Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Opinion: CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Time For Buyers To Have Some Skin In The EV Game

CO2 warning

Politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.

The back-and-forth between those writing the fuel economy rules and auto manufacturers is designed to see how far the CO2 regulations can be pushed without inconveniencing the general public.

Rather than taxing fuel like they do in Europe to encourage buyers to opt for the most fuel-efficient vehicles, in America it's up to the manufacturers to develop a fleet that averages some magic number, in this case 54.5 mpg by 2025. That's because most politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.
Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?

CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2 creditselectric vehicleev creditsfeaturedmatt delorenzoopinionteslatesla model sSun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Spyker: It's not just about numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/spyker-it-s-not-just-about-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Compelling Story Counts As Much As Performance

Spyker Victor Muller

Muller believes there's room for small, boutique exotics like Spyker.

Following his ill-fated efforts to save Saab, Victor Muller is again back at Spyker Cars as CEO working hard on a comeback for the Dutch-based maker of exotic cars.

You could say he's a dreamer, but having established Spyker as a credible player in the ultra-exclusive exotic car niche and tempered by his experience at Saab, Muller is also a realist about both the capital requirements and the complexities in building automobiles. As volumes grow, the chance increases that even the littlest mistake can derail the whole enterprise.

Muller believes there's room for small, boutique exotics like Spyker, Pagani and Koenigsegg in a market saturated by supercars from players like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, VW Group's Bugatti and even Lexus with its LF-A.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Spyker: It's not just about numbers

Spyker: It's not just about numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmatt delorenzoopinionsaabspykervictor mullerFri, 12 Apr 2013 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Fisker's Farewell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/fisker-s-farewell/#commentsFiled under:

Not The First, Nor The Last Dreamer To Fail



Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker underestimated the amount of capital it takes.

The departure of Henrik Fisker from his self-named car company adds yet another name to the list of dreamers who thought they could be successful automakers.

Whether or not he goes down in history a Gaston Chevrolet or John DeLorean depends on the current managers at Fisker, with whom Henrik cited as having irreconcilable differences over the future of the hybrid luxury car company.

This is not to say that Fisker's dream is doomed, but the company he founded faces a number of severe challenges to its survival as an independent make.

Like DeLorean and Preston Tucker before him, Fisker underestimated the amount of capital it takes to be in the business. While the business model of having a supplier, in this case, Finland-based Valmet, building a high-priced limited-edition car had merit, in execution Fisker fell short of the mark of meeting expectations. It took far longer than anticipated to bring the Karma to market. Quality problems, issues with battery supplier A123 and the port disaster during Hurricane Sandy that destroyed 300 cars dogged the company.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Fisker's Farewell

Fisker's Farewell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfiskerhenrik fiskerFri, 15 Mar 2013 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Going high-tech, the 4x4 way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/going-high-tech-the-4x4-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Is It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral to engage low range.

Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.

Not that I'm a hardcore off-roader, but I've been in my share of 4x4's over the years and remember having to get out and lock hubs, shift into neutral to engage low range and learning that the accelerator and brake pedals can be your best friends or worst enemies in either moving along or getting hopelessly stuck.

Thanks to the wonders of electronics, advanced transfer cases and electric limited slip differentials, instead of manipulating levers or locking hubs, one merely has to punch a button or turn a knob to engage the right strategy to deal with whatever conditions encountered on the trail.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Going high-tech, the 4x4 way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 land rover range rover2014 jeep grand cherokee4x4editorialfeaturedgrand cherokeejeepland rovermatt delorenzooff-roadopinionrange roverTue, 26 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Can inductive charging save the EV?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/can-inductive-charging-save-the-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's Face It, We're Just Plain Lazy



Recent news about the price cuts on the Ford Focus EV and Nissan Leaf are proof positive that despite all their eco-goodness, pure electrics as well as plug-in hybrids remain a tough sell to the American mass market.

There's no doubt automakers are committed to electrifying an increasing portion of their product offerings. The problem is that no one needs to buy an EV or plug-in hybrid. But with CAFE standards doubling to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 and California's mandate that major manufacturers sell zero-emission vehicles as a percentage of their overall fleets (a measure also adopted by 13 other states), carmakers have to sell EVs and plug-in hybrids to avoid costly penalties or face caps on the number of vehicles they are allowed to sell.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Can inductive charging save the EV?

Can inductive charging save the EV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargingchevroletelectric carsevev chargingevatranevsfeaturedfocus electricfordinductive chargingleafnissanvoltWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Retro Design: A distant memory [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/retro-design-a-distant-memory/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/retro-design-a-distant-memory/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/retro-design-a-distant-memory/#commentsFiled under:

Just Fade Away
VW Beetle old and new

Designers prefer the loftier sounding "heritage design."

A cursory look at the latest offerings from auto manufacturers in both production and showcar guise reveals that retro design themes may be on their way out. It's ironic that the hottest design trend opening the 21st century was less about heralding some space-age future than celebrating the middle part of the century that just closed.

This pop culture phenomenon arguably started with the launch of the Volkswagen New Beetle in 1997 and saw its influence in a wide range of vehicles, from the entry-level Chrysler PT Cruiser up through high-dollar roadsters like the BMW Z8, a car that paid homage to the BMW 507.

Design practitioners, who also eschew the word "styling," are loathe to call these throwbacks "retro," preferring the loftier sounding "heritage design." Retro, however, is convenient shorthand to describe cars that recall an earlier time. The strong tug of nostalgia is further proof that there is more to a car's appeal than its ability to transport someone to and fro - it can be, in some ways, a time machine.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Retro Design: A distant memory [w/poll]

Retro Design: A distant memory [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car designfeaturedmatt delorenzoopinionretroretro car designretro carsTue, 08 Jan 2013 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: These are a few of my favorite (and least favorite) things]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/these-are-a-few-of-my-most-favorite-and-least-favorite-things/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/these-are-a-few-of-my-most-favorite-and-least-favorite-things/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/these-are-a-few-of-my-most-favorite-and-least-favorite-things/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New Cars Continue To Amaze And Dismay

Ford Fusion reveal NAIAS

The Ford Fusion's sleek shape proves midsize cars need not be boring.

Automakers face a huge challenge in creating cars that have to meet a dizzying array of emission, safety and fuel economy regulations and at the same time meet or exceed the expectations of potential customers. Usually the makers who succeed are the ones who are able to surprise and delight drivers with unique designs, technology and features.

It's a hard job since some of these great ideas can simply amaze or, if poorly done, merely annoy. As cars become more uniform in performance and function, manufacturers will look even harder for that special something to stand out from the crowd.

So here are a few things in the current crop of new cars that have surprised, delighted, and yes, annoyed.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading These are a few of my favorite (and least favorite) things

These are a few of my favorite (and least favorite) things originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoying car featureseditorialfavorite thingsfeaturedmatt delorenzoopinionWed, 19 Dec 2012 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/even-in-a-down-economy-rolls-royce-is-on-a-roll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Limited Volume, Big Margins Spell Success

Rolls-Royce

Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to selling super luxury. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös expects the British automaker to again post a record year, despite the economic troubles in Europe and weak growth in both the US and China.

"It is not all doom and gloom out there," Müller-Ötvös explains, noting that the declining sales in Europe and elsewhere have been offset by good performance for the marque in the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Russia.

You won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

The key to this success is remaining focused on its strengths by limiting itself to what it knows best, very expensive cars and cars alone. As a result, you won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

"Our clear strategy is to stick to this segment of 200,000 Euros and up," he explains, adding because of the limited volume of about 3,500 cars per year, "we are not in a situation where we need to fill up excess capacity in the plant."

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll

Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredghostmatt delorenzophantomrolls-royceWed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/are-the-best-days-behind-the-italian-carrozzeria/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Museums, Not Motor Shows, Take Center Stage In 2012



Two museum exhibitions, one opening and the other just closed, that recognize a pair of leading design houses, Pininfarina and Bertone, are celebrating iconic car designs that have come from their studios. At the same time, these events underscore the uncertain future faced by the independent Italian design community at large.

Pininfarina is being commemorated in an exhibition at Museo Ferrari in Maranello, which runs through next January, while Bertone, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was the subject of a display that closed last month at the Italian National Car Museum in Turin.

These two firms, along with many others including Italdesign Giugiaro, Ghia, Zagato and Touring, were the go-to guys when manufacturers the world over needed design and engineering services to create everything from concept cars to limited production runs. But changes in the industry, including massive consolidation of brands and tough economic times, raise the question of whether these carrozzeria are relevant or not.

It wasn't always so as both the Pininfarina and Bertone museum displays testify.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria?

Are the best days behind the Italian carrozzeria? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecarrozzeriafeaturedghiamatt delorenzopininfarinatouringzagatoTue, 13 Nov 2012 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Ferrari F70 won't show up in Detroit after all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ferrari-f70-wont-show-for-detroit-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ferrari-f70-wont-show-for-detroit-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ferrari-f70-wont-show-for-detroit-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Contrary to earlier reports, Ferrari maintains that it will not be showing the F70 supercar successor to the Enzo at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January. In fact, our sources say the launch rollout plans for the hybrid 920-horsepower exotic have not been finalized.

One scenario would have a launch separate from major auto shows in order to maximize publicity. Another factor in the decision not to show the F70 in Detroit is a desire not to step on the launch at the show of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte. Both Maserati and Ferrari are owned by the Fiat group.

Ferrari F70 won't show up in Detroit after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroitdetroitdetroit auto showenzoenzo successorf70ferrariWed, 17 Oct 2012 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/five-reasons-why-gm-would-be-better-off-without-opel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sale Denials Aside, GM's Future Looks Brighter With One Less European Partner

rusty opel

If GM can find a way to kick its German unit to the curb, it will do so in a heartbeat.

Even though the recent rumors of Opel being sold by General Motors to Fiat were roundly denied, there is still a lot of merit in the idea of an Opel-less GM. And you can be sure that if the company can find a way to kick its German unit to the curb, it will do so in a heartbeat. Here's five reasons why GM should be looking for a way out:

First: Opel is a money loser. The European economy is not only in shambles, but is one of the most competitive car markets on the planet. There is excess capacity, heavy discounting and no one wants to be the first to blink by shutting down factories thereby losing market share and more importantly increasing unemployment in their home country. In this environment, Opel is sure to remain a money loser for the foreseeable future and will soak up profits generated by GM North America just to stay afloat.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel

Five reasons why GM would be better off without Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgeneral motorsgmmatt delorenzoopelopel saleThu, 11 Oct 2012 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Audi working on new fuels to make cars carbon neutral]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/audi-working-on-new-fuels-to-make-cars-carbon-neutral/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/audi-working-on-new-fuels-to-make-cars-carbon-neutral/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/audi-working-on-new-fuels-to-make-cars-carbon-neutral/#commentsFiled under: ,

Random lab beakers

A car can be considered CO2 neutral if the amount of greenhouse gas used in creating the fuel is balanced against the CO2 emitted by the vehicle in operation.

Even as automakers move to increase the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles and hybrids, internal combustion technology is not standing still. In fact, Audi believes that the future will see a mix of propulsion technologies and that internal combustion can play a role in producing vehicles that have minimal CO2 impact on the environment. As shown by Toyota's recent announcement to slow-walk EVs, the industry is looking into other alternatives besides pure electrics to meet ever-tightening Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and zero-emission mandates like those enacted by California.

Rupert Stadler, Audi's chairman, asserts that "the future of mobility will be multi-faceted." And while Audi will offer pure electrics, like the R8 E-Tron, officials from the company insist that the combustion engine still remains an important element in the overall picture. Key elements in this strategy include more fuel efficient gas and diesel engines using such advanced technology as electric forced induction and stop-start technology that includes shutting the engine off when the vehicle is coasting. Audi will also offer a unique dual-fuel A3 that uses both compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline power that promises a range of around 750 miles in an A3.

Beyond the approach of upgrading the hardware, Audi is also looking at vehicle fuels themselves as a means to reduce carbon emissions. The company believes that an internal combustion car can be considered CO2 neutral if the amount of greenhouse gas used in creating the fuel is balanced against the CO2 emitted by the vehicle in operation. The argument goes that a BEV is only CO2-free if its electricity comes from nuclear, hydro, wind or solar sources and actually contributes to CO2 emissions if the electricity comes from a coal- or gas-fired generator. Following this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, Audi is now involved in several projects to make ethanol, diesel and natural gas that uses CO2 in the production process.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Audi working on new fuels to make cars carbon neutral

Audi working on new fuels to make cars carbon neutral originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelaudie-diesele-ethanole-gase-hydrogenfuel cellheinz hollerwegerMon, 08 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris: Lamborghini developing Urus while still awaiting green light]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/lamborghini-develops-urus-while-awaiting-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/lamborghini-develops-urus-while-awaiting-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/lamborghini-develops-urus-while-awaiting-green-light/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lamborghini Urus concept SUV - live at Pebble Beach

While much of the focus for Lamborghini at the Paris Motor Show was on its new strategy for the Gallardo line using styling cues to differentiate the rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and Superleggera models, the Italian automaker is continuing development of its Urus SUV, even though it has not yet gotten final approval yet.

Stephan Winkelmann, the firm's CEO and president, is confident that the project will be approved by the VW Group, but has not yet received the final blessing and says much depends on the whether or not there will be a new architecture to underpin the vehicle. "It [Urus] has been well received both at Beijing and at clinics in America and Europe," Winkelmann said. "The point is that it is not a replacement vehicle, but a new vehicle and as a result we will be relying on the group to go forward." However, the fact that Porsche showed the Panamera Sport Turismo concept demonstrates that there is enough flexibility in that platform to perhaps support the Lamborghini concept.

"Even if we get the go-ahead now, [and] we have to go immediately, it won't be ready until 2017," Winklemann explained. In the meantime, the company is aggressively pursuing the new Gallardo strategy and promises to have its successor that goes beyond the current facelift ready by 2014. Next year, Lamborghini will busy itself with building the 20 Sesto Elemento carbon-fiber intensive models as well as celebrating the company's 50th anniversary as well as adding a U.S. slate to its European and Asian spec racing series. The events, according to Winkelmann are important because "we sell the dream, but we also must maintain the dream. We have to be more and more involved in the lives of the vehicles."

Lamborghini developing Urus while still awaiting green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lamborghiniparisparis 2012paris motor showstephan winkelmannurusFri, 28 Sep 2012 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Tesla Is Shooting For The Stars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/tesla-is-shooting-for-the-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/tesla-is-shooting-for-the-stars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/tesla-is-shooting-for-the-stars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Launching A Space Ship Is A Snap Compared To A Car

Elon Musk Tesla Model S

Is it easier to put a man in space or an electric vehicle in every garage? Ask Elon Musk, the iconoclastic entrepreneur who heads up both Tesla Motors and SpaceX, the first private space venture to launch a vehicle and successfully dock it with the International Space Station.

The passing of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, comes to mind when thinking about Musk's dual quest to remake the auto industry with electric vehicles and to privatize space travel. Back when Armstrong took that first small step, it was thought that if we could put a man on the moon, it was proof there was nothing mankind couldn't accomplish, including stamping out poverty and curing cancer.

If history is a guide, it turns out it's easier to do the moon shot than tackle a myriad of pressing social issues.

That is precisely what Musk may eventually discover - namely that it is far easier to build spaceships than it is to build an electrically powered family car that will appeal to the masses.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Tesla Is Shooting For The Stars

Tesla Is Shooting For The Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskinternational space stationmatt delorenzomodel sspacexteslaMon, 10 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: Beyond the Auto Show: Monterey Week and the Pebble Beach Concours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/beyond-the-auto-show-monterey-week-and-the-pebble-beach-concour/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/beyond-the-auto-show-monterey-week-and-the-pebble-beach-concour/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/beyond-the-auto-show-monterey-week-and-the-pebble-beach-concour/#commentsFiled under:

Super Premium Marques Seek Out New Venues To Show Wares



So you've spent a life flying in coach hoping someday that you could join the swells in first class enjoying champagne and caviar. Finally, you reach platinum status and get the coveted upgrade only to discover the people who were previously up front are now flying in private jets... and they've taken the champagne and caviar with them.

That's kind of the situation budding car enthusiasts find themselves in when thinking they can go down to their local auto show to see the likes of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens in the flesh. Increasingly, these high end makes are no shows at even major shows in Los Angeles and Chicago. Instead they are concentrating their efforts on events like the car fest that occurs annually in August on the Monterey Peninsula.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.


Continue reading Beyond the Auto Show: Monterey Week and the Pebble Beach Concours

Beyond the Auto Show: Monterey Week and the Pebble Beach Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concours delegancefeaturedmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachThu, 16 Aug 2012 19:14:00 EST