Recent Comments:
Saab halts next 9-3 development, may radically downsize next-gen {Autoblog}
May 10th 2008 6:58PM That sounds disappointing and poor of Saab; GM selling out and downsizing the next 9-3, a throwback to the 70s & 80s and moving downmarket, as well. Fuel prices, ecomomy or now, a higher-tier marque is not one for economy.
Spy shots: Fisker Karma makes an appearance in California {Autoblog}
May 9th 2008 11:51PM Looking good and moving forward!
One question: a couple of articles stated that Fisker wants to produce 15,000 units is the Karma - is that 15,000 units annual production, or 15,000 total?
I would want to see this go on successfully, and this is an original design, not a custom, yet tasteful, rendition of an existing sports or GT car.
First Drive: 2008 Shelby GT500KR, Part 1 {Autoblog}
Apr 28th 2008 10:02PM Very nice...
Only exception; those wheels seem a tad small (for it's class) I believe I saw in one of the pics that they're 18", where, I believe that the premiere car in the Auto Shows has 19 or 20 inchers. Maybe up-sized wheels are optional?
Another thing: that right-front fender-mounted antenna has got to go! It's out of place for it's class and for this day and age. Perhaps a short, roof-mounted unit or right-rear quarter-panel, short antenna slanted backward would be more desirable. I believe the upcoming face-lifted Mustang will address this.
Bentley wants to slash CO2 by two-thirds {Autoblog}
Apr 15th 2008 8:45PM If innovations and technologies are used to achieve this, I support it much so, but, if it's to downsize, detune, depower, humble, or decontent, to achieve less CO2's, etc., I'll condemn it and be disappointed in Bentley.
Bentley is not about humility, like it's exclusive peers, and it's small percentage where it can't affect any averages so much.
Nissan teases production Intima ahead of Beijing show {Autoblog}
Apr 3rd 2008 2:17PM Is the Production Intima coming to USA, or is it set for other territories only?
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy {Autoblog}
Mar 31st 2008 2:16PM This would be a bad move and bad for Chrysler's image and respect. The Viper is not a redundant model, and it could be possible that assembly could take place in another plant instead of a stand-alone. Also, with the three brands eventually going into one dealership, the Viper halo would help all the more! Of course, the Challenger could compliment it as a more affordable halo.
Of course, no one would care if redundant models such as the Jeep Compass, or a vanilla econo-box sedan got the axe.
Bentley rules out W16 and diesel engines {Autoblog}
Mar 25th 2008 7:54PM I posted this in regard to a similar article on another site:
A powerful 500hp 6.0L V12 Diesel would have been very good here, but one never knows.
I do hear that a new V12 gasoline engine is under development for use in premium vehicles in VAG, I believe developed by Lamborghini and could find it’s way into other applications, Including the next-generation full-sized Bentley series. The W16 could be Bugatti-exclusive and either be used in reported Royale-like Sedan (and possible Atlantic-like Coupe), which could share it’s structure with the next full-sized Bentley. The Bugatti could also use a higher-tuned version, possibly turbo-fed V12; just basing this all on other reports from various other sites.
Daimler considers shutting down Maybach {Autoblog}
Mar 17th 2008 3:08PM Of note (and to build onto my earlier post) The recent Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept, basically a 4-door S-Class convertible, which was recently green-lighted for production, was originally supposed to be a Maybach, according to some news-sources. It, of course, wound up as a Mercedes, perhaps it is a sign that decisions are taking place.
My gut feeling: Maybach may wind up as part of Mercedes-Benz as a limited halo/flagship limo, and not a stand-alone division. I'm still OK with that. Also, if they're based on S-Class underpinnings, albeit extended, it wouldn't require a too major an investment.
Daimler considers shutting down Maybach {Autoblog}
Mar 17th 2008 2:11PM I do hope that it's decided that Maybach is to stay and flourish, especially with Rolls Royce and Bentley growing and having great success, and others like the impending growth of Bugatti (perhaps using Bentley componentry). If anything, or worst case scenario, I would accept it if Maybach becomes part of Mercedes Benz instead of a stand-alone division (Mercedes Maybach—I believe that was the original intent) and base the vehicles on extended (current) S-Class platforms and become limited production flagships. Of course, I would recommend bolder, more expressive and possibly aggressive styling and coachwork for the Maybach line.
This has been done in the past: Chrysler, Imperial was a stand alone division, then it was later merged into the Chrysler division, even with Ford, decades ago Lincoln and Continental were separate division lines, later merged into one, of course the Continental name is no longer used by Lincoln, Bentley uses it for a series. So Maybach could be merged into the MB range.
Ghosn dismisses GT-R sedan, Q45 successor likely {Autoblog}
Mar 6th 2008 12:32PM I've been hoping for a "Q-ship" successor, and I know Nissan/Infiniti has the goods to make it happen. With Acura focusing in Tier-1 with a more upmarket, RWD V8 powered RL successor, and the legendary Lexus LS a serious player, and of course, the famous European players who's names I need not mention, a radical next-generation Jaguar XJ in development, and a Zeta-based RWD Cadillac DTS/STS successor afoot, it's time for Infiniti to jump in the game and dominate, too. By the looks of Infiniti's latest offerings, this will indicate the next Q will be one to stand out!
The well admired and respected M35/45 is a beautiful machine, but not up to the task of a flagship; it runs more with the mid-range luxury such as Lexus GS, MB E-Class, BMW 5-series adn Jaguar XF.
