2015 Lincoln Navigator Refreshed with EcoBoost V-6
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
It's amazing how little has changed since the Lincoln Navigator created the American luxury full-size SUV segment in the late 1990s. When it first debuted in 1997, the Lincoln Navigator was a premium SUV based on the Ford Expedition that could seat eight people, tow a boat, and carry lots of cargo. Fast forward seventeen years, and the refreshed 2015 Lincoln Navigator is still an Expedition-based, highly-capable, enormous full-size SUV. Seems a little behind the times, no?
For 2015, though, the Lincoln Navigator moves somewhat closer to the modern era with the addition of Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine as standard on all Navigators. This twin-turbo engine is said to produce "more than" 370 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, and will pair with a six-speed automatic to put the power to either the rear or all four wheels. This EcoBoost powerplant will replace the ancient 5.4-liter V-8, and should provide a noticeable fuel economy bump over the outgoing Navigator's 13/18 mpg city/highway ratings when equipped with four-wheel-drive. We also expect the upcoming 2015 Ford Expedition to receive this powerplant as well when it gets refreshed within the next year.
Other than the powertrain and a new, optional adaptive suspension system, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator's updates are largely cosmetic. A new split-wing grille up front finally aligns the Navigator with the rest of the Lincoln lineup, as do the full-width LED taillights around back. Lincoln will also offer huge, 22-inch wheels on the top Reserve trim level, and there's a heavy heaping of chrome all around like before. Lincoln emphasizes that this upgraded jewelry is important to full-size luxury SUV customers, and that's not hard to believe if you look at the blinged-out front end of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade.
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will continue to be offered in standard- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter of which adds 15 inches to the Navigator's overall length for considerably more cargo space behind the third-row seats. The Navigator either seats seven with the second-row captain's chairs and the three-person rear bench, or a total of eight with the optional second-row bench. All three rows of seats can be trimmed in "ultra-luxurious" leather with the aforementioned Reserve package, which also adds Ziricote wood trim. From the driver's perspective, there's a new instrument panel with dual color LCD screens bookending an analog speedometer, along with the updated version of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system that debuted in the 2015 Lincoln MKC with a few extra knobs and buttons for more intuitive use.
At the official reveal event for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator, brand representatives emphasized that this tweaked SUV is not one of Lincoln's fully-redesigned, transitional models like the new Lincoln MKZ and MKC. The Navigator is still an important model for the brand, though, as evidenced by the permanence of the Navigator name in favor of Lincoln's MK alphanumerics. It's one of the few bright spots in the Lincoln lineup, with a small sales increase in 2013 compared with 2012 that helped combat sliding sales of models like the MKS and MKT.
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will go on sale in early fall of this year, and it will be on display at the 2014 Chicago auto show next month. Look for more pricing, fuel economy, and powertrain details to come out closer to the Navigator's on-sale date.
Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner Concept Shown at 2014 Chicago Auto Show
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Nissan is testing the waters for diesel power in the midsize pickup truck market with Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner project truck at the 2014 Chicago auto show. Under the hood of this Frontier is a 2.8-liter Cummins turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, and Nissan says this engine could make its way into the next-generation Frontier depending on consumer interest. If approved for production, the diesel Frontier would go up against the upcoming diesel versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups that go on sale later this year.
Nissan originally announced a partnership with engine-builder Cummins last year, when the automaker said a 5.0-liter Cummins diesel V-8 would be available in the next Nissan Titan full-size pickup, due in 2015. Nissan is hoping that this concept will help gauge interest in this smaller diesel powertrain for the Frontier, which is due to be redesigned within the next year. The 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel produces around 200 hp and over 350 lb-ft of torque and mates with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This would reportedly make for fuel economy up to 35 percent better than a standard Frontier V-6.
A second Nissan Frontier development vehicle with the Cummins four-cylinder diesel is currently testing, so it appears the company is serious about this proposition. A redesigned Nissan Frontier with this diesel engine would certainly put up a challenge to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, which have an optional 2.8-liter diesel four-cylinder.
Other than the diesel engine under the hood, the Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner also has a few visual upgrades over the Frontier Desert Runner on which it is based. The truck features a red and matte-grey paint scheme with faux carbon fiber accents inside and out. There's also a see-through hood insert that highlights the diesel powerplant underneath, and red and grey painted wheels that continue the concept's overall color scheme.
Nissan previously offered a diesel engine on the Hardbody pickup in the late 1980s. We'll see if there's enough interest in this project truck at the 2014 Chicago auto show to warrant a diesel comeback for the next Frontier.
2015 Subaru Legacy Debuts at 2014 Chicago Auto Show
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
The 2015 Subaru Legacy follows closely in the footsteps of the Legacy concept shown just a few months ago at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. Wrapped in a more stylish design, the new Legacy is roomier, more fuel efficient, and offers more convenience and safety features than before.
Like any new, self-respecting midsize sedan, the 2015 Subaru Legacy adopts a graceful roof that is meant to make this four-door car look more like a two-door coupe. The base of the windshield is two inches farther forward than before, creating a fast, shallow angle for the windshield as it sweeps back to the A-pillars. The rear glass also flows into the trunk lid at a shallower angle than before, reducing aerodynamic turbulence. Meanwhile the nose of the 2015 Legacy resembles that of the Legacy concept in the way the grille and headlights present an equally sleek face beneath a new, lightweight aluminum hood. At the rear you'll find fast-acting LED taillights that also reduce power consumption. Altogether, the 2015 bodywork is said to be 10 percent more aerodynamic than the 2014 Legacy, reducing fuel consumption and making the car quieter besides.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy rides on the same 108.3-inch wheelbase as the 2014 car but grows 1.6 inches in length and 0.7 inch in height. Despite the modest exterior changes, rear legroom and front and rear shoulder room all increase slightly compared to the outgoing car, although headroom is reduced. The Legacy's trunk also grows 0.3 cubic feet, to 15.0.
More power, less fuel
The 2015 Subaru Legacy continues to offer a choice between a 2.5-liter flat-four and a 3.6-liter flat-six engine, both of which come with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A six-speed manual transmission, previously offered for the base model Legacy, is no longer available for the 2015 model year.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been revised to reduce internal friction, increasing power by 2 hp to 175 hp. Peak torque remains 174 lb-ft, but Subaru says that the engine's torque band is now broader for improved drivability with the CVT. Four-cylinder versions of the Legacy come with active grille shutters as standard, which automatically close to reduce aerodynamic drag. Fuel economy is expected to rise to 26/30 mpg (city/highway), up from 24/32 mpg for the 2014 Legacy 2.5i.
The 3.6-liter engine is unchanged and continues to offer 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, but fuel efficiency is also expected to rise slightly, from 18/25 mpg to 20/28 mpg.
New engine mounts and improved acoustic insulation are said to keep the cabin quieter. Meanwhile, revised suspension improves handling, and a torque-vectoring front differential adapted from the Subaru WRX and WRX STI reduces understeer by applying the brake of the inside front wheel during fast cornering.
More luxury, more entertainment, more safety
Inside the cabin of the 2015 Subaru Legacy, the interior materials are nicer all round, with thicker padding for the armrests and center console, as well as more soft-touch materials on the dashboard. The center console is said to be large enough to accommodate an Apple iPad, and some infotainment systems have two USB ports, allowing for charging and playing music from two different devices at once. A twin-binnacle instrument cluster includes a small LCD trip computer at its center, along with a color eco-indicator designed to encourage fuel-efficient driving habits.
New technologies include one-touch lane-change signals, as well as the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight forward-facing cameras. The EyeSight system provides features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning, and it's available on the Legacy Premium and Limited. Also new for the 2015 Subaru Legacy is a rear-facing radar that provides blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist functions. LEDs in the mirrors warn of vehicles in the driver's blind spots, while an indicator in the backup camera display warns of cross traffic when pulling out of a space.
The base 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i comes standard with plenty of equipment, including 17-inch wheels, an infotainment system with Bluetooth and Pandora connectivity, active torque vectoring, and keyless entry. Moving up to the 2.5i Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels; an All-Weather package that bundles heated front seats and mirrors, and a windshield wiper heater; a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with dual USB ports; illuminated inside door handles; and dual-zone automatic climate control. A navigation system, blind-sport warning, and the EyeSight safety cameras are optional.
The 2.5i Limited adds 18-inch wheels, a 576-watt Harman/Kardon sound system, blind-spot warning, and fog lights. Options include pushbutton starting, navigation, EyeSight, and a power sunroof. The top-end model, the 2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, builds on that with dual exhaust tips, enlarged front brake rotors, and HID headlights.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy goes on sale later this year.
GM Reports $900 Million Fourth Quarter Net Income, $3.8 Billion for 2013
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Despite improved revenue, General Motors announced that its 2013 income totaled $3.8 billion, down from $4.9 billion in 2012. Revenue was up 2 percent from $152.3 billion in 2012 to $155.4 billion in 2013, but taxes and other expenses overshadowed these gains.
GM's fourth quarter income was the same as 2012's $900 million, although pre-tax and fee earnings were $1.9 billion, up from $1.2 billion in 2012. Although partially offset by other gains, the larger tax impact was a consequence of charges related to Chevrolet's exit from Europe and the cessation of manufacturing Holden vehicles in Australia. Full-year earnings before taxes and interest were up from $7.9 billion in 2012 to $8.6 billion in 2013.
"Launches of some of the best vehicles in our history combined with significant improvements in our core business led to a solid year," said new GM chief Mary Barra in a statement. "The tough decisions made during the year will further strengthen our operations. We're now in execution mode and our sole focus will be on delivering results on a global basis."
GM North America recorded its best year of pre-tax and interest earnings on record, pulling in $7.5 billion, up from $6.5 billion the previous year. Sales for 2013 were up 7.3 percent, and major launches for the Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CTS helped account for the some of that success. Earnings were not as positive for Europe and South America, which each fell in 2013. Income was down to $800 million in 2013 from $1.9 billion in Europe, while GM South America reported a decrease from $500 million in 2012 to $300 million in 2013.
Toyota TRD Pro Series Introduced for Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Aimed at the hardcore off-road enthusiast, Toyota will roll out a new line of purpose-built trucks under its Toyota Racing Development (TRD) banner in fall 2014. The TRD Pro series adds a special set of exclusive equipment to certain Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner models with 4x4 capability.
The most prominent and recognizable feature of the new set of off-road trucks is the retro-styled "TOYOTA" badge, which was last seen on the now-defunct heavy-duty Toyota FJ Cruiser. All Toyota TRD Pro trucks will be built with factory-installed TRD upgrades such as Bilstein shocks, tuned front springs, front skid plate, TRD shift knobs and floor mats, and distinctive black wheels. Classic Black and Super White colors will be offered alongside the new color, Inferno (pictured).
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Series models will feature TRD springs with 2 inches of front lift, softer springs for a better ride, a TRD dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels with Michelin ORP tires, and an array of TRD badges and unique trim elements. The smaller Tacoma TRD Pro gets similar upgrades, including a TRD exhaust, and 16-inch black wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain rubber. Lastly, the 4Runner TRD Pro gains 1 inches of wheel travel, 1.5 inches of front lift, and 17-inch black wheels. These upgrades should add a serious dosage of attitude as well as functionality to any off-road enthusiast's garage.
The TRD Pro package will be available on Access and Double Cab versions of 4.0-liter V-6 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 models, all 4x4 versions of the Toyota 4Runner, as well as CrewMax and Double Cab versions of the 5.7-liter V-8 4x4 Toyota Tundra. Toyota has not come out with any pricing information for its new TRD Pro Series, but expect more details leading up to the planned launch in fall 2014.
Facelifted 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Debuts at 2014 Chicago Auto Show
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Following the arrival of the sportier, restyled 2014 Kia Optima late last fall, the Korean automaker revealed its refreshed 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid at the 2014 Chicago auto show. The mid-size hybrid gets its own updated appearance package for 2014, with a focus on improved aerodynamics and lighting features.
The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid takes the stage at Chicago with redesigned front and rear fascias that feature exclusive components meant to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Specially revised upgrades from the 2014 Kia Optima include more aerodynamic 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels (for LX and EX models, respectively), as well as a new front intake and bumper that Kia claims improves airflow and reduces drag. A new grille combines with exclusive LED front lighting over the headlamps to help distinguish the Optima Hybrid. Other new additions include Hybrid fender badges and an optional white leather interior package.
Combined power from the combustion engine and the 47-hp electric motor totals 199 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, the same as last year's Kia Optima Hybrid. Kia's stronger hybrid starter generator and 47 kW lithium-polymer battery remain, and the fuel economy ratings are unchanged at 36/40 mpg city/highway for the LX model, and 35/39 mpg city/highway for the EX model.
The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid debuts at the 2014 Chicago auto show alongside two other fuel-efficient Kia models, the 2015 Kia Soul EV and the Kia Niro concept hybrid. No official release date or pricing information is yet available, but expect it to be not far off last year's starting price of $26,675 including destination for the base LX model.
2015 Nissan Versa Note SR Debuts at 2014 Chicago Auto Show
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
After the big splash of the Detroit auto show last month, the 2014 Chicago auto show is making smaller waves with debuts like the 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR, a new trim level for Nissan's subcompact hatchback. Mirroring the SR trim on the larger Nissan Sentra, this "sporty" Versa Note adds a few exterior upgrades and interior accents, but is otherwise mechanically identical to other unsporty Versa Note models.
The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR has a more aggressive look overall, with updated front and rear fascias and a new front grille. The SR also comes with a rear spoiler, special 16-inch alloy wheels, standard foglights, and slightly darker headlights. A body kit and a few chrome accents complete the exterior look. On the inside, the Versa Note SR gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel that's said to be inspired by that of the 370Z, along with "suede-like" cloth seats with orange accents, and piano black dashboard trim.
Other than these cosmetic upgrades, the 2015 Nissan Versa Note SR is unchanged from the standard car. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is still the only engine choice, and for the SR model this 109-hp powertrain pairs exclusively with a CVT. Fuel economy ratings are unchanged at 31/40/35 mpg city/highway/combined.
In other Nissan Versa Note news, the 2015 model will receive some equipment reshuffling, with the SL designation transitioning to a full trim level rather than an upgrade package available for the Versa Note SV. The 2015 Nissan Versa Note SL will come standard with a backup camera, alloy wheels, pushbutton start, heated seats, and a 5.0-inch display screen with the NissanConnect infotainment system. Trim levels now include S, S Plus, SV, SR, and SL, and all 2015 Versa Note hatchbacks will come standard with Bluetooth phone connectivity for 2015.
2014 New Delhi Auto Show: Volkswagen Taigun, Chevrolet Adra, and More
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Though the 2014 Chicago auto show may not feature many groundbreaking debuts this year, go halfway across the world and you'll find that the 2014 New Delhi auto show across the world gives an interesting look into India's growing car market with many noteworthy debuts. Manufacturers including Volkswagen, Honda, Chevrolet, Renault, Nissan's Datsun division, and home-market Tata Motors all showed notable concepts and production vehicles at this growing show, and we've highlighted a few of these debuts here.
Volkswagen Taigun Concept
The Volkswagen Taigun is a subcompact SUV concept that was
first shown at the 2012 Sao Paulo auto show for the South American market, but Volkswagen has now retooled the CUV for India. Volkswagen says that this concept is "near-production" and we predict that a production version of this small SUV is likely to go on sale within the next few years. The Taigun is only 151 inches long, making it nearly two feet shorter than the Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV sold here. It also boasts has high ground clearance and a fair bit of torque from its 1.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder that Volkswagen says makes this the perfect runabout for the "urban jungle." Though this Taigun is unlikely to make it to the U.S., it could be a key model for the company's growth in emerging markets like India and South America, where it would compete with vehicles like the
Ford EcoSport subcompact crossover.
Chevrolet Adra Concept
Another subcompact SUV concept came from General Motors, who showed this Chevrolet Adra concept. Similar to the Volkswagen Taigun, it puts a priority on high ground clearance, good visibility, and lots of interior space in a compact footprint. The Adra looks somewhat similar to boxy hatchbacks like the Kia Soul, but it sits higher off the ground and is sized much smaller than compact SUVs in the U.S. The Adra concept was developed by Indian designers at GM's technical center in Bangalore, and a production version of this crossover is likely to go on sale in the Indian market within the next few years, with expansion to other markets like South America a likely possibility as well.
Datsun redi-GO Concept
The
Datsun Go hatchback was the first model to relaunch this Nissan subbrand that is catered towards developing auto markets, and this new redi-GO concept is an example of a possible future Datsun model. The redi-Go is sized slightly smaller than the Go (which is around the same size as a Mazda 2) and features a taller hatchback body with shorter front and rear overhangs. Nissan says it is styled with certain crossover and SUV cues like lower body cladding and an aggressive front end, along with higher ground clearance to give the redi-GO better rough-road capability. The Datsun Go is on sale in India for a price equivalent to $6700, so presumably a production version of the redi-GO could cost even less due to its smaller size. Datsun also showed an seven-seat MPV version of the Go, called the Datsun Go+, at the show.
Renault Kwid Concept
Renault showed its commitment to expanding markets with the Renault Kwid concept, the company's first-ever concept car to be revealed outside of Europe. This concept also previews a subcompact SUV with a funky design that has been put together by an international team of Renault designers from areas including France, India, and Brazil. Although the concept's oversized tires, wild interior materials, and exaggerated color scheme aren't likely to make it to production, this concept otherwise looks relatively production-ready, with its 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and dual-clutch transmission. Renault also says that the Kwid could accommodate an electric drivetrain.
Honda Vision XS-1 Concept
Honda's concept shown at the New Delhi show was a slightly larger crossover that looks much like the
Honda Vezel compact Fit-based crossover that will make its way to the U.S. this year. The Vision XS-1 concept features more daring styling, though, and accommodates seven passengers in three rows of seats. The Honda XS-1 also has large sliding doors on each side for easy access into the cabin. Despite its large cabin, though, the Vision XS-1 still retains a compact footprint. Honda says there are no mass-production plans for this model right now, but we think it's likely that Honda will bring a version of a future compact crossover to sell in India within the next few years.
Tata Zest and Tata Bolt
Tata is best known as the purveyor of the world's cheapest car, the
Tata Nano, but the brand is now expanding into more conventional compact cars with the new Tata Zest sedan and Bolt hatchback models. Tata says these new models embody the company's new design language, called DesignNext, and are powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, along with a new diesel option that mates with a five-speed automated manual transmission. The Bolt and Zest also have increased connectivity features like Bluetooth and smartphone integration that allows drivers to integrate phone functions like navigation and social media into the car's infotainment interface. The Tata Zest and Bolt will be launched this year in India, with expansion to other markets to follow.
2015 Lincoln Navigator Refreshed with EcoBoost V-6
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
It's amazing how little has changed since the Lincoln Navigator created the American luxury full-size SUV segment in the late 1990s. When it first debuted in 1997, the Lincoln Navigator was a premium SUV based on the Ford Expedition that could seat eight people, tow a boat, and carry lots of cargo. Fast forward seventeen years, and the refreshed 2015 Lincoln Navigator is still an Expedition-based, highly-capable, enormous full-size SUV. Seems a little behind the times, no?
For 2015, though, the Lincoln Navigator moves somewhat closer to the modern era with the addition of Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine as standard on all Navigators. This twin-turbo engine is said to produce "more than" 370 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, and will pair with a six-speed automatic to put the power to either the rear or all four wheels. This EcoBoost powerplant will replace the ancient 5.4-liter V-8, and should provide a noticeable fuel economy bump over the outgoing Navigator's 13/18 mpg city/highway ratings when equipped with four-wheel-drive. We also expect the upcoming 2015 Ford Expedition to receive this powerplant as well when it gets refreshed within the next year.
Other than the powertrain and a new, optional adaptive suspension system, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator's updates are largely cosmetic. A new split-wing grille up front finally aligns the Navigator with the rest of the Lincoln lineup, as do the full-width LED taillights around back. Lincoln will also offer huge, 22-inch wheels on the top Reserve trim level, and there's a heavy heaping of chrome all around like before. Lincoln emphasizes that this upgraded jewelry is important to full-size luxury SUV customers, and that's not hard to believe if you look at the blinged-out front end of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade.
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will continue to be offered in standard- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter of which adds 15 inches to the Navigator's overall length for considerably more cargo space behind the third-row seats. The Navigator either seats seven with the second-row captain's chairs and the three-person rear bench, or a total of eight with the optional second-row bench. All three rows of seats can be trimmed in "ultra-luxurious" leather with the aforementioned Reserve package, which also adds Ziricote wood trim. From the driver's perspective, there's a new instrument panel with dual color LCD screens bookending an analog speedometer, along with the updated version of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system that debuted in the 2015 Lincoln MKC with a few extra knobs and buttons for more intuitive use.
At the official reveal event for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator, brand representatives emphasized that this tweaked SUV is not one of Lincoln's fully-redesigned, transitional models like the new Lincoln MKZ and MKC. The Navigator is still an important model for the brand, though, as evidenced by the permanence of the Navigator name in favor of Lincoln's MK alphanumerics. It's one of the few bright spots in the Lincoln lineup, with a small sales increase in 2013 compared with 2012 that helped combat sliding sales of models like the MKS and MKT.
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator will go on sale in early fall of this year, and is on display at the 2014 Chicago auto show. Look for more pricing, fuel economy, and powertrain details to come out closer to the Navigator's on-sale date.
Chicago 2014: Ralph Gilles Downplays Rumors Of SRT Barracuda, Dart
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
SRT president Ralph Gilles may have named his two-year-old Australian cattle dog "Cuda," but he downplays persistent rumors that the performance brand will launch a new car called the Barracuda.
"It's something that has grown legs on its own. It's not something that we have confirmed," he says at the Chicago auto show.
While Gilles hedges that, "I never say never," he stresses that an SRT Barracuda would need to be significantly different from the existing Challenger, Charger, and 300 SRT models to make sense in the lineup. Primarily, it would need to be significantly smaller than those cars, and that would require a pricey new platform just for that car. Moreover, Gilles points out that the Plymouth brand, which launched the original Barracuda muscle car, doesn't even exist anymore.
"It's a romantic name, it's a very storied name," he admits.
As for SRT expanding its reach to smaller cars, Gilles stresses that no firm decisions have been made.
"That's probably the number one question on my Twitter," he laughs. "We did disproportionately well with the Neon-based SRT4."
Gilles says that SRT would consider building a smaller performance car -- based on a car like the Dodge Dart -- only if such a model met the brand's internal performance and quality standards. The biggest stumbling block, he says, "Is the right powertrain. We have to be happy with something that matches who we are."
Viper Still Strong
As to the brand's most visible performance car, Gilles says he's happy with the sales and demand for the SRT Viper. While overall volumes are low -- SRT sold just 591 Vipers in all of 2013 -- he says that fits the car's image.
"I don't know why the whole world is so worried about Viper sales," he says. "It's an exotic… We're focused on exclusivity, it's not about cranking out a bunch of chocolates."
"It's a hand-made vehicle," Gilles continues. "It was never designed to be a mass-production car."
In fact, for certain variants like the Viper T/A and the new GT package, there are waiting lists and extensive pre-orders from avid Viper customers.
That sense of exclusivity is furthered by the long list of custom options available for the Viper. Gilles notes that the pricey Stryker Red paint scheme, for instance, was intended to be applied to just 30 cars but that 53 copies were produced due to high customer demand. Going forward, he says to expect the SRT Viper to offer more limited-run or custom options.
"We are allowing our customers to basically build their own dream car," he explains. "That's how you keep the car exclusive… make the cars as collectible as possible."
As to where the SRT Viper will go next, Gilles says to stay tuned. "We have some ideas, but I can't really talk about that." He won't comment on the possibility of a Viper roadster, and as to adding more horsepower to the current car? "Good lord, son. It's got plenty of power!"
"We had that discussion internally -- let's go up to the moon with power -- but we focused on power-to-weight ratio," Gilles says. "There's always a handful of [customers] who would want more power, more for bragging rights than actual usage. But in terms of balancing the car's weight and how it drives, 640 [hp] was the sweet spot."
Chicago 2014: The Next Steps In The Reinvention Of Lincoln
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Lincoln Navigator consumer marketing manager Carey White is under no delusions that his brand has a perception problem with the very people it needs to lure into dealerships.
"With the younger generation, Lincoln doesn't have much of an identity. Nobody hates us, but we're also not a vehicle that's going to… appeal to every teenager in the world," he says at the Chicago auto show. "For us, the challenge is taking it step by step, segment by segment."
Fortunately, the addition of new models like the Lincoln MKZ has helped change that. Compared to the previous MKZ -- and the Lincoln Zephyr before that -- White says the new sedan has brought in younger, wealthier customers, who also are spending more on the car than before.
"All very good indicators for a brand in the middle of its revitalization," he says. "It's a process that takes time."
Interestingly, White claims that Lincoln isn't simply bringing in customers who, say, can now afford a car that's slightly nicer than a Ford. Instead, he says that many Lincoln MKZ customers came from owning Audis and BMWs. As for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, a surprising number of shoppers are trading in their Toyota Prius. Those customers -- many of whom already own a luxury car in addition to a Prius -- are interested in the MKZ Hybrid because they feel, "I can get the feeling of being greenly responsible with luxury, and I don't have to drive a box," explains Lincoln representative Sam Locricchio.
The next step in the company's revitalization is the launch of the Lincoln MKC. Although the idea of a small luxury crossover isn't new, and White even admits that the MKC is following the success of Acura and BMW crossovers, Lincoln doesn't feel like it's late to the party.
"Right now is a great time for us to be there," White says. "That segment has shown very strong growth over the past three to five years, and it's continuing to grow."
Although Lincoln is focusing on selling cars on the east and west coasts, the brand also says it will never abandon the "heartland" in the Midwest. In part, that's because customers in the Midwest have an attachment to the heritage of the Lincoln brand, thanks to its decades-long history of making luxury cars.
"To truly be a luxury brand, having heritage as your base gives you that cachet of cool," Locricchio says. "Fortunately, we can check that box."
Going forward, on the other hand, Lincoln will focus just as much on the ownership and buying experience as the cars itself. White says that dealership strategies, like the Lincoln Concierge and "Date Night" programs will continue to ramp up as a way to draw in new customers -- and keep existing ones.
"The end goal is to keep them loyal," explains White. "It's a much warmer process than some of our competitors."
He sees this kind of "experiential" program as "absolutely huge" for turning around Lincoln's brand perception and drawing customers out of other luxury cars.
"Most of them [luxury-car shoppers] have the money to buy anything that they want in terms of driving, but they choose brands for certain reasons," White says. "Some of them are more about, 'I want to feel the experience, I want to experience the experience,' and I think Lincoln's much more on the side of the experiential piece."
As for the future of Lincoln, White is less forthcoming. Although the company has publicly said that it will launch four new models -- the MKZ and MKC are the first two -- White won't be drawn on what else is in the pipeline.
"The next 12 to 13 months for us are absolutely huge," he says. "We're always evaluating all segments and looking at trends."
"Hopefully we can meet again next year, same time, same place, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about," White says, hinting we should look for a major debut at the 2015 Chicago auto show.
Citroen C4 Cactus Revealed with Funky Style and Technology
06 Feb, 2014 - Automobile Magazine News & Rumors
Citroen announced that it will bring a production version of the C-Cactus concept to the European market, to be named the Citroen C4 Cactus. The C-Cactus concept appeared at the 2013 Frankfurt auto show, five years after the Citroen Cactus concept first showed there in 2008. Citroen aims to shake up the family hatchback segment with the C4 Cactus' modern looks, technology, and reduced ownership costs, which it claims will be nearly 20 percent lower than its competitors.
Much of the off-beat styling and quirky technology that characterized the Citroen C-Cactus concept will find its way to production in the C4 Cactus. Most prominent of these is the advent of Citroen's Airbump exterior body panels: bubble-wrap-like air pockets made of thermoplastic polyurethane, attached to the vehicle's sides and bumpers. Available in four colors that add visual and textural contrast, the design allegedly helps are designed to protect the car from day-to-day impacts.
The Citroen C4 Cactus retains the same modern two-tone looks as the C-Cactus concept, sporting a tall stance with a rear-canted floating roof, Airbump-integrated headlight housings beneath floating daytime-running LED lights, and highly customizable color combinations. The retro-flavored interior boasts a clean design thanks to space-saving decisions such as the lack of a center console, as well as integrating the passenger airbag in the headliner rather than the dashboard.
All-digital interfaces for the climate controls, infotainment, and instrument cluster keep the interior organized and modern, while the traditional gear shifter is abandoned in favor of an "Easy Push" lever attached to the center of the bench. This piece of equipment, included on certain versions of the C4 Cactus, takes up very little space, while combining with paddle shifters to still give the driver the option to manually change gears.
Citroen says that the C4 Cactus will feature the "latest generation" PureTech turbocharged gasoline and BlueHDi diesel engines. Autocar reports that the engine options will include a turbocharged 81-hp three-cylinder, a turbocharged 108-hp four-cylinder, as well as a 91-hp diesel and a 99-hp diesel. Another possibility down the line is the air-compression HybridAir powertrain from the C-Cactus concept.
The Citroen Cactus C4's combination of modern style, comfort, and fuel efficiency should make it a hit in European cities. Look for more information, such as powertrain and pricing specifics, in the coming months.
2007 Chevrolet Beat Concept
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Audi
