Motor Mania Buzz: April 2011

Saturday 30 April 2011

Cadillac planning compact executive convertible

Like a spider trying to climb up the backrest of a bath tub, Cadillac doesn't seem to give up. Following its several attempts of trying to break into the European market, the American brand is now considering a soft-top convertible to rival the likes of the BMW 3 Series cabriolet, Audi A5 cabriolet, Infiniti G-Series convertible, and Lexus IS coupé-cabriolet.

This follows as the marque previously deleted the XLR back in 2009, where the company faced some woeful times.

To celebrate a new dealership opening in Maputo, Mozambique, Fiat has revealed a 500 art car.

The unique car was painted by celebrated artist Malangatana Valente Ngwenya - who suddenly passed away on 5th January 2011 – and is dubbed the Italian Woman. The car will be auctioned off with all the takings benefiting the Malangatana Foundation which helps disadvantaged citizens.

Cadillac working on rear-wheel-drive range-topping sedan

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupé

Ever since Cadillac debuted the suave rear-wheel-drive Sixteen concept way back in 2003, rumours have been flying around suggesting the marque will put it into production. However, those comments were swiftly subdued by GM. Now the rumours are alive again.

Despite gossip regarding the platform will be a long-wheelbase Zeta architecture, reports out of the U.S suggest Cadillac will utilise a special standalone architecture, dubbed “Omega.”

2012 Ferrari FF

Italian car maker, Ferrari is looking to sell around 8,000 vehicles per annum after speaking with a German publication. CEO Luca di Montezemolo said in order to achieve that figure, Latin America, namely Brazil, China, and India will be important markets for the brand.

"A lot depends on India, Latin America and China. There is growth potential there," said Montezemolo in an interview. And it's the latter that will be the key, as it will be Ferrari's third largest market by the end of the year.

The new Chrysler emblem on the
revised 2011 Town & Country

According to Chrysler, the firm is looking to axe two entry-level Fiat-based models.

While details are restricted, an American new site spoke to Chrysler President Olivier Francois who said releasing a rebadged Lancia Ypsilon didn't make sense as it was too similar to the Fiat 500.

Volvo rules out large executive sedan

Swedish/Chinese based/owned Volvo has said it has no intention of competing in the large executive sedan sedan, according to CEO Stefan Jacoby.

“It’s too early for us to enter that segment,” he said, “so it’s not in our mid or long-term plans. We won’t build anything larger than the [Chinese] S80 L.”

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton sketch

Volkswagen is mulling over an entry-level marque after becoming one of the most successful car brands within the crucial Chinese market.

Nowadays, Volkswagen contends within the middle – upper market, leaving enough room to move down-scale.

Volkswagen deciding over 7 seat crossover for U.S market

2011 Volkswagen Touareg design sketch

If Volkswagen wants to meet its 800,000 sales target by 2018 in the U.S, it better start adapting its vehicles and product range. Luckily for the marque, it's mulling over a 7 seat crossover.

The sport utility vehicle segment accounts for a large amount of American car sales, but the German brand only offers two models and is keen to launch a crossover.

Lexus may lose top sales position (U.S)

Due to the natural disaster that happened during March in Japan, Lexus is ever-so likely to lose its 11 year old crown as the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S. German marque BMW will most certainly steal the title, followed by Mercedes.

The last 11 years saw Lexus outselling BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Ford, Mercedes, Cadillac, and Toyota to become the best-selling luxury marque, however, some retailers are now claiming they only have a mere 30 days worth of stock remaining or they have sold out.

Toyota recalls over 66,000 vehicles over faulty brakes (VN)

Thanks to an internal whistleblower, Toyota's Vietnam division was forced apologise to customers and recall around 66,000 vehicles due to mechanical defects.

The Innova compact MPV – the country’s best-selling passenger car – was plagued by over-responsive braking systems, faulty camber bolts, and seats.

Video: Toyota Corolla kicks arse against a Ferrari F430 in a drag race

When you purchase a powerful sports car for whatever reason, the default choices are usually Ferrari, Lamborghini, Toyota, Porsche, Audi, Maserati, and Bentley. 'What!, a Toyota!?!?' Yes a modest Toyota.

A humble Toyota Corolla sedan beat a powerful and hugely expensive Ferrari F430 in a drag race. But here's the twist, the race was conducted in reverse. The single reverse gear-ratio of a F430 allows the vehicle to travel 51mph (82km/h), while the Corolla trumps that at 66mph (106km/h). How? The producers of the video chose a Corolla equipped with a 'super CVT-i' transmission and since a CVT has no devoted reverse gear, the gear ratios are variable.

Be scared, be very scared. The dude on the right
is from "the streets".

If you ever wondered what goes on in a press conference during press days at a major motor exhibition, then look no further....or maybe not.

Apparently, a journalist enlightened a man who wanted to use a chair that was reserved for someone who temporarily left the room. While you expect the gentleman who back off, all hell broke loose. An argument kicked off, rapidly leading to threats. Thankfully, a member of staff step in to calm down the situation.

A New York-based Bengali taxi driver, Mohammed Alam picked up an impressive fare worth $5,000 (£3k) to drive two customers from New York to Los Angeles. The pair found Alam at LaGuardia Airport.

John Belitsky, an investment banker and his friend, Dan Wuebben said they wanted to do something "magical".

Ford Falcon sales slowing, cuts 240 jobs (AU)

Ford Australia has seen sales of the locally produced Falcon sedan dwindle, which has resulted in 240 job cuts at two facilities.

The cuts will commence in July as the firm cuts 20% of production at its Broadmeadows and Geelong factories. The Falcon and Territory are both manufactured in Broadmeadows, Victoria with the transmissions and engine being built in Geelong, Victoria.

New Car: 2012 Fiat 500C (U.S)

Fiat S.p.A. revealed the U.S spec 500C at the recent New York motor show. Like the European model, the top features a roof-mounted spoiler and can be retracted at speeds of upto 60mph (97km/h).

Inside, the same highly customisable interior found in the tin-top 500 features. Talking of features, standard equipment for the entry-level Pop includes air conditioning, 15” steel wheels, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, remote central locking, leather steering wheel, and Bluetooth w/USB port. Predictably, the luggage space measures at 153 litres (5.4 cubic feet).

Citroën has said its new DS3 premium supermini is outselling its initial targets around the world, bringing in new customers to the brand.

Citroën's managing director, Frederic Banzet said the DS3 is accounting for ¼ of C3 sales.

Hyundai's fresh i40 will usher a campaign to gain new customers on the bases of its design and not just for value-for-money and a low price-tag. Sales of the i40 sports wagon will commence in September as Hyundai moves upscale.

'The exterior and interior designs of the i40 have had some very good reviews in our customer clinics,' noted Allan Rushforth, senior vice president of Hyundai Motor Europe. 'The reaction to the car has been extremely positive'.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mazda3 facelift

Mazda has announced that the reworked 3 compact will be the first model to receive the firm's new SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine and new transmission. The car bowed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and will go on sale in late 2011.

The mechanical revisions will not only improve fuel economy but should more mid-range punch. The SkyActiv-G features a petrol-fed direct-injection with a low-friction block to minimise mechanical fiction.

As part of a vehicle's development program, prototypes are subjected to deep water, deep inside a development centre. The 2012 Ford Ranger is no different; in the video we see the Ranger driven at low speeds in 800mm of water, and yes, the water is exceeding the door sills.

See the video after the break.

Photo: AP/Gerald Herbert

A family driving down a quiet residential street in New Orleans were greeted with the sight of a light-weight aircraft heading towards them. Unable to avoid the low-flying craft, the pair clashed.

According to local authorities, a 60 year old man, named locally as......wait for it.... Houston Hunter was flying from a nearby airport to drop his grandson off when the engine in the 'craft began sputtering. Being many miles away from a legalised landing area, Hunter set down on West End Boulevard in New Orleans.

Vauxhall/Opel launches hardcore Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition

GM Europe has released the first images of its hardcore Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition that will take on the Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup head on.

Engineers have tweaked the vehicle's turbocharger and engine management system to ensure the 1.6 litre petrol engine produces 202bhp (210PS/154kW) and 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque, up from 189bhp (192PS/141kW) and 276Nm (196lb-ft). That allows for a top speed of 143mph (230km/h).

Chinese authorities have stop importation of the Toledo, Ohio-built Jeep Wrangler due to worries over transmissions. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has stopped sales and said that some automatic vehicles may catch fire, although no accidents have been reported.

Chrysler and the GAQSIQ ( General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine) are working together to find the source of the problem.

According to internal sources, Fiat is now looking to replace the slow-selling Bravo with a compact crossover - similar to the Nissan Qashqai – instead of a conventional hatchback.

The conclusion was made by CEO Sergio Marchionne last month with the vehicle set to launch in 2013. Unfortunately for Fiat, the Bravo was unable to make the list of Europe's 10 best-selling compact car of 2010, only selling 44,850 units compared to Nissan which sold 216,091 Qashqai's and was in fifth place. Analyse those figures with the best-selling compact car, the Volkswagen Golf that sold 501,671 units.

Once Volkswagen had debuted the new Beetle, it wasn't long until information on upcoming variants hit the web.

According to source deep within Volkswagen, the firm is scheduling a range-topping Beetle R, and although no powertrain or chassis information will detailed, the sporty Beetle R is likely to utilise a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine, pumping out 266bhp (270PS/199kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. And while most “R” model use a 4Motion four-wheel-drive system, the Beetle may only be front-wheel-drive.

Nissan has debuted the redesigned Tiida hatchback in Shanghai today. The reason for the premier in China is clear, Nissan sold 85,000 units of the Tiida compact hatch last year and is the best-selling model in the Nissan product line-up. The new Tiida will be a global car, selling in more than 130 countries by 2014, down from the current 165 countries.

According to Nissan, the Tiida “is targeted toward young families who value quality life,” and will sell on its 'premium and agile styling', 'class leading comfort' and 'PURE DRIVE revolutionary powertrain'. Two 1.6 litre petrol engines will be available in either naturally-aspirated and DI-G turbocharged in China. Both Xtronic CVT and manual transmissions will be offered across the world, in addition to a 1.5 dCi and possibly a 2.0 dCi diesel engine.

New Car: 2012 Cadillac CTS

After three years of sales, Cadillac has previewed the revised CTS ahead of its premier at NYIAS. Revisions include a reworked 3.6 litre V6 and a new radiator grille.

The 3.6 litre petrol now produces 318bhp (314PS/237kW) and 372Nm (275lb-ft) of torque, up from 304bhp (300PS/227kW) and 370Nm (273lb-ft), while retaining the same EPA ratings of 18/27mpg when mated to a 6 speed automatic.

Citroën will launch the new DS5 crossover at today's Shanghai motor exhibition. The DS5 crossover will be the third model in Citroën's premium DS sub-brand when it goes on sale early next year.

Measuring at 4.52m long and 1.85m wide, the DS5 is substantially shorter than the C5 large family car - in which it's based upon – but can still accommodate five full adults, claims Citroën. While the DS3 and DS4 remain close to their donor cars, the DS5 is more radical than the C5 with it's coupé-esque roofline and raised sitting position.

Chevrolet will preview the new Malibu large family car in both New York and Shanghai, before going on sale in 2012.

The Malibu is Chevrolet's “first global mid-size car”, measuring at 4,859mm. Underpinning the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia, Chevrolet claims the car has “European-influenced ride and handling”. Strangely, the wheelbase is in fact shorter than the outgoing model, however, a wider track allows for more than 110 litres cabin space.

Subaru will bow the Impreza crossover concept called XV. Utilising a four-wheel-drive system, the suspension is risen by 20cm to offer better ground clearance.

Despite sharing the same platform as the regular Impreza, the VX concept is slightly longer to offer more road presence. Subaru describes the car as "a new generation of crossover vehicle, mingling SUV practicality with a fashionable form”.

Another world debut at Shanghai will see Buick unveil the Envision crossover. The four-seater crossover show-car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine, with a pair of electric motors integrated into its 8 speed automatic gearbox.

At low speeds, the crossover can travel on electric power alone. If power is required, the petrol engine kicks in and acts as a generator to recharged the lithium-ion batteries.

Volvo has previewed it's first concept that will take on large executive sedans at Shanghai. Named Universe, the show-car is described by Volvo as a “large, luxurious sedan with a new human-centric design language that honours the beautiful lines of classic Volvo models”.

"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."

Video: Remote control vehicle tows Nissan Patrol

Remote control vehicles are great fun, they go backwards, forwards, left, and right....but what happens when you get bored with the default? I know, tow the family SUV!

This video, recorded in Australia shows a large scale R/C truck actually towing a Nissan Patrol. Judging by the smoke coming out of the exhaust, it's safe to say the truck runs on petrol. That's another item I'll be adding to my Christmas wish list.

According to Autocar, the outline of the Ferrari Enzo replacement is expected to be moulded by the Bugatti Veyron hypercar.

Internal sources have said: “The world is a very different place to how it was when the Enzo was launched. It has moved on completely. And we are Ferrari – we do not take part to make up the numbers.”

Volkswagen has launched the new Beetle this week with its premier coinciding in Shanghai, New York motor show in addition to a special event in Berlin, Germany. The new car builds upon the retro-chic of the ‘New Beetle’ that launched in 1998, which clocked up over 1m global sales.

Unlike the current Golf, Touran, and Passat (which are essentially heavily facelifted models re-branded as 'all-new'), Volkswagen claims every panel and bolt in the 21st Century Beetle is new.

Video: The car that rolls in corners

An idea I came up with when I was eight has finally come to live! Usually when car engineers develop cars, they try to minimise body sway but a small group of engineers in Germany have created a suspension system that leans into the opposite side of a corner.

The chassis system is currently being used in a Audi A5 Coupé 3.0 TDI prototype. While we're not sure whether the group are official Audi engineers or bored individuals, check out the video after the jump (in case you didn't understand what we meant in the first paragraph).

Nissan will reprogram the Leaf's vehicle control module software following customer complaints. Around 5,300 Leafs will get the updated software after consumers claim that there car failed to start on occasion. The fault has attracted huge negative attention internationally such as acute headlines as the Leaf "stumbles out of the gate."

In a e-mail to InsideLine, Nissan said "We have found that a very small proportion of the Nissan Leafs in the market today have reported incidents which require reprogramming of the vehicle control module to address incorrect diagnosis programming,"

Saab looking to obtain Mini's R56 platform for upcoming supermini

According to a unconfirmed report, Saab is making the brave decision to bid for the rights of the current Mini architecture. The company is looking to rapidly expand its line-up with new vehicles.

The reason behind the bid will allow the troubled Swedish manufacture to produce a supermini, dubbed 9-1 that would let the brand contend in the thriving premium supermini segment. Saab are said to be ogling the Mk2 R56 rear-wheel-drive platform after agreeing to a contract to buy the 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine off BMW Mini.

Toyota Aygo Ice launched (UK)

The beginning of the year saw Toyota launch another special edition Aygo, called Go! Now the Japanese firm is releasing the Aygo Ice.

The range-topping special edition is equipped with features like air-conditioning, leather steering wheel and gearknob, front electric windows, 6 speaker audio system, and leather/Alcantara seat trim.

Following Maserati (to a certain extent), British car maker Aston Martin has opened up its first dealership in New Delhi. The new dealership will showcase Aston's entire line-up including the recently-launched Virage and V8 Vantage S models.

Aston Martin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Michael van der Sande said, “India represents a new opportunity for us and as part of our programme of growing the reach of the global Aston Martin dealership network; this expansion brings our brand to a different audience in a new market.

GM fast-tracks Malibu mid-sized sedan for 2013

Chevrolet "accidently" released
this photo of the 2013 'Bu

Updated: 17/04/11

GM will fast-track the forthcoming mid-sized Malibu for the 2013 model year. According to unconfirmed reports, the vehicle will now get produced in January 2012 instead of its initial production date of May 2012.

The 2013 Malibu will be built at two facilities within the U.S; Kansas and Detroit. European models are likely to be sourced from South Korea while Chinese-specified cars will be produced in China.

Photo: Metro

Police officer, Liu Yulin was stunned when he was watching a security camera of a road in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, when two bumper cars came into view.

Yulin said: 'I saw on the screen that a man was driving two bumper cars. He sat in between the cars, and each foot stepped onto one gas pedal. I immediately radioed the officer at that road section to go and check.'

Video: Steering wheel falls off Chevrolet Cruze

So there you are, driving quietly along the motorway minding your own business...then bang!, the steering wheel of your new Chevrolet Cruze detaches. Well that's exactly what happened to a 60 year old grandmother from Western Minnesota, United States.

The mature lady managed to bring the car to a safe standstill. Anywho, after Chevrolet found out about the incident, it raised alarm bells for GM in which they will recall 2,100 American-built Cruzes. Check out the video after the break.

Audi has taken the wraps off the hotly anticipated Q3, ahead of its world preview at the Shanghai motor show.

The Q3 is Audi's third devoted SUV, following the Q7 and Q5 – both of which have outsold initial targets worldwide. The newcomer shares the same architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan, in addition to the same transversely mounted engines and gearbox combinations.

Concept Car: Lexus LF-Gh

Lexus will preview the forthcoming GS mid-sized executive sedan via a new hybrid concept car that will premier at NYIAS.

The concept in question is called LF-Gh (Lexus Future Grand touring Hybrid), shows the latest route for its L-Finesse design philosophy. The fourth-generation GS – expected in Autumn – will gain much of its styling from the LF-Gh concept.

Video: When tractor-based snowploughs attack

Photo: YouTube.com

Hmm, a driverless snowplough has created havoc in a WalMart car park in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. While two vehicles and a brick wall got damaged after the mini-rampage, one has to question; was this a hoax/a prank? We believe so.

Check out the high-definition video below!

Launching a car is never an easy job, especially if it's to impress the demanding American market, that's why CEO Sergio Marchionne has decided to postpone the launch of the Giulia.

The decision comes as Marchionne was said to be unhappy with the design of the Giulia, which will replace the aging but sharp looking 159. Additionally, the vehicle will launch in late 2012/mid 2013 at the earliest due to manufacturing problems.

In a bid to cut lengthy waiting lists, Hyundai will transfer production of the ix35 sometime in June. Of late, the ix35 is manufactured in Kia's plant in Žilina, Slovakia but Hyundai will shift production to its factory in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Hyundai said that the move will allow for better flexibility to hike production and keep a close eye on logistics and quality.

Our spy has caught the next-generation Mercedes S-Class and B-Class undergoing final cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden. Previous test mules had extensive fake body-panels, however, factory workers have tried their best to disguise the newcomer with a thick plastic coating. At the rear, the prototype sports bolt-on rear lights.

The forthcoming S-Class – codenamed W222 – will be released in 2013 and is very likely to borrow styling from the curvy F700 concept that premiered at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). When it comes to the architecture of the interior, Mercedes will look at the F800 Style concept that debuted at the 2010 Geneva motor show. That means a cleaner cabin with fewer buttons and more contoured marine-style wood and aluminium.

Video: Uh oh, Porsche Carrera GT slips off transporter

When transporting an uber rare luxury sports car, you would think people would use a little more common sense. Not these guys....

Whether they understand the laws of physics or have very little appreciation for expensive things, we suspect the latter, these idiots thought it would be clever to use a pair of weak, insecure wooden planks to load the vehicle onto the transporter's flatbed.

Order books for Fiat's revised Dodge Journey, the Freemont has opened with prices starting from €25,700.

Two equipment lines will be available to Italian customers; the standard 'Freemont' and range-topping Urban. The base Freemont includes 17” alloy wheels, cruise control, three-zone climate control, 7 seats, CD player w/MP3 input, front fog lights, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring system, trip computer w/4.3” infotainment system, urethane steering wheel, child booster seats, and keyless entry.

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