Automotive disappointment of the year: Honda Insight

Honda Insight (Courtesy: Honda)

Over the past couple of days, many automotive scribes have begun making their lists of who was naughty and who was nice in 2009.  One consistent member of the "naughty" column has been the Honda Insight.

Gain some Insight into the Honda Insight in the gallery of images in this linked slideshow.

Honda is normally the critical darling, with each model of its Accord and Civic lineup achieving enough praise to make any automaker blush.  However, its new hybrid Insight model failed to impress the critics.  For example, the usually Honda friendly Consumer Reports shredded the Insight,

The Insight is the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time.  The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the Fit on which it is based. Also, Electronic Stability Control is only available on the highline EX version.

Ouch.  That had to leave a mark.  Critics are not the only one left disappointed, so are some Honda dealers.  The Chicago Tribune quoted  Don Marino, general manager of Honda of Santa Monica, California, who said of the Insight,

 We're all pretty disappointed. We thought we had the next hit on our hands.

Holiday cheer is doing nothing to improve the mood of the Insight's critics.  Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press writes of the Honda Insight in his "2009 Hits & Misses" column,

The original Insight was America's first hybrid in 1999. Honda revived the name this year, but the new car's Prius-lite styling and unspectacular fuel economy left buyers cold. You can't out-Prius Toyota, but Honda tried and failed.

Automotive News mentions the Insight in its "Blunders of the Year" (subscription required), making fun of the Insight's advertising campaign in the process,

The Honda Insight. Supposed to be the "hybrid for everyone," it sells to virtually no one.

Can't the little Insight catch a break?  Well, not according to Business Week's David Welch who wrote earlier this month,

It's not clear that the Insight will ever seriously challenge the Prius because Honda has overlooked a lesson Toyota learned years ago: Hybrids aren't a budget purchase.

The Insight is a rare miss for Honda.  The company continues to try and find way to gain traction in the hybrid market, but as of yet seemingly cannot get a handle on things.  The performance-minded Accord hybrid model was "One of the most spectacular marketing failures of the last five years" and Honda recently settled a lawsuit over its hybrid Civic's mileage claims.

The next duck in Honda's hybrid effort will be the CR-Z.  Honda has high hopes for the car, with Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Company touting,

The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand.  Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle.

For both Erik's and Honda's sake, let's hope he's right!

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Academy of Art University classic car collection picture gallery

1937 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Coupe (source: msheena)

While attending the San Francisco Auto Show, I happened by the Academy of Art's classic car collection.

Let me tell you, that whole area reeked of gasoline, a testament to just how good modern fuel evaporation controls are today.

The cars were hand picked by the University's Industrial Design Department Director Tom Matano.  It is Matano who lead the design team on the original Mazda Miata.  Recently you might have read about Matano's involvement with startup company V-Vehicle, a new car company that plans to manufacture cars in Louisiana.

Without further ado, I give you the collection of 1930s era vehicles in this linked slideshow!

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Big discounts on remaining Pontiacs and Saturns, but you have to find one first

Plymouth Rock in a Saturn Astra: Plymouth, Saturn and this chicken are all gone

The Wall Street Journal ran an article today about General Motor's generous cash allowances to Pontiac and Saturn dealers to help in cleaning out remaining inventory.

View some of my favorite Pontiac and Saturn models in this linked slideshow.

Naturally, visions of tremendous discounts off highly desirable models danced in buyers's heads on boards like Slickdeals.  However, if you think the world is going to hand you a fully loaded  Astra for $13,000, you had better realign your sense of reality:  Most of the highly desirable models are already gone.

I ran Pontiac's inventory checker to see what was left here in the San Francisco Bay Area, here is what I found:

One 2009 G6 GT Convertible
Three 2009 G5 Coupes

That's right folks, no G8 sedans, Solstice coupes or Vibes are left in the immediate area.  That is not to say that a dealer could not locate one for you, there are more Pontiacs available if you look further beyond your zip code, but obviously there is less incentive to offer a cut throat price on a vehicle a dealer has to get from somewhere else.

At the beginning of December, there were only 14,500 Pontiacs and Saturns left system wide.  Spread out over the United States, that yields a pretty slim selection for buyers to pick from.  For California buyers looking to perhaps score an extra good deal from a hard hit dealer in another state, factor in that all cars with less than 7,500 miles need to meet California emissions standards, so make absolutely sure that the emissions sticker states that it meets California standards.

All of this is not to say that an enterprising buyer cannot score one heck of a deal, but keep in mind that most of the low hanging fruit has been picked.

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Liter have it: 2011 Ford Mustang gets its 5.0 back

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8:  (Source: Ford)

Ford’s official announcement yesterday that the Mustang GT will once again wear a 5.0 badge has many Mustang faithful feeling pretty happy.    The V8, which pumps out 412 hp at 6,500 rpm and 390 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm, was previewed to journalists on December 17 at Ford’s Product Development Center showroom.  Many of you heard about this about two seconds after we did when information about the V8 spread around social media sites like wildfire.

If you want to see more of the 5.0L engine and the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, then be sure to check out this linked slideshow.

While I waited for the preview to take place, I looked around the showroom and wondered about all the great reveal parties that must have taken place there over the years.  This particular debut was a low budget affair, as are most car reveals these days, with two cars under wraps, chairs lined up in near rows and some loudspeakers.

The event started with some historical Mustang commercials.  Just to set the mood for this article, I have embedded a few Mustang commercials for your enjoyment.  You just have to love the fantastic 7.9% promotional financing they are offering!  Where do I sign up?



After the Mustang commercials were over, it was pretty clear what was next:  We were going to see the return of the 5.0 V8!  Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Engineer, has this to say about the new engine:

What we've done is taken a brand new five liter engine it's all aluminum, with TiVCT technology, or twin independent variable cam timing, that's producing 412 horsepower, and 390 ft.lbs of torque, and married that up with a brand new six speed transmission, and we've also made some aerodynamics improvements in the vehicle, all of that together is going to give you a sports car that again produces 412 horse and gets 25 miles per gallon.

The wraps were lifted off the 2011 Mustang GT and the sound of the new engine being wrung out on a dyno screamed from the loudspeakers.  Nice.  My friend Sam-I-Am Abuelsamid over at Autoblog has written up a nice "Deep Dive" on the 5.0 motor and can read all about it in this linked post.

The 2011 Mustang GT also receives some additional updates to keep things fresh.  Some of the highlights include a Brembo brake package will be available to help reign in all that power,  upgrades to the instrument cluster, rear-head rests that are deployable, you can move them out of the way when you're not using them for rear passengers,  integrated spotter mirrors, that allows you to see in the blind spot.  Ford’s MyKey system will also be available. so if a parent actually wants to let their kid drive their Mustang, they can limit the speed and radio volume, etc.

The second car that was under wraps was the new Boss 302R, but that car deserves another post.  For now I will leave you with this great footage of the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0L GT going through its paces...



Ford Motor Company covered my expenses so that I was able to attend its media preview.

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Win a Toyota Prius (12/29/2009)

Your chance at winning one of four Toyota Prius hybrids.  Sweeps ends tomorrow.  Click here to enter!

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Paulie Walnuts shills for MINI

Paulie offers some protection (source: mini)

Remember the Simpsons episode where Moe jammed a crayon up Homer's nose until Homer exclaimed "Extended warranty? How can I lose?"

MINI would like you to put aside your concerns about insurance contracts and buy its protection plans.  How do you sell such a product to a skeptical hipster audience?  MINI thinks that using a cool pop icon like Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri from the Sopranos just might do the trick.   In this short film, "bringing protection" definitely has two meanings.

MINI buyers will be given the opportunity to view this video when they are in the dealer's finance and insurance office, signing papers on their new car.  Will this be an offer that they can't refuse?

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Win a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad SLT 4x2 (12/31/2009)

The Dodge Ram is a great entry in the full size pickup wars and here is your chance to score one on the cheap.  Click here to enter.

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Two Audi FSI engines make Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for 2010

What follows below is a direct press release from Audi.  I regard the engines from Volkswagen and Audi quite highly, just as I think Nissan and Infiniti also consistently have real gems in their engine bays.   This year Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen all receive nods from Wards.

3.0 TFSI (supercharged) V6 engine with FSI direct injection (333 hp / 325 lb-ft) for Audi S4 sedan

Audi earned top honors for two engines on the respected “10 Best Engines” list from the editor of Ward’s AutoWorld.

Both the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with the A4, and supercharged six cylinder 3.0 TFSI engine for the sporty upgrade S4 model impressed the Ward’s editors. “This year’s list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance,” Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. “Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency.”

Audi is the first car company to sell 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology, starting with model year 2010. The Audi S4 sedan, new for 2010, ushered in a new era of downsizing while enhancing performance and handling over the previous generation 2008 sedan model. Audi engines have been on the Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for six consecutive years and a total of eight times in the past 10 years.

“Audi fuel-efficient powertrain technologies excel at delivering exceptional driving performance with reduced environmental impact,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “The well-rounded approach the brand is undertaking will keep Audi in a leading position for the foreseeable future.”

To be eligible for the competition, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2010, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine with Audi Valvelift system and FSI direct injection (211 hp / 258 lb-ft) for Audi A4 sedan/Avant, A5 coupe and Cabriolet

Throughout October and November, six editors of Ward’s Automotive Group tested 34 vehicles from 13 auto makers in their normal driving cycles in metro Detroit. They scored each engine based on horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance and comparative data. Each engine was evaluated because it was all-new, offered significant technology upgrades or was a returning winner from last year.

The awards will be presented in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show at a ceremony on January 13, 2010

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Future of the automobile: Visiting with automotive supplier Faurecia

Faurecia Sustainable Comfort Seat (photo by: msheena)

Recently I had the opportunity to visit with automotive supplier Faurecia to discuss some of their latest innovations.
I always enjoy finding out what automotive suppliers are up to because it gives me a unique window into future automotive developments that we will see on the road in two to four years..
In Faurecia's case, it continues to develop interiors, front ends and emissions control devices that are  lighter and less polluting.  Take for example the Sustainable Comfort Seat concept.  The seat itself is lighter, which helps keep overall vehicle weight down, but also has less deep which allows for more interior room or shorter vehicle length.  The seat has done away with foam and uses a gel like substance not unlike that in a running shoe. The gel doesn't have the same VOC issues that  traditional foam does.  The seat has a very cool, iPod-inspired look to it and features nifty integrated lighting.  Adding a touch of class, the seat demonstrated to me featured Faurecia's Ligneos wood grain that uses a natural-fiber-based substrate with a traditional wood veneer.  You might hear the word veneer and be skeptical, but I can tell you from first hand that it is an attractive finish that does not involve denuding rain forests.  Faurecia was coy about which automakers have signed up for the technology demonstrated in this seat, but if a wink is as good as a nudge, then we should see this seat around 2014.  I took several shots of the seat performing its tricks and you can check it out in this linked slideshow.

Speaking of the Ligneos wood fiber technology, Faurecia has used wood fibers in vehicle parts for years:  They absorb sound and are relatively lightweight.  What is changing now is that Faurecia is asking, what if we did not cover up the wood fiber with fabric or other materials but rather "celebrated" the material as an interior component by staining, painting or even exposing the wood fiber skin?  Less plastic means less resin used in an interior, then subsequently less oil used in manufacturing the vehicle.  Seems like a pretty important goal and one that would be readily appreciated by "green" consumers.

The backseat was not forgotten either, as Faurecia was displaying a new plastic structural carrier that replaces the conventional wire frame.  What does that mean?  Well instead of making thick cushions around wire coils, the seats are thinner and allow for more interior volume. In addition, you can add trick features like cushions that remove to reveal hidden compartments in the carrier or integrated cup-holders and that is just for starters.  Once designers are given this canvas, you can expect all sorts of cool features.  For example, I would images that swapping out seating to add a fresh look to the interior would be much more feasible if the cushions could easily be removed.

One of the Faurecia representatives I spoke with brought up an interesting point:  The back of the front seat headrest is really like a "second instrument panel" for the rear seat passengers.  Up until now, there have been very few applications that took advantage of this space, but that is all set to change.  Faurecia showed several different looks for a small, compact headrest unit that was lighter in weight, more recyclable and offered manufactures the ability to easily "snap in" various modules without massive tooling changes.  Want a plain, black unit for a base model?  Bam!  Change out the black trim with for a real wood piece, built-in coat hanger or a monitor?  Zap!  That kind of flexibility will bring down costs and offer up a whole range of new features for this underutilized area.

Faurecia is a supplier for the Ford Fiesta and they were very impressed with Ford's specifications for the instrument panel.  They even brought in a Fiesta instrument panel to show it off (see the slideshow below).  As you may know, suppliers only manufacture what automakers specify:  No more, no less.  Ford sprung for higher end materials on the dash on the Fiesta, offering a "soft touch" surface, an added luxury that you do not see on many cars that begin in the low teens.

While I visited with Faurecia, they showed me some other products that they produce, I snapped photos of them and you can check it out in this linked slideshow!

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Peace man! Van stolen 35 years ago to help homeless women and children impacted by domestic violence

1965 VW van stays true to its roots, helps people

Insurance company Allstate auctioned off the stolen VW van that was recovered 35 year later in a bid to help homeless women and their children.

Allstate has a long and proud history of supporting domestic violence survivors," said Michelle Lee, field vice president of Allstate's northwest region. "It's our hope that the tremendous public interest in this unique vehicle and its unique history will translate into a significant contribution to Lydia Place.

Lydia Place, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit organization in Washington state serving homeless women and children.

There are several unique things about this story. Firstly, the long gap between the theft and recovery of the vehicle.  Secondly, the fact that the van had recently had a complete restoration and was on its way to Germany, so it was actually in better shape than when it was stolen.

You can view the amazing restoration job performed on the van in this linked slideshow.
Sadly, the German buyer of the van is reportedly out more than $20,000 but the fact that the van will make the lives of those who have suffered greatly a little better must provide some solace.


The van ended up selling for $29,573.50.

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Happy Holidays From All Cars, All the Time

Just a quick note to wish all of you who drop by "Happy Holidays!"  For many folks, 2009 has been a mixed bag and I don't know that I can recall a crazier year for the automotive industry.  All signs seem to point to a continued recovery for the automotive sector in 2010.  I'm looking forward to another year of exciting automotive announcements.  I'll be chronicling the action here at All Cars, All the Time, which will celebrate its fifth birthday in 2010, and I hope that all of you will come along for the ride!

All the best!

Michael!

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Shoppers get behind the wheel of the 2010 Camaro

Imagine a regular trip to the outlet mall but with the added chance to do some car shopping. Chevrolet employees from Flint, Michigan brought some 2010 Camaros to the parking lot at a Birch Run, Michigan mall and offered shoppers a chance to take a test drive.  You can view the event in the video embedded below.

While I had a 2010 Camaro in my care, I was able to give the Camaro a bath and take some tasteful photographs.  Please check out this linked slideshow for the results and this linked slideshow for some interior photos.

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Danish Crown Prince gets seat time in Fisker Karma

Here is HRH Frederik looking all princely in front of the Karma (source: fisker car forum)

It is good to be a prince!  Denmark’s Crown Prince HRH Frederik drove a prototype Fisker Karma to UN Climate Conference events in Copenhagen.
The Prince is the first outsider to drive the Karma.  Why the Dane favoritism?  Why not Eric Dane?  Fisker Automotive, while based in California, is led by Danish auto designer Henrik Fisker and the Karma will be assembled by Valmet Automotive in Finland.  Eric Dane, on the other hand, grew up in my neck of the woods here in California.
The $87,900 Karma should begin arriving at Fisker dealers in the third quarter of 2010.  It is an aggressive schedule, but Fisker has usually been a man of his word, so until he proves otherwise we will take him at his word.

More photos of the Karma are shown in this linked slideshow.

For more info: Say on top of Fisker news over at the Fisker Car Forum

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2010 Chevrolet Equinox safety features video

Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control:  GM engineer Mike Rizzo give you the 411 on these standard safety features on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

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General Motors to run Kansas City plant nearly 24/7: Efficiency breakthrough or not sustainable?

General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant  (Courtesy:GM )

General Motors is planning on running its Fairfax plant in Kansas City with a permanent third shift.  Many auto plants run with overtime or a temporary third shift when demand surges, but a permanent third shift  is simply unheard of in the auto industry.  If successful GM will gain heretofore unbelievable levels of efficiency (more than 100% by traditional measures) from an already efficient plant, boosting production from 4,500 vehicles a week to 6,300, but if the plan fails, it will have to put up with a lot of “I told you so’s” from industry experts.

View a gallery of images from the Fairfax plant in this linked slideshow.

GM’s plan reminds me of my youth, when I managed a student cooperative while attending college.  I hatched a plan where I would rent out a storage closet to a student at a reduced rate, thereby boosting occupancy to greater than 100%.  The closet had a window (albeit slim) and a smoke detector, so I figured that if I could find a renter, it would be an easy way to score more money for the cooperative.  I showed the room to a resident assistant and as she gazed at the tiny room, she said to me “You know, this has been the (fill in the blank) dream of every manager who has ever worked here.”  Sadly, the window would not open to provide a secondary means of escape and my plan was foiled.  Besides, the room really was ridiculously small.
Many industry experts believe that Obama administration’s plan to get the Fairfax plant running with a permanent third shift is an equal flight of fancy and here’s why:  Automotive manufacturing plants need downtime to perform maintenance, clean and restock.  GM thinks it can get all of that work done by “overspeeding” parts of the line and then slowing them down later.  My wife had better not hear about this, lest she try and “overspeed” my “honey do” list.
If any plant can carry it off, Kansas City’s Fairfax would be the one.  The plant is one of the most efficient auto plants operating in the USA and it produces two of GM’s hottest cars, the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse, two cars that GM cannot manufacture fast enough.
We will not have to wait long to find out if GM can squeeze the buffalo a bit more as the Fairfax plant is scheduled to begin its third shift on January 4 of next year.
For more information:  Read this Wall Street Journal article.

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Attention California: Bill Ford would like you to buy more Fords

Bill Ford, Jr (courtesy: Ford)

Whenever Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. arrives in California to attend an eBay board of directors meeting, he sees something he does not like:  A lack of Ford products on the road.  In a brief interview at a product preview in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday, Bill Ford told me that he really wants to improve Ford’s position in the sunshine state.
View a gallery of current Ford products and their place in the company's revival in the slideshow below this article.
“California or Bust” is not necessarily a new mantra for domestic automakers, but for the first time in a long time they actually have the goods to make their goal a reality.  For example, Californians crave hybrid cars and Toyota has positioned itself nicely in this segment.  Now Ford is able to respond to this threat with well received hybrid offerings of its own, Ford Escape hybrid and Ford Fusion hybrid, and consumers and fleet buyers are taking notice. 
Also playing into Ford’s California push are its technology efforts.  Whereas Ford vehicles of long ago may have been dripping with chrome or in some unfortunate cases actual fluids, its new vehicles are dripping with technology and Ford is filling its trophy cases with awards for quality.
An effective marketing campaign is also very important piece of the puzzle and in this respect Ford is also demonstrating its ability to conquer new media outlets by using programs like the Fiesta Movement to spread advance word of new products or its “Drive One” marketing campaign that uses actual owners to provide testimonials.
The media preview I attended was held in a factory that once produced Lincoln Navigators and Ford Expeditions and is now in the process of being refitted to build a new generation of smaller Fords.  As I stood in that factory, looking at the work in progress, I could not help but breath in a sense of renewal (along with a heavy odor of what I believe was fiberglass).  The venue certainly was not a posh affair, but the focus was on the future and the hope that it brings.  While Ford has asked us not to speak about the products that we were shown, I can tell you that they showcase a continued resurgence for the domestic car maker.
The difficulty for Ford or General Motors, both of which have vastly improved product portfolios, is that they must make a solid case to consumers who have been well served by imported brands.  After dumping a domestic product years ago in favor of a Honda for example, what are the motivating factors for a buyer to consider domestics again if each successive Honda has met or exceeded expectations? 
Style would certainly be one such motivating factor.  If domestic products can pull emotional strings with more compelling designs than their imported counterparts, buying patterns such as “I’ll just buy another Honda” can be disrupted.
Unique features can also be a motivator for buyers.  For example, Ford’s SYNC system offers a rich technology package that many competitors currently cannot match.  Ford's "Active Park Assist" self-parking technology has also been well reviewed.
Offering more car for the money is also an effective strategy.  A buyer of a Honda Fit would be greeted with hard plastic on his dash whereas a Ford Fiesta buyer would have a more premium, soft  touch dash surface and the availability of luxury options not usually available in its class.
Nothing in life is guaranteed and the competition certainly will not stand still, but Ford’s chances in California are brighter than they have been in a long time.  While Bill Ford Jr., might not see as many cars as he would like in the eBay parking lot, he will likely see his family name on more trunks and hatches than in the past over the next few years.
It is not a sudden transformation, but just as a newly planted field takes awhile to show real growth, so will an increase in Californian's interest in domestic products.  Domestic manufacturers have lost their arrogant attitudes that caused them to slip behind and now have returned, hat in hand, asking consumers to once again consider brands they had dropped from their lists.  It would be to the detriment of consumer's themselves if they do not give domestics a second chance.
Ford Motor Company covered my expenses so that I was able to attend its media preview.

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Chevrolet previews future models to journalists

Chevy Cruze and its vehicle line director Chuck Russell

Chevrolet offered members of the media a sneak preview of its North American International Auto Show yesterday and while information from that event is embargoed, Chevrolet PR revealed plenty via its Twitter account.

Here are some of Chevrolet's tweets:

Camaro Convertible just shown to journalists! Looks great. Red Jewel color. Top down. Can't wait till 2011!

Next gen Aveo just unveiled! Larger than current Aveo and definitely more dynamic design.

From Mike Simcoe, head Chevy designer:" Next gen Aveo is no longer an econobox. It's a performance car."

Now showing the production version of the Chevy Orlando. We're looking forward to it.

Chevy Orlando to seat seven people! Not a minivan though.

And for the grand finale...the next Malibu. Wait till you see this car!

You might notice that in all of those tweets, there was nary a mention of a truck. Part of that obviously has to do with the fact that there are no truck introductions in the near future, but also that the tide is turning and trucks will be deemphasized as Chevrolet focuses on smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.

Chevrolet certainly does have a bumper crop of small cars headed our way. Many of us recall driving around in a rental Cavalier, with the Cruze on deck General Motors would like to take a memory eraser, not unlike the kind used in the movie Men In Black and make you forget everything you know about Chevrolet small cars. Whereas previous domestic small car entries from the General might have been bunts or base hits, the Cruze promises to be a triple if not a home run. Take, for example, the airbag count on the Cruze: It stands at ten. Many luxury cars crow about seven or eight airbags, few can claim a number so lofty as ten. Look at the Cruze’s interior, for another case in point: It is no low-buck affair with a nice interplay of various materials and shapes that would have heretofore been the domain of more expensive German models. You can view more pictures of the Chevrolet Cruze that I took at the Los Angeles Auto Show in this linked slideshow.

The next Aveo, as mentioned in the above tweet, is also looking for a fresh start as a sportier, more stylish entry. The Aveo's Gamma II platform will also spawn a GMC model, said to be a Scion xB-like design, which has been previewed to some outsiders already, and a mini-Enclave model for Buick, which I was shown at the Buick Regal debut in Hollywood. In addition, look for Chevrolet to also get several body Gamma II variants in addition to the Aveo. This news comes from former Chevrolet General Manager Brent Dewar who I interviewed at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. GM Inside News suggests that the mystery Gamma II model for Chevrolet may be Mazda5-like in its design. With the Aveo shifting around a bit in the lineup, room will be made for the forthcoming Chevrolet Spark mini-car. The well received HHR will be replaced by the Chevrolet Orlando which will offer seven seater capacity.

When it comes to the next Chevrolet Malibu, those who have seen the car have raved that it is a very impressive design. In an interview with Automotive News, General Motor's Bob Lutz told the publication that the next generation Malibu, which will arrive in about two years time, will have an overall length that will be slightly shorter than the current model, but that interior space will be larger.

Despite the recent management upheaval at General Motors, its resurgent product should be able to keep the lights shining brightly at the company's headquarters for many years to come. It is disappointing that so many changes are occurring around the critical start of the auto show season, not the least of which was Los Angeles Auto Show keynote speaker, former GM CEO Fritz Henderson getting the boot one day before his LA show address, forcing GM employees to scramble around at the last minute. Such events distract the media from the what should be the main focus: General Motors is producing some of the best products in the company's history.

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Acura's problem: How to get people out of the ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX (source: msheena)

Acura has a real problem on its hands with the 2010 Acura ZDX: People will not get out of the car.

While attending the media days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it was nearly impossible to get inside the ZDX. This was the same experience I had when I attended the San Francisco show.

View a slideshow of the 2010 Acura ZDX from the auto show floor in this linked gallery.

I will admit to being a bit unkind towards the ZDX in the past, and I am still put off a bit by the front of the car, but I have to say that the design is growing on me. In particular, when I view the ZDX from the rear, the curviness of its haunches is much more pronounced than in pictures, yielding a very muscular look. I banged my head on entry into the rear seat, which certainly demonstrates that style took precidence over function when it comes to extra passengers. Compare the raked roofline of the ZDX to that of the Porsche Panamera where a concerted effort was made to preserve rear seat headroom. The Acura ZDX is aimed at empty nesters or younger couples who do not have children, which explains the emphasis on the front seats and the apparent paralysis that people experience when they sit down and refuse to get out. I spoke with Acura representative Jessica Fini about this phenomena and she said that ZDX had been extremely popular with both the press and designers from the competition.

I have seen this happen before, most recently with the Hyundai Genesis, where people are so captivated by the vehicle that they seem to lose track of the fact that other people are waiting for their own turn.

The ZDX goes on-sale at an Acura dealership near you on December 15 with a manufacturers suggested retail price starting at $45,495, plus a destination and handling charge of $810. Check out the ZDX video montage that Jeff from Temple of VTEC put together in the clip embedded below.

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Cadillac wants to become an alpha brand

Cadillac General Manager Bryan Nesbitt

This article is part two in my series of interviews with Cadillac managers. To read part one, please click this link.

Like the rest of General Motor's brands, Cadillac is on a road of reinvention and rediscovery. Fortunately, its reinvention is moving along quite nicely with the CTS family portfolio one of the most impressive efforts in the domestic car business.

View some select Cadillac photography from the Los Angeles Auto Show in the slideshow below this article.

Cadillac needs to move on from playing a game of catch-up to actively grabbing the ball away from competitors and taking the lead. Part of this story will involve Cadillac's marketing efforts. Cadillac currently has three advertising agencies in "bake off" and hopes to move forward soon. I asked Cadillac general manager Bryan Nesbitt what was wrong with Modernista's Kate Walsh commercials and why Cadillac felt the need put the account under review. Nesbitt said that while the Walsh commercials received their fair share of notice, advertising is not just about television. For its part, Modernista told AdWeek,

Citing creative and strategic differences, Modernista! and Cadillac have decided to part ways. This ends a nine-year relationship between Modernista! and General Motors.

No matter the case, Modernista is out and Cadillac wants an integrated marketing proposal that captures not only television and print but digital (social) as well. Time will tell what GM and its choice for an advertising agency will come up with.

Previously, I had discussed the forthcoming Alpha (ATS) small sedan that looks to be a fierce competitor. Cadillac is also in need of a large car solution that will combine the STS and DTS model lines. When I asked Nesbitt which sedan, large or small, took priority he answered "Both." Cadillac certainly does need to crack the large car nut. Ideally, Cadillac introduces a large sedan that gives the CTS some pricing headroom and allows the ATS to comfortably slot itself into the lineup. Nesbitt said that Cadillac is looking at what elements will define the large sedan. Presumably that means that Cadillac is looking at differentiators between the CTS and STS/DTS replacement. For example, the ride and handling on the CTS might lean more towards the sporty side of things whereas the larger sedan may lean more towards a luxurious feel.

Cadillac has mastered exterior design, refining its models into unique, attractive vehicles that rival the best in the industry. The same goes for Cadillac's newer interiors, where its designs are appealing and there is a premium feeling throughout the cabin. Where I haven't seen Cadillac take a command position is in the use of cutting edge technology. To be sure, Cadillacs such as the CTS do have many "in demand" features, but Cadillac more often than not adds features after other manufacturers have premiered them. If you want to see what I am talking about, read through this press release on the 2011 BMW 5 Series, the amount of technological innovation and option availability is mind blowing. The bottom line is clear, if you want to sell in California, then look to what BMW is offering. Californians are tech crazy, they live in their cars with hellaciously long commutes. Thankfully, Cadillac's technology drought could be changing, as a recent NYTimes article on GM stated

G.M. will pay top dollar if it gets the most advanced technology before other automakers

The ATS sedan looks to be a real statement for the brand and if it all comes together it could be a competitive benchmark kind of car. I have very high hopes for this vehicle.

The other area that I feel that Cadillac should put some real effort into is getting its dealers up to a certain standard. Cadillac has a facility model in place, but to my knowledge very few dealers have implemented it. In these uncertain times, asking dealers to pony up for a refresh can be a tall order, but with the hardware side of things reaching such a high standard, the dealers selling and servicing those products need to be world class as well.

In summation, Cadillac is firing on all cylinders. The CTS is great, the SRX is selling well and the ATS has all the makings of being mind blowingly great. With product development momentum moving so strongly , the marketing and sales sides need to make sure they do not let these vehicles down. As for next year's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, look for a very special matte finish Cadillac to wow the crowds.

Below this post, view a short video of Cadillac General Manager Bryan Nesbitt talking about the 2011 CTS Coupe.

General Motors covered some of my expenses to attend the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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Cadillac: Future concept promises many innovations

Clay Dean, Global Design Director for Cadillac

I was given the opportunity yesterday, while attending the press days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, to speak with Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac's new general manager and Clay Dean, Global Design Director for Cadillac regarding the brand and its future plans.

You can view a nice gallery of 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe images taken from the show floor in this linked slideshow.

I always enjoy my interviews with Clay Dean because he has an excellent take on the luxury car market and has the enviable job of helping Cadillac chart its future course. In my last interview with Mr. Dean at the January Detroit show, we had discussed the newly introduced Cadillac Converj concept and how its interior innovations might impact production Cadillacs. I followed up with Clay on how things were going. It turns out that Cadillac is about to show us some very tasty innovations in a forthcoming concept that pulls a lot from the Converj.

What will Cadillac be showing us? For example, look at the strong vertical elements in both the front and the rear designs of the Converj. Future Cadillacs will have narrower, taller daytime running lights and headlights that can be easy recognized from afar and separates the brand from the circles and squiggles of its German competitors. The same goes for the rear, where the fin-like tail lamps will continue to be emphasized. Moving to the interior, look for high tech control surfaces that feature feature configurability, capacitive touch screens and haptic feedback. While the center stack will be high tech, both Dean and Nesbitt emphasized that they do not want to introduce the competition's confusing controls that have been the target of so many critics. Cadillac controls will be simple, easy to use with minimal complexity that do not have to be explained over and over again.

With regards to the forthcoming Alpha project (click here for an outside artist's guess at what the Alpha sedan might look like) that will slot beneath the Cadillac CTS in size, look for many of these innovations. You can view a slideshow of the Converj's interior in this link to gain a better idea of what Alpha might offer. In additional, look for a wider color palate. Many of today's car interiors feature three color options: gray, white and black. Many German luxury marques offer a wider variety of colors and Cadillac will be looking to the same. The issue is what customers will be willing to pay for and keeping in mind that adding additional colors adds complexity which in turn adds cost. The Alpha will be another jumping off point for Cadillac and will try move the needle much like the CTS did before it.

In part two of this interview series, we will find out what Cadillac has in store for its marketing efforts. What the brand is thinking when it comes to a new large sedan and just what might be coming (and surprising) folks at next year's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

General Motors covered some of my expenses to attend the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Hello everybody! Winging my way down to LA right now and should be at the show in the next couple of hours. I will be posting updates here on ACATT throughout the week, but new stories will appear first on my Examiner.com page:

http://www.examiner.com/x-10697-SF-Autos-Examiner

and my Twitter account:

http://twitter.com/rwcmick

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Scion xB Release Series 7.0: Purple people eater

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 (courtesy: toyota)

Toyota has just announced today that this week's Los Angeles Auto Show will see the debut of the Scion xB Release Series 7.0. You can view a full gallery of images of the xB RS 7.0 in this slideshow.

According to the press release, special goodies for the limited production model include:

• Four-piece DAMD body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts
• Exclusive paint in a color named Murasaki, which means “purple” in Japanese.
• TRD (Toyota Racing Development) sport muffler that exits out the center of DAMD rear lip
• TRD lowering springs that bring the ride height down over an inch
• A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.
• The interior features exclusive black fabric seats with color-tuned highlights that complement the car’s exterior.
• The sides of the driver and front passenger lower seat cushions are embroidered with the “RS” logo.
• Leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob.
  

Only 2,000 units of the xB RS 7.0 will be built, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $18,320 with a manual transmission and $19,270 with an automatic transmission. Tack on $670 for delivery, processing and handling. The funky, color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 7.0 owners and carries a suggested retail price of $320, not including installation.

My favorite xB release series remains the xB Release Series 1.0 with its Hot Lava Orange paint. The current bodystyle of the xB is just too big and droopy for my taste, but I do like the idea of this purple monster and I look forward to checking it out in a couple of days. Look for this special xB in showrooms beginning in December.

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San Francisco parking tickets are bad? London Metropolitan Police blow up illegally parked car

Flag of the London Metropolitan Police
(courtesy: London Metropolitan Police)

Michael Raphel was in a hurry to catch a boat, so he parked near the Thames River in a zone marked by double yellow lines.

According to British driving code,

Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.

The worst Mr. Raphel thought he was in for would be a parking ticket, so he locked his car and ran off to catch his boat. What Mr. Raphel did not realize is that he parked within a quarter mile of the Prime Minister's residence and where a parade of ex-servicemen and women were due to march to mark the end of the First World War. Add all of that information together with CCTV footage of him running away from his car and his Honda Civic Type R was history. When Mr. Raphel returned to his car at 2AM, he was told that two controlled explosions had been carried out on his vehicle. Raphel told the British paper the Oxford Mail,

They explained that because I was seen running from the car, and because of the parades the next day, it had heightened their suspicions. When I got back to the car, the driver and passenger windows had been blown out and the bonnet and boot had come open with the force.

It remains to be seen if Mr. Raphel's claim for his destroyed car will be paid out.

For more info: Read the full story at the Oxford Mail.

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