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Pontiac considering G8 GXP coupe

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:11:24 +0000

Pontiac’s G8 line-up may just grow to include a high-performance coupe which bears the GXP go-fast moniker shared with the GXP sedan. This would include much of the same hardware, including the 402-horsepower Corvette-sourced V8 and six-speed manual transmission, and give Pontiac the firepower to compete with the Ford Mustang GT500KR and Dodge Challenger SRT8. GM is reported to be having an internal conflict on whether or not to build a G8 coupe, which would be based on the recent Holden Coupe 60 concept car shown off at Australia’s Melbourne auto show earlier this year. If it gets the green light for production, the coupe would be available for sale within three years, according to Inside Line. Main reasons for not building a G8 coupe include the looming stiff CAFE standards, stringent emissions limits and ever increasing gas costs. A GM insider speaking to Inside Line indicated there is less than a 50 percent chance of the two-door G8 seeing the light of day. “The G8 Coupe is not dead,” he said. “This is an uphill battle. It shouldn’t be. But it is.” A GT version of the coupe mechanically similar to the G8 GT sedan would also be likely. Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com
[ Pontiac considering G8 GXP coupe Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

James Bond tech for the road: Q Tires develops retractable-stud snow tire

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:11:02 +0000

The yearly ritual of swapping out summer tires for studded winter tires can grow quite tiresome for those who reside in snowy Northern United States. Not only that, but studded winter tires can wreak havoc on the local roadways. But one company has developed a James Bond-esque solution to solve both problems. Q Tires has developed a snow tire that actually uses retractable studs. By flipping a switch inside the vehicle, drivers can activate or retract the studs, depending on road conditions. The system works by filling a secondary chamber within the tire, which in turn activates the studs. Releasing the pressure retracts the studs. The ability to retract the studs would mean that drivers could use the tires year round. In fact, many states have already amended their studded tire laws to accommodate the revolutionary design. The system does deplete some of the tire’s air pressure, but company head Michael O’Brien says it would take about 30 uses to really deplete any kind of significant pressure. According to The Detroit News, Q Tires isn’t affiliated with any of the large tire manufacturers and will begin real-world testing of its retractable-stud snow tire later this year. Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com
[ James Bond tech for the road: Q Tires develops retractable-stud snow tire Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Fuel to the fire: 2 Ford Falcon prototypes spied outside of Detroit

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:10:35 +0000

Contradicting reports have been flying back and forth as to whether Ford will move its rear-wheel drive operations to the U.S. from Australia, but it looks as though a recent round of spy shots might have put the debate to rest. Spy photographers have spotted two Ford Falcon prototypes testing outside of Detroit. It still remains unclear if Ford has given the U.S.-spec Falcon the green light, but these could be the first images of Ford’s Australian-born Pontiac G8 fighter. If the project is allowed to progress, the new rear-wheel drive platform would likely underpin the next-generation Ford Mustang and a replacement for the aging Ford Crown Victoria (think more along the lines of the Interceptor concept). A rear-wheel drive Lincoln model based on the same architecture would also be a distinct possibility. Mercury fans, don’t hold your breath for a new rear-wheel drive sports sedan. However, with new CAFE regulations looming in the not-so-distant future, there is still the possibility that Ford could scrap its rear-wheel drive revolution. Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com
[ Fuel to the fire: 2 Ford Falcon prototypes spied outside of Detroit Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

UAW stike at American Axle now threatening Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 production

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:09:43 +0000

In the never ending saga that is the UAW versus American Axle, it appears as though the strike is threatening yet another General Motors plant. This time the strike is threatening to halt production of two of GM’s best sellers — the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. According to Automotive News, American Axle supplies GM with rear-suspension parts for both vehicles. At the current rate of production, GM will run out of parts to make the Malibu and G6 in about two weeks. The Malibu is made at GM’s Orion and Fairfax assembly plants, and the G6 is made at the Orion plant. The strike has already forced GM to close seven light-duty truck plants, one passenger car facility and several other parts plants. GM also announced today that the strike has forced it to close its Toledo, Ohio plant, which makes the transmissions for such vehicles as the Cadillac Escalade. However, the Chevrolet Malibu is arguable the most important vehicle in GM’s lineup, so the strike may have just awoken the giant. It now seems inevitable that GM will step in to help resolve the strike. In lieu of the strike, GM has already decided to move some of its American Axle parts production to Dana. Through the first two months of the year, GM has sold 27,001 Malibus — which won the 2008 North American Car of the Year award — and 30,843 G6s, a 29.1 percent and 32.7 percent increase, respectively, from the same time period in 2007. *Of note, the Saturn Aura is also produce at GM’s Fairfax plant — and rides on the same Epsilon platform as the Malibu and G6 — and while the Automotive News article made no mention of the car, it would be safe to assume that its production is also threatened. Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com
[ UAW stike at American Axle now threatening Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 production Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Review: Volvo XC70

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:04:48 +0000

Described elsewhere as a station wagon on stilts, Volvo’s XC70 picks up where the last generation left off. Popular in the northeast, northwest and in other cold climate areas, the XC70 is the latest generation in capable on/off road vehicles from that other Swedish automobile manufacturer. Backstory Scandinavian sensibilities have always been about form following function. The XC70 continues in a rather buttoned-down, conservative fashion, due in part to its Gothenburg, Sweden, pedigree. But that won’t stop Volvo from laying claim to a slot in the ever-so-hot crossover segment. At the same time, Volvo is claiming “added luxury as well as even greater capabilities for adventure.” The new XC70 is now based on the S80 platform, instead of the smaller S60 platform, which was the basis of the previous-generation model. This has given Volvo designers a larger canvas on which to create their new work. Aesthetics (3.5 / 5) The traditional hexagonal shape, long a hallmark of Volvo design, is present in the rear of the XC70’s wayback area. Like a Swedish beauty, this car has hips. It also has innovative design cues that other manufacturers are hesitant to execute in their own design studios. The integrated roof rack that sprouts out of the “A” pillar, continuing to the rear “D” pillar. Bright strips along the lower perimeter of the body give an impression of bold dynamic design, capable of forging a stream (although, most likely, it never will). Finally, the cladding, which has always been the distinguishing mark of the XC model line, has been tastefully, to our eyes, minimized. The exterior has some shortcomings, particularly in the finer details. At a glance, the overall look is good, but on closer inspection it’s easy to spot some confusing lines in the rear. Between the taillights, tailgate cutout, rear apron, indicators, rear window, and added styling details, there is a bit too much going on and it’s not entirely cohesive. We’re also disappointed with how the taillights resolve at the top. The ends appear simply cut off — as if the designer didn’t have enough time to integrate them properly. Performance (4 / 5) Powered by a new 3.2-liter 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine, it’s a departure from turbos found in other recent Volvos. Outputting 235-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, it is a smooth operator throughout its range. The new six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission allows for do-it-yourselfers to grind through twists and turns, where the XC70 exhibits respectable handling despite the fact that it has a feeling of being “mile-high.” Chalk that up to McPherson struts with asymmetrical coil springs and hydraulic shocks in front, and a multilink rear suspension with coils, hydraulic shocks, and stabilizer bar at the rear. We were curious though, as to the high degree of throttle tip-in required to get things underway. Whether this was due to our vehicle being a pre-production model will have to be determined in the coming months, but suffice it to say, you did have to stand on the accelerator to get it moving. NVH was very good throughout, allowing for the slightest amount of road noise to seep into the cabin. Mileage to our view (and wallet) is below average at 15 city mpg / 22 highway mpg. Technology (4 / 5) The XC70 all-wheel-drive system displayed good grip throughout the range. An electronically controlled clutch distributes power between front and rear wheels seamlessly to where we couldn’t actually feel it activate. Its Instant Traction feature offered traction control while on loose gravel and during starts on the oil-slicked rain-soaked streets of South Florida. Hill Descent Control (HDC) offered the ability to creep down steep hills at 6-mph. Although hills are hard to find near West Palm Beach, we can attest to its capabilities, having driven on such grades while behind the wheel of the XC70 at the vehicle’s launch in Whitefish, Montana. Another innovative piece of technology is the XC70’s use of Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB). While our test vehicle was not equipped, we did experience it during the Montana media launch, where it managed to take control from the driver, alerting you to a pending collision while pre-charging the brakes, and if you don’t respond, it actually applies the brakes to increase the following distance of your car versus the one in front that you almost smashed into (or minimize the impact of the crash that you just had). Big brother is most definitely watching. Cabin (3.5 / 5) With all the earth tones inside, the interior could be described best as organic in nature. Nicely done wood (or wood-like) trim accents the interior, breaking up the blonde look that is so prevalent throughout (there’s that blonde Swedish beauty thing again). Ergonomically designed front seats offer full support in virtually every seating position, while the rear bench offers innovative integral two-stage child booster seats in 40-20-40 seating arrangements. These booster seats can accommodate children to nearly 88-pounds. The quality of the leather used inside was exceptional, from the seating surfaces to the wrapped steering wheel. We wish the plastic used in the interior was the same: It went from excellent in the form of the sweep over the dashboard to toy-like in other interior utilizations. The Sirius Satellite Radio-ready Dynaudio sound system had the ubiquitous iPod hookup and 12 speakers as well as a 650-watt amplifier to make sure all occupants get the full aural effect inside the cabin. Other interior niceties included a wide rear armrest with integrated cupholders and two headphone controllers in the rear of the center console. Attention to detail was shown by the usage of seatback cutouts, which resulted in more leg and knee room for rear seat passengers. On the other hand, while other manufacturers had several, there was only one front and one rear power port. The same can be said for cupholders: with only a pair in front and another pair in back, it’s somewhat curious design for a vehicle that will definitely see its share of kids. Bottom line Volvo had traditionally been the stodgy Scandinavian, to Saab’s sexier younger look. Apparently there is a new Sheriff in charge of the design studios because things are looking better and better with every subsequent model. If the same Sheriff could grab a hold of the mileage gremlins, we would like this third-generation XC70 even more. MSRP: $36,775.00 Price as tested: $44,065.00 Words and photos by Mark Elias.

Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com

[ Review: Volvo XC70 Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Automakers to drastically reduce possible vehicle combinations

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:02:52 +0000

While choice is usually a good thing, U.S. automakers have discovered that it is indeed possible to have too much of a good thing. Today’s cars typically come with an option list that goes on as far as the eye can see, but the domestic automakers are discovering that this is not necessarily what consumers want and not what their bottom lines need. For example, the 2007 Ford Focus was available in a dizzying array of 100,000 different combination. The Focus, mind you, is an entry-level vehicle. Moreover, over 80 percent of Ford Focus sales came from just 4,000 of those combinations. The result is that customers want vehicles that dealers don’t have and dealers are often stuck with vehicle combinations that customers don’t want. But luckily, Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s experience at Boeing will help Ford drastically reduce vehicle combinations. Before Mulally’s time at Boeing, the airplane maker offered hundreds of different shades of white to satisfy each individual airline. Once Mulally took control of Boeing, the airline maker offered just one shade of white. That same mentality will see the Focus’ possible combinations drop by 99 percent for the 2008 model year. This year’s Ford Expedition will also see a combination drop of about 95 percent. Chrysler president Jim Press is bringing about the same kinds of changes at Chrysler. According to Yahoo, Chrysler’s possible vehicle combinations have been decreased by 93 percent over the past two years. That number will continue to fall during the coming years as the automaker aims to eliminate redundant vehicles. General Motors will also make similar changes in the coming years. Interestingly enough, Nissan still offers a number of vehicle combinations while Toyota and Honda — Nissan’s cross-country rivals — do a very good job at keeping vehicle combinations simple and logical. The Nissan Altima and Maxima are the biggest offenders, with as many as 250,000 different combinations possible, despite the fact that about 70 of those vehicles are sold in the same way. While vehicle combinations will be decreasing in the coming years, it should make the buying process much simpler and should ultimately reduce vehicle prices across the board.
[ Automakers to drastically reduce possible vehicle combinations Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Dealerships using new technology to prevent missed payments

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:02:31 +0000

While the U.S. credit crunch may be having its biggest impact on the housing market, the auto industry isn’t far behind. U.S. auto sales are expected to match the industry’s 15-year low this year, which means the country’s car dealerships aren’t in the best position. However, many car dealership are using a new device to help ensure their livelihoods aren’t jeopardized. In order to prevent defaults on car loans, many dealerships are turning to a new device called On Time. The small electronic box — which is mandatory is some car deals — is installed under the dash of the car and helps to ensure that car payments are made on time. As the payment date approaches, the box flashes its lights, and on the date the payment is due, emits a beep. If the buyer fails to make the payment, the device prevents the car from starting. But if the buyer makes the payment on time, they are given a six-digit code to enter into the box to reset it. And with the credit market showing no signs of improvement, it looks like more and more dealerships are turning to such devices. Over the past few years, Sekurus — the company that produces On Time — has grown at an annual rate of about 30 percent. While such devices may be bad news for U.S. consumers, at least the repo man’s job just got a little easier.

Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com

[ Dealerships using new technology to prevent missed payments Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Ford to re-open Essex engine plant

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:01:47 +0000

Ford has announced that it will re-open its Essex engine plant in Windsor, Ontario. The plant has been shut down since November of last year, but Ford and the CAW negotiated a “competitive operating agreement” last February that will allow the plant to re-open. According to Automotive News, the plant re-opening will allow 300 employees to return to work. The CAW will be re-staffing the plant based on seniority. Ford failed to mention which engine(s) it will be producing at the plant, but Toronto’s Globe and Mail newspaper speculates that the plant will produce Ford’s next-generation of fuel-efficient V8s. Ford will invest $165.4 million into the plant, with the Ontario government kicking in another $16.5 million. With the next round of CAW/Big Three negotiation quickly approaching, it appears as though Ford might have just earned itself a bit of good will.
[ Ford to re-open Essex engine plant Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Rick Suzuki resigns as American Suzuki Chairman

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:01:14 +0000

Despite the positive outlook for Suzuki’s U.S. operations, American Suzuki Chairman Rick Suzuki has announced that he will step down as company head. Suzuki, 60, is the grandson of Michio Suzuki, founder of Suzuki Motor Corp., and has headed Suzuki’s American operations since 1998. Suzuki made the announce in a letter to American Suzuki employees last Friday. Suzuki cited poor sales and earnings under his leadership as his reason for resignation. In the same letter, Suzuki also announced that the automaker will reduce its U.S. workforce by 55 employees through a voluntary retirement package. According to Automotive News, American Suzuki set a five year goal in 2003 to sell 200,000 vehicles and 300,000 motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S., but has only attained about half that volume in both categories. Suzuki topped the 100,000 sales mark for the first time in the U.S. in 2006 and sold 101,884 vehicles last year. But because of the slumping market, Suzuki vehicle sales were off 5 percent through the first two months of the year. Suzuki recently unveiled the Kizashi 3 concept at the New York Auto Show, a vehicle that should hit the U.S. market in 2010 and will likely get Suzuki closer to its goal of 200,000 sales.
[ Rick Suzuki resigns as American Suzuki Chairman Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Is this the next-generation Acura NSX?

sonicdigitals — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:00:42 +0000

Acura’s production NSX supercar was supposed to bow at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, but an internal debate among Honda’s designers forced Acura to delay the launch of the next-generation NSX. But, thanks to a new rendering, we may have the first glimpse of what the road-going Acura NSX will look like. The rendering comes from Japan’s Best Car magazine. While it remains unclear if Best Car created the rendering off of solid insider information or just wishful thinking, the illustration of the NSX looks a bit too tamed for the supercar realm. But on the plus side, this NSX is void of Acura’s new thick-framed front grille. While the NSX’s design may still be a mystery, we do know that the new NSX will use a V10 engine and will likely feature Acura’s SH-AWD. Whatever the case, it shouldn’t be too long before Acura takes the wrap off of the next-generation NSX as Honda has confirmed the car will hit the U.S. market in 2010.
[ Is this the next-generation Acura NSX? Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]