Autoblog

Report: Entry-level Mercedes-Benz range to include coupe, SUV and... shooting brake?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:02:00 EST

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hardly a secret that the A- and B-Class hatchbacks are no great success for Mercedes-Benz. But M-B is working hard to make the next generation of both, based on common front-drive architecture, seriously competitive. But a shooting brake?

The retro body style is making a comeback, as we saw with Mercedes' own Shooting Break concept and the new Ferrari Four, and we could soon see it on a baby Benz. Along with a potential convertible, a shooting brake is one the additional configurations reportedly being considered for the range. Others in the pipeline include hatchbacks (like the existing models), a CLS-style coupe (with four doors or two) and an SUV to slot below the GLK and rival the BMW X1.

Beyond its own applications, Mercedes-Benz is also reportedly discussing the potential for industrial ally Renault-Nissan to use the Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture (MFA) for an entry-level Infiniti.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

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

Report: Entry-level Mercedes-Benz range to include coupe, SUV and... shooting brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW working on range of front-wheel-drive concepts

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

When BMW began making noise about bringing front-wheel drive to the table, purists, enthusiasts and fans of the brand immediately busted out the pitchforks and torches. Visions of front-wheel drive 3 Series and 1 Series models were almost enough to induce frenzy (not that a huge number of owners would know the difference...), but if the latest word from BMW Blog is to be believed, the company's front-wheel drive efforts will be contained to a handful of all-new models.

The news comes courtesy of a BMW insider posting on German Car Forum. Supposedly, the main impetus behind delving into a FWD platform isn't to increase the company's average fuel economy as some have guessed. Instead, BMW is looking to make the Mini brand more profitable by sharing platforms with other models under the Roundel.

Those include a new compact BMW roughly the size of a Cooper, as well as an MPV that the insider calls a Compact Gran Sport Tourer. Additionally, there may be room for a crossover-sized front-wheel drive beast as well. Interestingly enough, the report says that the new BMW compact will have proportions similar to those of the Honda CR-Z.

At this point, it's difficult to say whether or not the source from German Car Forum has their facts straight or not, but so far, this is the most detailed glimpse we've gotten into what BMW is up to with its FWD program.

[Source: German Car Forum via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW working on range of front-wheel-drive concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Technology, Crossover, Land Rover, Diesel, Luxury, Off-Road

Land Rover LRX spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new LRX compact crossover hits the market, it's goal is to change the way the world perceives Land Rover. Unlike the rest of the marque's range, the LRX isn't likely to boast unbeatable off-road prowess with fuel-sucking power - quite the contrary, in fact. Land Rover has officially announced that in addition to the previously rumored front-wheel drive model, a diesel hybrid version of the LRX will be on the road in 2013. These two new-to-Land Rover features should go a long way in broadening the brand's attractiveness to new sets of buyers interested in smaller vehicles like the new LRX, though the move might risk alienating traditionalists, particularly if the model's off-road ability is severely compromised. (Note: The LRX name still isn't in the books yet, and to this day, Land Rover is referring to the crossover as the "all-new compact Range Rover").

Near the end of this year, Land Rover will start testing its first diesel hybrid prototype, which has been dubbed "range_e." This development vehicle, which rides on a Range Rover Sport platform, will use LR's existing 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 and a ZF eight-speed automatic mated to an electric motor. The goal is to produce a powertrain that can achieve a range of around 20 miles solely on electric power, while emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2 emissions. A conventionally powered production-bodied LRX was already spotted testing just earlier this week.

While this technology is still a few years away, Land Rover has assured us that the front-wheel-drive LRX will be available right away when the range launches next year. Never fear, though - Land Rover will still offer the LRX with an honest-to-goodness four-wheel drive system, and we look forward to getting both some on- and off-road time in the new baby Rover. The full details are available in LR's press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Land Rover LRX

[Source: Land Rover | Images: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models

Officially Official: Land Rover confirms hybrid and front-wheel-drive LRX models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 11:19:00 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: 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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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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Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face

Eric Bryant — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Saturn

click above image to view live shots of the 2008 Saturn Red Line

Admittedly, hot-rodded cute-utes mystify many of us, but the kids seem to love 'em, and the Red Line version of Saturn's 2008 Vue should satisfy those looking for a combination of practicality and power.

We're sure that some Saturn fans were not happy with the inclusion of Honda power in the previous Vue RL, and they can take comfort in the fact that the "foreign" drivetrain has been replaced with the General's own High Feature DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic. Front wheel drive is standard, while those looking to route those 250 ponies via additional paths can opt for AWD.

The front fascia receives special Red Line attention, and out back, two large rectangular exhaust tips remind followers that they're not behind a garden-variety Vue. Inside, the RL gets an exclusive Ebony color scheme, along with suede inserts on the seating surfaces to keep butts properly planted when exploring the limits of the lowered suspension and fat wheel/tire package.

Mike from ABG made the comment that this is a bit like a poor man's BMW X3, and we'd have to agree with that statement.

Check out the gallery for additional shots of the Vue Red Line followed by the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn VUE Red Line

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face

Chicago Auto Show: The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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