All About Automotive: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tesla will show us the Model X prototype by the end of the year

Tesla revealed plans to end production of the Tesla Roadster this December in a filing that it submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the remaining inventory of Tesla Roadsters will continue to sell in the first half of 2012. Tesla also said that it will unveil a prototype of the Model X crossover by the end of 2011, according to InsideLine. Tesla said that the Model X is functional like a minivan but will have the appeal of a sports-utility vehicle.

It also said that the electric powertrain designed for the Tesla Roadster offers the “foundational technology for the Model S, the Model X and for electric powertrain components” that Tesla has “has begun selling to Daimler and its affiliates that (Tesla) intends to sell to Toyota." In late 2010, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the Model X, a battery-powered crossover, will be introduced in 2014 – roughly two years after the midsize Model S sedan is scheduled to be launched in the middle of 2012. Last summer, Tesla told investors (before the IPO) that it plans to make four derivatives from the Model S platform. The midsize sedan is the initial car.

A convertible, a van, and a crossover/SUV will follow. Tesla implies in its latest SEC filing that the Model X is the product of combining plans for the van and the crossover. The filing also states that Tesla needs funds to develop the Model X and so it plans to offer 5.3 million shares more to the public. Tesla has shipped about 1,650 Tesla Roadsters to over 31 countries. With regards to the Model S sedan, Tesla said that several “drivable prototypes” have already been completed and that deliveries will start in mid-2012. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Chevrolet to introduce Captiva SUV in Japan in an attempt to boost sales

It appears that Chevrolet has some big plans for he Japanese market as it is returning to Japan with its first SUV in three years. The American manufacturer is betting on the mid-sized Captiva in order to extend the brand’s image beyond sports cars and boost its sales on the market. According to Automotive News, the three-row, seven-seat Chevrolet Captiva will go on sale in Japan on July 30. The model was introduced in Europe this spring and it was largely engineered by GM’s South Korea’s unit.

The Japanese version will also be manufactured in South Korea, as the vehicle uses the same Theta platform found on cars such as Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac SRX. The Chevrolet Captiva will only be offered in a top-trim package and pricing will start at ¥3.54 million (or $43,300), which means the same level as the car offered by rivals such as the Toyota Vanguard and Mitsubishi Outlander.

For those who don’t know, the Chevrolet brand is known in Japan for cars such as the Corvette and Camaro, but the American brand want to expand its lineup and improve sales with new models. The last SUV offered by Chevrolet on the Japanese market was the TrailBlazer, back in 2008. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Ford raised prices by an average of $124 in the United States

Ford Motor Co. spokesman Todd Nissen said that its car prices were raised by an average of $124, or 0.4%, per vehicle this month due to higher commodity costs. Ford has also increased prices last January and April. Nissen said that this year, Ford raised prices by an average of 1.3%, or $375 per vehicle. He said that the average price increase for all U.S. automakers is about 1%.

Last April, GM’s prices increased by an average of 0.4%, or $123.

In addition, Toyota Motor Corp. increased prices on 2011 car and light truck models in the past few months.

Automakers are affected by the increasing prices for steel, rubber and other materials. Analysts say that the carmakers have been better able to pass along the higher costs due to smaller new car and light inventories. Ford's U.S. sales have increased by 12% this year while the market increased by 20% through April. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2011 Vw Tiguan Facelift

Report: Vw wants to build the Tiguan in North America

Volkswagen’s board is set to decide whether to transfer the production of the Tiguan compact crossover in North America to reduce costs, according to German magazine WirtschaftsWoche, citing sources in management. Other models that Volkswagen assembles in North America include Jetta and Passat cars. Currently, Volkswagen builds the Tiguan only in the Wolfsburg plant in North Germany. Analysts say that by moving the production to the U.S. and using local parts suppliers, the company will be able to protect itself from exchange rate fluctuations.

VW will also be able to price the Tiguan more competitively if it’s built in North America, according to Autonews. Another advantage is that by building the cars in the U.S., the company will be able to monitor the changes in the trends. This is where trends frequently originate. Volkswagen has recently opened a $1 billion U.S assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. — part of VW’s strategy to take over Toyota’s position as the world's largest automaker.

The Tennessee plant is expected to produce 150,000 vehicles annually by 2012. The magazine said that it’s uncertain if the Tiguan will be built in the new plant. The 2012 Passat car is already being produced there. Volkswagen has yet to comment on this report. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2011 Vw Tiguan Facelift

Porsche says it is not working on a hybrid version of the 911

To make Porsche models more efficient, hybrid powertrains and lightweight materials will be used. However, sources say that Porsche will still be working on eco tech to offer a gratifying driving experience. In an Autocar interview, Panamera Hybrid development chief Michael Steiner said that Porsche seeks to modify how power is delivered in its electric powertrains so that the driving experience will be “more Porsche-like.” From the moment electric motors start turning, they’re already producing their peak torque.

This is a useful characteristic but it may lead to a homogenization of the acceleration experience, especially that similar sounds are produced. Steiner said that Porsche wants to combine PDK dual-clutch transmissions with electric motors so that the driver is persuaded to rev more even if this will be a bit less efficient. Steiner told Autocar that these targets mean that a range-extender is not viable. He said that the company wants to offer the “driving pleasure” that is the result of having a responsive engine.

He added that extended-range EVs are not appropriate for Porsche. It was speculated that the new 911, which is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this autumn, will have an F1-style KERS hybrid system available throughout its range but Porsche insiders have denied this. The high-level insider dismissed this report as “nonsense” and said that presently, the system is applied to a race car and there’s nothing else planned. He added that the new 911 won’t get a hybrid version in the “foreseeable future.” He thinks that if this does happen, it’s most likely that it will be as a plug-in. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster: official details, photos, specs and price

This is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, the latest addition in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, which will be this autumn. As expected, the car is powered by the same engine found on the coupe version, which means that we will find the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication delivering 420 kW(571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque and mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The engine can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).

The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster features a compact fabric soft top, which opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. Moreover, the vehicle features the new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping as an option.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT helps the driver to choose his own suspension setup: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The “AMG Performance Media” features innovative multimedia system inspired by motorsport and offers numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack, and also features high-speed mobile internet access. Regarding the price, Mercedes-Benz says that the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster can be ordered from 1 June 2011 and costs € 195,160 (incl. 19% VAT). [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Honda accord 2009

Honda accord 2009

Have you noticed how you see more older Honda Accords being driven than any other type of car? It's a stretch to find a 1989 Chevy Monte Carlo or a 1992 Ford Taurus driving these days. However, Accords seem to have longevity. Blame it on their reliability and high resale value, as well as true driver loyalty to the Honda brand. You can't kill these cars.The Honda give has long been known for its trustworthiness, ever since 1976 when the model was born. The car has beat out the competitors (including Toyota Camry) with solid ratings across the board for safety, reliability, resale value, design and family friendliness.Drivers who bought their Honda Accords in the 1980s find little reason to sell them, since the Accord lasts so long if properly maintained. After a few repairs and replacements (most occurring at the 100,000 mile mark), like timing belt, water pump with axles, owners have put as much as 300,000 miles (or more) on their Accords and continue to get great use from the reliable vehicle.

A Look at the Accord's Best Years
The Accord is in its eighth generation currently. Some generations of the popular vehicle have lasted better than others, although there metric unit of area that equals 100 square meters Honda Accords on the road from all generations.

Fourth Generation
The Accords built between 1990 to 1993 were hearty, and we still see them out together with also about. This model bore a close resemblance to the Acura Legend, which gave it a more upscale feel for an Accord compared to previous generations. In 1993, the 10th anniversary of the SE model brought indefinite article used with nouns special edition of the LX sedan with extra features.

Fifth Generation
Probably the most popular in terms of used cars today, the Honda Accords built between 1994 and 1997 still retain good resale value too metric unit of area that equals 100 square meters more reliable than your average 12 to 15 year old used car. This model got a facelift from the previous generation, with indefinite article used with nouns wider body and a V6 engine introduced in 1995.

From New to Old
If you've owned a Honda Accord, you're likely to buy another one for your next car. Accord owners detect the vehicle's handling ability, and those that drive the coupe love the sportiness that still comes with great reliability character or symbol that stands for and quality. Sedan drivers appreciate the roominess that allows for comfort for the whole family.

Looking to sell your Honda Accord?
Accords provide good resale value, with models from as far back as 1990 being worth at least $1200.

Honda accord 2009

Honda accord 2011

Honda accord 2011

The 2011 Honda Accord is the eighth generation of the vehicle and sells it at a dealership. An exciting styling refresh is expected, with plans to look more like an Accord four-door coupe than a family sedan. Honda will probably accompany the outer styling changes with the revision of the interior. Read on for a preliminary review of car 2011 Honda Accord. The 2011 Accord, Honda is upping the ante yet again. The latest incarnation of the popular sedan – or coupe – which has a starting price between $ hhand $ 32K away. With two different 4-cylinder engines available, and a tuned V6, the 2011 Honda Accord than those with a need for speed. Five-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available, and all agreements with front wheel drive.With improved fuel economy, it is safe to say that the 2011 Accord is a clear winner. Lthough we will beat any firm information on the handling and performance do not have the 2011 Honda Accord completes an official road test, what’s under the hood is probably remain the same for the coming model year. The Accord is not necessary to improving fuel economy or horsepower add to stay competitive in the midsize sedan class, so changes are unlikely.

Honda accord 2011

Saturday, May 28, 2011

The story of Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a brand of automobiles under General Motors (GM) in the United States of America. In the world of automobiles, few brands have enjoyed as much admiration and popularity as the Chevrolet (also nicknamed fondly as Chevy) from automobile owners worldwide. The classic ‘bow-tie’ logo used by the brand is considered to be a symbol of style and class in the world of cars.

Chevrolet Motors was founded in 1911 by two persons, Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Louis was a race car driver, and Durant was the founder of GM, who left the company in 1910. Since its inception, Chevrolet has made a mark for its innovative and stylish car designs. The luxurious and spacious Impala was launched in 1958 and received satisfactory feedbacks from many owners. The Corvair, produced in 1959, was another grand success for Chevrolet that lasted for many years. Instead of following the usual vehicle mechanics, Chevrolet revolutionized the automobile industry by installing the compact aluminum engine in the back, with enough space around it to store the spare tire. This saved a lot of room under the hood and the inside of the car, allowing for more effective usage of available space.

The present Chevrolet line up features cars for all kinds of users. Compacts like Aveo, Prizm, Cobalt, Cavalier, and Heritage High Roof (HHR) serve small families effectively and are great for a shopping trip or for driving on the busy city streets, where the turning radius of a car is a cause for concern. Luxury coupes like the Monte Carlo have won the hearts of customers looking for a luxurious driving solution. The beauty, comfort and smooth handling offered by these vehicles have made these a status symbol among many affluent customers. Sports car drivers need not be disappointed either, for the Corvette was launched keeping them in mind. This stylish, 2-door coupe is perfect for customers who plan to hit the inter-state highways for a long drive. The 6-speed automatic transmission introduced in 2006 has further improved the performance of the car.

Chevrolet trucks have a history of being among the most high-performance pickup vehicles in the industry. Ironically enough, this reputation has its downsides. For nearly a decade before 2006, Chevrolet trucks topped the list the most stolen brands of pickup vehicles in the US state of Texas, according to police records there. There can hardly be any greater evidence of the sheer popularity enjoyed by these vehicles.

Chevrolet remains one of the most popular brands of automobiles in the world. According to some recent surveys, Chevrolet vehicles constitute roughly one-tenth of all automobile sold in the United States every year. The classy and useful design and the superior performance offered by these vehicles will surely rule the world of automobiles for a long time to come.