Perhaps foreseeing a blurring of automotive categories, Subaru was an early adapter of truck-like attributes to their cars. Remembering the old Subaru commercials of Australian actor Paul Hogan fleeing across off-road trails in the first-generation Outback and Forester give the perspective of a capable new image for the Japanese auto brand in the 1990s. Taller profile and all-wheel drive systems introduced on the Subaru could be credited to breeding products now known as crossover vehicles. As the crossover segment has evolved into several vehicle categories, major automakers now have multiple models to compete for the sizable global market.

For the European market where small, fuel-efficient crossover vehicles are in fashion, the Subaru XV was presented at this past month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. A dignified yet sporty product, the Subaru XV compact crossover vehicle preserves the more car-based demeanour. Said to harness the creative direction Subaru designers ventured in the Protren concept, the Subaru XV crossover presents their “Confidence in Motion” stance. With exception of riding on a noticeably high ground clearance, the XV crossover reveals the fun to drive look of the Subaru Impreza. A careful use of body cladding highlights the wheel openings as well as the lower rocker panels to deepen the car connection with the Subaru XV crossover vehicle.

With passenger room for five, careful planning inside the Subaru XV insures space used most effectively. Starting with sizable door openings for passengers as well as cargo, entering and exiting the Subaru XV is accomplished with minimal discomfort. Subaru instrument and control design inside the compact crossover vehicle is also created with a focus on conveying roominess. The Subaru XV cabin features an optional 4.3 inch, full-colour Multi-Function Display with information on ‘eco-driving’ and other important details. Protecting the occupants, the crossover is equipped with a multitude of standard airbags including a driver’s knee device.

The European version Subaru XV is powered by their latest batch of Boxer engine propulsion using gasoline or diesel fuel. Smaller than the engines North American customers are used to at the showroom, the gasoline-burning powerplants range in size of 1.6 and 2-liters in displacement. A diesel engine choice is also available on the Subaru XV. For the European marketplace, diesel-powered vehicles have actually outsold gasoline equivalents of the same automotive product. Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) and Auto Start Stop technology carefully and efficiently extracts power from the Subaru XV Boxer engine.

The Subaru XV compact crossover’s engine power is derived through a Lineartronic CVT unit boasting lightness and high fuel economy. Fuel economy for array of Subaru Boxer powerplants is yet to be revealed. The presence of all-wheel drive is guaranteed to make the XV a formidable traveler in various challenging road conditions.

While the Subaru will be found in European markets (pleasing the car dealers Edinburgh residents frequent), the plans for sending the XV compact crossover to North America is not immediate. Reports have the Subaru XV coming stateside but will not arrive until at least the 2013 model year. Resting on a wheelbase about 0.7 inches wider than a Subaru Impreza and 4.4 inches shorter in overall length compared to a Forester, the Subaru XV positioning could be complex placement in their model line-up. In Europe and Australia, the new compact crossover vehicle should be ready for release early next year.

Information and photo source: Subaru Global

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“The Ultimate Driving Experience” has taken more forms than ever with a luxury car line-up composed of coupes, sedans, convertibles and crossover vehicles.

Introduced by BMW in 2004, the 1 Series became the newest entry-level car for the Bavarian motor company. In the North American market, we are used to seeing the BMW 1 Series in a coupe and most recent a convertible body style. Kept as a niche subcompact luxury car, car buyers in the United States and Canada remain largely oblivious that the 1 Series was first offered as 5-door hatchback. In Europe, highly practical 5-door and 3-door body style causes a definite split from the nimble, under-6 second sport compact BMW advertises for North America customers. In whatever body configuration, BMW refused to cut corners on applying the same level of quality engineering and workmanship to the 1 Series as with their highest-priced 5 or 7 Series. The BMW 1 Series endured almost 8 years as a classy compact car largely unchanged in styling. For the 2012 model year, the BMW 1 Series receives its first major design revision.

Revealed on a 5-door version BMW 1 Series, the redesigned elements of the German compact car resides within a longer, wider footprint compared to its predecessor. The wheelbase of BMW’s new F20 platform is elongated by just under 1.2 inches for a length of about 105.9 inches in total. Said to be part of a more youthful look, the front end treatment with the new BMW 1 Series draws hints from the new 6 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Styled with BMW’s design trademarks including a long hood and kidney-shaped grille, the 1 Series’ front headlamp housings are given an aggressive, near quadratic shape. Optional bi-xenon lighting is available from the BMW 1 Series’ clear lens. Turn signal indicators of the 2012 model year 1 Series is embedded in the external mirrors said to be a first for BMW. Also relating to signal lighting, the new BMW 1 Series integrates dynamic brake lighting. When the brake pedal of the BMW 1 Series is pressed hard in a panic-like stop, the rear brake lights will flash to warn following motorists. For the European hatchback version, the BMW 1 Series is being presented as a Sport Line and Urban Line each offering their own personalization touches.

Inside, the BMW 1 Series conveys dynamic, forward-leaning lines to project a sport look. With control configured within easy access to the driver, all occupants are provided safety inside of the BMW 1 Series thanks to 6 airbags. Optional interior features on the new 1 Series include a BMW iDrive-supported Control Display either 6.5 or 8.8 inches in screen size capable of controlling all the multimedia and comfort options. A new interface is also available on the 1 Series allows Twitter and Facebook messages from smartphone portable devices to be shared on a vehicle interior display.

Though a small, fuel-efficient vehicle in its first generation presentation, the new BMW 1 Series is confronted with political and social pressures of all modern automobiles where making the most from a gallon of fuel is key. As demonstrated on the recent introduction of the next generation M5 sedan, reducing the amount of cylinders found under a vehicle’s hood is BMW’s latest engineering strategy. Dedicating focus to an inline 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine design, BMW has incorporated their TwinPower turbocharger system in the pursuit of a high horsepower per liter production. Inducing the memories of the BMW 2002 Turbo, the new BMW 1 Series gasoline 1.6 liter engine involves all the advanced goodies for ultra precise efficiency such as Double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC. Offered in two power ranges, the 1.6 liter powerplant ranges from 136 to 170 horsepower. Equating to as much as 106.25 horsepower per liter, this is just under 30 horsepower per liter more than the 3-liter inline-6 engine found as entry-level output on the United States marketed BMW 1 Series.

Deeper down the powertrain of the new 1 Series presents a manual and automatic option. The 6-speed manual shifter returns as a standard transmission on the BMW 1 Series for the 2012 model year. An optional 8-speed automatic transmission has been added to the 1 Series becoming one of the first compact cars to offer that many gears.

This new BMW 1 Series is expected to be the first of a grander small car plan by the German automaker on two fronts. Firstly, it is believed the BMW F20 platform will play a part in the future MINI product development. Secondly, following this year’s announcement of the BMW i sub brand, the BMW 1 Series is slated to help inspire at least one of the new cars in 2013. As for the 2012 model year BMW 1 Series’ release, it is expected by the end of the year with details for the North American version coming up soon.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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In the sports car market, an auto manufacturer selling either a large super exotic or the modest two-seater strides to become the subject of an individual’s dream. Today, such dream machines can even attract the planet-conscious driver who also aspires to make the most of a gallon of gasoline.

A rather sporty looking compact which does pay homage to the Honda CR-X, the new for 2011 CR-Z most prominently featured long-enduring fuel mileage of 35 city and 29 highway. While the Honda CR-Z has a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain that excels in providing outstanding fuel economy, a combined power generation equating to 122 horsepower has left a ho-hum feeling with the sports car. At the 2010 SEMA Show (one of the world’s leading performance car exhibits), Honda attempted to warm observers with refreshing images of the CR-Z in a multitude of factory-approved and aftermarket modifications.

One of Honda’s partners providing a compelling new look to the CR-Z at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas was the long-time Japan-based speed shop Mugen. Opened by the son of Honda’s founder and maintained as an independent company from the automaker, Mugen has a storied history dating back to 1973. Pushing the envelope of Honda products on the streets as well as in motorsports (including successful runs in the Formula 1 world championship), Mugen contributed a unique appearance kit on the silver 2011 Honda CR-Z. Promising of allow 300 buyers to purchase the limited edition Mugen CR-Z accessory package, there were certainly requests for more creativity from the Japanese Honda tuner. Awaiting introduction to the United Kingdom public at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Mugen and Honda puts the spotlight on a comprehensively upgraded CR-Z concept worthy of sports car praise.

Styling of the Honda CR-Z Mugen begins by utilizing tricks exhibited on the 2010 SEMA show car. The forward air dam, grille insert and rear spoiler of the CR-Z Mugen is directly derived from the limited run body kit design. However, with the all-in effort on this UK show car, the Honda CR-Z Mugen drastically ups the ante. Lowered by 15 millimeters (0.6 inches), the hybrid sports car’s sleeker look is enhanced by a Brilliant Orange Metallic paint job. Replacing the stock hood and doors with lightweight carbon fiber pieces, Mugen shaved 50 kilograms (110 pounds) from the Honda CR-Z’s overall weight.

Weight reduction of the Honda CR-Z Mugen was also aided through the removal of the rear seat in what is a sport-oriented interior design. Recaro sport seats, a strategically weighted gear shift knob and the carbon fiber-covered rear view mirror are some striking hardware Mugen was able to add on the CR-Z by a simple trip to existing part bins. Increased aftermarket gauges provided by Mugen gives motorists detailed information on oil pressure and temperature.

Developed on the Japanese closed road circuit of Motegi, the Honda CR-Z Mugen’s suspension and handling package is aided by a low center of gravity. Five-position adjustable dampers as well as a stiffer set of springs reduces body roll and keeps the tires planted to the road surface. A limited slip differential has also been installed on the Honda CR-Z Mugen concept car for the appropriate application of electric and gasoline momentum. Featuring 4-piston brake calipers for improved stopping, larger front brake discs fitted to the CR-Z Mugen are ventilated to promote cooling. The Honda CR-Z Mugen’s upgraded road manner rides on larger tires circulating around lightweight, 17-inch Mugen GP forged alloy wheels.

Taking full advantage of the Honda CR-Z’s Integrated Motor Assist, Mugen had the opportunity to create a high-revving sports car. Utilizing an electric motor’s tendency for usable power at low-end grunt, the CR-Z Mugen receives maximum torque from 1,000 to 1,500 RPM. Once the vehicle launches to the electric motor‘s total output, the Honda CR-Z Mugen awakes the car 1.5 liter engine presented with support from a supercharger. Adding some much-desired gasoline engine grunt, Mugen iCF induction system along with a complete electronic engine remapping opens the powerplant up to 197 horsepower and 158 pounds-feet of torque. The Honda CR-Z Mugen’s supercharged 1.5 liter engine presents 25 horses and 30 pounds-feet of torque more than the stock sport hybrid.

With all the advancement made by Mugen, this special project car version of the Honda CR-Z handily outperforms its stock contemporary. In a rather disappointing move for an auto manufacturer promoting a sports coupe, Honda has not officially divulged the A road test update of the Honda CR-Z by automotive magazine Road & Track determined 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration occurs in a sluggish 8.6 seconds. On the Mugen-prepped model of the Honda CR-Z, quite a remarkable improvement is presented in straight line runs. In 0 to 62 miles per hour, the Honda CR-Z Mugen concept has collected a test acceleration time in just 6.6 seconds.

Presented only as a concept vehicle at Goodwood in July, the Honda CR-Z Mugen will be shown alongside some of the greatest motorcar symbols of speed. Identifying the past and even the present, Honda and Mugen is intent to display electric-assisted hybrids could provide a window to the future of speed.

Information and photo source: Honda UK

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Through the early months of 2011, the latest and best visions of the second century of the automobile were displayed inside stadiums or convention centers in North America. Within the climate-control environments where the only threatening element is the oil through human contact on vehicle surfaces, cars and trucks have little trouble looking presentable through the shine of strong fluorescent lighting. However, seeing an automobile so properly exhibited inside is certainly a case of seeing a creature out of its natural habitat. Advertised as the largest outdoor auto show in North American, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show opened this past Friday bringing vehicles from 17 car brands to the grounds of a Barrie, Ontario college campus.

For myself (a car enthusiast), relishing to make valuable use of every moment at a grand exhibit for the complex but harmonious automobile. For only $7 Canadian, my entry into the 2011 edition of the auto show (an event I have attended every year since 1997) was granted on a perfect warm, sunny day. Rescheduled from its long-held fall date to a June event coinciding with the bloom occurring in nature, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show where my senses were rewarded by a wide assortment of marvellous, new automobiles. This year’s Georgian College Auto Show featured vehicles included many of the new products already seen through the prior indoor auto show circuit. The Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius v and the Chevrolet Camaro convertible were a few showcase cars presented in low-key manner to great effect.

Avid readers of Automoblog.net would already have a clue about the Georgian College Auto Show after my coverage last fall. For new visitors, this outdoor Canadian auto show is a family-friendly weekend event that also serves a purpose in educating the newest crop of automotive sales and marketing professionals. Like every year, I’ve had an opportunity to share the company of people who embody knowledge and drive (a perfect characteristic to possess for the auto industry). I had nothing but pleasant experiences from people who are not simply taught how to sell a potential buyer a car they cannot afford with loan and lease structures. They were personable, friendly and often helped me acquire some great images. At the Chrysler tent, one brand representative did inform me he has been constantly accommodating requests of dropping and raising the hood on a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. I spent roughly five minutes alone with the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 gripping the steering wheel seated in the two-tone leather. I imagine one secret to selling an item is simply allowing the consumer to generate his or her own desire to a critical mass. As like every auto show I visit, I leave wanting so many automobiles.

While I saw cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto this past February, the Georgian College exhibition of vehicles gave me a chance to absorb the automotive beauty without a rush. Even though I attended the Toronto show on a Media Day limited to mostly other media outlets, I feel myself having my respect and passion for the newest car unveiling getting conflicted by a near predatorily instincts. Please don’t get me confused, I have absolutely no distaste for my media colleagues (in fact I wish to enjoy more fluid interaction with through as I continue my automotive coverage), Media Day’s meaning becomes slanted to getting the first pictures in a rather static display. Through an automotive press source The Garage Blog, it was reported at the New York Auto Show that a Media Day turned ugly when reporters arguing over a computer station turned into a physical brawl. Maybe it is the fresh air or the removal of the blah of winter that preserves the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show as a large but polite gathering.

A reward to my senses, I’ve found the sensation of touch was most relished on this day. Opening the doors of so many of the vehicles such as the MINI Countryman and Lincoln MKS, the feel of my hand around the contoured door handles gave an introductory tactile experience to each car. Once inside, a more unusual sensations came as I sat in the driver seat of the new Nissan Quest minivan (or should that is called a macro-minivan?). As I back into the driver’s seat, the supporting comfort reminded me of a living room chair. Nissan calls the seating inside of the Quest as ‘low-fatigue’.

In a conversely unique sensation as I divert myself from the Nissan Quest minivan, a Scion tC presented another refreshing comfort feel. Fitted with special Scion leather seating (almost a $2,000 option on the Canadian tC model, the model at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show had the assuring solace of a luxury car. This feeling inside the sport compact car was more than I would have expected from an under $25,000 vehicle. However, the unexpected is one of the things that make these auto shows compelling.

Though some of the surprises presented at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show included the appearance of sharply coloured Audi R8 Spyder and two classic DeLoreans, there was also the astounding absence in one of the luxury car exhibits. While BMW display featured a high-performance M3 coupe, the tent of German brand rival Mercedes-Benz AMG line-up. Even the brand ambassador admitted some disappointment that Mercedes-Benz did not send any AMG models to the Georgian College Auto Show. Instead, the showcase of the Mercedes-Benz tent was a charming white E350 coupe.

Though the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show does not present the automotive pageantry and theatrics found in major cities such as Paris, Geneva or Detroit, this gathering of four-wheeled (and those two-wheeled creations) is a site where the spirit of motoring is meant for the people at the show. Motivated by a future career or simply the desire to reconnect with a love for automobiles, the Georgian College Auto Show again is united in the fostering of such a great human creation.

Photo credit: Chris Nagy

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So I bounced this to Main Man Chris the other day, mainly as a joke, and Chris did his own take on the might Moskvitch. But it got me to thinking about a lot of weird, Soviet related car stuff, and, more importantly, how it relates to being a gearhead in general.

But first, let’s get my take on our Soviet touchstone for this discussion. Behold, from the glorious workers paradise of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: The Moskvitch-403 sedan.

First, there’s the ride itself, then, we need to look at the restoration (which, you have to admit, is really well done, and any self-respecting car guy would be proud to do work on this level), and then we need to see how (if?) this fits into the wide and beautiful spectrum of car enthusiasms.

Like I said, the Moskvitch-403 sedan. Now, I don’t know this model of Moskvitch firsthand, but the funny thing is, I do have some firsthand experience with Russian cars. And if this thing is like any of those hideous Ladas, Zils and such that I have dealt with, this Moskvitch will probably weigh in closer to an H1 Hummer than you’d think, be made out of steel that most other countries would use to make the hulls of ships from, be “powered” (and I’m using that term as loosely as I possibly can) by an engine that puts out less grunt than a starter-motor, and has all the fit, finish and detail quality of the tractor plant it was made in.

What can be told about the Moskvitch-403 is that it was a “transition model” that slotted into the production line-up between the Moskvitch 407 and Moskvitch 408. Yes. Yes I know. The number 403 does not come between the numbers 407 and 408. As a matter of fact, no numbers come between 407 and 408. Try to ignore that the way your typical Soviet citizen would ignore the headlines that razor blade production was up for the 15th consecutive quarter, but they still were using the same blade from 12 years ago.

Anyway, the stopgap Moskvitch-403 was produced from 1963 to 1965, with a shudder-inducing total 105,000 of them being “assembled”, to use the sources term. The technical innovations to note on the Moskvitch-403 is that it featured ” … hanging pedals, rather than a hole in the floor, a hydraulic clutch and new steering wheel! ”

And oh, that styling. 1963? Hell, it looks like a throw back to 1953, but why point out (again) that Russia has never really been a place known to be on the cutting edge of fashion design. It sort of seems like a cross between a Nash Metropolitan and a Triumph Herald. Not as bad or oddly proportioned as they could have made it. And that is both an achievement and a relief.

So, Soviet oddities aside, it seems that there was a gearhead in Russia that was able to obtain a Moskvitch-403 ” … from his old relative for free.” It was a literal Russian barn find, the mighty Moskvitch-403 was cooling its, er, jets in a shed for decades before the new owner tore into it.

And I really can’t fault the guy’s work at all. I’ve been around more automotive restoration projects than I can literally remember, and this guy has done a top-notch job. Sure, what he started with is a very good base that we all dream about getting. From the photos, it looks like all the pieces were there. All the chrome trim, the pressed alloy dash (or at least it looks like it’s some frighteningly flimsy pressed alloy to me; God knows it could be made out of drop-forged quarter-inch iron that was painted look like alloy), seats, dash bits and pieces, window cranks, it all seemed to be (mostly) there from the get go. Hell, it even had that luxurious rarity of having the windshield wipers still mounted.

What? You don’t know about the Soviets delicate economic balancing act concerning windshield wipers? Okay, this is a tangent, but it’s totally worth getting into. See, if you wanted to get a car in Soviet Union, you had to plunk down a deposit and get on a list. That’s not all that different from, oh, one of us buying the upcoming Ferrari FF. But that’s where the similarity ends. Then rather than waiting some months for your new pride and joy to arrive, you would literally have to wait for years. And I’ve heard of some people waiting for more than a decade to get their car. And let’s just say that almost any car the Soviets produced wasn’t worth waiting a New York minute for, let alone years and years. So if this is what it took to get a car, what do you think getting car parts was like?

It was an hellacious Kafka-esque nightmare, that’s what it was like. Say, for example, you needed to replace your wiper blades. Stand in line all morning to get the paperwork. Take all afternoon to fill out the paperwork. Spend the whole next morning standing in another line in another building to drop off the paperwork, and then wait for years and years and years to get your wiper blades.

So what do you do if you don’t want to go down that rabbit hole? Get out a wrench and steal your neighbor’s wiper blades. That’s what you do. What if you want to keep your wiper blades? Simple: Take them off and keep them in your glove box along with a wrench so you can re attach them when it starts to rain.

No, seriously. I’ve seen people do this with my own eyes. It’s like the starting procedure is: “Turn key, pump gas pedal, engage starter motor, attach wiper blades while car is warming up.” So seeing an old barn-find Moskvitch-403 sedan with a wiper actually attached? That’s pretty damn odd.

Now, extrapolate the windshield wiper thing out to literally every car part you might need for a restoration of a nearly 50-year-old car. And you thought rebuilding the differential and rear end on your Jaguar was a fool’s errand. Hell, when you’re done with all that blood, sweat and tears, you get a Jaguar. This guy had to go through more, and all he got was a Moskvitch-403 sedan.

And yet, here it is. Looking all fetching in its two-tone cream & dark red paint scheme. Same two-tone deal in the interior as well, and all the original plastic bits and bobs in the dash. Just were do you find radio knobs for something like this? I know guys in the Kaiser-Frazer Owners Club who would just shake their heads and walk away at the prospect of it, and these are guys that can find you trim pieces for a 1955 Manhattan by the end of the day (try it, it ain’t easy).

No doubt there is a factory outside of Irkutsk where they made the right hand radio knob (the left-hand knob was manufactured in a different plant outside of Minsk, and has a different fastening I’d bet) and they have 1,345,945 of them sitting in storage right next to the supply of stove knobs and missile targeting gyros.

So this guy had to deal with supply-chain problems that would make a member of the Hudson Hornet Club give up without trying, and this Moskvitch owner made it through.

That’s what really had me shaking my head in amazement. It isn’t so much the oddity of the car (there are plenty of odd and esoteric rides out there), and it wasn’t even what they guy had to go through. What really had me shaking my head was, if you discount the Moskvitch-403 sedan, and that this guy was literally 12 time zones away, he is just like us: A gearhead.

Only that hard to define but easy to recognize gearhead gene would cause someone to do something like fully restore a 1963 – 65 Moskvitch-403 sedan.

You know, you just know, that midway through this the owner was sitting in a bar somewhere outside St. Petersburg, knocking back another vodka with friends and having a conversation like:

“Ivan Antonovich, how goes restoration of Moskvitch?”

“Sergey Piotrvich, it goes well! Today I find heater control cluster from shop located in Chelobynsk-14! Soon I will have car running!”

This conversation continues on while Ivan’s long suffering wife bangs her head on the table before ordering another round.

To quote Pogo: “We have met the enemy, and he is us!”

Source & Photos: English Russia

Related posts:

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2. Resto to Retro

Through the first months of 2011, Chevrolet provided North American auto show attendees a look at the soon-to-be-present unveiling Camaro convertible and the ZL1. Expanding on the revisited traditions making the General Motors division most adored during its heyday, sales figures relating to their vehicles illustrates Chevrolet has once again recaptured former glory. However, as Chevrolet becomes a new global brand, the ideals found on American roads, the daring voyage into the deeps of international tastes provoked the bowtie’s presence on a creature of more futuristic fashion. Debuting at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, the Chevrolet Mi-Ray roadster concept is a vociferous figure certifying global interest through design and ingenuity.

Mi-ray (the Korean world for future) is the brainchild of the General Motors Advanced Design Studio in Seoul. Existing on a tighter wheelbase than the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic at 93.51 inches, the Mi-ray roadster concept exterior structure sings like an orchestra. Formed by a combination of carbon fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, the complex yet harmonious presentation of the Mi-ray roadster concept is distinguished by youthful emotions. The design projects the desire to explore new horizons with eagerness. Speaking boldly to its aggressive intent, the LED headlamps are recessed under brow of bodywork. While the Chevrolet grille section rings some sense of familiarity, the Mi-ray roadster concept expressive shape draws special attention to the flared front fenders and sharp air dam and spoiler. Flattering this bold carbon fiber outer sculpture, ambient lighting from runs along each side of the concept car.

As carbon fiber construction surrounding an aluminum chassis, the Chevrolet Mi-Ray roadster concept experimental use of extensive composite materials continues to the wheels. Marrying aluminum with carbon fiber, 20-inch forward and 21-inch rear wheels are styled in a dynamic configuration.

Swinging open the Chevrolet Mi-ray concept scissor doors, the two-seat cockpit is as much worn as Wrapping around the driver and passenger like a Formula 1 car, the dash as well as door sills share an undefeated, super smooth contour created out of carbon fiber. Real leather, white fabric and aluminum surfaces top off this unmistakeably performance-oriented interior. Rear-view camera pods and GPS-based navigation assists the already nimble Mi-ray in negotiating busy streets. Stripes of illumination warm up the Mi-ray’s cabin complimenting the artful sweeps of the interior with the same splendid effect.

Promoting new reaches in automobile style, the Chevrolet Mi-ray roadster concept is also the bowtie brand’s study into the emerging trend of sport hybrids cars. Located snugly within the small roadster, the electrical power hardware matched consists of two  front-mounted, 15-kilowatt motors along with a lithium-ion battery featuring a 1.6-kilowatt hour capacity. Targeted for zero emission driving short term in urban environments, electric power can be fed through either front or rear wheels.

When electric power is exhausted, the trustworthiness of gasoline comes in handy for longer-lasting performance. Mid-mounted behind the passengers, the Chevrolet Mi-ray roadster concept would be spurred along by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. A dual-clutch transmission on the Mi-ray roadster concept insures seamless and well-proportioned shifts through the power band using either electric or gasoline. No overall horsepower figures are mentioned for the Mi-ray concept but Chevrolet has shared some brilliant fuel efficiency. 60 miles per gallon city and 63 miles per gallon highway is predicted for the two-seat roadster concept.

On display in Seoul, Chevrolet Mi-Ray roadster concept draws more attention to the evermore-important auto market. GM’s Advanced Design Studio in South Korea is displaying newfound inspiration for the centennial year of the Chevrolet brand.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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While full-sized trucks have been and continues to reign as the profit center for the major American auto companies, the compact to mid-sized utility pickups market is largely ignored in North America. It seems questionable if the Detroit 3 even want North American truck buyers to have the option of a smaller pickup truck. Discontinuing the long-running Ranger in the United States after this year, Ford Motor Company has quickly applied the nameplate to a larger vehicle. Unveiled for the Australian, Asian, African and even South American markets, the new Ford Ranger will not be available in the United States.

At General Motors, the auto company’s mid-sized pickup trucks (the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon) are in dire need of an overhaul as they continue with a design first introduced in 2004. While still a capable and versatile smaller truck, the Colorado or Canyon are not enthusiastic members of the new GM. Debuting at the Bangkok International Auto Show in Thailand (said to be the biggest world market for mid-sized trucks), a drastically refreshed Chevrolet Colorado has now been revealed in show car form. Powered by a 2.8 liter turbodiesel powerplant, the all-wheel drive show vehicle is said to be a very close representation of the future Colorado production model.

Immediately upon looking at the new truck, a completely new thought pattern is emerging in the formulation for Colorado. Resembling the Chevrolet Traverse crossover through front end styling, the Chevrolet Colorado show truck also casts wide track over the ground. Illusions of size is helped through beefy exterior paneling throughout the Colorado. a body colour tonneau cover, 20-inch aluminum wheels and the use of LED lighting concludes the modern touches added to the Colorado pickup. Overall, the exterior styling presents like the GMC Denali XT Hybrid concept shown at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The Chevrolet Colorado show truck is a most refined yet still rugged appearance.

Opening up the interior entrance doors of this apparent extended cab (through the rear passenger access doors looks more sensible for cargo), the show truck version of the Chevrolet Colorado displays a combination of luxury and utility. The front passenger area of the Chevrolet Colorado is fashioned on a premium vehicle tone. Leather-trimmed seats, soft-touch materials topped by a web-accessible infotainment system offering navigation and audio capability is nestled within this latest example of 21st century expectations of pickup trucks. The motorcycle-inspired driver’s instrument console continues a theme set on the new Chevrolet Sonic. Recapturing the utility aspect of the Colorado, dual glovebox and a covered center bin secures smaller items with the same consideration as larger loads under the tonneau cover.

In recent days, production plants related to the current generation Chevrolet Colorado and GM Canyon have been slowed. Citing concerns of part shortages are starting to become a reality, the Japanese supplier says there is still enough parts stocked at the New Jersey plant. Another contributing factor to the production idling could be based simply on the GM mid-sized truck’s declining sales. Debuting on the market in 2004, 144,668 units of both the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon are sold. Skipping forward GM’s mid-sized pickup trucks saw their sales steadily slip eventually dropping to 32,634 in US sales after the 2010 model year. Even Ford’s under-supported Ranger compact truck enjoyed sales of 55,364 as production prepares to be shuttered.

Like the Ford Ranger, American truck enthusiasts are expected to at least wait for General motors’ new mid-sized pickup. Maintaining fixation on the Thailand market through the auto show with this energized show truck, little is known in regards to the future of GM’s smaller truck business in the United States.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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Selling 149,979 examples last year, the Chevrolet Equinox was the 4th best selling product in the entire 2010 General Motors vehicle portfolio. 28,281 vehicles in the first two months, General Motors has been required to aggressively step up production at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant the Chevrolet Equinox (and sister GMC Terrain) in order to meet consumer demand.

While the Equinox has been accepted as direct competition with the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, the current generation Chevrolet crossover vehicle is largely mismatching to those other vehicles in size. Longer in wheelbase than the other three crossover vehicles, the 2011 Equinox features 9.4 inches more length between the front and rear wheels than the Ford Escape. Outside of North America existed an ideal fit for the compact crossover category, General Motors is marketing a smaller crossover called the Chevrolet Captiva. After 5 years of international sales in Asia, Australia and Europe, the choice to introduce Americans to the Captiva is set for the 2012 model year for fleet use only.

Built on a shorter wheelbase version of the Theta platform already found on the Equinox, the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport is the latest acknowledgement of how the crossover vehicle market is a multi-layered assault for all auto brands ( at least for fleet vehicle users). After rolling out the Equinox for the 2005 model year as the company’s first car-based utility vehicle, Chevrolet line-up has since added the larger Traverse with the Captiva Sport model pending for the smaller category. 7.7 inches less in total length and 4.9 inches shorter in wheelbase, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport is firmly positioned against the compact crossover utility segment. Some will note a former General Motors crossover vehicle meeting those exact exterior measurement. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport reintroduces the discontinued Saturn Vue. A similar front end to the Chevrolet Equinox given a scaled down look, the Captiva Sport is identified with a different roof pillar structure.

Not as small as the old Chevrolet Tracker, the Captiva Sport will comfortably transport five passengers. The interior engineering for the Captiva Sport sees the compact utility shedding a hardly noticeable loss of around one-half inch in front passenger headroom and legroom over the Equinox. Though it may be conceivable to believe all dimensions to be smaller on this junior crossover vehicle, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport will actually present more shoulder and hip room for both the front along with the rear passenger rows. Only major decreases of interior compartment dimensions for the Captiva Sport over the Equinox will preside in rear legroom and cargo space. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport will offer a maximum cargo volume of 56.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Employing the same powerplants featured on the Equinox, the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be sold with two gasoline direct-injected engines. Buyers can select either a 182 horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine or a 264 horsepower 3-liter V-6 power plant. As could be expected on crossover vehicles, an all-wheel drive option will be offered on the Captiva Sport alongside a fuel-saving front wheel drive. Fuel economy has not been evaluated yet for the United States market Captiva Sport for either engine. Using United Kingdom specifications (likely to differ for the United States model), the Chevrolet Captiva Sport equipped with the 2.4 liter engine possesses a curb weight just under 3,649 pounds. More than a 130 pounds less than the Equinox crossover is seems reasonable to expect a slight improvement over the Chevrolet Equinox.

To be sold in LS, LT or LTZ fleet trim, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport models will include remote keyless entry, 6-speaker stereo system and 17-inch aluminum wheels. For safety, forward, front-side and curtain airbags protect passengers will be accompanied with accident avoidance technology such as anti-lock braking and StabilTrak. Leather trim, sunroof and rear view camera are among more lavish items available on the Captiva Sport that is likely to start selling for the early $20,000 range. No announcements have been made for whether the Captiva Sport will be added as a consumer vehicle for 2012 or in the future.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport is based on a revised model introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as part of General Motors vehicle presentation of non-United States bound products. While plans for the Captiva Sport coming to the US shows flexibility to bring their international vehicles to the newer world, the Chevrolet Orlando (coming to Canada but not the United States) and a 5-door version of the Chevrolet Cruze are yet to join the small crossover.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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3. Chevy Unveils 2010 Equinox Crossover SUV

Struck by effects of the country’s largest earthquake, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami has created a most devastating scene on Japanese soil. A widespread catastrophe that affects humans across the globe, the natural disaster has influenced the automotive community as Japanese workers face at least a few days of certainty. Updating the world on the effect the earthquake had on Japanese auto industry, most of the major auto manufacturers within the county provided not only the status of their corporations but regrettable human cost.

The press announcement from Honda Motor Company came with a worst-case scenario acknowledged at their Tochigi R&D Center. During the earthquake, a wall in a cafeteria collapsed taking the life of a 43-year old R&D associate. Honda also reports of 30 employee injuries in the Tochigi area due to falling debris or other situations transpiring on the Friday afternoon. Honda Motor Company reports a massive shutdown of their operations through to at least Tuesday affecting Japanese production of automobiles, outboard engines and motorcycles. Honda’s Suzuka facility that builds the Fit, Civic, Insight and CR-Z is among the factories closed. Since most vehicles sold by Honda in North America are produced either in the United States or in Canada, the supply of vehicles should remain steady on the east side of the Pacific Ocean for the short-term.

In the case of Toyota Motor Corporation, two of the automaker’s facilities were located close to the epicenter of the earthquake as well as the tsunami. Two of those plants were part suppliers located within the Tohoku region and on the Hokkaido Island. The Toyota Motor Tohoku plant, employing 283 people total, provides electronic brake and other chassis-related components to Toyota vehicles. Supplying automatic and continuously variable transmission as well as aluminum wheels, Toyota Motor Hokkaido was further north than the Tohoku plant allowing it to be less at-risk to the seismic events. Toyota evacuated employees of both plants to safe areas. Toyota City, a massive manufacturing hub employing almost 28,000 employees for the auto company, is positioned well south of the devastation and therefore was left relatively unscathed. Toyota Motor Company has sent out no reports of serious injuries in relations to the earthquake.

Two vehicle manufacturing sub-constructors to Toyota also has plants positioned close to the earthquake‘s epicenter. Producing B-segment compact vehicles Kanto Auto Works’ Iwete plant and Central Motor Corporation’s manufacturing facility on the Miyagi Prefecture are shut down. Production of the Toyota Yaris as well as the Scion xB and xD models have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Announcing the temporary shutdown of five manufacturing facilities until Monday, Nissan reported small fires breaking out at their Tochigi Plant and the Iwaki Plant facilities that were quickly extinguished before spreading. Two employees confirmed to have suffered minor injuries at the Tochigi Plant but there are no reports of more serious inflections. Loss of power also occurred in the Atsugi City location of the Nissan Technical Center building.

Subaru is also shutting down their Japanese plants in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake including an auto and aircraft plant in the Tochigi Prefecture. Mazda has also suspended manufacturing operations for the short-term. Mitsubishi Motors has not reported any effects of the earthquake and/or the tsunami on their manufacturing capabilities. Many of Mitsubishi’s operations are located in the southern part of Japan. However, both Mitsubishi and Toyota utilize proving grounds in the northern parts affected severely by the rapid flooding.

Accepting the scope of such a vast natural disaster will make normality an almost certain impossibility for many Japanese residents, the need to resume economic activities is necessary. Honda, Toyota and Nissan have all stated to be carefully analyzing when resumption of manufacturing operations can proceed. Beyond the major Japanese automotive brands, the big questions surround the numerous independent automotive part suppliers of the country. While American auto companies were known to stockpile parts through the 1970s and 1980s, modern vehicle manufacturing is better optimized to insure a smaller quantity of parts are maintained by final assembly facilities. Known through the auto industry as lean manufacturing, the successful implementation of this strategy developed through a corporate philosophy known as kaizen gave Japan auto makers a massive advantage. Of course, with part suppliers crippled, components for Japanese and possibly other world production plants could soon incur slowdowns.

While seeking to restart production, Japanese automakers have maintained awareness of the loss and pain of the Asian country. Both Toyota and Honda voiced condolences as well as prayers to those deeply affected by the massive natural disaster.

Information source: Honda Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Toyota Motor Corporation

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2. Update: Japanese Automakers Adjust to Earthquake Aftermath
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The Toyota Yaris was built to the old wisdom of achieving optimal fuel economy; built a small car powered by the most compact engine possible. Today, advanced powertrains often combining gasoline/electric technology, such as Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, has become more buzz-worthy ways to tout extended traveling ranges on a single tank of fuel. Building the Prius, the most publicly accepted hybrid car built, Toyota has been unafraid to expand the concept across many vehicles within the Toyota and Lexus brands. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveils what will be their first subcompact hybrid production car based on a new look Yaris.

The Toyota Yaris HSD Concept presents a new look B-Segment category car which is intended to resemble the next generation of the production car. Proving the first major restyling of the Yaris since 2005, this Toyota concept vehicle projects a degree of excitement with a more angular front end featuring LED daytime running lights. A sporty look for the Toyota Yaris HSD Concept is enhanced by an arcing side roof profile traveling into a sloped C-pillar. Rear spoiler, 18-inch aero wheels and fog lights are added to this hybrid Geneva show car providing an impressively high amount of exterior flash on a Toyota.

The newest application of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, this Yaris concept car is pledging class-leading fuel economy. Though Toyota has not detailed the exact internal combustion powerplant, several facts regarding the electric mode have been revealed. Firstly, the Toyota Yaris HSD Concept car has the ability to run in a all-electric mode producing near zero emissions for a limited distance. This feature is similar to latest generation Prius which allows speeds up to 25 miles per hour to be handled briefly on only electric power. Other Technology the Yaris HSD Concept shares in common with the late model Toyota Prius is solar panels in the roof. For this Geneva concept vehicle, the use of solar charge panels spans the entire Yaris hatchback’s roof.

Speaking only for the European car market, Toyota says the production of the Yaris HSD Concept is due for the second-half of 2012. In the United States, the Toyota Yaris has been losing ground in the continent’s now abundant B-Segment category. Newer, higher-tech compacts such as the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and the upcoming Chevrolet Sonic have been cutting deep into the aging Yaris’ sales. In 2010, the Toyota Yaris sales nosedived by 36.7% over the previous year. Losing out to competition and a new-found enthusiasm for larger truck-based vehicles due to a period of fuel price stabilization, a refreshed Yaris could be the fix Toyota needs in refreshing sales.

Information and photo Source: Toyota UK via Newspress UK

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Iterated in the special edition models of already niche market vehicles such as the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore and the Aston Martin One-77, the exotic automaker badge is only the beginning of gaining notoriety. German automaker Mercedes-Benz has been no exception to this new luxury car trend. Treating lucky buyers to elite releases of vehicles inside their famed AMG lineup, Black and White Edition versions of certain models In 2009, 200 models of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG were  sold in association with timepiece maker IWC Schaffhausen.

Mercedes-AMG’s newest creation has turned attention to the C63 AMG sedan accessorizing the vehicle as the Affalterbach Edition. Unfortunately not for sale in the United States, it will provide some bewilderment the occupants of this most popular automobile market where the very rare Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is destined this year. All 30 vehicles will be sold as an exclusive AMG model for the United States’ northern neighbour Canada.

Named after location for the AMG Performance Studio, the Affalterbach Edition of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG introduces itself donning a full array of factory tuning whimsy. Merging with the C63 AMG’s body coated in a designo MAGNO Allanite Grey paint colour featuring standard scratch resistant clearcoat, the sedan’s exteriors lends carbon-fiber mirrors and rear deck lid spoiler pieces. Two-tone 19-inch AMG alloy wheels are worn over high-performance disc brakes coupled with striking red brake calipers. Described by a Mercedes-Benz representative at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show as an uncommon sight on a factory AMG vehicle, he mentioned that the red brake calipers are added as tribute to the Canadian marketplace.

Chosen power for the Affalterbach Edition vehicle is the same reputable and still hand-built 6.3 liter normally-aspirated V-8 engine found on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Slowly being phased out on other AMG models in favour of the 5.5 liter biturbo engine for 2011, the 6.2 liter V-8 featured in the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is still competent to deliver peak performance. Removing the rev-limiter which had held the C63 AMG below 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), unbridled fury of the AMG Performance Package allows the C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition to awake 481 horsepower and 443 pounds-feet of torque running through the SpeedShift MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Well out-muscling the current BMW M3 in overall engine power, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition takes only 4.4 seconds to shoot from 0 to 62 miles per hour (the highway speed limit Canada’s province of Ontario). As part of the AMG Performance Package, a limited-slip differential insures a steady application of traction on the C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition.

A hot super sport sedan outside, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is equally as impressive cabin. Featuring a comfortable yet performance-driven atmosphere, AMG Nappa leather sport seats in the front is trimmed by red accent stitching. A suede-looking cover is fitted along the 3 and 9 O’clock positions of the steering wheel. AMG cresting is found along the front seat head rests as well as on the gear shift handle. Carbon fiber inserts and some discrete ‘Affalterbach Edition’ badging completes the aesthetic interior appeal of the C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition.

Addressing class throughout topping the list with performance and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbech Edition pampers the gadget-loving community. Adding the Premium Package as standard equipment, rearview camera, PARKTRONIC, DVD changer and KEYLESS-GO is loaded onto the C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition. Enabling radio, wireless devices and the hard drive-based navigation system, Mercedes-Benz COMAND APS allows networked usage of in-car technologies.

Priced at $81,500 in Canadian funds, the purchase of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition comes with a rather unorthodox condition. A buyer for 1 of the 30 examples of this unique C63 AMG sedans is required to correctly pronounce “Affalterbach”.

For sale in only Canada, it pains me as our southern friends will be forced to miss this Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition. In reference to this fact, I introduce some words from the second official language of Canada; C’est la vie!

Information Source: Mercedes-Benz Canada
Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Having enjoyed an experience comparing closely to Christmas in just the morning of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show, I awaited what would be a high-energy afternoon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Taking in a lunch break, members of the media were granted the distinct pleasure of eating within sight of freshly-minted automobiles. From where I sat, I overlooked the Hyundai Equus just ahead of the large, south end windows. Looking at the CBC building across the Toronto city street, the overcast day of this unseasonably warm February day was greatly contrasted by the bright lights of Canadian and regional premieres of new automobiles.

The first press conference following lunch was for the vibrant automotive group of Hyundai. Skewing into a higher class of motor vehicles including the Genesis and now the Equus, Hyundai has also devoted efforts to revitalizing their traditional small car roots. First time shown on Canadian soil, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door was unwrapped. Along with the snappy Veloster, some attention was devoted to a redesigned Hyundai Accent. With small car being more in vogue North of the border, the Canadian automotive press were reacting to the Accent and the Veloster quite enthusiastically. The electrified Blue Will concept, first shown through last year’s auto show circuit completed the showmanship at the Hyundai exhibit as attention prepared to be shifted to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen and the later Chrysler presentations involved their pricey Super Bowl advertisements from just a few weeks prior. For Volkswagen, the little Darth Vader spot initiated the Canadian unveiling for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Overall forecasting to sell 50,000 vehicles in just Canada alone through 2011, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada John White had optimism for their entire vehicle lineup which includes two awards from AJAC (Automotive Journalist Association of Canada). The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel and Volkswagen Touareg both received commendations through the auto show. Mr White also informed press on a reworked Tiguan which will be brought light Geneva Motor Show and the 2012 Beetle.

Remaining on the German continent of motor vehicles, Mercedes-Benz provided a packed assortment of vehicles ranging from the Smart Fortwo to a Mercedes-Benz SLS. Unveiling two cars at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show, the first car was an ultra-exclusive, Canada-only version of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG called the Affalterbach Edition. Offering more universal appeal, the cover was removed from the second car, a red 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster which includes a convertible hardtop featuring the Magic Sky Control glass roof.

Experiencing a sense of a renaissance spirit from the Chrysler display, heavily revised lineup shows a lot of personality. Centering their presentation around the Chrysler 200, 300 and the Dodge Charger sedans, their infusion of emotion into the American auto company is an impressive feat for Chrysler based on the reality they were evidently going to have the hardest time of the Detroit three automakers. Along the other vehicles being shown off in the Chrysler display was the Ram Power Wagon and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. The buzz-worthy vehicle for Chrysler Group at last year’s auto show, the Fiat 500 migrated into a separate exhibit just across the floor. A subcompact vehicle, the Fiat 500 strength came in shear numbers as a fleet lined a pathway inside of the convention center.

Showing off their future runner for an expanded Prius product line, Toyota gave Canadian a first look new at the 2012 Prius v hybrid. One the another side of the exhibit as well as on a vastly different vehicle category, an example of 500 Lexus LFA supercars provided some eye candy to what is often a rather dull product display from Toyota. In a relieve for 2011, the cars remained the largest focus of this auto show gather. Last year, much of talk from Toyota centered on calming worries of their products’ sudden and unpredictable acceleration problem.

Past three o’clock in the afternoon, the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day has entered the seven-hour mark with 13 auto manufacturers providing status updates. Of course, I’m not complaining during this day of automotive nirvana but I did need to load a third camera battery prior to final model introductions which included an anticipated conference with Audi on deck.

Unveiling the 2012 Audi A6 sedan to the Canadian public, flash bulbs illuminated the display once a new high-end edition of the TT sports car. Less than a week after its North American premiere at the Chicago Auto Show, the 340 horsepower Audi TT RS dazzled in a sharp red paint vividly against the white and silver. Also at the show but making a quiet first appearance inside the MTCC is the Audi A7. Introduced just six months ago, the A7′s rather humdrum reception is perhaps the result of rapidly-changing fashion of the premium luxury car category. However, I still find the Audi A7 a trendy number which makes much more sensible choice in a Canadian weather climate.

Having visited almost every automobile company’s exhibit, the Subaru exhibit presented the final concept car of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day. With opening gull-wing doors, the Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept features many innovations including EyeSight system as well as a 2-liter, turbocharged boxer engine connected in unison with an electric motor to all-wheel drive.

With Media Day drawing closer to the end, the last auto manufacturer to hold a press conference was Saab Automobiles. Occupying a small space on the lower convention center with only three vehicles, the Swedish automobile’s display is certainly not contending with the floor exhibits. For Saab, the simple presence of the car company at the Canadian International Auto Show demonstrated a hard effort exerted by the openly independent brand. Providing a narrated view into a bright window for Saab’s future, executive director of North American sales John Anderson gave encouragement to the Swedish auto maker’s cause of producing individualized premium vehicles.

As the Saab press conference concluded in a crowded hallway with over 100 members of the media, more room was afforded to press when the Canadian International Auto Show opened up a major display called Concorso Exotica. Showcasing the some of the finest exotic cars the world has to offer, past and present was well-represented. Modern Porsches, Lotus and Aston Martin models shared space with classic museum-quality pieces within Concorso Exotica which included a rare spectacle of seeing a total of five Lamborghinis in one place outside of a dealership. Lamborghini’s arch rival Ferrari had firm representation at Concorso Exotica. Providing a small snapshot of the Italian sports car builder’s history starting with a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet. The progression of Ferrari’s high-performance lifestyle would continue to be told at Concorso Exotica through a Ferrari F40 and modern cars such as the 599 GTB Fiorano and the brand-new 458 Italia.

An adjacent room to Concorso Exotica contained the Auto Show’s annual Cruise Nationals exhibit of antique vehicles. Presenting 10 finalist from what was once 1,400 vehicles shown throughout Cruise Nationals regional events in Canada, this year’s ultimate winner was a yellow 1969 Chevy Nova SS.

After 9 hours of enjoying a worthwhile time between the greatest vehicles of 2011 and 2012, the media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto concluded with the knowledge that enthusiasm is back in the auto industry. Enduring factors including a world financial crisis, changing social attitudes and even the inclement weather of Canada, the automobile continues to adapt to the people who rely on this transportation.

Photo source: Chris Nagy

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1. Journey Inside the 2011 Canadian Auto Show Part 1
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Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.

Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian.

Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.

Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.

Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago by General Motors, a blue coupe version shown is actually linked to aftermarket company SLP.  Only an hour down the road, the Oshawa, Ontario plant will produce the factory version models of the Camaro ZL1 in very limited quantities.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.

For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Celebrating 125 years since Karl Benz was granted the patent for the automobile, Daimler-Benz is certainly not afraid to exhibit their finest vehicles. Through the storied brand Mercedes-Benz, the German auto company’s rise situates around the advancements made in performance motoring. When Mercedes-Benz fell short in the 1980s, than-outside tuner AMG supplied a high-speed infusion to the 300E sedan by shoehorning a 360 horsepower, 5.5 liter V-8 engine under the hood. Giving birth to the AMG Hammer, the performance tuner would eventually acquire by Mercedes-Benz as AMG has gone forth to be known as the most enhanced versions of the Germany automaker’s product lineup. Strikingly though, the latest high-performance car is not a AMG creation or a team of dedicated Mercedes-Benz engineers. The one-off Mercedes-Benz B55 inspiration and construction was a grassroots effort Karl Benz would admire with pride.

From concept to completed vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz B55 motivation and expertise came from personnel occupying the company’s Rastatt assembly plant. Masterminded by plant manager Peter Wesp, a donor Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI (a product manufactured at the Rastatt, Germany facility) served as the launch pad to a German-based tuner. Through the work of Andreas Wurz, a technical vocational training foreman, electronics foreman Matthias Rieger and 12 automotive mechanic trainees, the principle behind the modifying the Mercedes-Benz B-Class was simply to add V-8 power to the compact premium car.

Requiring the vehicle to be completely disassembled, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class project vehicle would be carefully reconstructed around an unusual drivetrain. Beginning the chore of converting the B200 CDI into a B55 was the augmenting the standard front-wheel drive system to rear-wheel drive. A rear axle arrived from the last generation E-Class parts bin was accommodated under the Mercedes-Benz B55 through welding and forming of a new subframe section. While the 2011 Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI is equipped either with a CVT or 6-speed manual gearbox, this B55 has been modified to accept a 7-speed automatic transmission similar to the one found on the C-Class and above Mercedes-Benz range.

The crowning achievement of the Mercedes-Benz B55, a 5.5 liter V-8 engine trumpets 388 horsepower along with 391 pounds-feet of torque ushering the premium compact car through its unique rear wheel axle. Team foreman Wurz commented that the V-8 engine inclusion was “fitted amazingly” in the B200 vehicle. Though the engine installation was successful, the major complication was arranging the steering hardware. Mentioning that no performance tests have been conducted yet on what is sure to be a very hot Mercedes-Benz B55, the Rastatt team has estimated under 6 second 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration times are within easy reach.

B55 badging, dark-painted grille and smoked headlamps tells the true identity of the project Mercedes-Benz from a conventional B-Class car on the exterior. Beautiful 18-inch AMG sports wheels is placed over perforated and vented disc brakes. The entire B55 vehicle rides on a K&W coil-over suspension. The Rastatt project team had also dedicated themselves to presenting a subtle but noticeably more luxurious cabin. Decked with Alcantara and leather seating, a high-quality roof lining is fitted over the Mercedes-Benz B55 passengers’ head.

The overall changes added only 400 pounds to what was the Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI, the new B55 project was completed as a success. An amazing vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz B55 is unfortunately only a concept offering little chance of production. However, one Rastatt team member has already stated “We may have some surprises in store…”.

Information and photo source: Daimler AG

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In some cities, a so-called ‘War on Cars’ is being waged by governments as well as other groups citing environmentalism and congestion concerns. Passing certain rules and user fees against car owners residing in metropolitan areas has become common place. Some cities had posted special licensing taxes for residents to own an automobile within city limits. In England, vehicles traveling into many areas within the city of London streets are assessed a minimum £9 (equating to around $14.45 in US money) Congestion Charge to encourage alternative transit over excessive personal vehicle travel.

Proposing an option that motorists can make a lump sum payment to obtain unlimited travel into Congestion Charge areas, a website called avoidthecongestioncharge.com has been advertising the benefits of a simple badge. For £799 (approximately $1,283 US), a DRIVe badge provides a driver exclusion from the Congestion Charge payment. While, in essence, the DRIVe badge can truly grant no cost access to the streets within City of London, the website was actually a guerrilla marketing campaign for a the much more expensive accessory to the DRIVe badge. Though the initial impression of the website leaves Internet viewers believing the domain is an independent website, the true motivation is made clear as the Volvo name and products began to pop on screen. After being automatically redirected to a new page, the invitation to see the newest CO2 low-emission vehicles of Volvo is offered. Diesel-powered Volvo C30, S40 and V50 make up the brand’s DRIVe range.

Through their web of marketing, Volvo presses that the three DRIVe-badged vehicles indeed apply for special driving considerations. For vehicles emitting less than 101 gCO2/km and conforming to Euro 5 emission standards are granted a Greener Vehicle Discount. Another perk of this incentive allows these lower emission vehicles to enter Congestion Charge areas without payment. Road use incentives for low or zero emission automobile purchases is not unique to the English city of London. In the case of electric and hybrid vehicles in North America, some jurisdictions allow alternative powertrains automobiles to run in HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane or better known as carpool lanes even with only the driver behind the wheel.

While some believe the marketing campaign as clever, Next Green Car, an automotive site advocating the awareness of widespread green transportation solutions, voiced concerns in regards to Volvo Cars UK advertisement. In a compliant published Friday on their website, Next Green Car is troubled by this guerrilla marketing guise as convincingly leading some consumers to believe the Volvo DRIVe promotional page was another company and another product (It should be noted as of January 31st the website has since been labeled with a bottom claimer “This is an advertisement created by Volvo”). Even using the language “fictional scam”, there was also disappointed as Volvo appears to imply their three DRIVe vehicles are the only choices to gain relief from the Congestion Charge. In the case of the incentive, 38 vehicles have been listed eligible including the Audi A3, Smart Fortwo and the Tesla Roadster. Though advertising, what reason would Volvo have for distracting potential buyers from their products.

Relating to the United Kingdom, this innovative automotive marketing strategy shows the difficulty of selling products creatively without With the upcoming 2011 Super Bowl some car companies including Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and even a returning General Motors will work to entice audiences to their products in 3 million dollar, 30-second ad spots. Even with the heavy expense on buying television ad space and producing a commercial, the effectiveness of a Super Bowl ad is not assured.

Information source: Next Green Car via Newspress UK
Photo Source: Volvo Cars

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