeded for the first time in eliminating ‘turbo lag’ when setting off or accelerating from low speeds. This removes a drawback suffered by virtually all-conventional turbo engines.

In practice this means very powerful and forceful acceleration from all engine speeds.

The 535d engine also meets stringent future EU4 emission standards.

BMW multi-stage turbocharger technology first pre-compresses intake air in the first charger before the air is further compressed in the second charger through a multi-stage process.

Then, under maximum pressure of 2.85 bar, the intake air flows through an intercooler directly into the combustion chambers where the enhanced cylinder charge ensured in this manner significantly boosts engine output from an unchanged 3.0 litres by 40 kW versus the standard, much-acclaimed 530d engine, with a maximum output of 160 kW.

The exceptional spontaneity in response by the 535d engine is ensured by the second compression stage, the high standard of efficiency ensuring a quick build-up of turbocharger pressure from low engine speeds. Then, once the engine has reached higher speeds, the second turbocharger stage cuts in to provide an ongoing surge of power all the way to the maximum level.

This broadens the useful engine speed range versus the turbocharged diesel engines generally in use today by 500 rpm to a maximum speed of 4,800 rpm, contributing significantly to the engine’s sporting character.

BMW multi-stage turbocharger technology comes exclusively in combination with six-speed automatic transmission as well as high-performance 17-inch brakes ensuring appropriate deceleration and stopping power whenever required.

530d sedan and Touring

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel in the 530d sedan and Touring is the same unit used in the X5 but tuned slightly differently for application in European markets.

The 3.0d engine produces160 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque between 2,000–2,750 rpm. Average fuel consumption is just 7.2 (8.0 auto) litres / 100 km and the 530d Touring accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.2 (7.4) seconds with a top speed of 242 (240) km/h.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1015/101567_2mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1015/101567_5mg.jpg

Diesel are coming in a big way. Alpha1

mh_WRX

05-24-2004, 07:38 PM

Scion "taking a lot of risk"

Expect to see an aggressive schedule of new vehicles and major product updates from Toyota's youth-oriented Scion division. "We're going to have to take a lot of risk," said Jim Farley, Scion's general manager, and that means "significant product updates every year or two."

The challenge will be keeping the brand fresh and exciting, Farley acknowledged, so it continues to draw in the first-time and youthful buyers who have otherwise steered clear of the Toyota brand. "We have to be that contemporary window and door for the company," stressed Farley.

It was reasonably easy the first time, with products like the xA and xB, but the challenge will continue to get more difficult, Farley said during an interview with TheCarConnection. "The real test for Scion isn't the first generation, but the second and third generation of products." Scion will complete its national rollout over the coming summer, a process that will be underscored with the launch of its new tC. The coupe is the first product specifically designed for Scion, rather than a rebadged Japanese market Toyota.

A hybrid is one among the many products under study for Scion. The challenge will be to find a way to bring a gasoline-electric into the brand that's distinct from what more mainstream makers are offering - and that can recover the added cost of the complex hybrid hardware. Farley pointed to Nissan's Cube, a boxy Japanese-market crossover vehicle that has a hybrid version with separate electric motors on each wheel. That would be the sort of feature a Scion buyer might be willing to pay extra for, he suggested, though Farley quickly cautioned that Scion likely won't get a hybrid until at least 2008. -Paul A. Eisenstein

-----------------------------------------------------

2005 Scion tC
Toyota’s fledgling brand attempts to redefine “entry-level.”
by Paul A. Eisenstein (2004-05-24)

Back in the Stone Age, when we Baby Boomers were young, protest seemed a way of life. If our parents did it, ate it, watched it - or drove it - we wanted something entirely different. It was the perfect opportunity for a struggling import automaker named Toyota. Whether intentional or otherwise, it won over the so-called counterculture, the postwar generation embracing its little import econoboxes.

Over the years, the Boomers have grown up with Toyota, but like us children of the '60s, Toyota's gotten a little gray around the edges. And for many of today's newest car buyers, the Japanese marque has morphed into the automotive establishment. Automakers are a fickle bunch, always worried about the next generation of buyers. Toyota officials realize that if they don't do something soon, the only folks shopping their showrooms will be ex-hippies on canes.

Hang around automotive circles and you often hear the phrase, "back to basics." And that's precisely the direction Toyota has headed with its new Scion brand. Hoping that lightning strikes twice, the automaker is going after an entirely new generation just beginning to buy cars. But rather than try to convince the hip-hop crowd that Toyota itself is relevant again, the automaker has launched the all-new, graffiti-covered "brand-within-a-brand," Scion.

Its first two models, the Scion xA and boxy xB, exceeded the automaker's expectations, even though the new brand was barely halfway through its U.S. launch. Now, to support its nationwide rollout, Scion is introducing a third model.

All-new for America

Where xA and xB were simply rebadged versions of small, Japanese-market Toyotas, the tC is "the first vehicle developed exclusively for the Scion brand," says the division's U.S. boss, Jim Farley.

One could nitpick, since tC shares a bit of its platform and componentry with the European Avensis (including its rear suspension) as well as the Celica (such bits and pieces as its brakes). But these days, it's hard to find any car that doesn't engage in this under-the-skin sleight-of-hand. So it's fair to say tC is unique to the U.S. and as TheCarConnection quickly discovered during a day of driving, the new coupe is well-crafted for the sort of demanding young opinion leaders Scion and its parent company crave.

The basic shape of the tC will seem familiar to Toyota aficionados, though the standard jellybean form has been given a broader stance, along with some eye-catching creases and a blunt nose with Scion's broad, rectangular honeycomb grille. An oversized air scoop, recessed foglamps, and bulging rocker panels enhance the pint-sized coupe's sporty appearance, as do the large, seven-spoke alloy wheels that shod our test car.

Despite its exterior size and surprising base price - just $16,465 - the tC is no econobox. Rather than try to go mano-a-mano with the Koreans by driving the window sticker as low as possible, Scion's strategy is to offer buyers a lot more than they'd expect. "Our goal was to give tC an upscale…feel that approached Lexus," explains Dr. Shigeyuki Hori, the man known as "Dr. Scion," and the tC's chief engineer.

Lexus-light?

The look and feel of the tC interior might be described as "Lexus-light," with a pleasantly refined cabin. For the driver, the focal point is a sophisticated three-pod gauge cluster and cascading center console. An interesting touch is what Scion officials call "micrograin" texture. Interior materials look more like rice paper than the traditional fake leather - a nice concept, though we noticed a tendency to show every spot of dirt.

There are some interesting features, including front seats that fold down flat to create what one Scion official with a totally straight face described as a "conversational space." We're not sure there'd be much talking going on, but we only wish this were available when we were of an age to enjoy that feature.

There's also an absolutely massive moonroof, an interesting engineering exercise eliminating gaskets in order to reduce wind noise. Indeed, one of the things Scion engineers borrowed from Lexus was the use of sound controlling foams, fabrics, and metals. The coupe is uncannily quiet when compared to anything else in its size and price segment.

The moonroof is standard, as are the 17-inch alloy wheels, just two of the surprises delivered by a car of this price. There are plenty of other small, but significant touches: like the cellphone holder, hooks for a purse or bag, useful storage pouches in the rear cargo net, memory seats and - a first for Toyota - front knee airbags.

Plenty of options

Officially, Scion products are sold "monospec." That's true, to a point, as there are only three factory options: the choice of manual or automatic transmission, paint color, and side-impact airbags. But in reality, that's little more than a means to reduce factory complexity. Buyers have a massive option list to choose from, everything from wheels to performance parts, but they are fitted to the car either at the port of entry, or at the dealership.

"The focus is on style, freedom, and personal expression," says Farley, revealing that, on average, Scion buyers are ordering more than $1000 in accessories from the dealer to customize their cars.

Much of that is spent on appearance options, but Scion is aiming at the West Coast tuner crowd with a catalog for the tC that includes a high-performance exhaust system and a special turbocharger that will boost output to around 200 horsepower.

In base trim, the tC proved reasonably quick, though it's no rocket off the line. Working our way west from Washington, D.C., we spent a good part of our day weaving our way through the esses of the Shenandoah Valley, and there was more than enough power in the torquey 2.4-liter engine to gain speed up a steep grade. A novel two-way valve system in the mufflers will kick in an extra four to five horsepower when you need it.

That's just one of many pleasant little details Scion engineers have thought through. Another is the logic system of the four-speed automatic transmission, which knows when to hold a gear when heading up or downhill.

Taking aim at VW

According to Dr. Scion, the handling target for the tC was the Volkswagen Jetta's sport package. His team came up with an impressive approximation, and in many ways outdid the original. Braking is one notable example, the tC's four-wheel discs feeling more precise and confident.

Handling is enhanced by a 106.3-inch wheelbase, rather large for this segment. And tC is the only U.S. Toyota with a four-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone rear is a four-link design that effectively emulates a five-link.

Steering is significantly better than the typical U.S. Toyota, with a clear feel of the road and just enough effort to qualify as "sporty." The tC proved reasonably nimble and adept on the mountain roads we experienced along the way, far less floaty than some of today's Toyotas, though perhaps not quite as stiff as the Jetta, especially when going into a hard corner.

Still, Scion has picked its target wisely. And not just in terms of performance and handling. Volkswagen has developed a solid and loyal cult following, a core audience that helps it win over a broader mass market. Scion aims to do something similar, though by winning good word-of-mouth among young buyers, it hopes to attract more new customers for the Toyota brand, as well.

The new tC is a good choice of product for Scion, particularly for the brand's national rollout. Like the original Lexus LS400, it will surprise and delight, delivering far more than one has a right to expect for the money. We'd be surprised if it didn't prove even more successful than the original xA and xB models.

2005 Scion tC
Base price: $16,465
Engine: DOHC all-aluminum 2.4-liter in-line four with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVTi), 163 hp/160 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Length by width x height: 174.0 x 69.1 x 55.7 in
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Curb weight: 2905 lb (manual), 2970 lb (automatic)
EPA City/Hwy: 22/30 mpg (manual), 23/30 (automatic)
Safety equipment: Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags and front kneebags, four side crash beams
Major standard equipment: A/C, power windows, mirrors and doors, tilt steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, fold-flat front seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, six-speaker premium Pioneer AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

mh_WRX

05-24-2004, 07:44 PM

Germans in quality crisis

Germany is undergoing an automotive crisis it never expected as the birthplace of the first production car. Quality, by many measures, has tanked at three of its revered brands: Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The fourth, BMW, still is holding steady on quality, according to a recent J.D. Power survey of initial quality and durability, but many of its owners have had trouble adjusting to the high-tech controls on the 7-Series and 5-Series products.

The fact that Mercedes trailed Infiniti and Lexus in the dependability survey rankled Germans last year more than a little, but when DaimlerChrysler's American "populist" brands, Chrysler and Dodge, pulled ahead of the luxury icon, the downward trend became a national disgrace. Salt was added to the wounds when Porsche and Volkswagen finished 35th and 36th out of 37 brands rated by Power. "German standards are going down," Professor Claus Leggewie, a political scientist at the University of Giessen, told the New York Times (May 20). "We're no longer in the position of being expensive but very good."

German automakers are not taking the bad quality news lightly. U.S. Volkswagen executives are engaged in "teardown" examinations of vehicles shipped from Germany to their headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Porsche has pointed a finger at the VW plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, where parts are made for both the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg SUVs. Somewhere in the mix, production and quality wires are being crossed. "Globalization makes the debate over quality less important," says Professor Leggewie. "When you create transnational companies like DaimlerChrysler, the idea of 'made in Germany' matters less."

U.S. dealers, for that matter, have not complained much about the X5 SUV and Z4 roadster built by BMW in Spartanburg, S.C., or the M-Class SUV coming from the Mercedes facility in Vance, Alabama, though the M-Class routinely finishes among the lowest of the SUVs in Power surveys. Not having been built in the Fatherland was a concern to the proud automakers at first, but southern workers have shown they can build 'em as good as the Germans, if not better. -Mac Gordon

Hazdaz

05-24-2004, 08:41 PM

I have no fear that the German brands will bounce back...why?

Because:
German automakers are not taking the bad quality news lightly.

The US makers publicly give lip-service to building better cars and say they are working on improving quality - and have been saying that for 20+ years!, No way in hell does it take 20+ years to increase the quality of your cars if you actually CARE about it.

The Germans, on the other hand, are ACTUALLY concerned about quality, and have always been concerned about quality. This is just a wake up call for them - in 2 years (not 20!!) no one will even remember that Mercedes and Porsche scored that low.

coolbluelb

05-25-2004, 01:04 AM

Originally posted by Alpha1
Then, under maximum pressure of 2.85 bar, [/B]

Dude, that is like 41 psi... :eek:

reks

05-25-2004, 09:16 AM

True, but it's a diesel.

Ghostrider600

05-25-2004, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
Scion "taking a lot of risk"

"The focus is on style, freedom, and personal expression," says Farley, revealing that, on average, Scion buyers are ordering more than $1000 in accessories from the dealer to customize their cars.

Much of that is spent on appearance options, but Scion is aiming at the West Coast tuner crowd with a catalog for the tC that includes a high-performance exhaust system and a special turbocharger that will boost output to around 200 horsepower.

Turbo? Not the TRD S/C? :confused:

SubaruImpreza_power

05-25-2004, 02:17 PM

http://www.fact-index.com/s/sa/saab_9_2.html

Saab 9-2
Saab 9-2 is a planned automobile from Saab, but made by Subaru and based on the Subaru Impreza WRX with modified front, rear and interior. They will be a five door sports car available with either 2.5 litre four-cylinder or a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine.
Pushed by General Motors, the owner of Saab and a major minority shareholder in Subaru, the idea is not particularly popular with brand enthusiasts, nor, reportedly, management at the companies concerned. From the perspective of Saab enthusiasts, the idea has been criticized for that the changes will only be cosmetic so while it may look like a Saab it will not drive like a Saab, nor have the same high standard of safety as a Saab (although the Impreza is among the safest cars in its class). Subaru is not happy about its image-building "hero car" being used to prop up another brand although officially both companies support the idea and stress their common background in aviation and rally. Many Subaru owners are happy to see their favorite cars moving out into other segments of the marketplace - with or without headlight wipers.

No move of this sort is expected from arch-rival manufacturer Mitsubishi, as its boy racer cars are not likely to garner the attention of friendly manufacturers.

The new Saab car has already earned the nickname "Saabaru". It is planned to be sold only in areas of the world where people have little knowledge about what Saab is and not in Europe.

Should not be confused with Saab 92.

Very interesting site.

amdmaxx

05-25-2004, 03:18 PM

they r clueless

samagon

05-25-2004, 03:56 PM

it is based on the wagon, the site you refer to is, as automaxx says, clueless.

it should be released already, if not very soon, to showrooms near you.

do a search of these forums and on google for more information.

heh, misread your title, looks like you are on the ball, but the site you refer is not! :)

:banana: :banana:

Alpha1

05-25-2004, 03:58 PM

2004 Mazda 6 Five Door
Six into Three: Mazda adds two derivatives to its successful 6 formula

By NATALIE NEFF

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/0517mazda6_rear.jpg

2004 MAZDA 6 S FIVE-DOOR
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $23,415
POWERTRAIN: 3.0-liter, 220-hp, 192-lb-ft V6; fwd, five-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 3336 pounds
0 TO 60 MPH: 7.3 seconds (est.)

You're the sporty sort, practical, sure, but still desirous of carving up a few canyon roads now and then. So you passed on the Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys of the world for the more spirited-if not necessarily faster-Mazda 6. Smart choice, we think, from the enthusiast angle.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, you find you need to haul more stuff. A lot of stuff. What's a car enthusiast to do? Buy an SUV? Bah!

Thankfully, Mazda has an answer, offering the terrific 6 in two new stuff-friendly styles, a five-door hatchback and a wagon.

Like the sedan, the five-door comes with a choice of powerplants. The 2.3-liter 160-hp I4 does duty in base, or i-trim, cars. Moving up to the s model gets you the 3.0-liter V6 with a lot more go, a full 220-hp and 192-lb-ft worth. Both come mated to a five-speed manual, but if you insist on a slushbox, you can get a four-speed unit in i trim while s models get a five-speed.

The real beauty of the five-door (any five-door, for that matter) lies in its flexibility. You get the passenger convenience of a four-door with a whole lot more cargo-carrying ability, and you don't suffer the extra weight of a station wagon or its prosaic, suburban (ick!) shape. It makes for the best compromise between utility and dignity we can think of.

Dimensionally, the five-door differs from the sedan only in rear headroom, with back-seat passengers losing just 0.4 inch to that sloping hatch shape. In exchange, gear-carrying space increases by 6.8 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats-using a nifty lever located near the liftgate and without removing the headrests-enlarges that to 58.7 cubic feet of nearly flat floor space. And with a hatch opening among the most gaping we've seen, the Mazda 6 five-door looks like a best bet for people with moderate but regular cargo-carrying requirements.

The bonus: With the five-door you get the sharpest styling of the 6 lineup.

In profile, the five-door could easily pass for a coupe, the hatch's liftgate never interrupting the graceful slope of the roofline. It also comes standard with a sport package (which costs extra on the other two models) that includes more aggressive ground effects all around, integrated fog lights, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips and a body-colored grille.

The hatchback offers up so much to love in the area of convenience and style, but it also delivers a more-than-gratifying driving experience with road manners that match the sedan's. It gives up a bit in the weight department, tipping the scales at 3166 pounds, or 121 more than the four-door. But with larger standard wheels shod in 215/50R-17 V-rated all-seasons and an identical suspension setup-double wishbones up front, multilink rear and anti-roll bars fore and aft-the five-door feels just as sure-footed when pushed hard.

The Mazda 6 wagon comes dressed only in s trim, meaning it only comes with the six-cylinder. You still get the manual-a wagon with a manual, très cool-or the five-speed auto optional.

Just like the hatchback, the Mazda 6 wagon features fold-flat rear seats, but in this case cargo space expands from 33.7 cubic feet to 60.4 cubic feet. Credit its shape with giving rear passengers an additional 1.5 inches of headroom over the sedan, or 38.6 total.

The standard sport package found on the five-door is available for the wagon, and includes all the same features. A luxury package is also available on both models, as is a Bose audio package.

On sale now, the Mazda 6 i five-door starts at $21,315 including a $520 destination charge. That stacks up nicely against the competition.

Speaking of which, Mazda claims its 6 is the only midsize five-door hatchback offered for sale in the States. We'd argue the eco-friendly Toyota Prius (with 96.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a sticker of $20,810), the eccentric Chevrolet Malibu Maxx (106.0/22.8/$24,725) and the economical Hyundai Elantra GT (94.0/12.9/$15,389) all fall into the same category. We'd also argue that none of them offers anywhere near the same combination of performance and styling as the Mazda, from the enthusiast angle.

Look for stickers on the sport wagons to start at $22,745. And look for us looking forward to trying them all.

http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/0517mazda6_hatch.jpg http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0517/0517mazda6_main.jpg

This sport back is a great concept, although not a new one. The Saab 9 series was synonymous with this type of rear gate until the most recent 9-3. It would be nice to see this body style available on the next generation Impreza or Saab 9-2. Alpha1

Alpha1

05-25-2004, 04:00 PM

Chrysler's new 300 sedan lures some trade-ins, early sales strong

By MARY CONNELLY | Automotive News

DETROIT - The 2005 Chrysler 300, a brashly styled rear-drive sedan, is attracting some owners of competing domestic and import luxury vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models are being traded for the Chrysler 300, albeit in small numbers, according to early buyer data analyzed by the Power Information Network for Automotive News.

The car is performing well out of the gate, with customers clamoring for upscale 300C models, dealers say. The issue is how long the good times will last.

"The 300 is attracting a much more diverse, widespread owner body than the other Chrysler (brand) models," says Tom Libby, director of industry analysis for the Power Information Network. "The 300 is attracting over five times the number of Cadillac owners as do other Chrysler brand models. It is also attracting many more Lincoln owners than the other Chrysler models do."

Sales of the 300 and 300C - an upscale trim level of the 300 with a Hemi V-8 - started in March. Power analyzed a representative sample of 2005 Chrysler 300 sales transaction data from March 1 to May 9 for Automotive News. The sample covered 5,000 dealerships in 26 markets.

In April, sales of the 300 and 300C totaled 9,543 - well above the April 2003 figure of 2,473 for the 300M model they replaced. The April 2004 figure includes a small number of carryover 300Ms.

Kathy Burress, 49, the national sales manager for a software company, traded a 2003 Lexus ES 300 for a Chrysler 300C.

"This is the least expensive car we have owned in 10 years, and it is our favorite," says Burress, who lives in Cookeville, Tenn. "The Lexus was very disappointing to us in its power and size. We were never really comfortable with it."

Burress is typical of the customer seeking the top-of-the-line 300C, says David Price, sales manager at Cumberland Chrysler Center in Cookeville.

"The 300C with the Hemi is the one people are looking for," Price says. "We've delivered three this month, and I have four sold orders in the system. If I had some on the lot, I could sell more."

Customers are choosing upscale features, such as a sunroof. Eighty percent of 300 and 300C buyers are choosing a sunroof, double what Chrysler anticipated, says Michael Smith, executive vice president of Inalsa Roof Systems Inc. in Auburn Hills, Mich., the sunroof supplier.

The base Chrysler 300 starts at $23,595, including the destination charge. The 300C has a $32,995 sticker.

True to the industry pattern, the No. 1 trade-in for the Chrysler 300 and 300C was another Chrysler brand vehicle, accounting for 29 percent of the trades.

Lexus accounted for 1.3 percent of the 2005-model trade-ins. Mercedes-Benz accounted for 1.5 percent. BMW accounted for 2.7 percent. That's a small percentage, but it's better than any other Chrysler model.

The new model is getting twice as many Ford Motor Co. trade-ins as the 300M did, the data show. And Mercedes-Benz and BMW didn't turn up at all on the trade-in list of the 300M for March 1 through May 9, 2003.

The challenge is to keep running at this pace, Libby says: "It is a challenge because Chrysler does not have the panache or brand image of a Lexus or Mercedes. Initially, it is a good job. Long term, we'll have to see."

mh_WRX

05-25-2004, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by Ghostrider600
Turbo? Not the TRD S/C? :confused:

I believe that is a mis-print as Toyota has already said it will have the optional TRD S/C.

mh_WRX

05-25-2004, 09:12 PM

Spy Shots: ’06 VW GTI
A Paris debut for the German wundercar.
by Brenda Priddy (2004-05-24)

Volkswagen's hot Golf GTI was caught this week, four months before its anticipated introduction at the Paris Motor Show.
Looking much like the GTI concept previously shown, the production GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 200 horsepower.
The GTI, sporting a huge front air dam, unique side skirts, dual stainless exhaust pipes, and 18-inch alloy wheels, is expected to reach showrooms early next year.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8043_image.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8044_image.jpg

Jon [in CT]

05-25-2004, 09:49 PM

Here's something from yesterday's NY Times (see http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/24/automobiles/24dt-autolog.html?ex=1086148800&en=bcc2a1ec6573ba80&ei=5006&partner=ALTAVISTA1, but you need to register):For Saab, Some See the Beginning of the End. Others See the Middle

By JAMIE LINCOLN KITMAN

Published: May 24, 2004

Saab loyalists have predicted the worst ever since General Motors bought its initial 50 percent stake in the Swedish automaker, for $500 million, in 1990. But an announcement last week by Saab Cars USA — that it would relocate its home office from Norcross, Ga., to G.M.’s world headquarters in the Renaissance Center in Detroit – was seen as the final bit of proof that the odd little automaker, an upstart not so long ago, has indeed been integrated into the world’s largest industrial company.

G.M. did not complete its financial takeover of Saab until 2000, but longtime fans of the brand – known for its early adoption of front-wheel drive, innovations in turbocharging and its longstanding commitment to air quality and safety – started grumbling loudly when the company’s first product under G.M. ownership, the Saab 900 of 1994, made its debut.

Based heavily on the Opel Vectra, the 900 handled clumsily, suffered alarming quality lapses and was later reported to have done poorly in Swedish crash testing. A freshening for the 1999 model year was said to incorporate more than 1,300 improvements — reflecting, critics said, a car that needed a lot of improvement.

The 9-5, also introduced for that year and still in production today, was based on Opel underpinnings, too, but was less underbaked and better received, though it, too, has yet to become a significant object of Saab aficionados’ desire. Among other turnoffs, it was the first Saab to offer a V-6 engine, a lightly re-engineered version of an Opel power plant that seemed rather less sophisticated than Saab’s trademark turbo four-cylinders.

Like all post-G.M. Saabs, the 9-5 retained the company’s signature center-console placement of its ignition switch. Naysayers wonder if that minor character trait has become the marque’s sole distinguishing characteristic in the eyes of Saab’s new masters. While the ignition switches all remain on the consoles, the proof of Saab’s lost independence has come in waves.

In 2002, Debra Kelly-Ennis was named president of Saab’s American operations. With just three years’ experience in the car business (most of it at G.M.’s moribund Oldsmobile division, where she was charged with turning out the lights), she had little prior exposure to the Saab culture.

Far more worrisome to the keepers of the faith, last year G.M. laid off 1,300 engineers and designers at Saab’s world headquarters in Trolhattan, Sweden, effectively eliminating the company’s in-house ability to engineer a car. And just recently, Saab’s head of design, a rising star named Michael Mauer, quit to work for Porsche.

The inevitability of the mass firing in Sweden can be understood by reference to Saab’s most recent product. A new 9-3 released last year was largely designed by Opel. It shares G.M.’s Epsilon platform with the Pontiac G6 and the Chevy Malibu, as well as the newest Opel Vectra and a Saturn model yet to come. The new 9-3 sedan is a conventional three-box design, losing Saab’s distinctive and roomy hatchback configuration. Also, the car’s American-German engineering has chafed some loyalists, though in fairness not nearly so much as the two newest Saabs, the 9-2X and 9-7X.

The former is a lightly retouched, duller handling and slightly more expensive version of Subaru’s subcompact Impreza WRX sedan and wagon, built for Saab in Japan by Subaru (of which G.M. owns 20 percent). Authenticity issues aside, the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive WRX is, at least, the sort of car that Saab might have built today if it had only received enough financing in the 1990’s. Like the rally-winning Saab 96’s of the 1960’s, the 9-2X wrings maximum advantage from being a light car with a small engine and loads of grip.

The 9-7X, by contrast, is a lightly restyled Chevrolet TrailBlazer built in Ohio. In its bulk and its cumbersome ways, with its optional V-8 engine’s thirst and heavy carbon-dioxide emissions, it is the very antithesis of the Saab ethos. (But, hey, check out the ignition hardware in the center console.)

A former Saab executive who was at the company when General Motors first took over has suggested that Saab’s failure to retain its identity is not so much the fault of G.M. as of the Wallenberg family. The former majority owners of Saab, the Wallenbergs agreed to sell G.M a half interest with the clear understanding that they and their minions would be abdicating any meaningful further role in Saab’s future.

“When they sold it, they should have insisted on input, using their executives and remaining true to the company’s ideals,” this executive said. “But they rolled over and said, ‘You run it.’ G.M.’s got its problems, but it’s the Swedes’ fault. They gave away their heritage. General Motors is just doing what they know how to do, the way they know how to do it.”

The former Saab executive added that a “powerful industry watcher” told him at the time: “ ‘You know what a Ghia badge looks like on the side of a Ford? That’s what’s going to happen to Saab.’ I’ve carried that thought for almost the last 15 years and I’m sorry to have to say, at the end of the day, he was right.”

ANZAC_1915

05-25-2004, 10:05 PM

The 9-5, also introduced for that year and still in production today, was based on Opel underpinnings, too, but was less underbaked and better received, though it, too, has yet to become a significant object of Saab aficionados’ desire. Among other turnoffs, it was the first Saab to offer a V-6 engine

Not true. the 1994-1996 "NG" 900 was offerred with a 2.5 V6.

However the 9-5 was Saab's first model with an asymmetrically turbocharged V6 (driven only by one exhaust bank).

Puyo

05-25-2004, 10:07 PM

Cute. Looks like a Mazda 3

deuce189

05-25-2004, 11:06 PM

I would say thats just a start of subaru's domination of the auto industry, heh heh. But the saab 9-2x doesn't look that bad.

Ghostrider600

05-25-2004, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by deuce189
I would say thats just a start of subaru's domination of the auto industry, heh heh.

Until GM finishes with Saab and moves down the alphabetical list to consume Subaru next. ;)

Ghostrider600

05-25-2004, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by mh_WRX
I believe that is a mis-print as Toyota has already said it will have the optional TRD S/C.

Ah, pity. I had a few visions of a new-school Celica All-Trac Turbo (minus the AWD...) ;)

CirrusWRX

05-25-2004, 11:34 PM

Looks like this to me :D
(not that there is anything WRONG with that...)

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/07/mugencivicsi03_02_1024.jpg

SubaruImpreza_power

05-26-2004, 08:12 AM

Heh I thought Subaru was happy about this..

"Subaru is not happy about its image-building "hero car" being used to prop up another brand"

More Money for them right?

Costanza

05-26-2004, 12:19 PM

Test mule for next gen RX7, RX8 vert, or Miata?

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28118&highlight=mule

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8041_image.jpg
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/8042_image.jpg
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/M/03-large/Mazda-MX5-03.jpg

mh_WRX

05-26-2004, 03:59 PM

It's the new Miata with a RX8 front end graphed on to help camo it.

mh_WRX

05-26-2004, 04:00 PM

Volvo S60,V70,XC70 Updated

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/25/196751.3-lg.jpg

As well as a host of detail interior enhancements and exterior design refreshments, the new Volvo S60, V70 and XC70 making their debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live, also offer significant safety, convenience, performance and dynamic improvements.

Power and Torque Increased for T5 The T5 engine available in the S60 and V70 is significantly upgraded with dual variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides as well as a larger capacity turbocharger. The engine also increases in size from 2.3 to 2.4-litres and tuned to give sportier throttle characteristics and engine response with better low-end torque and improved emissions without increasing fuel consumption figures.

Headline power has increased from 250bhp to 260bhp with torque of 350Nm instead of 330Nm, but more significantly, revised tuning now delivers this power at lower engine speeds. For example, from just 1,800rpm torque has increased by 65Nm to 280Nm, with peak torque of 350Nm from 2,100rpm (instead of 2,400rpm previously).

Performance for the S60 T5 improves with 0-62mph times reducing from 6.8 to 6.5 seconds, while emissions reduce slightly to 220g/km. Front disc brakes and callipers have increased in size to also improve braking performance, with a new, six-speed manual gearbox with a revised aluminium ‘Space Ball’ gear lever now available in the V70 as well as the S60, or Volvo's Geartronic transmission.

2nd Generation Four-C Active Chassis Volvo’s active Four-C chassis (Computer Controlled Chassis Concept) has been refined and now introduced as an option for the new 2005 S60, V70 and XC70 ranges.

The active Four-C chassis system provides fully active damping with two distinct operating ranges – Comfort and Sport – to give a pronounced difference in ride, handling and steering characteristics with different settings for S60 (more sporting), V70 (more touring comfort) and XC70 (tuned for off-road and on-road).

The Comfort setting gives higher levels of comfort but with low body movement, while in Sport the ride becomes firmer with a higher level of road feel and feedback. The system will automatically adjust to stabilise the car during any extreme manoeuvres, no matter which setting is selected, and compensates for heavy loads for improved stability at all speeds and when towing.

Driving characteristics for the S60 R and V70 R models have also been improved with Comfort and Sport settings better tuned for UK road surfaces using higher damping speeds to handle bigger road disturbances, while the Comfort setting is improved with maintained road feel and body control. Full details of the R models will be released in summer 2004.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) Previewed in the Volvo Safety Concept Car in 2001 with a refined version revealed as one of Volvo's safety technology innovations at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2004, Volvo is now introducing BLIS for the first time on production cars – a world first in passenger cars.

BLIS operates when the car's travelling above 6mph (10km/h), and uses digital camera technology mounted in the door mirrors to monitor surrounding traffic, taking 25 pictures a second to register when another vehicle is moving within the car's blind-spot zone – within 3m of each side of and up to 9.5m behind the car.

An amber light on the A-pillar by the door mirror inside the car warns the driver if BLIS detects other traffic. The warning lamp is triangular, to represent a warning symbol, and positioned so it can be seen easily as the driver checks mirrors before any manoeuvre.

It is programmed to work day or night, but not to react to static objects such as parked cars, and a warning message alerts the driver if the system cannot function in poor visibility like heavy fog or snow. A button on the dashboard enables the system to be turned off, if desired.

Water Repellent Glass (WRG) New water repellent glass is now available for S60, V70 and XC70 side windows and door mirrors. To improve visibility when driving in rain, a hydrophobic surface treatment on the front side windows turns water into small beads which the airflow will blow away, leaving the window clear. A small symbol on the glass illustrates the car is fitted with WRG.

Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch For added customer convenience, a Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch is introduced for the first time in a Volvo. This is controlled by using the ignition key in a switch on the side of the dashboard, and illustrated by a warning symbol above the rear view mirror.

2004-05-25 Please quote Autoindex.org if You use this news article!

mh_WRX

05-26-2004, 04:01 PM

http://www.theautochannel.com/N/F/news/2004/05/25/196688.1-lg.jpg

Marcos Engineering Announces the New 'TSO' Sportscar

BIRMINGHAM, England, May 25, 2004 -- -Expressive New Style and Unprecedented Price/Performance in a New 2 Seater

Marcos Engineering Ltd ("Marcos") is pleased to announce the new Marcos TSO roadcar -- making its debut at the Sunday Times Motorshow at the National Exhibition Centre In Birmingham. This two seat open top sports car delivers an unprecedented level of power, precision and style in the company's 45-year sportscar history.

From the outset, the new management and engineering team at Marcos set out to build a reliable, easily drivable two-seater, yet instill the TSO with many of the attributes found in Marcos racing cars. This has yielded a road car with exceptional performance and agility while also being comfortable in daily driving and at home in any environment.

The resulting "TSO" or "Omologato" is derived from its racing blood line and as such delivers an awe inspiring 400 horsepower in a two seat roadcar that weighs just 1090kg. These impressive power to weight figures enable it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4 seconds and to 100mph in just 9 seconds. Top speed is estimated to be over 185mph.

Power is provided by a 5.7 Litre V8 Engine derived from the same GM powerplant used in Marcos and Corvette racing cars worldwide. This Aluminium Alloy block and head design is extremely reliable and lightweight. The TSO R/T benefits from intake and valve train enhancements to increase useable horsepower without sacrificing drivability or fuel economy.

The TSO provides driving agility and impressive road holding due to extensive chassis development and testing under a partnership with Prodrive -- a recognized leader in chassis dynamics, vehicle dynamic systems and powertrains. Currently, Prodrive has six World Rally titles and five British Touring Car Championships to their name.

The design team was driven to capture some lines from the 45-year winning history of the brand, yet take the design forward in precision, quality and style. Designed by Damian McTaggart, formerly the designer of TVR's Cerbera, Tuscan and T350, the TSO's lines are exceptionally clean yet aggressive. The design effort coupled classic sculpting techniques for real-time feedback with state of the art CAD techniques for precision and speed.

The entry level TSO is priced at 39,950 pounds Sterling and delivers 350HP with a 5-speed transmission and 17 inch wheels. The TSO R/T is priced at 44,950 pounds and produces 400HP with a 6-speed transmission, sports suspension package and 18 inch rear wheels.

"The TSO marks the return of the sharp, affordable, high performance V8 British sports car," said Tony Stelliga, Chairman of Marcos Engineering." We believe it hits a gap in the marketplace that stirs the soul of motoring enthusiasts and are thrilled with the result."

Marcos Engineering is also pleased to announce it will be expanding operations into their own new 6,000 square foot facility at Prodrive's Kenilworth site in Warwickshire. This facility provides a 1.5 mile high performance circuit and one of the few split low grip surfaces in the UK capable of simulating driving under slippery road conditions.

The TSO is on display this week at the Sunday Times Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Further information is available at www.marcos-eng.com

/Web site: http://www.marcos-eng.com/

mh_WRX

05-27-2004, 12:26 PM

Sony and Ford Team up to Bring 'Sound Designed By Sony' to New Ford Focus Cars
SAN DIEGO, May 26, 2004 -- Two of the world's most popular brands, Sony and Ford, are joining forces to outfit the 2005 Ford Focus an with an a amazing sound system that is sure to wow even the most discriminating sports-compact enthusiast.

For the first time, new Ford Focus three, five and four-door models can be outfitted with an optional "Sound Designed by Sony" system that includes Sony-branded coaxial door speakers and an eight-inch subwoofer -- all equalized and tuned especially for this vehicle to achieve outstanding acoustic performance. All of the cars equipped with the Sony option will come with a six-disc in-dash CD/AM/FM/MP3 player.

"This is a first in North America where a Sony-branded system will be factory-installed in a vehicle," said Don Courvisier, vice president and general manager for the Automotive Entertainment Solutions Group at Sony Electronics in the U.S. "Focus drivers will immediately benefit from this brand alliance by driving off the lot in a car that has an unparalleled audio listening experience."

A Match Made in Auto Heaven

The Sony system sets a new standard in car audio performance for this vehicle class and is comparable to advanced audio systems found in luxury vehicles. Sound Designed by Sony was designed exclusively with the 2005 Ford Focus in mind, taking full advantage of the acoustical conditions within the vehicle. The radio's digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities include equalization and time delay allowing the Sony speakers to be accurately tuned to the Focus interior. Audio reproduction is intelligently distributed throughout every nook and cranny to exploit the car's internal architecture and create a totally immersive experience.

Moving with the Music

The system includes four coaxial door speakers that offer superior sound reproduction from a 1-inch dome tweeter and the 5 by 7-inch polypropylene cone woofer. This design nicely extends the high and low frequencies, providing silky smooth highs and deep crisp bass.

The car audio 8-inch dual voice coil subwoofer includes a massive 2.4-pound magnet providing powerful and clean bass. Housed in a 15-liter enclosure, the subwoofer boosts the power rating of the system to more than 400 watts of peak music power moving the vehicle's audio performance to the top of its class.