The upcoming 2010 BMW X1 was spotted recently during filming of a commercial. Not surprisingly, it looks much like the X1 concept that was shown at the 2008 Paris Auto Show last fall.
We were hoping for some measure of improvement in the styling department. As is, the BMW X1 isn't really giving us to much to get excited about. We'll see how it looks when it shows up in the States this fall.
We weren't expecting Lexus to undercut its competitors with its new hardtop convertible, but the prices announced yesterday are quite a bit lower than BMW is asking for its hardtop 3 Series convertible.
The base IS 250C will start at $38,490 with a six-speed manual transmission. An IS250C with a six-speed automatic will run you another $1,170. Opt for the more powerful IS 350C and the price jumps to $43,940.
Seems a little steep until you consider that a base 328i Convertible runs $44,500 to start while the 335i version tops $50,000. We're guessing that the Infiniti G37 Convertible will end up somewhere between the two.
With rumors flying that the Estoque was DOA, Lamborghini issued a press release to clarify the situation.
Turns out, no official decision has been made as the car is still being studied for production. Inside Line correspondent Matt Davis was with Lamborghini officials at the launch of LP560-4 Gallardo Spyder and got the inside scoop on the story behind the Estoque.
Inside Line News: No Green Light - Yet - for the Lamborghini Estoque
Hmm...probably not the way the BMW X 1 engineers planned it back in Munich. Oh well, once you've augured yourself into a snow bank in the middle of nowhere there aren't too many options.
In this case, a call to the Volkwagen Tiguan that was along for comparison was all it took to get the new BMW sport utility free. I'm sure there's a joke in there about Xdrive versus 4Motion, but we'll leave that up to you.
The surprise announcement that the Chevrolet Orlando concept would go into production in 2011 didn't get much attention at the Detroit Auto Show. Maybe these spy photos of the Chevrolet Cruze-based crossover will help out the cause.
Judging by this prototype, the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando will come to market with very few changes. Slightly larger side mirrors and a taller overall greenhouse are the most obvious differences. There was a turbo diesel four-cylinder engine under the hood of the concept, but we're expecting to see GM's Ecotec gas engines powering the U.S.-bound models.
#DAS09 During GM's wide-ranging press conference at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, slipped in a surprise announcement that quickly got lost among all the hysteria over the Cadillac Converj. The Chevrolet Orlando, a seven-seat concept shown at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, will arrive in U.S. showrooms by 2011.
Built on the same platform as the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, the Orlando concept has a 108.6-inch wheelbase. That's about 3-inches longer than the Cruze. The Orlando also has a wider front and rear track than the Cruze to open up more space inside. A 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine powered the concept, but expect the production vehicle to switch to a similarly sized gasoline engine for the U.S. market. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
Now that all the cars have been laid bare for everyone to see, oggle, berate or just ignore, AutoObserver offers their opinion as to what works and what doesn't work at this latest Parisianne offering.
2008 Paris Auto Show: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
So what's your take? Do you agree with AO? Or do you have some favorites that you just love to hate, or love to love?
As to me? I disagree with them on the Honda Insight, even though it may well resemble a Prius. Both these cars were wind tunnel-designed--and when you're going for max fuel mileage, the wind tunnel will always win over visual distinction. Prius-like or not, the Insight (left) is better looking than the Prius; plus I see a lot of Honda FCX Clarity (right) styling there as well.
At the Paris show they displayed their latest version of their Active Wheel technology. This is not exactly new, as Michelin has been experimenting with this idea for several years.
Essentially the Active Wheel is nothing more than a normal wheel that houses two electric motors. One of the motors transmits power to the ground, whereas the other controls the suspension to provide comfort, handling and stability. It's designed for battery or fuel-cell powered electric vehicles. So-equipped vehicles will no longer need any gearbox, clutch, transmission shaft, universal joint or anti-roll bar.
The compact drive motor and integrated suspension system have allowed engineers to fit a standard brake disc between the motors, which means the braking, drive and suspension components are all fitted within the single wheel.
The hardtop-convertible battle is going to heat up shortly, as the American and European luxury carmakers will shortly also have Lexus and Infiniti to contend with. Actually the new Infiniti G37 convertible (2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: Infiniti G37 Convertible) and the Lexus IS 250/350 (2008 Paris Auto Show: 2010 Lexus IS 250/350C) will likely do battle among themselves first, with the other entries being secondary targets. Even so, that's not good news for BMW, Saab, etc.
Both these new hard-droptops will go on sale this spring.
Also of note is that Infiniti will be offering AWD on their 2009 fixed-roof G37 coupe (Infiniti Adds All-Wheel-Drive Coupe to 2009 G37 Lineup), thereby making it a G37x coupe. Also interesting to note that 40 percent of all G37 sedan buyers opt for AWD, and Infiniti is expecting the percentage for the AWD coupe will be between 30 and 40 percent of their total coupe sales.
At the debut of the Mini Crossover concept in Paris it was learned that the next generation of Minis will likely be smaller than the current models.
Mini spokesman Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, states: "While I am working in this job no Mini will be longer than 4.10 [i.e. four meters and ten centimeters, or 162 inches]." That's exactly the length of the Crossover concept.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show: Mini Shows Crossover, Says It's Going Smaller in 2012
There's an interesting comment over in AutoObserver today, regarding the just-introduced at Paris Honda Insight concept:
Fuel economy? Somewhere close to the Civic hybrid,...
Okay, if that's the case, then what's the point? Shouldn't this car get better--if not significantly better--gas mileage than the Civic hybrid? Is this just going to be a styling statement much like the original '60s-era Karmann Ghia VW, a "designer hybrid," so to speak? Is this Insight merely something in which owners can drive around whispering to the neighbors that, hey, I'm green?
Sort of reminds me of a while back when Bentleys and Roll-Royces were identical, save for the grille. It was often said that Bentley owners were a bit more restrained, and that they, unlike RR owners, didn't want to announce their wealth so much.
Honda Aims to 'Mainstream' Hybrids with Coming Insight
If you live in France and want to drive some serious American muscle, I've found your candy store. It's called American Car City and I stumbled upon its booth about an hour ago. How could anybody miss it? Mustangs. Challengers. Hummers. American Car City has them all. According to their catalog, they can also sell you any Chevy, Ford or Dodge truck, any Cadillac or new Corvette you desire. Even a Ford GT is ready for purchase, and it looks like they're taking orders on Camaros.
See, the French aren't so bad. At least the ones who are into le muscle. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
No need for me to waste your time here with a bunch of contrived humor and unnecessary explanation. Earlier today was a Lamborghini Fashion Show at the Lamborghini stand right in front of the awesome Estoque supersedan. I was there. I took photos. Enjoy. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
Continue reading 2008 Paris Auto Show: Lamborghini Fashion Show.
Whether the look of the new 2009 Ferrari California turns you on or makes you want to dig out your eyes with a dull paring knife (I'm still on the fence), you've got to give the car demerits for its exhaust pipes. Not only are they stacked, an unusual look we've chided the Lexus IS-F for, but those chrome tips aren't actually part of the exhaust system.
That's right. Just as they are on the Lexus, those shiny tips are part of the bumper cover and don't actually have any contact with the car's exhaust system. They're just eye candy. I'm not a fan. This is a Ferrari. A mechanical beast and everything about it should express that.
If this trend keeps up, automakers will begin faking everything. Next thing you know, phony hood scoops that don't actually feed air into the engine will be everywhere. Oh, wait a minute, that already happened. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
We've already had some seat time behind the wheel of the new Audi RS 6, but seeing it again under the lights of the Paris auto show stage reminded us of just how tough the new four-door looks. It didn't hurt that this particular example had what Audi calls the "black optical pack," an option that replaces all the chrome on the car with flat black trim.
Would a Cadillac CTS-V look as good with a similar package? Yes.
Will we ever find out? No. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
2011 Hyundai Sonata Coming to LA Auto Show
November 23, 2009 6:58 PM
2012 BMW M5 Will Get Eight-Speed, Twin-Clutch Gearbox
November 23, 2009 5:08 PM
New 258-hp BMW 528i to Arrive Later in 2010 After 535i, 550i
November 23, 2009 2:58 PM
Clarkson Finally Gets It Right
November 23, 2009 12:17 PM
2011 BMW 5 Series Goes on Sale in June 2010, Gets New Engines
November 23, 2009 10:41 AM