August 29, 2008
Spy shots of the "baby" Roller are up on the UK Autocar site. The car will be built off the BMW 7-Series chassis, but will have a 'proper' RR engine and not a BMW engine. As to size, expect it to slot in between the big Bimmer and the Phantom. So that being the case, this is going to be one big baby indeed.
It appears that it will have Phantom-like rear suicide doors, and probably profile as well. Also of note is that Rolls-Royce market studies have indicated that there are 100,000 customers out there who would buy such a car. Folks, if true, those numbers are staggering. It would make this car a truly high-volume product in this ultra-wealthy market segment. The car is expected to debut at the Geneva auto show in March.
Full story here.
Call me old-fashioned, but I'm big on carrying on tradition when it comes automobiles. Well, that is, to a degree... I'm usually at the head of the class when it comes to promoting new and innovative ideas--but I do have a soft spot when it comes to keeping certain iconic automotive symbols--symbols that are at the heart (essence!) of a specific brand or model. The Gullwing Mercedes is one of them.
Even as a kid growing up, I sensed that when the then next-generation SL "pagoda-roof" sports car models appeared, sans a gullwing version, I knew the world would be forever a bit off-kilter.
I still feel that way. I don't think--in all the years that have passed--that Mercedes has ever, in the minds of many, offered a car that truly replaced the original gullwing. That may be about to change, now that a new gullwing is in the works. Let's hope so.
Full story here.
Karl on Cars also did a story on the SL recently, and has touched on this subject as well:
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Mercede-Benz SL
Spy Image: Automedia
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 29, 2008, 6:42 AM
- Categories: Mercedes-Benz, Sports Cars
It seems like dashboard technology is getting wilder by the day. Now Audi and Futuremark, a California computer graphics firm, have teamed up to develop a new electronic dashboard that goes well beyond anything we've seen to date.
The new dashboard features a fully electronic
instrument panel
and central screen, with both 3D and 2D views. Full customization of the display and controls is also possible. The graphics are rendered in real-time, and can switch between the standard speedo/tacho and navigation systems or both at the same time on a single screen.
"We are delighted to work with Audi due to their professional expertise in the car industry," said Futuremark design chief Petri Talala. "Audi is a leader in this field with sophisticated, real-time rendered and high quality content available for future infotainment systems, and being able to have our graphics engine experts and artists contribute to this effort is very special for Futuremark."
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 29, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Audi, Car Tech
August 28, 2008
A sharp-eyed movie buff in California has caught what looks like a production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt on the set of Transformers 2. Although some elements of this movie car have been altered like the extra large badges and oversized wheels, most of the sheetmetal matches up with the teaser shots that have been released by GM. It's a far cry from the concept, but this Volt still has a distinctive shape unlike anything else in the Chevrolet lineup.
Click here for the video from the set.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig August 28, 2008, 7:32 PM
- Categories: Chevrolet, Green Tech, Hybrids, Spy Photos
American automotive racing great Phil Hill has passed away. Hill was 81 year old, and had suffered from Parkinson's disease for a number of years. His last public appearance was at the recent Pebble Beech Concours d"Elegance.
The following statement is from Ferrari North America.
AppreciationMaranello, August 28, 2008 - As soon as he got word of Phil Hill's passing, Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo declared:
I, as well as all employees of Ferrari are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.
Phil Hill raced and won many competitions both with prototype cars, like the 24 hour of Le Mans, as well as with production race cars. With our car, Phil won the Formula One Championship title in 1961 as the first American-born to reach this result.
Phil and I have always kept in touch throughout the years and I know I will miss his passion and love for Ferrari very much.
My deepest sympathies are with his wife Alma and son Derek in this sad moment.
Here's Inside Line's take: Phil Hill, American F1 Champion, Dies at 81
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 2:29 PM
- Categories: Ferrari, Motorsports
BMW X3
Stormtrooper Pez Dispenser -- The Mechanic, Inside Line Contributor
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- Posted by: The Mechanic August 28, 2008, 12:05 PM
- Categories: The Mechanic
The official 2010 Ford Mustang announcement is not too far off, and with that thought here are a couple of Mustang-isms to ponder...
New hood
Okay, what engines will see use under this hood? The power-bulge should give some sort of hint.
New logo
There will be a new 'Stang gracing the Mustang grille and whatever. Which of the two pictured here is the new pony?
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 10:28 AM
- Categories: Ford, Future Vehicles, Sports Cars
So is the American public ready for a neo-Cimarron? ...And did Cadillac learn anything from their first and ill-fated attempt at building 4-cylinder cars? To say that the 4-cylinder 1982-88 Caddy Cimarron was a disaster is being kind, very kind indeed.
As you're probably aware Cadillac already has a 4-cylinder BLS, which is sold in Europe. It's built off off a Saab platform, and is FWD. Guess what? The BLS is also a turkey. Well, maybe that's a bit harsh, but the fact of the matter is no one in Europe much cares. The car is not selling well. Granted, the Cadillac brand does not hold the same stature in Europe that it does here, so that is certainly a big part of the BLS not being a hit over there. Still the answer to my second question above, remains unanswered.
Full story here.
Here's
AutoObsever's take:
Cadillac Busts A Fuel-Saving Move, Will Go Four-Cylinder
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 6:25 AM
- Categories: Cadillac
This actually could be good news, as originally there had been rumors that Chrysler would ax the Viper. So now we have this news that the Viper could survive--if some other company would be interested in buying it; and of course, if the price is right to both parties. Let's hope that's the case.
In a perfect world, the Viper would remain a Chrysler product. In a slightly less perfect world, it would be bought by an American company (perhaps Shelby?). If push-comes-to-shove, I think most gearheads would prefer to see the Viper continue--even if
it's owned by some huge Mid-East, Indian or other foreign
conglomerate--than to have it go down the tubes.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Chrysler Confirms It May Sell off Dodge Viper and Viper Loyalists React with Optimism to Uncertain Future for Dodge Supercar
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 5:55 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Dodge, Sports Cars, Trends
Formula Zero--as in "Zero" emissions--is a new kart racing series in which only fuel-cells are used. The first race took part in the Netherlands this past weekend. The event was divided into two sections: a sprint being the first, and an endurance phase being the second.
The karts are powered by hydrogen fuel cells that story their energy in lightweight, compact super-capacitors. This eliminates the need for a large battery, which is important considering the
lightweight kart platform. Compared to conventional karts, the speeds are slow; but hey, it's a start. Let's see where they go with this.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Motorsports
Take a close look here guys, as this will be the primary mover of many Ford products shortly. It's their new twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. The folks over at Jalopnik got a chance to see the engine oveer at Ford's Beech Daly Technical Center.
Full story here with a bunch of pixs.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories:
August 27, 2008
If you're curious as to what's being displayed at the Moscow Auto Show, check out AutoObserver's report:
Moscow Motor Show: Western Carmakers Are Gaining Ground on Local Producers
This show, like the Chinese and Indian auto shows, is gaining in importance as being a ready-for-prime-time show. Expect to see much more news coverage from Russia in the future, as well as from China and India.
So the question of the day is: Do you think we will ever see Russian vehicles being exported here at some point?
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 7:45 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows
As most of you know by now, the all-new Dodge Ram has a coil rear suspension, which replaces the traditional leaf rear suspension found on most tucks. As such, this new Ram will be studied very closely by truck buyers, many of whom think this is a bad idea. This thinking is best summed up by Scott Burgess of The Detroit News, who states:
New suspension a slam dunk
But the ride may make a bigger difference. Compared to the competition, the ride is smoother. Instead of sticking with leaf springs in the back, Dodge gambled with a multilink coil spring rear suspension.
You need to understand that pickup owners are much like the vending machines at The News: They don't handle change very well. Switching the truck's rear suspension is a monumental shift. Richter scales in India may have picked up the move by Dodge.
I couldn't have said it better.
Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com has also driven the new truck, and he too is quite impressed with the new Dodge and its new rear suspension.
As to how does it compare with other 1/2-tons? While not quite class-leading, it matches or exceeds the outgoing '08 Ram in terms of work capability, meaning payload and towing. The big question is: Will truck buyers agree? My guess--after the expected initial grumbling--yes.
Full story here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 7:06 AM
- Categories: Dodge, Trucks
Mazda deputed their Kazamai concept at the Moscow Auto Show. It's yet another example of their Nagare theme that their designers have been exploring.
Perhaps even more bizarre than this car is Mazda's latest tagline: "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Okay. Now can someone please tell me what the heck that is supposed to mean? And as to what does "Kazamai" mean? Try "swirling crosswinds." I think I need a drink.
Full story here.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
2008 Moscow Auto Show Preview: Mazda Kazamai Concept
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Shows, Mazda
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