Autoblog

BREAKING: Fire breaks out at Cobo, Detroit Auto Show evacuated

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:09:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Safety

Instant gratification can be an amazing thing, a fact evidenced once again by the always-on-top-of-things nature of Twitter. Apparently, Detroit Auto Show attendees were evacuated from Cobo Hall a short time ago after a reported electrical fire broke out at the Audi exhibit. Says the official NAIAS Twitter feed:

There was a small electrical fire inside Cobo. The fire is out and everything is under control... The building was cleared as a precautionary measure. The show will reopen in a couple hours.

Reports are unclear as to how the fire actually started, with some witnesses seeing sparks and others reporting flames as high as the ceiling with pieces of display falling down. Regardless, it's clear that thick smoke currently fills Cobo Hall and police, firefighters and other emergency personnel are on the scene.

Showgoers can get their hands stamped in order to get a voucher to come back another day, or wait until 5PM when the doors are currently scheduled to reopen. More info as we get it. Click here for a few photos posted on Twitter. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: Twitter]

BREAKING: Fire breaks out at Cobo, Detroit Auto Show evacuated originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built.

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC has always been General Motors' truck and SUV marque, but the brand could break new ground if it decides to build a small urban vehicle based on the Granite concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Granite would likely be smaller and less rough-and-tumble than any other vehicle in the GMC lineup while also carrying a lower base price tag. If GM's "Professional Grade" brand builds a Granite-like vehicle it could take the marketing road less traveled; television-less advertising.

Buick-GMC advertising director Steve Rosenblum has reportedly told Automotive News that the next step for GMC could be a four-passenger vehicle that slots below the Terrain, and the Granite certainly fits that bill. Rosenblum went on to hypothesize that a Granite-sized vehicle would be heavily marketed to car buyers under age 35, and that its marketing campaign could be focused almost entirely on the Internet. And the tried-and-true "Professional Grade" tagline? GMC could exclude it from Granite ads, says Rosenblum. Hmmm...

GMC could also focus its marketing dollars on "smart phone" advertising. Rosenblum says that by 2011, two-thirds of cell phone users under age 40 will own a smart phone. One application the ad team designed is a brochure for the Granite with bar code designs that can be read by smart phones. The codes would then lead interested parties to a website with features about the Granite, along with a social networking site where interested parties could chat with designers.

Is the Granite a smart direction for GM to be taking with GMC, or is it a bridge too far? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Celebrities, Humor

Bob Lutz has been an important guy in the auto industry since before most of us were born. Elon Musk is the reason your eBay transactions go so smoothly (he was the co-creator of PayPal). Together, they don't seem to make much of a team. Well, they wouldn't make much of a match if Musk weren't the CEO of Tesla Motors. Elon makes electric cars. Bob wants to make electric cars. Both are (*ahem*) outspoken and give good soundbites. Upon further review, it makes perfect sense that the two men were hanging out at the Detroit Auto Show. But what were they talking about?

We have some ideas, but they probably aren't as creative as yours. We'll get you started with some appetizers, but we're really just looking for you to provide the main course:

Lutz to Musk: "You think you're nervous right now, but you really just have range anxiety"
Musk to Lutz: "We have more batteries in one car than you have in 500 Volts"
Lutz to Musk: "$500 million? $50 billion!"

Help us out with some better captions by leaving some tender verbal vittles in Comments.

Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.

The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.

Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: A closer look at the Mustang's 5.0L V8

Drew Phillips — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

Ford's 5.0L V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford might not be pulling out all the stops here in Detroit to promote its updated Mustang like it did for the 2010 model year, the 2011 model's improvements are just as significant, if not more. The new 305 horsepower, 30 mile per gallon V6 debuted at Los Angeles back in December, and the long-awaited 5.0L V8 made its official debut here at the NAIAS. Fortunately, there's plenty more to the legendary 5.0 badge than an increase in displacement, and a cutaway motor on the show floor gave us a closer look at all the details.

For starters, the new V8 uses a different bore and stroke to give it an even five liters of displacement, last employed in the Mustang GT in 1995. A larger, single-blade throttle body that replaces the dual unit now works in conjunction with a composite intake manifold runner to provide for better breathing, as do the all-new aluminum cylinder heads that include an extra exhaust valve for a total of four valves per cylinder.

Additional upgraded components include a forged steel crankshaft, stronger forged powder metal connecting rods, high compression pistons, and a fantastic set of tubular stainless steel exhaust headers on each side. Perhaps most importantly, the 5.0-liter V8 receives Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), a technology that allows for optimal power or fuel economy depending on throttle input. You can read our in-depth article for even more details on the Mustang's new 5.0-liter V8, or you can see our live photos of the car and the cutaway engine in the galleries below.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Detroit 2010: A closer look at the Mustang's 5.0L V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this morning's XTS Platinum and CTS-V Coupe debut here at the Detroit Motor Show, newly appointed brand manager Bryan Nesbitt announced to the media that that all Cadillac models will receive V-Series and Platinum models. However, during the media scrum that followed the conference, we sought clarification from Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell, and he stated that future Cadillacs will receive a V-Series or a Platinum model. Thus, if you had visions of an Escalade-V dancing in your head, well... don't.

The prevailing logic behind which models will get a V or a P will depend on the model's market segment and inherent sportiness. As Caldwell explained it to us, a model like the CTS has a foot in both worlds (and could probably pull off both), but models like the SRX or Escalade lend themselves more to the heightened creature comforts of the Platinum experience. Some Autobloggers remain a bit foggy on why General Motors' luxury brand needs what is effectively a double-prestige trim level (shouldn't all Cadillacs be posh by definition?), but we do appreciate the added accouterments all the same.

And as to the possibility of a CTS-V Sport Wagon? Well, we got a wink-wink, nudge-nudge when we suggested to Cadillac that we'd like to see it, and judging by the smiles all 'round, it's all but certain that we'll be seeing its debut on the show circuit later this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Detroit 2010: Cadillac commits to V- or Platinum editions for all models, CTS-V wagon all but certain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not sure why BMW is reticent to put forth a new Motorsports model of its Z4 folding hardtop convertible, but it has effectively introduced such a model in all but name here at the Detroit Auto Show. Inscrutably dubbed Z4 sDrive35is (we're guessing you can hit extralegal speeds by the time you successfully spit out its name), the new model features a revised twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that spits out 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function capable of a momentary bump up to 369 torques. Paired with BMW's seven-speed Sport Automatic dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is good for 0-62 miles-per-hour in in 4.8 seconds.

Additional alterations include a ride height that's lowered by 10 millimeters thanks to the adaptive M suspension, a revamped front fascia with matte aluminum trim bars, Oxide Silver mirror caps, and 19-inch alloys among other niceties - you can check out the complete roster of changes by checking out the press release after the jump.

M badges or no, we want one.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is at Detroit Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name

Detroit 2010: BMW Z4 sDrive35is looks far more entertaining than its name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Design/Style

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yup, we just saw the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe in the flesh and... do want. Let's make that double do want. Why? We think it's glorious looking, and with the possible exception of the Pontiac Solstice, the CTS Coupe is among the best looking American cars in a very long time. That said, while the "base" coupe is a stunner, it's the V-job that really gets our juices flowing.

If you don't know, the V-Series gets the same 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 as the sedan with sir's choice of a quick-witted six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, magnetic ride control suspension and honkin' Brembo brakes. General Motors has declined to get specific about how much lighter the CTS-V Coupe will be compared to its more family-minded stablemate, but officials have confirmed that it will be marginally lighter on the scales (we're guessing less than 100 pounds).

Changes from the sedan? Well, aside the obvious lack of rear doors, a B-pillar-ectomy and much faster windshield and backlight angles, not too much. Okay, so there's a slightly wider rear track and an available Saffron interior color (a coupe exclusive), but that's about it. All that is fine by us, because the CTS-V Coupe is all kinds of muscular, angular gorgeousness. Besides, amidst the Detroit Auto Show and its burgeoning sea of feel-good treehugging solutions, the CTS-V stands alone as a beacon of tire-smokin' glory. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

Update: Cadillac is claiming the CTS-V can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Dude...

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might just be our best-of-show [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Anti-Tea Party Protesters make their voices heard in the cold

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

While sucking down one of our favorite stimulants in the frigid air outside Cobo Hall, we heard a lone voice across the street scream, "Screw the tea-baggers!" Naturally, we had to investigate.

Unlike the Tea Party protesters assembling outside General Motors' Renaissance Center to voice their criticisms about the government's bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, this ragtag militia of union officials and automaker employees assembled to support the Fed's financial infusion.

"We're here to thank Barack Obama for his support of the automakers," George Hardy, the vice president of UAW Local 174 told us, going on to say that the cash injection has helped him and his members retain their jobs in one of the worst employment environments in 30 years.

Hardy was adamant that the government's detractors refused to see the benefits of the bailouts, simply saying "The Tea Party has it wrong."

Detroit 2010: Anti-Tea Party Protesters make their voices heard in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: GMC Acadia Denali piles on the frosting

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, GM, GMC

2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nearly lost in the hubbub at this morning's GMC-Buick press conference here at the Detroit Auto Show was GMC's new-for-2011 Acadia Denali. This is the first time that GMC has extended its upscale Denali trim to a crossover, but they haven't changed the formula just because the designation is no longer exclusive to body-on-frame. As ever, Denali equates to a modestly swankier interior (mahogany trim, perforated leather heated and cooled seats, additional ambient lighting), along with seemingly every other option, including sat-nav, Bluetooth, three-zone automatic HVAC, heads-up display and the obligatory gigantic sunroof.

On the outside, trainspotters will be able to spot the Denali by its monotone paint (Summer White as seen here, Quicksilver Metallic, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat or White Diamond Tricoat), honeychrome grille (yeah, we said honeychrome), along with model-specific fascias and polished six-spoke 20-inch wheels.

Subtle it isn't, but if it's your thing, keep an eye out for it in GMC showrooms beginning in the third quarter of this year.

Gallery: GMC Acadia Denali

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

Live Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: GMC]

Detroit 2010: GMC Acadia Denali piles on the frosting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Truck, Work, Ford

Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, accepts the hardware from Tony Swan of Car and Driver

For just the third time in the 17-year history of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, one manufacturer has taken home both pieces of etched glass. Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect have yielded the hardware for the Dearborn automaker here at the Detroit Auto Show, with the Fusion emerging victorious over the shortlisted Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf, and the Transit Connect besting the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback.

The last time a single manufacturer won both the Car and Truck of the Year awards was back in 2006, when Honda did double duty with its Civic compact and Ridgeline pickup. In total, a U.S. automaker has won the car award nine times, and the truck award, 11 times. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Ford]

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010

Detroit 2010: Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Canada, Luxury

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Early next Tuesday morning, Cadillac will unveil a concept version of its new XTS flagship at the Detroit Auto Show. A report from Canada's CTV now says that production of the XTS will begin at General Motors' Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant in early 2012. Rumors of a Cadillac to be produced at the plant east of Toronto first began circulating last July. The XTS will join the Chevrolet Impala and Camaro as well as the new Buick Regal at the facility. The XTS is expected to be based on the Epsilon II platform but with all-wheel-drive.

The addition of the Cadillac and the Buick could necessitate an extra shift at the factory which would likely result in 750-1,000 of GM's previously laid-off workers being recalled. Last year, GM closed an adjacent Oshawa factory that had been building full-size pickup trucks.

[Source: CTV]

Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided

Chris Paukert — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore has confirmed to Autoblog that while a version of its home-market Equus is on the way to North America in 2010, the Korean automaker still hasn't decided what the car will be named when it arrives. The high-end sedan may carry the horse-inspired KDM appellation, or perhaps even its Middle East moniker, Centennial, but other nameplates remain under discussion. And although Bedore declined to offer any specific possibilities, when pressed, he did admit that the company hasn't ruled out anything with the word "Genesis" in its title, a move that would seemingly be appropriate given that the model has more than a few Genesis Sedan genes in its genetic blueprint. Such a strategy would also seem to be consistent with a rumored plan to separate Hyundai's pricier offerings within brand showrooms. Genesis Prestige or Genesis Supremacy, anyone?

The rear-drive, V8 luxury sedan is on track for arrival in the second half of this year, and while it will be essentially identical to the Korean Equus, small visual differences like alloy wheel patterns and perhaps the absence of the domestic car's prominent hood ornament (shown above) are also likely. No word yet on specific changes to the car's underpinnings, but Bedore tells us that we "can expect some adjustments to things like suspension damping and steering tuning for the U.S. market."

A Korean-spec Equus will be on display at next week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but no further announcements regarding the car are scheduled.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus

Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The North American International Auto Show is typically the big show for Detroit-based automakers and 2010 appears to be no different for General Motors. Chris Preuss, GM's vice president of communications, has hit Twitter confirming that each of the General's four brands will have at least one vehicle to display at the Detroit Auto Show next month. As expected, Cadillac will unveil the 2011 CTS-V coupe along with a concept version of its XTS sedan, a model slated to replace the aging DTS in the next year or two. GMC will unleash the Granite, which, according to earlier reports, will be based on the Delta platform and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando.

Chevrolet figures to have a somewhat quieter show, with its big reveal being the Aveo RS, which we hear is all-new and very little like the narrow and unattractive B-Segment hatch GM is selling now. Buick will be chasing the ghosts of Grand Nationals and T-Types past with a performance variant of the 2011 Regal that may share a lot of parts with the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC. We can hardly wait for January 11.

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Twitter]

GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: January's Detroit Auto Show to be loaded up with political VIPs

Chris Shunk — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM

After General Motors and Chrysler required a combined $80 billion in government assistance to keep their doors open, many speculated that Uncle Sam would want to keep a hand in the carmaking cookie jar. While it is debatable how much control (a lot) the White House and Congress have over the Detroit automakers, it certainly appears that our politicians have taken a keen interest in the nation's auto industry.

One sign that our government is keeping an eye on our investment is the overwhelming amount of interest Washington is reportedly taking in the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Congress, the Department of Transportation and other agencies are making so many requests for access to the press days of the show that special gray and silver government badges are being created just for them. NAIAS Chairman Doug Fox says more than twice the politicians and government agencies have requested to attend the show than last year, and we're guessing the queries will continue to pour in as the show draws nearer. There is also speculation that President Obama may himself attend the show, though the White House isn't likely to confirm or deny that until much closer to the actual event.

On one hand, it's nice to see that Washington has finally decided to pay attention to the auto industry, but we can't help but wonder what what the value add is of joining the scrum during press days. We're thinking most of the politicians and government officials can learn all they need to know about the show from Autoblog, save a few million dollars, and perhaps avoid some time in the frozen tundra that is Detroit in January.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: January's Detroit Auto Show to be loaded up with political VIPs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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