Autoblog

Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Design/Style

BMW 0 Series, is that you? - Click above to watch the video after the break

If BMW intends to go downmarket any further, which seems likely considering that the automaker has already confirmed it will offer a front-wheel drive model under its own badge, there's only one model designation available: 0 Series. And by all accounts, it's on the way soon.

Intriguingly, BMW may be offering a few hints as to what we should expect from the new entry-level model. In a new video released for its Innovation Days in Asia, the automaker prominently displays a series of still images that may very well be early sketches of the upcoming 0 Series.

Assuming for a moment that we are indeed witnessing the new Zilch, we like what we see. Deeply sculpted sides, a nicely sloping rear hatch and large, vertically oriented kidney grilles indicate a design language that's suitably differentiated from current rear-wheel-drive BMWs. And it looks pretty dang good. Judge for yourself after watching the video after the break.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video?

Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW confirms plans for front-wheel-drive models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, BMW, Luxury

If there's one thing that's certain in this crazy world, it's that Ultimate Driving Machines are driven by their rear wheels. Sure, there's an occasional all-wheel-drive model thrown in for good measure, but even those revert to the tried-and-true RWD when extra traction from the front two contact patches isn't deemed necessary or desirable. Well, alert the media (oh, wait...): BMW has confirmed the rumors that it will build front-wheel-drive automobiles.

At the Annual Accounts Press Conference for 2010, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, had this to say:

[The small car] segment is expected to grow further. And we will take advantage of this opportunity. We are exploring the possibility of developing a joint architecture for the front and four-wheel drive systems of these cars. In other words: There will be front-wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future.

Heresy, BMW fans? We wouldn't worry too much - there seems little chance that BMW will make a wholesale switch from powering the rear wheels to the fronts, especially for its mainstream models like the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series - but the addition of a FWD chassis will make it easier for the automaker to share platforms with other companies and to "reduce [its] fleet's carbon-emissions worldwide by at least another 25 percent between 2008 and 2020."

In fact, take it from Reithofer himself:

BMW will continue to be a sport-inspired brand. We at the BMW Group continue to deliver maximum performance, tackle new challenges and sharpen our competitive edge.

Click past the break for the complete text of Reithofer's speach.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW confirms plans for front-wheel-drive models

BMW confirms plans for front-wheel-drive models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Luxury

Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini's platform.

However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won't just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants." The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.

Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.

Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn't determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW's first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand's patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it's hardly the end of the world.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Infiniti considering front-wheel-drive vehicle

Michael Harley — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Infiniti

Loyalists will accept a less powerful 2.5-liter G-Series in the model range, but how will they embrace a front-wheel drive model from Nissan's upscale - and enthusiast targeted - Infiniti brand?

Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.'s vice president for product planning, hinted during a recent interview that Infiniti is considering an entry-level vehicle (or a family of models) based on a front-wheel drive platform. This isn't unfamiliar territory for the Japanese automaker. Shortly after the brand debuted, the front-wheel drive 1991 G20 (based on the JDM Nissan Primera) arrived on the scene. It was followed several years later by the 1996 I30 (a gussied-up Nissan Maxima). By 2005, in a strategy designed to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti had reverted back to an all rear-wheel drive lineup led by the 3.5-liter G35, and later with a few all-wheel drive models.

According to Dominique, many buyers do not know, or care, whether their vehicles are FWD or AWD, citing the Acura TSX and TL models as examples. "Those buyers are OK with it... I think we could deliver Infiniti off a different platform and deliver the experience Infiniti customers expect," he added without going into detail.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Infiniti considering front-wheel-drive vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Subaru, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

Autoweek.nl is spreading a rumor that Subaru is considering offering a two-wheel-drive version of the Impreza in Europe in an attempt to offer a budget alternative to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. The entry-level Impreza would make use of the 107 hp, 1.5-liter boxer four-cylinder and possibly the new 150 hp diesel engine, putting fuel economy above all else. There's also talk of a turbocharged version of the 1.5-liter mill that would slot in between the naturally aspirated variant and Subaru's turbocharged 2.5-liter.

Although Subaru has offered FWD versions of its models in the past, its recent raison d'être of being the all-wheel-drive automaker would be harmed if a FWD variant was added to its lineup. That's why we doubt it will come to fruition and that we'll never seen a FWD Subaru in the States. A rear-wheel-drive Subaru on the other hand...

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

[Source: Autoweek.nl - Google-translated]

Rumormill: Subaru considering FWD Impreza for Europe, turbocharged 1.5-liter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions, Rumormill

It has been rumored for the last few months that Chevrolet would be soldiering on with a front-wheel-drive Impala for at least the next few years. The recent contract agreement between the Canadian Auto Workers union and General Motors appears to cement this rumor as fact. According to the signed pact, GM promised to keep the Oshawa Assembly plant, where the current-generation Impala is made, open until 2012 -- two years longer than first planned. The Impala is a pretty good seller for the General, so we're not too surprised that upper-level management would want to leave it alone, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to see Chevy's bread-and-butter full-size sedan return to its roots by going rear-wheel-drive.

One thing is for certain: by the year 2012, the W-Body platform of the current Impala will be absolutely ancient. On the other hand, we've had nothing but good things to say about the new Zeta platform which underpins such enthusiast-friendly vehicles as the new Pontiac G8. Therefore, we can at least hold out some hope that GM will find a way to offer as many vehicles as possible using the new chassis architecture, whether they are named Impala or not. Anybody want to see a new Nova?

[Source: The GM Source]

Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wrong-Wheel-Drive! Dodge Demon to use Chery platform

Dan Roth — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge

click above for more high-res images of the Dodge Demon Concept

The Dodge Demon has been hinted and anti-hinted for production, and it seems that the sports car will indeed make it into showrooms. Unfortunately, according to AutoWeek, the Demon will wind up on a front wheel drive chassis from Chery. The ~~1993 Mercury Capri~~ Demon's switch to FF has been partially driven by emissions regulations, says Chrysler's Tom LaSorda, but we think it's more likely due to build cost. There is a direct-injection engine in development, which should also help the Demon meet upcoming emissions standards while offering strong performance. The Chery platform will doubtlessly be re-jiggered for the Demon, but we predict that the MX-5 is in no danger of losing its primacy in the segment. Perhaps in acknowledgment of dynamic shortcomings, one of the major selling factors for the Demon will be a price lower than the Mazda or GM's Solstice/Sky twins, the car's main competitors. Here's hoping that no matter what's underneath the Demon, it still looks as hot as the concept when it hits stores.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: Dodge Demon sunset shoot

Wrong-Wheel-Drive! Dodge Demon to use Chery platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM bringing new six-speed tranny to market in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 May 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM

In an effort to keep up with the foreign competition, while at the same time offering consumers more ratios than they can shake their stick at, General Motors has made a pledge to invest $332 million into its Toledo, Ohio plant.

The financial infusion is necessary to produce the new Hydra-matic GT40/45 six-speed transmission, designed for GM's midsized, front drivers, with production expected to begin in February of 2010. The FWD tranny will be built alongside the new rear-wheel drive six-speed that was announced last year.

Although the General's progress with six-speed cog-swappers is all well and good, 2010 seems like a long way out considering that several other automakers have already moved on to seven- and eight-speed transmissions.

[Source: Inside Line]

GM bringing new six-speed tranny to market in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Decision on CTS siblings coming soon

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Europe, Cadillac

PHOTOS UPDATED

Cadillac is already on the upswing here in the US, and has been for some time. The image repair that GM has been able to carry out is impressive, and the rebirth is poised to enter phase two. GM Vice Chair Bob Lutz and Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor both commented at the Geneva Motor Show that Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are in their gunsights, and that a 3-series-esque family of models could emerge from the CTS. A wagon version of the CTS is getting serious consideration as Cadillac looks at taking the fight to European turf.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Continue reading Decision on CTS siblings coming soon

Decision on CTS siblings coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Technology, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge

The dual-clutch gearbox's popularity has grown immensely over the past three years and that popularity only stands to grow. Average motorists have enjoyed the DSG's smooth shifting and economical fuel consumption, while enthusiasts appreciate the trick technology and uber-quick gear changes. Volkswagen already announced that they plan on replacing all their automatic transmission vehicles with DSG in the next five years and here's a stat for you -- half of all GTIs sold are equipped with paddle shifters.

DaimlerChrysler has recognized the benefits of the DSG over conventional, torque converter-equipped automatics and has decided to invest $560 million in a new assembly plant in Kokomo, Indiana to manufacturer their own version of the DSG. Partnering with Getrag, the automaker plans on creating 700,000 units annually, with production set to begin in 2009. The models that stand to benefit from the new transmission are primarily front-wheel drive vehicles, including the Avenger, Sebring and all manner of minivan. Additionally, the transmission will find an ideal partner with D.C.'s new Phoenix V6 engine, which will also make an appearance in 2010.

Industry analysts recognize that the greatest source of competition with DSGs are the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), but one expert cited in Automotive News expects that the number of DSG-equipped vehicles in the U.S. will rise from it's current 0.2-percent to 3.3-percent by 2012. The more the merrier in our eyes.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler developing dual-clutch tranny for FWD vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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