Honda, Toyota and Nissan to offer new models in 2011: 'Year of the Minivan'

Toyota F3R Concept (courtesy Toyota)

Minivans are much like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield: They get no respect. Commercials make fun of them and crossover buyers shun them.

Click to view this photo gallery of minivan goodness.

Automotive News writer, John Teahen, Jr. recently had this to say about minivans,

Minivans had their day, but that day is gone. Soccer moms loved them; they don't anymore. Chrysler and Dodge, the progenitors of the class, still sell a lot of minivans; so do Honda and Toyota.

For other brands, I suggest: If you're in it, get out. If you're not in it, stay out.

Manufacturers would probably be well advised to listen to those words. However, there are still well over 500,000 minivans to be sold annually and somebody has to make them. Honda and Toyota have recently elongated their refresh cycles on their minivans and Nissan is moving its minivan production from the USA back to Japan. All of this creates a perfect storm where three different manufacturers are releasing new models in the same model year, 2011.

I have already touched on the 2011 Toyota Sienna in a recent article about Toyota's future products. I won't repeat myself here, but I will add that some people believe that the 2011 Sienna will steal styling queues from the F3R Concept shown above. You can look at these spy photos of the 2011 Toyota Sienna and judge for yourself. There might be some influence in the front clip but overall it appears to be "steady as she goes" for Toyota. Look for techie toys like wide-view side monitor found on the 2010 Lexus RX and other active safety features. As anyone in the industry knows, minivan buyers eat up safety features like candy!

Less is known about the 2011 Honda Odyssey. It was going to have a diesel engine as an option but then Honda chickened out. The 2011 Odyssey will probably offer a hybrid system just like the next generation Sienna undoubtedly will. You can see some spy photos of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, but just like my prom night, you aren't going to see much. All manufacturers are headed towards six speed automatics. Better fuel economy to be sure, but not a thrill ride feature. Hopefully Honda does right by us and creates a shapely design. The current Honda Odyssey took on whale like styling that was a step backwards from the crisp lines of the previous generation Odyssey. I never grew to appreciate the blobby van and am looking forward to putting it behind us.

That brings us to the 2011 Nissan Quest, the biggest question mark out there in the minivan universe. Nissan swung for the fences with the current Quest and you could hear that whiff for miles. The Quest's centrally located instrument panel freaked out buyers and Nissan beat a hasty retreat. That was unfortunate because I gave big props to Nissan for taking a chance. Rather than leaving the game like Ford and General Motors, Nissan has decided to once again swing for the fences. Good for them! Nissan teased audiences with the Forum concept awhile ago and if that is anywhere near what the 2011 Nissan Quest is like, then I want in! The next Quest will be built in Japan and share mechanicals with the Japanese domestic market Elgrand. Hopefully the styling will be dramatically changed!

Source: Information for this report comes from previous reports by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Scion future cars and product plans: What is ahead for the brand?

Scion gets ready to raise its iQ (source: toyota)

Scion started out in the States like a bat out of hell. It had unique, funky products and an unusual mono-spec model arrangement that allowed customers to customize their rides at the dealership (at a tremendous profit for the retailer of course).

View a gallery of Scions in this slideshow.

Since Scion's launch, its numbers have stumbled. So what happened to Toyota's youth brand? Firstly, I blame the flabby second generation xB. When Scion started off, its leaders crowed that there would never be any repeats and that the brand would continue to redefine itself. Well, that didn't exactly happen with the xB, did it? If anything, the second generation xB became a joke, a taut design that had eaten too many chips and sucked down a lot of soda. The xB should have become the Hako Coupe or at least the Toyota bB.

The Scion tC coupe was a great entry when it arrived, the problem is, it just kind of hung around the dealership and has grown stale as time has marched on.

The scruffy Scion xD is actually my favorite current model. The xD has some personality in its looks and was a nice upgrade over the xA.

Enough about the present, what is Scion going to turn around its fortunes?

For one, Scion is going to take on the smart fortwo with the iQ. This has not been made official, but it is all but assured that the iQ will be a 2011 Scion model. The small iQ has several advantages over the smart, firstly it has a transmission that is more suited to Americans who have been caught off guard by the fortwo's semi-automated unit. The iQ will also benefit from an extensive dealer network and Toyota's reputation for quality. The iQ can also cart along 3 adults and one child, thanks to its efficient use of space, that bests the smart by 1.5 passengers. The downsides are that the smart does offer a convertible and interchangeable plastic panels which make for chic styling options.

The tC finally gets its due for the 2011 model year as a replacement arrives. Some speculation had it that the tC could go RWD and might be the Toyobaru sports car discussed below. However, it is my belief that the tC will stay FWD while the Toyobaru is added as a complimentary model later on. Either way the next tC will hopefully make a styling statement.

The xB will likely see limited edition models, but little else in the way of changes. The same goes for the xD as well.

In the way of other projects, the Scion could get the joint Toyota/Subaru sports car or a version of the Toyota A-BAT pickup concept.

Source: Information for this report comes from previous reports by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Toyota future cars and product plans: What is ahead for the brand?

2010 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota has a virtual armada of vehicles in its portfolio. Between its three brands, there are view few (if any) segments in which the company does not offer a product. What will the company be offering consumers over the next few years?

Click to view a picture gallery of Toyota's current portfolio.

For 2010 the biggest news is the Prius. You really can’t walk 10 feet with seeing a new Prius or seeing an advertisement for the car. Receiving less attention, but also very important, the Camry received upgrades for 2010. There is a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, fresh grille and bumper, all models will get stability control and (very important to me) all windows get auto up/down functionality. This week Toyota just gave us a glimpse of the all-new 2010 4Runner. We’ll be finding out more about the SUV in September.

Looking past 2010, Toyota will offer a new Sienna minivan in 2011. How exciting can a minivan be? Well, since I am an owner of a current model Sienna, I’d say it’s a big deal. Don’t expect any earth shattering changes as Nissan found out the hard way, radical designs are not welcome. The Sienna will be moving to the “MC” platform used by the Camry, Prius, RAV4, Venza, and Highlander. Look for 2011 to be THE YEAR OF THE MINIVAN as Honda and Nissan are also expected to introduce new models into the segment. The large Sequoia SUV and Highlander crossover will be freshened in 2011. Less certain is whether the small Tacoma pickup will get a freshening in 2011 or 2012.

In 2012 there should be a flood of new product: The Camry, Yaris, Avalon and RAV4 are all candidates for all-new models.

You’ll notice that I did not mention the Venza, Tundra, Land Cruiser, Corolla, FJ Cruiser and Matrix. That is because the Venza, Tundra and Land Cruiser are not expected to see any serious updates over the next few years. The Corolla will likely receive a freshening before a full model change, but it’s timing is unclear. The FJ Cruiser will likely die after its current generation and the Matrix’s future is up in the air now that Toyota’s NUMMI plant is shutting down.

Say tuned for Lexus and Scion updates!

Source: Information for this report comes from previous reports by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Come to Papa: Founder gets Camaro, not everyone gets pizza

Now and then: Papa and his Camaro (source: Papa's Pizza)

John Schnatter, founder of Paper John’s Pizza, hit upon a great idea. Why not marry American’s love of pizza with their love of automobiles? The result was Papa’s Roadtrip, a publicity stunt that followed Schnatter and his search for the 1972 Z28 Camaro he sold in order to start building his pizza empire.

Join me in the gallery in this link as we take a look at some of Papa's John's pizzas that you won't be getting for free. Just remember to hold the olives!

The car was found, stories were written and free pizza’s were promised to all Camaro owners.
Well, not so fast there Mr. Slickdeals. According to Consumerist.com, not everyone who showed up with their Camaro got a free pie. As with any promotion, the franchisee has to buy into the idea and there were apparently a number of stores that didn’t seem to feel that giving away free pizza was in their best interest.

This is by no means a KFC scale debacle and many a free slice was munched. However, I know the cold shoulder of rejection well as my local DQ does not honor my Blizzard Fan Club coupons.

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You don't even need a quarter! Toyota teases fifth-generation 4Runner

Sneak peak at the next 4Runner (source: Toyota)

I remember when the 4Runner was the "hot ticket" amongst the outdoorsy set. As a frequent camper/hiker in my youth, I'd see tons of Toyota 4Runners parked at trail heads.

Click to view a slideshow of the current 4Runner and its blood relatives.

Please note that Examiner is having some image hosting issues. The picture you see in the slideshow below may or may not be a Mahindra, but the show itself is all Toyota/Lexus.

Since the release of the current model, things have been much more subdued for the very capable off roader.

The environment for rugged SUVs has changed dramatically over the past few years with many models being dropped by their manufacturers. For example, Toyota's own 4Runner based FJ Cruiser is widely regarded to be a one-off model with no sequel planned.

Now comes word from Toyota that a fifth-generation model is almost upon us, to debut at the Texas Sate Fair!

Toyota released this brief note on its press site:

The all-new 2010 Toyota 4Runner is headed for Dallas to make its world debut at the State Fair of Texas during a news conference on Sept. 24. More rugged than ever, the new fifth-generation 4Runner offers sure-footed off-road capability and increased comfort with added roominess. More than 1.8 million 4Runners have been sold since it was introduced in 1984, and more than 70 percent are still on the road. The State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 25 to Oct. 18.

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Gratuitous curves? Ferrari unleashes more images of the 458 Italia

458 Italia in its proper environment (source: Ferrari)

As previously discussed, some designers feel that Ferrari as a company has fallen into a groove of producing cars designed to push client "hot buttons" and not so much advance the art of design.

Click this link to check out the slideshow of the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The counter argument can be made that Ferrari is merely producing designs that sell, something that is an important consideration for any company that wishes to stay in business.

When Ford released the third generation Taurus, many buyers felt that it was "overly ovoid " and Ford eventually tried to remove a lot of those oval cues in the fourth generation however, the damage was done and sales suffered. A risky design gone wrong had severely damaged a nameplate.

Many auto fans view the "Bangle Butt" originally sported on the E65 BMW 7 Series to be another example of risky design gone wrong, but in all truthfulness many other manufacturers ending up emulating it and the E65 became the best selling 7 Series of all time, hardly a bungle for its designer Chris Bangle.

Whether or not the 458 Italia advances the Ferrari design enough is a subject that can be debated over many a beer, but few can argue that it is a beautiful car. Ferrari is keeping is fans salivating with more images of its 458 Italia shown here. In addition there is a new video, with Paolo Pininfarina, Pininfarina S.p.A President, embedded below.

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MINI turns 50, belches out the Concept Coupé

Would you buy a MINI Coupé?

Fifty years ago Mini was presented to the public for the first time and shortly thereafter began a career of stealing gold. Yadda, yadda, BMW buys the brand, relaunches the Cooper as a modern icon and creates a blockbuster success where customers actually wait months to get the exact car they wanted.

Click this link to view a slideshow of the MINI Concept Coupé.

BMW knows that if it wants to keep the cash rolling in, it has to keep things interesting by adding body styles. First there was the MINI, then the MINI Convertible, a longer MINI Clubman, the MINI E all-electric prototype and soon a four door model will be upon us (most likely called the Countryman). What this concept represents is another take, an extreme coupe robbed of most functionality in exchange for the “Thrill of individual mobility and the focus on pure driving pleasure.”

MINI has never been shy with superlatives and then press release is chock-a-block with them:

The new concept car carries over the unmistakable front end look from the four-seater MINI. Smoothly balanced contours on the engine lid characterized by wide and sweeping radii, the large headlights, the homogenous shape of the radiator grille and the wide lower air intake give each model that unique look, openness and charm so typical of the brand. Through the greater rake of the windscreen on the MINI Coupé Concept, the car looks even more striking and dynamic, the low and streamlined body proving clearly that the MINI Coupé Concept is a particularly outstanding performer.

The hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights are unmistakable design features re-interpreting the front view of the classic Mini in particularly modern style. The direction indicators are integrated in the headlights, just above the innovative three-dimensional surrounds for the positioning lights and the foglamps. The entire front air dam has been adjusted to the sporting look of the car, standing out even wider and more striking than before.

Don’t get me wrong, I love MINI and have toured the factory. I enjoy building Coopers on the MINI site and am looking forward to the Countryman. However, I just don’t think this Coupé is anything to write home about.

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Keeping the pot on boil: Tesla releases more Model S photos

Tesla Model S zips around a track using only electrons

Up until now, I have been skeptical of electric-only cars. For the most part, these vehicles have been cramped, expensive affairs with high price tags and limited driving range.

Catch a slideshow of the Tesla Model S by clicking here.

Time marches on and we are beginning to see real progress in this field. Tesla first came to the market with the Lotus Elise based Roadster and it was an impressive performer but was still priced much too high and had very limited functionality. While I still believe that plugin hybrids are the next logical step, electric only cars such as the forthcoming Nissan Leaf and Telsa Model S prove that you no longer have to be Ed Begley Jr. to live the electric car dream.

This Model S will start at about $50K (after tax incentives) and will offer a standard range of 160 to 300 miles depending on the battery pack chosen. The Model S will offer seating for up to 5 adults and 2 child seats.

"Model S doesn't compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it's truly the only car you need," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we're developing."

The Model S, along with the Nissan Leaf, are steps in the right direction. However, I am still dubious of any car that does not have a range extending gasoline engine. This concern is less if the range is truly 300 miles, but anything below 160 miles would make me quite nervous. We will have to see where the economy and gasoline prices are when the Model S debuts in late 2011.

For more info: Visit Tesla Motors website.

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Driving on the right side of the road is overrated: Samoa decides to switch it up

It has the word Samoa in it, that's the only connection (source: fickr user Zellaby)

You wake up in the morning and suddenly everyone is driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Sound freaky? Well, that is exactly what is going to happen in Samoa on September 7th of this year.

Not since the 1970s has a nation boldly chosen to go where few dare to tread: Switching from one side of the road to the other.

The motivation behind a move that will undoubtedly cost lives and ruin the value of existing right-hand drive vehicles is the lure of cheap used cars from neighboring left-hand drive nations Australia and New Zealand.

There is a reason that few countries have chosen to change the direction of travel, it's a Sisyphean task to teach drivers new tricks.

Samoa has installed road humps to slow down traffic, erected signs and declared September 7 and 8 to be national holidays. My prediction? Epic fail. I only hope that lives will not be lost during the transition period, although I have a hard time imagining how Samoa will avoid the death of innocents.

For more info: Read the full story at the Wall Street Journal

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NUMMI is no match for Tesla

NUMMI's future is very cloudy

With Toyota's overcapacity issues, Pontiac Vibe assembly over and General Motors out, the future of Fremont, CA's New United Motor Manufacturing Inc (NUMMI) is very, very bleak.

Catch a slideshow of NUMMI in this link.

One hope held by some Bay Area locals was that upstart Tesla, which just received a large helping of Federal loans, could make a home at NUMMI. However, those hopes were dimmed with the announcement of Tesla's new Palo Alto digs for the assembly of its powertrains and corporate headquarters.

Tesla still needs a facility to build its Model S , but the company says that NUMMI is far too large.

"We need about 500,000 square feet for our plant and NUMMI is 5 million" says Rachel Konrad, a spokeswoman for the electric-car company told Automotive News. "The auto industry isn't the only segment of the California economy that has been struggling. We have a lot of mothballed plants to choose from. There are some aerospace and chip factories around here that have closed."

Some cruel irony for NUMMI has been the fact that the cash for clunkers program has upped demand for the Corolla, causing Toyota to hire new workers at NUMMI temporarily to meet demand.

Most reports have it that Toyota will end production at NUMMI by March 2010. The plant is Toyota's only UAW facility and it operates in a high cost area. However, there are a few things to consider. California is extremely important to the company and Toyota must weigh any backlash carefully. Also, Toyota's new president, Akio Toyoda, spent part of his early career running the facility that was opened by his father. California is trying to sweeten the pot for Toyota as well, with all sorts of tax breaks, loans and even cheap electricity.

No matter the costs, emotions, rallies and incentives, Toyota will likely make its official announcement that it is pulling the plug on NUMMI by the end of August. The impact of losing 4,500 workers and countless related jobs is a hard reality for a state rocked by economic turmoil and a town that has also lost the Oakland A's.

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Titan of a problem: Just who the heck is going to build the next Nissan Titan?

Nissan Titan might have to soldier on longer that org planned

There was a time when it all seemed like a brilliant idea. Nissan was looking for someone to partner with and Chrysler needed extra volume for its truck manufacturing plant in Mexico. The two star crossed lovers struck a pact: Nissan would build a small car for Chrysler in the USA (there was a separate pact for South America) and Nissan would place its own design on the Dodge Ram platform.

View this gallery for images of the current Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram and a few truck friends.

Well, just like my purchase of a new beer tonight, things don't always work out the way you'd hope. First Chrysler and Nissan dissolved their plan to sell small car in the USA and now Nissan may be out of luck with the Titan truck.

Not that long ago, Nissan crowed that the final design for the next generation Titan had been signed off and was still on track, but that was before the Fiat deal became final. Nothing is official, but Fiat has not signed off on the plan to make the next generation Nissan Titan.

I still think that the best case scenario for both companies is to continue with the truck deal. Truck sales are still down compared to 2008 levels and a strong rebound isn't in sight. Why would Fiat/Chrysler want to lose volume for its plants? It would be foolish to turn away Nissan's business.

However, the auto industry hasn't always made the best decisions before, so there is a chance that Nissan might be on its own once again. What are its options? Well, it could choose to refresh the Titan's design as a stopgap but that would take time and it would be doubtful that it could make a 2011 deadline. Nissan could also partner up with GM, Ford or Toyota. Although unlikely, the most logical candidate would be Toyota since it has found itself with a lot of extra capacity. It is an unfortunate position for Nissan, but hopefully Fiat and Chrysler will stand behind the original deal.

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Vue to a grille: General Motors dumps Saturn Vue-based Buick crossover

GM decides against producing this half-baked product

Jerry Seinfeld once said of relationships that there is no such thing as a clean break. Rather, before a relationship is truly over, you have to rock it like a Coke machine before it finally falls over.

Check out this slideshow for 10 GM models that should have been similarly cancelled before production.

The same could be said of General Motors old ways of doing business. Yes, it is now the "new" GM, but sadly, business as usually was already gaining a foothold. How GM ever thought that taking a Saturn Vue, slapping on new new grille and calling it a day was ever a good idea will mystify many of us. However, GM made the right call in the end and decided to yank the plug (so to speak).

Direct from GM's own Fastlane blog, GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens delivered the news:

We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors… acting quickly, and boldly, and listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.

Last Friday, reaction to the Buick crossover was discussed at the meeting of our Executive Committee, the newly formed group that steers product decisions, and it was decided that if it didn’t belong, it didn’t belong. Buick crossover canceled. Fritz Henderson, Bob Lutz and I and the rest of the committee decided to take swift action to prevent a potential underperformer from reaching the marketplace. And we decided that the important plug-in hybrid technology would be applied to another vehicle, at no delay, that we’ll discuss in the very near future.

It was only last night while I attended a 2010 Buick LaCrosse event that I complained loudly about the Buick Vue. The crossover didn't fit into the Buick lineup with it's styling and interior treatments. How could GM go back to the old days of badge engineering after none other than CEO Fritz Henderson had railed against the idea when Pontiac G8 supporters suggested that the sedan become a Chevy?

GM vows that the plug-in technology slated for the deceased Buick crossover will live on. While the company won't say where it will show up, an easy guess would be the Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain.

Kudos to GM for making the right decision, however they have made future montages of botched products more difficult. as this one could have been a hall of famer.

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2010 Toyota Prius “Harmony Floralscapes” blooming along Los Angeles freeways

20,000 live flowers are used to create image of the Prius

The marketing team behind the 2010 Toyota Prius is on a roll. First there is the well received advertising that is hard to miss on television. Solar flower recharging / wifi stations and the somewhat related to the project is also a solar assisted car carrier.

View this slideshow for more images from Toyota's promotional efforts and a few shots of the 2010 Toyota Prius.

Now comes a first-of-its-kind “Harmony Floralscape,” a vivid roadside display made up of more than 20,000 live flowers, was unveiled today along the Pasadena Freeway (SR-110) in downtown Los Angeles by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, officials from Caltrans, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and Greenroad Media, Inc.

The Floralscape is one of nine oversized floral designs that will appear alongside California freeways in support of the ongoing launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle. Seven of the Floralscapes will be in the Los Angeles area and two in the San Francisco area. Developed by Greenroad Media, Inc., using the company’s patent-pending “Living Pixel” technology, design images are replicated using flowers of differing varieties and colors.

"We are proud to be the inaugural City to unveil the first of seven Floralscapes along one of our busiest highways. The commute for Angelenos will now be brightened by floral murals that embody the City's progressive approach to solving environmental issues by merging beautification, sustainable design and reducing our carbon footprint," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "From the construction workers to the business team, this public-private partnership with Toyota and Greenroad Media has spurred local job creation across the board."

Unlike Rose Parade floats, which are made with cut flowers, the 30’x60’ Toyota Prius “Harmony Floralscapes” are comprised entirely of living seasonal flowers. The flowers used in each Floralscape – about 20,000 blooms in total – are grown by local businesses in special modular “Eco-crates” made from recycled plastic. Several different designs have been developed, and the displays will be changed and updated several times during the next four months.

“The Floralscapes represent a unique public-private cooperative effort,” said Tim Morrison, TMS marketing corporate manager. “Not only will the Floralscapes be seen by several hundred thousand motorists every day, permanent upgrades are also being made to the surrounding area, including landscape and irrigation improvements.”

The Floralscapes are created from organic and reusable materials and are maintained using ecologically friendly techniques, including the utilization of non-potable water, solar electricity and ecologically responsible insect and fungi control. California-based businesses are contracted to install and maintain the Floralscapes. The non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps, which provides training, education and work experience to at-risk young adults and school-aged youth, will maintain the areas surrounding the Floralscapes.

“The Floralscapes are an ideal communications concept for these economically challenging and environmentally conscious times,” said Edward St. Clair, president and founder of Greenroad Media. “Toyota is able to demonstrate its commitment to the environment to the benefit of state and local governments, local businesses and the entire community.”

Since federal regulations require that the Floralscapes be non-commercial in nature, abstract images of the new Prius will appear in different settings, capturing the essence of its marketing campaign developed by Saatchi & Saatchi LA – “Harmony Between Man, Nature and Machine.” All of the images have been approved by California’s department of transportation, Caltrans.

“Through this innovative partnership with Toyota, we are able to improve the look of freeway landscape, make necessary upgrades to aging or damaged irrigation systems, and save tax dollars,” said Raja Mitwasi, Caltrans Chief Deputy District Director.

The downtown Floralscape will be located on the west side of the Pasadena (110) Freeway, just north of the 101 Freeway. Other Los Angeles-area Floralscapes locations include: north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County.

In the video embedded below, watch a Toyota Prius "Harmony Floralscape" come to life. More than 20,000 live flowers are used to create an abstract image of the new Prius, one of nine that will blossom along California freeways.

For more info: Visit Toyota's website to find out more about the Prius.

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Sharing a moment with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse

2010 Buick LaCrosse interior

Crossroads Café is a training school of the Delancey Street Foundation, the country's largest and most acclaimed self-help residential educational center for people who have hit bottom to completely rebuild their lives.

It's fitting, then, that GM staffers chose to hold a small ride and drive event for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse at the Café. Let's face it, just like the folks that the Delancy Street Foundation strives to help, GM itself has hit bottom and is looking to rebuild.

View this gallery of photos taken at the event including some very nice nighttime shots of the interior.

With products like the 2010 LaCrosse, the task of rebuilding a car company is much easier. Simply put, the 2010 LaCrosse is a solid entry in a competitve field. The exterior styling is absolutely gorgeous and the interior meets or beats luxury entries from Japan. My extremely limited time behind the wheel was favorable, but due to program restraints, a full review will have to wait. What I CAN tell you is that the new LaCrosse is head, shoulders, ankles and toes above previous Buick entries. Most recently I have spent considerable time in the division's former flagship the Lucerne and the difference between Lucerne and LaCrosse is startling. The Lucerne is an example of why General Motors went bankrupt and the LaCrosse is an proof of why it can be saved. That's not to say the Lucerne is a horrible car, it is just that it lacked the ability to pull customers back into the fold and take a chance on GM: Styling of the Lucerne is "ho hum" and the interior was passable but certainly no match for the price segment it was playing in. The LaCrosse, on the other hand, absolutely posseses the beauty and poise to disrupt buyer's habits and get them to drive American once again.

That doesn't mean that everything is aces for the Buick brand. I'll discuss decisions the brand has recently made that have me a bit concerned that he hard work the Enclave and LaCrosse have put forth will be squandered. I'll also have some information on forthcoming Buick products including the small crossover based on the next generation Aveo. Stay tuned for Part II coming soon!

UPDATE! Fantastic news is breaking this morning that GM is cancelling the poorly conceived rebadge of the Saturn Vue. A great decision that elimnates one of the concerns I was going to address in Part II of this article.

For more info: Visit Buick's website.

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2010 Acura ZDX Monterey photo shoot: Part I

2010 Acura ZDX (source: honda)

Almost everything photographed in Monterey looks better than in "real" life and the same goes for the 2010 Acura ZDX.

The ZDX is certainly an odd bird, hoping to garner sales in a new segment.

View this slideshow for more viewing angles of the Acura ZDX.

While hatches have always appealed to this author, this ZDX takes some getting used to. For example, the integration of the rear door handles is rather jarring. You can see what I am talking about in the slideshow.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Those claims should be taken with a few grains of salt. This author has yet to be convinced that taking a wagon and reducing rear cargo capacity by sloping the hatch is truly "combining the best attributes" of design.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every ZDX interior will feature Acura's first hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted center console. The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the light from the unique moonroof that is an integral design aspect of the longest glass roof in the industry. The panoramic glass roof has dual automatic sunshades that open and closes at the touch of a button.

LED lighting has taken the industry by storm. It's a relatively cheap way to add a high-tech look to the design of the vehicle. The interesting this is, LEDs are very sensitive to system voltage variations. Typical applications have lamp driver modules integrated into the sealed lamp housing. These electronic modules take power from the vehicle electrical system and provide a constant current to the LEDs regardless of the system voltage variations. To really geek out on this subject, read this Motor magazine article which discusses various technology trends in automobiles.

Come back for Part II of this series on the 2010 Acura ZDX as we further delve into what makes this car tick.

For more info: Visit Acura's website.

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Buick future cars and product plans: What is ahead for the brand?

Buick Regal is headed to the states (source: gm)

Buick made the cut when bankruptcy rolled around, waiving from the deck of the ship as Pontiac, Saab, Hummer and Saturn sat on the dock. Many Americans may have been surprised that a brand with such an “old GM” feel to it would make the grade, but to be honest it was largely the strength of its Chinese operations that saved the brand’s bacon.

View this slideshow for a look at current and future Buick products.

We can debate the merits of the brand until the cows come home, but why not focus on the future? GM recently gave a broad overview of its plans for all its remaining divisions, so we can look at the future offerings to decide whether or not GM made the right call.

On sale right now are two very solid entries: Buick Enclave and the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. These vehicles are extremely stylish and well appointed. If this is the future of Buick, then we’d all better wear our shades. The Enclave won’t see any serious changes until the 2012 model year.

Sadly, some things remain the same at the General. Buick will be getting a rebadged Saturn Vue and by all accounts it is no looker. Imagine a Saturn Vue with a Buick nose on it. Yeah, not so pretty, huh? You can view a rendering of what the Buick-ized Vue might look like in this slideshow. Buick will get a plug-in hybrid version of this model as well. Look for the crossover to appear in the 2011 model year with the hybrid showing up in calendar year 2011.

With the demise of Saturn, GM was left with another orphan: What would have become the next generation Saturn Astra. The Astra was scheduled to get a sedan body style in the States, so Buick has now inherited that model. If we look at the new Opel Astra hatchback, things look promising, so we’ll have to see how well the sedan carries that design language. This author would love to see the Skyhawk name make a comeback. Figure on this puppy arriving for the 2012 model year.

Also slotting below the Buick LaCrosse will be the Regal sedan. The Regal is basically a de-contented LaCrosse with Opel Insignia styling. Buick expects the Regal to become its volume leader. In terms of styling, this author far prefers the LaCrosse’s flowing lines. The Regal will arrive next year.

The large Lucerne sedan is being taken behind the barn and shot. Chances are the sedan will survive for the 2011 model year but after that it’s off to the big sales lot in the sky. There was nothing inherently awful about the Lucerne, but it failed to impress shoppers and make its numbers.

GM is also considering an Aveo based crossover for Buick. Imagine something around the size of a Scion xB . Is it wise to stick so many crossovers into the Buick lineup when showroom sister brand GMC is the division sporting all the utes? It would seem to this author that three sedans: small, medium and large with perhaps one premium crossover would be enough. If more variants are needed, how about coupes, wagons and hatches instead of wagons on stilts AKA crossovers? This model should arrive for the 2012 model year.

GM is trying to be clear that Buick has a future. However, examining the product portfolio yields only a few truffles with the rest merely being mushrooms on the forest floor. The 2010 LaCrosse and Enclave are well conceived and executed vision of the Buick brand and the General would do well to study them carefully before spoiling Buick's soup with lesser ingredients.

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2011 Infiniti M: Finally worth a premium over G?

2011 Infiniti M (courtesy: infiniti)

The Infinti M has long presented a quandary for this author. The nicely appointed interior, including cooled seats and rosewood trim, made for a real treat. However, one never got a sense the the M was worth a premium over the higher volume G sedan.

View the Infiniti M slideshow to see more shots of the 2011 model plus a look at previous generations.

For 2011 the M is getting more buxom styling and that should help its case. In addition, Infiniti is going to stuff the car with electronic goodies. Innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. The 2011 M will continue Infiniti’s technology innovation leadership with a blind spot intervention system. This industry-first system is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.

The G sedan remains a favorite of mine and M will have to work hard to prove its worth. The Essence concept inspired styling certainly helps, but the true test will be seeing the car in person. The 2011 Infiniti M is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010.

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Redesigned Hyundai Tuscon: Less 'utey' more beauty?

Next generation Hyundai Tuscon (courtesy: ausmotive)

Hyundai ix-onic concept (courtesy: hyundai)

2009 Hyundai Tuscon (courtesy: hyundai)

The Hyundai Tuscon has been a successful vehicle for the franchise, so it's "easy does it" for its successor. The styling of the new model seems to ape the Nissan Murano somewhat. That’s not necessarily a good thing because this author rather appreciates the boxy, crisp styling of the current edition.

For your viewing pleasure, click this link to view a gallery with more spy and concept photos!

Look for the V6 option to take dirt nap with four cylinder editions comprising the entire range. Hopefully the interior of the Tuscon will take a few steps up the ladder in terms of materials used.

The current Tuscon gives buyers a tidy vehicle with an impressive list of safety equipment and rugged style. I'm not copying advertising text, those are my own thoughts. The competition has moved on and Hyundai has to keep pace.

We should see the debut of the U.S. Hyundai Tuscon at the LA Auto Show in the fall.

For more info: Visit the current lineup at Hyundai USA

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Acura teases possibility of TSX wagon like Lucy taunts Charlie Brown with a football

Honda Accord Tourer (source: honda uk)

Remember when we first saw pictures of the forthcoming Honda Crosstour? The mules were using European Honda Accord Tourer bodywork that had been extended. It made perfect sense, a smart boxy wagon extended for American duty! Then we saw revealing shots of the Crosstour and it has the same sloping shape as the Acura ZDX. The rejoicing stopped.

Get into the Accord Tourer in this slideshow.

Well, now Car & Driver has us all giddy like little schoolgirls with news that the Euro wagon may yet make it to our market as an Acura TSX wagon. This (again) makes perfect sense, the TSX is basically the Euro Accord, so why not take a chance on what could be a burgeoning market? Well, it could be déjà vu all over again. Firstly, we are basing this all off a Car & Driver blog post that quotes Acura’s senior manager of product planning, John Watts “We’re closely, closely looking at it.”

Well, I have “closely, closely looked” at a lot of things in my life and I’m here to tell you this: Nothin’ happened except the occasional poke in the eye. Does “closely looking at it” mean that certification groundwork is already being done or Mr. Watt’s is just thinking a lot about a TSX wagon while he sits on the can? I don’t know, do you?

Any potential wagon for our market is great news and the Tourer is one sharp looking car (as evidenced by this amazing pictorial), so I think it would be a great fit. If it arrives, hopefully they will offer both manual and automatics. Nobody needs an anemic four banger wagon with an automatic or an overpriced V6 monster. The manual, 4 cylinder model is just right! Trust me, if this all comes together I'll be smiling like Dr. Teeth!

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This commercial doesn't blend in with the others: Ford Fiesta in a Blendtec blender

Piece of boron steel about to go into a Blendtec

Let’s take a walk through this morning’s inbox, shall we? Something from Audi about Chicago enthusiasts, GM press advisories for tomorrow’s 230 event, weekend racing racaps, a Ford Fiesta in a blender, Twitter follower updates, something from the White House. Wait…A Fiesta in a blender? I’ve gotta see this one!

View the slideshow below for photos of the Fiesta and Miss Scotland.

I’ve been very complimentary of the Fiesta Movement marketing campaign and this new Blendtec tie-in is another reason why. I have already covered what happened when a tire attempts to become a passenger in a Fiesta, but now we know why: The Fiesta's boron steel refuses to become one with a blender!

Fiesta agent Ryan Dembroski, who looks for all the world like Dwight Schrute from The Office in the video, helms this production (along with the Blendtec guy of course). He's not a kooky, sexy Fiesta Agent like Brittani Taylor, but the video is very entertaining and like many a good pitchman, doesn't really make you feel like you are watching a commercial.

For more info: Check out my interview with the Fiesta's brand manger.

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GM shows its frilly underthings to select bloggers prior to tomorrow's press conference

Chevrolet Spark at its 2009 debut in Geneva (GM)

General Motors is offering select bloggers a very broad ranging tease of forthcoming vehicles. The event is tied to the ‘230’ event that GM has scheduled for tomorrow, August 11.

What exactly are people seeing? Well, unfortunately yours truly was not invited to the event, so it’s off to Twitter for the latest and greatest in updates.

View this slideshow for images of GM's latest and greatest.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Folks who have seen it say it looks much better than the current and sports a very nice interior. Given that the current model was a huge leap from its predecessor and how good the Buick LaCrosse looks, one can only imagine how tasty this morsel will be.

2011 Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Spark: The Aveo could use a serious refresh and the Spark will be a new entry for Chevrolet here in the US. We know about the Spark, but the Aveo redesign is newsworthy. Without seeing it, it’s hard to tell how much of the gushing we read on Twitter is the free champagne talking.

Visitors are also being shows a pre-production Chevrolet Volt to help dismiss the moon landing conspiracy theorists who say the car isn’t real.

Cadillac is showing its wares as well. In addition to a mock up of the DTS/CTS replacement tentatively called the XTS, bloggers are being shown a sub-CTS model along the lines of the long discussed Alpha project called ATS. Would this actually be the Alpha project or something lower cost?

Buick is also joining the game. First up was a rebadged, slightly tweaked Saturn Vue. Think mini-Enclave. More than likely, journos were also shown the Opel Insigna rebadge as a Buick Regal that should go on sale next year here in the states. Also on tap was the next generation Saturn Astra which will now be a Buick here in the States.

GMC also had a concept on display that was a “blend of old and new” according to one Twitterer.

A quick chat about the event with GM's Director of Global Social Media, Christopher Barger, revealed that tomorrow's "Will offer a sneak peek, but will only feature a few of the vehicles on display today." From what this author has read elsewhere, the new Buick crossover and the Caddilac XTS will probably be the models shown.

If you read accounts of this event on various automotive blogs, there is a mixture of excitement about new product with a touch jealousy that traditional journalists did not get the scoop first. How did GM come up with the list of invitees? I posed that question to Mr. Barger. According to Christopher, the group of the people invited today were people that GM has "met" on Twitter, a few were consumers who wrote in to "Tell Fritz," some were moms GM invited off of moms' message boards. Other invitees were college radio DJs or station managers. The idea was to go as "real people" as GM could. Today the concept was CONSUMER first.

Traditional media will get the same tour tomorrow, but as previously noted the webcast available to the rest of us will not include as much material.

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