May 2009 Straightline Archives

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Categories: Crossovers,Hatchbacks,Kia

Any guesses what this might be about?

Well, bondholders do seem to be lining up for the new plan negotiated over the last several days, and the UAW has finally come into line.

But the chances that Fritz Henderson is calling a press conference to announce that GM avoided bankruptcy aren't very good. At least the markets won't be surprised by the news.

Categories: General Motors

Former GM product chief Bob Lutz recently told a gathering of Detroit's automotive press that General Motors will likely emerge from hard times in a much better position to compete. He wouldn't confirm that GM will enter bankruptcy for sure, but he didn't hesitate to give his opinion about what would happen if GM does in fact declare Chapter 11. 

"We intend to get in and out very soon," he said. "The U.S. government wants its money back, and our plan is to pay it back as quickly as possible. The U.S. government doesn't want to own auto companies."

AutoObserver: Lutz: "New" GM Will Be Smaller, Leaner "Powerhouse"

Categories: General Motors

This is the long-rumored Honda hatchback/crossover/wagon thing. As you can see, it was shot by one Mr. M. Balisky, apparently while he was vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of America's most popular national parks.

We're guessing it won't be quite so popular with Honda engineers from now on, as they've done a pretty good job of keeping the lid on this new model up to this point. Most speculation points to a fall debut for this variation of the Accord, but as usual Honda is saying much for now.

VWVortex

Categories: Crossovers,Future Vehicles,Honda,Spy Photos

No, there is not a word missing in the title. They're called the BMW M3 Edition models. Maybe it's a bad translation, or there really isn't a good translation, either way it's an odd name for what looks like a pretty cool, although mildly upgraded, set of M3s.

Available in four colors -- Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue -- all cars features dark chrome grill insets, side gills and exhaust tips along with black hood scoops and side mirror caps. The interiors get contrasting stitching on the seats and door panels in varying colors depending on the exterior.

A lowered suspension (-0.4") and unique 19-inch wheels are also standard. The light alloy, double-spoke wheels come in a variety of finishes including polished with white accents. Thankfully, that option is limited to black, white and blue versions only.

BMW says the M3 Edition models will be available worldwide starting in July. Strangely enough, that doesn't always include the U.S., but given the fact that these cars are nothing more than a minor cosmetic trim package, there's a good chance we'll get them too.

Categories: BMW,Coupes,Luxury Cars,Sports Cars

General Motors announced this morning that it intends to build a new small car at an undisclosed plant in the U.S. We assume GM is referring to the Chevrolet Spark , but who knows at this point.

Announcing production plans just days before you also announce your own bankruptcy seems like odd timing, but then again, everything coming out of GM seems a little bit odd these days.

Categories: Auto Industry,Chevrolet,General Motors,Hatchbacks

Will we ever get this hopped up TT in the U.S.? The jury is still out, but as contributor Alistair Weaver points out, as good as it looks on paper, the Audi TT-RS doesn't always feel like the Boxster-killer that its spec sheet suggests. See why in our exclusive test drive from Europe.

First Drive: 2009 Audi TT-RS

Categories: Audi,Coupes,Luxury Cars,Porsche,Sports Cars,Tuners and Modifications

Take a night lap (or several) around the Nordschleife with the Tischner E46 BMW M3 in the 2009 Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.

Or, after the jump, go for some daytime laps with Subaru's factory drivers in a current-gen STI. You even get to watch them shifting in these clips. Or just experience what it's like to be standing at Dottinger Hohe at night with your hand-held camera pointed at the straightaway as really fast cars go by.

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Categories: BMW,Motorsports,Subaru

Of all the information that has come out of the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings, a comment by Alfredo Altavillia, Fiat's head or business development takes the cake as the most memorable.

During questioning by bankruptcy judge Arthur Gonzales, Mr. Altavillia said that Chrysler's turnaround won't be much different that Fiat's own turnaround just a few years ago, citing the planned introduction of Fiat's manufacturing system and product development process.

Beyond the top brass, Chrysler staff will remain mostly American.

"We don't intend to ship hundreds of Italians who would get lost in the Wal-Mart," Mr Altavilla said.

FT.com: Fiat names top executive of new Chrysler

Categories: Auto Industry,Chrysler,Fiat

A report in the German press of an all-electric Audi R8 appears to be a little optimistic. Auto Motor und Sport claimed that the alt-power R8 would appear alongside the R8 convertible at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

When we contacted Audi to confirm the story, a spokesman gave us a much different and very precise answer: "Nope, not true."

So at this point, it depends on who you believe, but we won't be expecting anything more than the convertible in Frankfurt at this point.

Categories: Audi,Coupes,Frankfurt Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Luxury Cars,Sports Cars

When GM engineer Mark Stielow was reassigned from the dying High Performance Vehicle Operations unit to the group that handles the hybrids, he created the coolest, most powerful  "hybrid" we've ever seen.

This hybrid of a 1969 Camaro body with the engine, brakes, wheels and tires of a Corvette ZR1, called "Jackass" puts more than 500 horsepower to the rear wheels, through a Viper transmission and a live rear axle. Sounds exactly like something a Jackass could appreciate.

You see GM Engineer Mark Stielow's alter ego is that of a famous Pro-Touring hot-rod builder by the name of Mark Stielow. His series of reworked first-generation Camaros that go and turn and stop have made him something of a hero in the muscle car world.

Jackasses that we are, we might even get a drive in this creamy yellow screamer very soon. The car is seen here very near the end of its 20-month gestation.

Click for more on information on Stielow's other cars.

Categories: Chevrolet,Classic Cars,Coupes,General Motors

Whether you agree with it or not, the current administration is dead set on reducing the country's current level of gasoline consumption. The thrust of its plan so far has been to push impending CAFE regulations from 2020 to 2016, a supply side solution that many see as flawed since it doesn't encourage consumers to buy more fuel efficient cars and trucks.

The alternative most often discussed is an increase in federal gas taxes, a change that would spur demand for fuel efficient vehicles that manufacturers would then have incentive to meet. Seems logical enough, but there's not a politician alive that would want his or her name on that bill.

That sentiment was echoed by Steven Chu , the current Energy Secretary, in an interview yesterday with the Financial Times. Although Chu has voiced support for such a plan in the past, he told the FT that there's no support for it right now. "At this moment, let me be frank, it is not politically feasible."

So in other words, although the Energy Secretary thinks a gas tax would be effective, the rest of the government will satisfy itself with a plan that it knows isn't likely to work. Oh well.

FT: Rise in taxes on U.S. petrol 'not feasible'

Categories: Auto Industry,Celebrities

Here's one problem that needn't be blamed on Elon Musk, Tesla Motors or electric cars in general. One of the roughly 400 owners of a Tesla Roadster noticed that his car had a "wobbly feel" when turning. When he took the car in for service, technicians discovered that the bolts on the rear hub hadn't been properly tightened.

Tesla then notified Lotus, which supplies the roadster's chassis. Turns out some Lotus Elises and Exiges have the same issue. As a result, separate NHTSA recalls were issued on May 22 for 345 Tesla Roadsters (MY2008) and 29 U.S.-spec Lotus Elises and Exiges (MY2009).

For Tesla owners not living near the automaker's California, New York, Chicago or Seattle service centers, Business Insider reports that Tesla technicians will be flown out to make the necessary repairs.

Inside Line News: Lotus Recalls 2009 Elise and Exige after Tesla Roadster Problem Reported

Business Insider via Huffington Post

Categories: Lotus,Sports Cars,Tesla Motors

Photo source: Peter's Mini E blog

We've been periodically checking in on Ford's Fiesta Movement test program, and we'll be following the Mini E test program with equal fervor. And it is just a you-test-it-for-us program, remember, since "owners" only get to lease these electric Minis for 1 year to the tune of $850/month, after which time the car gets shipped back to Munich for a full download by BMW Project i engineers.

The first lessee, Peter Trepp, of Pacific Palisades, CA, has been getting plenty of press recently. He's also taken the step of starting his own blog, so you can follow his experience with the car if you like.

In yesterday's entry, he reflects on the handling of his Mini E:

"I could describe in great detail the merits of joining a MINI Cooper S with a high-torque electric motor and how the extra 600lbs is a blessing in that it keeps the tires safely planted on the road, but nothing replaces a first-hand test drive. Virtually everyone I've taken for a test drive comes back feeling like they just stepped off a roller coaster with that "can we go again?" look on their face.

"Here is my simple description of the handling. Lateral motion (e.g. cornering) is much like any well-tuned sports car - tight and fun."

Trepp is a venture capitalist specializing in early-stage clean technology companies, says BMW's press release, which no doubt made him an attractive candidate for Mini's electric car field trial.

Blog: Peter's Mini E

Update: Looks like blogging might be mandatory if you lease a Mini E. We've found two more Mini E blogs started by field trial participants who are waiting to take delivery of an electric Mini -- Our 100% Electric Mini E and Robert's MINI E Field Trial.

Categories: Automaker Feedback,Green Tech,Hatchbacks,MINI,Manufacturers

This is the new White Night edition of the Volkswagen Eos. Not to be confused with the British Knights Cabriolet of the late '80s, this model combines Candy White paint with a gloss black roof to create what Volkswagen calls, "an interesting set of contrasts". 

Additional enhancements include black-accented "Budapest" 18-inch wheels, a dark grille, black mirror covers and light stitching for the interior's black leather trim. No word yet whether this special edition will be available in the U.S.

Categories: Convertibles,Volkswagen

Photo courtesy of Gazoo Racing

A source has told Inside Line news that the latest version of the Lexus LF-A production car is now capable of hitting 220mph. Toyota engineers has previously expressed disappointment with the top speed of the earlier LF-A prototypes.

Changes to the car's aerodynamics and a few engine upgrades were largely responsible for the increased speeds. The same source also said that the final production car is expected to arrive at the Tokyo auto show in October with a price tag between $220,000 and $250,000.

Inside Line News: Lexus LF-A Finds Its Feet and a New Top Speed

Categories: Coupes,Future Vehicles,Lexus,Luxury Cars,Motorsports,Sports Cars,Tokyo Motor Show,Toyota

Ah, the shaker hood scoop. Short of running no hood at all, it's one of the best ways to stay in touch your beloved V8 from behind the wheel. It's a rare factory option these days, but of course, the aftermarket has stepped in to make it happen.

In this case, it's Cervini Auto Designs of Vineland, New Jersey. The company figured the new Dodge Challenger would look good with a shaker scoop and it was right. Available for any V8-powered Challenger, the kit includes an all-new fiberglass hood, shaker scoop and a 9-inch K&N air filter. The starts at $1,600 for an unpainted hood and will be available in mid-July.

Cervini Auto Designs

Categories: Concept Vehicles,Coupes,Dodge,Tuners and Modifications

General Motors continues its march toward bankruptcy with a new offer for bondholders who laughed/cried at the original offer. The latest plan offers up as much as 10% of the company initially and another 15% down the road.

The federal government would still become the majority shareholder with as much as 72% of the company under its control. The UAW would control the remaining shares.

Unlike the first offer, bondholders now see the new terms as a better alternative that a long, drawn out fight in bankruptcy court. Expect to see some kind of resolution before next Monday's deadline. 

AP: GM Sweetens Offer to Bondholders

Categories: Auto Industry,General Motors

So you thought the BMW 5 Series GT was pointless? Well behold the upcoming 2012 BMW X1, a tall wagon-type thing designed to fit in the slender crevice that exists between the 3 Series wagon and X3 SUV.

Sounds like a mighty small space to occupy, but BMW seems to think it's worth having yet another model wedged into its quickly expanding lineup. Contributor Matt Davis got some time behind the wheel of an early prototype and came away impressed with the vehicle's solid handling and usable room. But even he couldn't see the point of the thing. Will anybody?

First Drive: 2012 BMW X1 Prototype

Categories: BMW,Crossovers,Wagons

So Abt's Audi R8 LMS didn't win the GT3 class at the 2009 ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hour Race. So what? It's still an R8, which means it looks cool not winning an endurance race or sitting in our driveway. And as the race version of the R8 5.2 FSI V10 we might never see in the U.S., the R8 LMS is certainly the coolest R8 to date.

More videos of the R8 LMS after the jump, including Audi's moody promotional video released last year but re-posted here for your re-viewing satisfaction.

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Categories: Audi,Motorsports,Sports Cars