Karl on Cars
Future Vehicles
April 14, 2009
As I write this I've just driven home in a brand new, 2010 Volvo XC60 featuring the new "City Safety" system. This is a system that will completely stop the new Volvo crossover's forward motion, independent of driver input, if you are traveling at less than 20 mph and show no sign of stopping yourself before hitting a solid object (wall, fence or another vehicle). The idea is that even the best of us can have a lapse in judgment or attention, but the car will turn an otherwise costly at best (and potentially deadly at worst) low-speed collision into a non-event. I've tried the system out, and it does indeed work. It can't discern a pedestrian- or motorcycle-sized object, yet, but Volvo says a later version of City Safety will.
This experience comes three weeks after driving a Bentley Continental GTC Speed from Napa to Los Angeles. The Bentley features adapative cruise control, allowing it to match the speed of vehicles in front of it regardless of the speed set in cruise control. These systems have been around for a couple years, but it took that 400-mile jaunt for me to fully realize the extent of its powers. Basically, you can set the speed at just about any velocity (say, 85 mph) and then use surrounding traffic to modulate your speed -- all without ever hitting the brake or gas pedal. Once you get confident in the system's ability (it took me about 100 miles of freeway driving) you realize how much easier it makes long-distant travel. Basically, you just have to steer -- at least until Bentley or someone else comes up with a fully-automatic lane-guidance system. Then you won't have to do anything.
Finally, this afternoon I saw a press release for the new Mobileye Accident Avoidance System. This is an aftermarket modification that can be added to any vehicle for approximately $1,000. Once installed it provides much of the same features listed above, including forward collision warnings and lane departure warnings.
It's clear we're rapidly moving into a world where cars will not only possess advanced radar systems (effectively letting them "see" as well or better than the driver), but they will also make decisions for the driver based on these systems.
Today's question: Is this technology making us better or worse drivers?
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- Karl Brauer April 14, 2009, 6:00 AM
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- Car Audio and Technology, Driving, Future Vehicles, Safety Systems, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Driving Technology Safety
January 13, 2009
Auto shows are supposed to be filled with fantasy cars. After all, for decades the glitzy show cars at these flashy gatherings were referred to as "dream cars," so expecting nothing but down-to-earth reality vehicles to appear on the show floor would be unrealistic (and, honestly, boring).
But at this year's Detroit Auto Show I found myself increasingly annoyed by the unending parade of pure fiction being shown off. This aggrevation came not as much from the show cars' embodiment as metallic vaporware as it did from the messages surrounding them. Basically, the automakers were claiming these vehicles would be available in the next 12-24 months when, of course, they probably won't represent viable transportation for upwards of 12-24 years.
By now you've probably identified which cars I'm referring to -- electric cars.
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- Karl Brauer January 13, 2009, 12:06 AM
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- Auto Shows, Dodge, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, MINI, Talk Back Tuesday, Tesla, Toyota
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- Detroit Auto Show Electric Vehicles Fantasy Reality
December 23, 2008
I'm ready to start driving this car today.
Seriously. Between the Honda FCX Clarity's power, handling, comfort, features, cargo space and, yes, even range on a full tank of fuel, this vehicle is 100% ready to meet the demands of today's car owner.
I personally drove the FCX Clarity over 110 miles between my commute and some errands (inlcuding Cold Stone Creamery with the kids). To say I was impressed would be inaccurate because the car isn't particularly quick or nimble or cutting edge in any way, except for the fact that it runs on hydrogen. Really, it's pretty much like any other Honda sedan on the road.
And that's what impressed me. If you like how Honda sedans drive (sales figures suggest many of you do), then you'll like the FCX Clarity. In fact you'll probably feel exactly how I did after driving one: "When and where can I buy it?"
Of course you can't buy it. Honda is only offering leases on the FCX Clarity, and so far only three are on the road, meaning they ain't exactly widely available. That's probably a good thing, as hydrogen (despite being the most common element in the universe) also isn't widely available as a vehicle fuel.
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- Karl Brauer December 23, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Honda FCX Clarity Hydrogen Fuel Cell
November 18, 2008
If we were to predict the Chevrolet Volt's future success on it's ability to generate interest, the car would have to be judged an unmitigated success. The GM folks brought one by the Edmunds.com offices yesterday to let our editors (and the rest of the company) have a first-hand look at the car some have dubbed the savior of General Motors.
That's a mighty large burden to bear if you ask me. It would be akin to assuming one man is capable of solving all the mounting challenges facing this country...
But I digress. Let's assume, for a moment, that GM succeeds in delivering a Chevrolet Volt production vehicle to consumers before the end of calendar 2010 (a promise the company has fully committed to). If said vehicle is parked in dealer showrooms 24 months from now, will it truly mark a drastic change in GM's future success?
I foresee two distinct scenarios facing the Volt in the next two years. Let's take a look at both of them.
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- Karl Brauer November 18, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Chevrolet Volt GM
September 30, 2008
If you believe the recent reports from Chrysler and GM you might think we'll be free of our oil-powered economy in just a couple years.
GM just unveiled the Chevrolet Volt and says it will be selling them by "late 2010." Last week Chrysler made suspiciously similar claims, saying in effect it will be selling a purely electric vehicle in 2010. So far Ford hasn't joined the electric car parade, which may bode well or ill for the Blue Oval depending on your point-of-view.
So maybe that bothersome old "black gold" will be as valuable as VHS players in a couple years, and we'll be able to tell certain Middle East nations what they can do with it.
But I doubt it.
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- Karl Brauer September 30, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Talk Back Tuesday Car of the Future
September 18, 2008
If I were the cynical type I could talk about two news stories dominating the headlines this week: GM Turns 100!
and GM Asks For Government Bailout!
Last January I asked the question: Is 100 Years the Shelf Life of an Automobile Company?" because, honestly, I can't think of many companies that have passed the 100 year mark and are still going strong. In reality there are very few automakers that have made it to the big 1-0-0.
But since I already asked how long car companies can last, lets discuss the General's most forward-looking product -- the Chevrolet Volt.
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- Karl Brauer September 18, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
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- Chevrolet Volt
August 25, 2008
For the next couple of weeks the Edmunds editorial team is going to have use of one of only 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell cars
. These cars are part of a GM program to study the real-world challenges of converting today's automobiles from oil-powered engines to hydrogen powered electric cars.
This fleet of fuel cell cars is spread across the country, but most of them (around 60) are in California being driven by a combination of celebrities, politicians, media types (like us) and, yes, even regular people. You can go to GM's Web site to learn more and apply to drive one yourself.
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- Karl Brauer August 25, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Chevrolet, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
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- Chevrolet Equinox Hydrogen Fuel Cell
July 22, 2008
I spent last week vacationing in the Denver area, but on two separate occasions my vacation was interrupted when work came a callin' in the form of disguised test mules (or prototype vehicles) undergoing high altitude testing.
On Tuesday of last week I spotted a taped-up 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK driving on the C-470 loop from south Denver to I70 (where it promptly headed up into the mountains while I head down into Wheat Ridge). It was being tailed by a C320 and both cars wore numerous antennas to record sensor data.
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- Karl Brauer July 22, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Cadillac, Future Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Future Vehicle, Spy Photography, Talk Back Tuesday
May 16, 2008
I just got my first close-up look a the 2009 Ford Flex. One of Ford's able-bodied reprsentatives brought it by the office, showed us all the major features and then let us crawl in, through and around it. We didn't get to actually drive it, but we do have a First Drive coming in a few weeks.
I'm impressed with this car for several reasons. First, I like the square profile. We all know that everything comes in cycles, and I'm more than over the "SUV-with-curves" style dominating the current crossover segment. Have I mentioned how many times I've had the keys to our long-term Enclave or CX-9 or Veracruz and walked up to the wrong car in the parking garage? I'm not trying to make a joke -- this has really happened, several times. Between the similar colors and shapes it's genuinely hard to tell them apart from more than 20 feet. If nothing else, the Ford Flex will not look like every other $30K crossover.
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- Karl Brauer May 16, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Ford, Future Vehicles
May 6, 2008
Everyone from Ford to GM to Toyota is betting on plug-in hybrids, with models like the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius promising to offer the technology in the next couple of years. The promise of all-electric operation, and the equivalent of 100 mpg, is hard to ignore. Yet there are many hurdles to overcome, like lithium-ion battery technology, heat management and warranty concerns. But an even bigger quesiton remains: How will utility companies react to this new drain on the power grid?
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- Karl Brauer May 6, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
April 8, 2008
Last Friday's blog entry discussed the crash-and-burn status of large truck and SUV sales. Basically, if it's big and it's truck-based, it ain't sellin' (with rare exception). At the same time, Ford's archaic Ranger is up for the year, and anecdotel evidence suggests new and used Rangers, along with older Toyota and Nissan compact trucks, are quite popular with truck buyers in 2008.
This is basically a repeat of what happned with American cars in the 1970s. For decades they'd grown larger and larger, then a fuel crisis hit and everyone (car buyers and car makers) stopped, took a critical look at the size of their vehicles, and basically said, "What the #@&* are we doing?! Nobody actually needs vehicles this big, we're just caught up in a 'Size Arms Race' with the rest of the industry. Now our vehicles are just stupid-big -- and they guzzle a lot of gas!"
This epiphany had every carmaker immediately downsizing their offerings as a result, and while cars have grown in recent years we've still never approached the behemoths being sold in 1974.
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- Karl Brauer April 8, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Dodge, Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
March 14, 2008
There's an undeniable trend that just keeps repeating this auto show season. It started in Tokyo last October, though at that show you expect to see a bizarre combination of performance (Nissan GT-R) and environmental responsibility (Honda Puyo). But the same themes have appeared at Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and Geneva.
You've got car companies committed to vehicles like the Dodge Challenger and and Corvette ZR-1 because they had their genesis back when fuel was $2 a gallon and the Prius was still a punchline in late night monologues. At the same time every automaker is scrambling to produce an earth-friendly, Al Gore-approved form of transportation as quickly as possible.
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- Karl Brauer March 14, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles
March 3, 2008
You've heard my predictions on the 1 Series (expect success), the Lancer Evolution (fabulous, despite taunts of "selling out") and the new Dodge Challenger (ummm...). But there are dozens of new models about to hit showroom (G8, M3, Sequoia, F Series, etc) and, frankly, I can't drive them all. Well...maybe I can, but that doesn't mean you should simply take my word on the future success or failure of these models.
Edmunds just launched a new feature on Inside Line called Car Stock Exchange, and as the name implies, it allows you to trade "stock" on new models by predicting how well a given model will sell. As with other virtual stock exchanges, this one uses play money, but the initial stock prices are based on an estimate of vehicle sales during a model's first six months on the market, and the final stock valuation is tied to the real-world sales numbers. The game launched last week, it's free to play, and there are 25 models currently available to invest your starting amount of one million CSX dollars. A new vehicle is added every week (next up, the BMW X6) and prizes like a Nintendo Wii will be awarded based on portfolio performance at regular intervals.
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- Karl Brauer March 3, 2008, 7:00 AM
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- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Future Vehicles
February 5, 2008
The 2008 Dodge Challenger stands poised to upstage the Chicago Auto Show this week, and as an avowed Mopar freak I should be fully enthralled by this car's return. Yup, I should be.
But I'm not. While I see the Challenger's return as an excellent opprotunity to cash in on Chrysler's muscle car heritage (and I love the production grille, fuel-filler door and other styling cues) I also see some major problems with the car's launch plan. As I stated last week in my Dodge Charger R/T post, the LX chassis is pretty hefty for a "sporty coupe" -- even one with a muscle car heritage. But there are additional issues that have me concerned, most of them centered around first impressions this car will make on potential buyers.
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- Karl Brauer February 5, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Dodge, Future Vehicles
January 25, 2008
By now you've probably seen the news regarding Tesla's launch date for its all-electric roadster. The day that will live in infamy (or not) is March 17th.
I'm heartened by this news, as I (along with many others) had been moving from cautiously optimistic to downright skeptical regarding the Tesla's real-world chances. Does this date mean I'm no longer skeptical? Nope. Beyond the slipping launch date the car's technical specifications keep slipping, too. What started as a 250-mile range car with zero-to-60 in 4.0 seconds and an MSRP of $92,000 has shifted to 200 miles, zero-to-60 in 5.7 seconds and $98,000.
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- Karl Brauer January 25, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Tesla
December 27, 2007
Our 2008 Detroit Auto Show preview is up, and among the world premiers is the most powerful Corvette ever, the next-generation Ford F-150 and the first redesign of Honda's highly-successful Pilot. I'm intrigued by the powerful Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V that will debut in Detroit, but I'm more impressed by what appears to be a serious green showing by Chrysler. Despite its access to the same two-mode hybrid transmission that GM is using in the Tahoe, Chrysler has the farthest to go in achieving real-world fuel-mileage gains.
Of course it wouldn't be a modern auto show without a crossover or six. Beyond the Pilot you can expect to see the next Subaru Forester, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLK, the all-new Kia Borrego, the all-new Toyota Venza and the Land Rover LRX Concept.
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- Karl Brauer December 27, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
December 26, 2007
All hail Nancy Pelosi and "the energy bill" -- as it means we'll finally be driving 35 mpg cars in just 12 years, right?
WRONG! I'm not sure if any of you caught this recent Newsweek article, but it points out an interesting disconnect between CAFE and EPA mileage testing. Our own technical wizard, Dan Edmunds, is quoted in the article, and he notes that even today a car rated for 21 mpg by the EPA gets 27.5 mpg according to CAFE standards. This is because CAFE still uses the same testing standards it established in 1975, while the EPA has updated its procedures twice. First it lowerd its results by 10 percent city and 22 percent highway across the board in 1984 to address widespread complaints of inaccurate mileage numbers. And then the EPA altered its testing procudures for 2008 to further improve accuracy.
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- Karl Brauer December 26, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
November 15, 2007
Well guys, I made it to both meals, despite the urge to simply kick it in the Lexus LS 600's massaging rear seat on the show floor instead. I must get more comfortable "fancy" shoes for these damn auto shows.
The Ed Peper/Chevrolet lunch was great. There were only about 12 journalists, so each writer had plenty of time to ask his questions. Here's what I learned:
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- Karl Brauer November 15, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, BMW, Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
November 14, 2007
Alright guys, I've done this before and it's proven surprisingly successful, so I'm once again asking: Given the opportunity, what would say to the top guys at a major automaker?
Today I'll be having lunch with Ed Peper, General Manager of GM's Chevrolet division. I'll follow that up tonight by dining with BMW USA Chairman and CEO, Tom Purves.
I've got a few items to cover with these folks (listed below), but I'm always happy to hear more suggestions.
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- Karl Brauer November 14, 2007, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, BMW, Chevrolet, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
November 13, 2007
Superb story from The Economist
explaining the current challenges faced by Toyota, and how they may affect the brand's march toward world domination. Toyota was clearly on track to be the world's No. 1 automaker this year, but a (modestly) resurging GM (at least in sales) combined with a series of quality/reliability slips for Toyota has made this a bonafide horse race.
It's interesting to read about Toyota's struggle to rapidly increase production capacity while trying to maintain quality control. I give the company credit for doing as well as it has over the past 20 years, but it appears they've finally crossed some sort of "Quality vs. Quantity" line that even their stringent corporate philosophy can't overcome.
However, the most intriguing aspect of the article is the one we've already talked about on this blog: How can Toyota be the hero of environmentalists as it continues to roll out bigger, stronger and thirstier models? Obviously it can't, and the backlash (like most green backlashes these days) has grown from a low-frequency mumur to a high-pitched screech.
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- Karl Brauer November 13, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
November 12, 2007
Not every "show" in Hollywood is on hold during the writers' strike. This week we'll see a large roll-out of world debuts at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show -- further proof that moving the show date to mid-November has greatly enhanced the event's influence on the show schedule.
Like most shows these days, the bulk of the World "debuts" in Los Angeles will have already been seen in some form prior to their unveilings. We've already done a full road test on the 2008 Ford Bullitt Mustang. We've driven (and are about to publish the First Drive) on the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. And the photos and specs for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR are widely available.
However, despite these early releases, there remain several compelling unveilings in the next 72 hours.
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- Karl Brauer November 12, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
November 9, 2007
Sorry if you've already seen this, but it's definitely worth a look.
<br/>
Mean Automakers Dash Nation's Hope For Flying Cars
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- Karl Brauer November 9, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Car Audio and Technology, Future Vehicles
October 24, 2007
It's the first press day at the Tokyo Auto Show. Actually, by the time you're reading this it's probably well into the second press day in Japan. This is the first time I've been to the Tokyo Auto Show, though I was in Japan five years ago as part of the press introduction for Mazda's RX-8. That trip was based in Hiroshima, so I'm thrilled to be seeing another major city on this trip...
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- Karl Brauer October 24, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
October 4, 2007
There's been various reports of this in the past, but The Wall Street Journal just published a great story on the rising euro versus the falling dollar, and how this will likely impact European model pricing in the coming years (at least for models not built in the U.S.).
Basically the article says, "if you're thinking of buying a European nameplate, do it now!" It talks about how the Euro has gone from roughly equal value with the dollar in 2002 to being $1.40 per euro today. In that same period the BMW 3 Series' base price has gone up 20 percent, and the Bentley Continental GT has gone up 13 percent (from $150,000 to $170,000) just since 2004. A few folks on this blog recently commended about the Canadian pricing for Mazdas and Subarus versus their U.S. price, so some of you are already watching this.
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- Karl Brauer October 4, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- BMW, Future Vehicles
September 25, 2007
So you're Toyota. You're on the brink of passing GM as the world's largest automaker, and you're already well past them in terms of revenue, reputation and net worth. So now what? To quote Alan Rickman from the movie Die Hard, "When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain he wept, for there were no more world's to conquer." How should Toyota focus its vast resources in the 21st Century?
And I need more than, "I think they should bring back the Corona, man!" I need specifics. Do they go after the hydrogen thing or try to make the most of the internal combustion engine? With CO2 being declared a "pollutant" by the Chicken Littles it would seem fuel mileage is more important than ever, but Toyota just released their biggest truck ever and they are about to launch the biggest SUV in their history (the redesigned 2008 Sequoia). Multiple sports cars are in the works, as is a high-performance IS and a super-high-mileage Prius (likely with plug-in provisions).
Maybe they are on the right track and shouldn't change a thing? What say you? Here's my thinking:
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- Karl Brauer September 25, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
September 12, 2007
Here's the follow-up to our look at Europe's future product as predicted by Automotive News. Yesterday we hit Alfa Romeo through Maybach, so today we'll start with Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz: Lots of activity for 2008, most of which we've already seen (SLR Roadster, S65, all-new C-Class, etc.). Next year we get the C63
(457hp), a CLK convertible, an E-Class update, an SLK restyle and an SL freshen. In 2009 we get a CLS freshen, an AMG E-Class, an S-Class convertible and -- believe it or not -- a small crossover called the GLK.
Mini: The Clubman
just debuted in Frankfurt, and we'll see how the small-car brands fares with a larger model. The new John Cooper Works model
looks cool (and makes 207 horsepower while weighing 66 pounds less) and the convertible gets a full redesign, to catch up with the coupe, for 2009.
Porsche: Both the Boxster and the Cayman get freshened next year, while the titanic 911 GT2
debuts with 530 turbo-charged horsepower. A full redesign of the Cayenne happens in 2009, while Porsche's first sedan, the Panamera, hits town in 2010 (and yes, the company will still have a "soul" -- along with a stronger bottom line).
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- Karl Brauer September 12, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, Smart Car, Volkswagen, Volvo
September 11, 2007
In our ongoing series of future product plan coverage let's take a look at what will be coming across the Atlantic in the coming years. Glancing through the Automotive News analysis it would appear Europe's focus will be on crossovers, small cars and increased fuel efficiency. Who'd a thunk it? But a return of Alfa Romeo and a "cheap" Rolls Royce should keep things interesting. I'm only covering half of the European brands today because, well, there's a lot of them!
Alfa Romeo: After years of hints and innuendos it appears Alfa Romeo may really be coming to America in 2009. Look for the 8C Competizione
(rear-drive coupe with 450hp V8), the 159 sedan (front- or all-wheel drive), the Brea (a 2+2 coupe) and the Spider (a two-seat convertible based off the Brea platform). Momma-mia!
Aston Martin: The DBS is debuting this week in Frankfurt, and it looks to be a worthy successor to the Vanquish. But the real test of Aston Martin's future will come with the launch of it high-end, high-performance sedan, the Rapide
(in 2009). With new ownership and a new product direction the future could be very bright for this British brand.
Audi: The redesigned A4 is practically here, and the redesigned A6 follows next year. But the big news for 2009 is a sleek new A7 sedan that goes up against the CLS, plus not one but two
new crossovers (one of which is the Q5
, pictured). An A5 convertible and redesigned A8 round out the fun in 2010.
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- Karl Brauer September 11, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Aston Martin, Audi, Auto Shows, BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Future Vehicles, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover
September 10, 2007
This week marks the 2007 edition of Frankfurt's bi-annual auto show. As the largest and most important show on "The Continent" Frankfurt never fails to impress with its array of high-powered, high-profile (and often high priced) Euro-toys. We've arleady got a lot of the show's coverage
up (the magic of early press releases and no embargos), which means I've already picked some of the cars I'm most (and least) interested in seeing.
Audi RS6: Is there anything cooler than a V10, dry-sump 580 horsepower station wagon? Well, maybe if it has 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, which are options on this Audi Avant. It's like we won't see the wagon version on this side of the Atlantic, which is sad (but what we deserve for being a bunch of hyper-SUV-obsessed yanks). Look for the sedan version next fall for around $90,000.
BMW 1 Series: There's no avoiding it. Every redesign of an iconic nameplate inevitably means more weight and less purity in terms of performance. The fix is to introduce new models that keep the original's mojo alive. Porsche did this recently with the Cayman (sorry 911), and BMW will perform a similar sleight of hand with the new 1 Series. Hmmm, the 335i's engine in a smaller, lighter package. The mind reels...
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- Karl Brauer September 10, 2007, 6:00 AM
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- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
September 4, 2007
According to Automotive News, Ford's future product is going global, while the Mercury division may be going...away? The industry publication shows a slow (probably too slow, IMHO) product ramp-up over the next three years for Ford and Lincoln, while Mercury simply seems to be slowing to a stop. The core strategy to Mr. Mulally's plan involves cutting costs by sharing platforms and parts on a global scale. Don't forget that while Ford continues to struggle in the U.S. market the Blue Oval is doing rather well in other parts of the globe (including Russia). Here's the three-year plan by division...sorry there isn't more to report...
Ford: The most exciting thing in Ford's future is the launch of Flex
(pictured above) in 2009. If you're looking for more than a "refresh" or "reskin" or "re-engineer" in the coming years you'll have to wait for a possible Focus redesign in 2012 (only about seven years late) and an Expedition redesign in 2011. The all-new, global products won't start showing up until after 2012. Mustang gets a reskin in 2010 (I hear it may look something like that Giugiaro thing
from last year's L.A. Auto Show -- please say it ain't so), and the F-150 gets a re-engineer in 2009 that should keep it competitive. Otherwise it looks to be a long half-decade.
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- Karl Brauer September 4, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Future Vehicles, Lincoln, Mercury, Talk Back Tuesday
August 28, 2007
Just took a gander at Automotive News' future product plan for Japanese carmakers. Not too surprisingly, the coming years hold hybrids and crossovers from the Land of the Rising Sun (actually, many of them will come from right here in North America). Each automaker has a few interesting items in the pipeline.
Acura: No official confirmation of a V8 in Acura's future, which I continue to view as the division's greatest failing. The next RL is due in 2011, so they better make up their mind. But we do know a V10 engine will power the NSX replacement. I like that they have a full-tilt exotic in the works, but one vehicle does not a division make (as was proven with the last
NSX).
Honda: Honda will continue to push hybrids, with a smaller-than-Civic model. No more Accord hybrids, but the Odyssey will be Honda's first V6 diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. in 2010 (also the year CR-V goes diesel with a 4 cyl.). I'm personally looking forward to the Remix, the spiritual successor to the CRX. And between the Pilot and CR-V? Yup, another crossover is coming.
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- Karl Brauer August 28, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Acura, Future Vehicles, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota
August 22, 2007
We all know Chinese cars are coming, and while no U.S.-sold brands are anxious for extra competition, some are more vulnerable than others. After looking at Automotive News' coverage on the future of Hyundai and Kia it's clear both brands want to be well beyond the "great car for the money" phase before the Chinese arrive. Personally I think they've already gotten there, as I don't see the need to qualify a Hyunday/Kia purchase with a "not bad for the money" or "at least the warranty means you're covered" remark.
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- Karl Brauer August 22, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Future Vehicles, Hyundai, Kia
August 21, 2007
It's time I admit it publicly -- I'm worried about the Tesla Roadster. Just last week a story by Automotive News' Mark Rechtin covered the latest delay in the electric Roadster's on-sale date, now scrubbed from late summer 2007 to fourth-quarter 2007. This announcement comes only a week after an announcement that the company's co-founder, Martin Eberhard, had "stepped down" from the post of CEO. Our own investigations have suggested the move was meant to free up Eberhard from the rigors of running the company and allow him to get back to the business of producing the car. An awfully good explanation...almost too good.
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- Karl Brauer August 21, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday, Tesla
July 17, 2007
We just posted a story on the next Toyota Prius at AutoObserver.com. It's an interesting look at what Toyota is planning for perhaps the most influential car in the company's recent history. You can read the full details in the story, but the main points are as follows:
1. Toyota will be launching the "first" next Prius in 2009; it will be slightly larger than the current model
2. The "second" new Prius will be much larger than the current car, similar in design to the Hybrid X concept, and launch in 2010
3. The "third" new Prius will be smaller than the current model, similar in size to the Corolla, and launch in 2011.
It's also worth noting that the new models are going to use nickel-metal hydride batteries, not lithium-ion.
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- Karl Brauer July 17, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday, Toyota
July 10, 2007
If you haven't already seen Michelle Kreb's write-up on the death of the Cadillac Sixteen and Buick Velite
you should. And while you're over at AutoObserver.com you can read her latest feature story
that explores GM's lowest monthly market share in nearly a decade -- 22.1. That's the lowest market share number since a summer strike in 1998. The upside is that GM's incentive spending is down, as are its fleet sales.
If GM's plan is to focus on profitability over market share it seems to be on the right track. But I question the wisdom of killing such halo products as the Sixteen and Velite. According to Mr. Lutz those products don't make sense in a world focused on fuel mileage and "green" responsibility. But over at Toyota they've just launched the largest (and most fuel hungry) full-size truck in the company's history, and a monstrous Sequoia is waiting in the wings.
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- Karl Brauer July 10, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
June 21, 2007
Had lunch with the Saab folks yesterday, and heard some interesting bits of information regarding future product. It doesn't take a Bart Simpson to realize that GM is slowly, but surely, rebuilding each of its brands. With Cadillac and Saturn pretty much handled, and signs of life from Chevrolet (Malibu) and Buick (Enclave) you might be wondering where Saab fits into the picture. It appears they fit in between 2009 and 2012, when (beyond the upcoming 9-3 refresh that includes all-wheel drive), we'll see a new 9-5 (also with all-wheel drive), a 9-4x crossover that should go up against the RX/MDX/MKX class, and a sub-9-3 model (9-1?) that will provide both sporty performance and traditional Saab utility.
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- Karl Brauer June 21, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Future Vehicles, Saab
June 19, 2007
You don't have to be a Le Mans fan to know that diesel engines are about to make an assault on the U.S. market. A respected source told us awhile back that Honda was investing heavily in diesel technology as a future staple of the company's drivetrain offerings, and not just for Europe. These Honda diesels will be for sale in normally diesel-retarded America, too. Speculation on Toyota's interest in diesel has been fueled (sorry) by the company's recent purchase of a stake in Isuzu and reports of talks between the two Japanese automakers
regarding Isuzu's ability to supply diesel engines for Toyota.
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- Karl Brauer June 19, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
May 29, 2007
A few months back I noted that Mazda had gone "Crossover Crazy" in recent years, with no less than five models that can arguably be described as crossovers (Mazda 5, Mazda 6 Wagon, Tribute, CX-7, CX-9). Well, if Mazda is crossover crazy then BMW is going completely bonkers. Beyond the current X3 and X5 models the ultimate driving brand has already announced an X6 model, and now we're hearing about a new F3 small crossover (with early renderings that look uncomfotably like a squashed Dodge Caliber). While vehicles like the Mazda 5 and Mazda 6 wagon are concepts that officially pre-date the "crossover movement" (as a minivan and wagon) all four of these BMWs are pure crossovers, no two ways about it. Now throw in the rumored R-Class competitor (V5) and BMW is threatening to become the king of crossover brands. Tell me that doesn't disturb you.
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- Karl Brauer May 29, 2007, 6:00 AM
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- Future Vehicles, Talk Back Tuesday
May 17, 2007
After several false starts, the Smart Car
looks to finally (officially) be landing on American shores in 2008 (a company called "Zap"
has been importing Smarts and selling them in the U.S. for a couple years). For $99 you can reserve your own teensy-tiny city car that is supposed to get 40-plus mpg and cost between $12,000 and $17,000.
When it comes to U.S. buyers' interest in these vehicles, and the level of Smart's success in this country, I'm hearing everything from "it's going to bomb" to "da bomb" from various friends and co-workers. Penske's United Auto Group, the distributor of Smart's efforts here, is taking the cars on a road show in coming months to promote awareness of -- and interest in -- the little runabout. Here's my take:
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- Karl Brauer May 17, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Safety Systems, Smart Car
May 16, 2007
I'm going to describe an automotive technology for you, and you try to guess what I'm talking about.
This technology started out with the best of intentions. It was supposed to increase vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, but it proved too costly, undependable and unrefined to deliver on that promise. Sure, it worked in laboratory tests and under very specific real-world conditions, but the technology's potential for benefitting real-world, consumer-oriented vehicles appeared slim. While repeated attempts to improve the technology's effectiveness occurred within the R&D departments of various automakers and suppliers, it's widespread adoption on mainstream models seemed unlikely.
So, am I talking about hybrid drivetrains or fuel injection? Of course by now you know I'm talking about both.
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- Karl Brauer May 16, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
May 8, 2007
Word on the street (and on certain Web sites) insists there's a Hyundai pickup truck in the making. Technically anything is possible, but we have it on good authority that Hyundai has backed off any plans to produce an open-bed vehicle. The costs are simply too high and the margins too low. Neither a midsize nor fullsize body-on-frame model washes out in the accounting department, at least in the short- to mid-term...
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- Karl Brauer May 8, 2007, 4:20 PM
- Categories:
- Future Vehicles, Hyundai
April 16, 2007
Of course I'm excited by the prospect of a U.S.-bound Skyline, but
Nissan is also the latest automaker to jump on the electric-car/plug-in hybrid bandwagon. In an announcement
that sounds strangely like a GM or Toyota press release Nissan stated its goal to become "number one" in electric cars. The automaker is joining forces with NEC to produce lithium-ion batteries, and it promises to have a plug-in hybrid and a pure electric car by early next decade.
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- Karl Brauer April 16, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles
April 10, 2007
If you've studied automotive history...well, congratulations! You're among a depressingly elite group of people in today's world. Regardless, if you know your history you know that big changes in the automotive marketplace tend to come in cycles. Two of the most dramatic occurred in the 1960s and the 1970s. In the '60s performance ratcheted up as domestic automakers got into a horsepower war; a war that resulted in the most powerful production vehicles of the era. Then, in the early 1970s, a combination of factors aligned to not only end the horsepower war but punish the combatants (both at the manufacturer and customer level). Between political, environmental and safety concerns it was suddenly much cooler (or at least more socially conscious) to drive a Vega than a 'Vette. In case you haven't already noticed, we're on the brink of a similar shift.
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- Karl Brauer April 10, 2007, 6:37 AM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Safety Systems, Talk Back Tuesday
April 4, 2007
I'm in New York for the Auto Show, and I'm looking through my pre-show information before all the official unveilings occur. Most of these cars will not be much of a surprise because, like every modern auto show, almost every "debut" has already been seen in one form or another (spy photo, "exclusive" early release photo, official hand out images, etc.). The shows have really become about seeing the cars in person, because that's the only aspect you don't get ahead of time.
Of all the "debuts" in the Big Apple I'm most intrigued by the Hyundai Genesis and the Infiniti G37 coupe, as both vehicles are key players in their respective automakers' future product plan. The first G35 essentially put Infiniti on the luxury car map five years ago, and the Genesis could represent a paradigm shift in Hyundai's image...
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- Karl Brauer April 4, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
March 29, 2007
As a follow up to Tuesday's suggestion that plug-in hybrids and solar (or wind) energy represent the realistic solution to our energy problems I'd like to introduce the Killacycle. This is a motorcycle that does zero-to-60 in 1.4 seconds -- without burning a drop of gasoline. It's powered by $12,000 worth of lithium-ion batteries that run hot enough to boil water while pulling 4000 watts/kg and offering at least 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. They come from A123 Systems and seem to be the "Spartan" of lithium-ion batteries in terms of strength and durability...
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- Karl Brauer March 29, 2007, 7:04 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Motorcycles
March 28, 2007
Over two years after debuting the Fairlane concept
Ford has decided to release a production version at the New York Auto Show next week. It will be called the "Flex"
and have the same boxy profile and three-row seating, but apparently no suicide rear doors. I had dinner with J. Mays
last year during the 2006 Detroit Auto Show...
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- Karl Brauer March 28, 2007, 7:03 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Future Vehicles
March 22, 2007
Remember when Lexus knocked all the traditional luxury brands on their ass in 1989 with a certain luxury sedan? The LS 400 offered a V8, rear-wheel drive and enough refinement and technology to put the Germans into systemic shock -- and that was before the car's price was announced. Lexus has been gumming up Germany's mojo ever since. Well, here's comes Hyundai with -- you guessed it -- a V8, rear-drive luxury sedan with the 5 Series and E-Class directly in its cross-hairs. Those of you who just scoffed better read that first sentence again...
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- Karl Brauer March 22, 2007, 7:05 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Future Vehicles
March 8, 2007
Stories about plug-in hybrids have been circulating for a couple years, but things seem to be amping up recently (sorry). You can likely credit rising gas prices and Chevrolet's recent unveiling of the Volt concept car, but regardless of the cause the effect has been a rapid increase in both a knowledge of, and an interest in, plug-in hybrids. We published a story last week about them, and The San Francisco Chronicle did one on Sunday. The upshot of both reports boils down to this -- plenty of people are ready to try them, but no automaker or private company has the ability to supply them, at least not on a large scale...
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- Karl Brauer March 8, 2007, 7:06 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Toyota
March 7, 2007
One of the more exciting cars to debut at the Geneva Auto Show is the Mazda2. Why? After all, it's only got about 100 horsepower and, officially, it's not coming to America. However it will be the basis for a new Ford subcompact vehicle, likely to be called the Fiesta, and that version will be coming to America...
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- Karl Brauer March 7, 2007, 7:07 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Ford, Fuel Efficiency, Future Vehicles, Mazda
March 1, 2007
In less than a week the Dodge Demon Concept will "debut" at the Geneva Auto Show. I use the quotes because this car already debuted on Inside Line last week, so you can view a dozen photos and watch a video without waiting for the tarp to be pulled in Switzerland. In looking at the photos of the Demon I find myself hoping Dodge builds it, though the current DCX situation, with talk of Chrysler being sold, leaves me doubtful it will ever see the light of day. I'm not thrilled with the front grill (someone needs to tell Dodge that the gaping-hole-with-crossbar doesn't work on every type of car), but otherwise it looks very right...
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- Karl Brauer March 1, 2007, 7:01 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Dodge, Future Vehicles
February 22, 2007
On a day when most of California's politicians are debating how much money should be spent addressing L.A.'s traffic problems
an interesting article in the Financial Times
suggests a promising (yet troubling) solution. If you saw the 2004 movie I Robot
you've already seen this solution in action. It involves a complex technology system called Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) which, essentially, allows vehicles to drive themselves. We've seen elements of this system in everything from OnStar (GPS tracking) to Mercedes-Benz (adaptive cruise control) to Infiniti (lane departure warning). But the idea here is to standardize a wireless communication system that every car company utilizes. With such a system in place every vehicle could "see" every other vehicle, plus intersections, traffic signs and even the specific curve of the road. With the system fully in place you could just get in your car, select your destination, and go to sleep behind the wheel (insert your own joke about people already doing this here).
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- Karl Brauer February 22, 2007, 7:07 AM
- Categories:
- Car Audio and Technology, Driving, Future Vehicles, Safety Systems
January 26, 2007
Our Editorial Director, Kevin Smith, just drove the 2008 Audi R8 at the press event in Las Vegas. I don't know about you guys, but I consider this one of the more exciting cars on the horizon. Of course I'm a mid-engine maniac, so right there the R8 has my full attention. But the fact that Audi
is making this one only adds to the anticipation, as I feel they've been leading the German "Big 3" in terms of design since around the turn of the century. As Kevin confirmed upon his return from Sin City, the car stirs the soul not through boyracer gimmicks or flaymboyant excess, but with a high-class, elegant approach to style and design. Both the interior and exterior are beautifully executed, though anyone who has seen the car in person likely already knew that.
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- Karl Brauer January 26, 2007, 7:19 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Future Vehicles
January 19, 2007
Once upon a time you only had to have what looked like an SUV sitting on a car (unibody) platform to earn crossover props (i.e. Lexus RX or BMW X5). But that thinking is so 2002. Now if you want to be part of the crossover in-crowd you must have a really-sporty-looking
SUV sitting on a car platform...
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- Karl Brauer January 19, 2007, 7:19 AM
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- BMW, Future Vehicles
