September Sales: Slow, Steady Growth Led By Trucks, Crossovers

General Motors, Chrysler LLC and Nissan each increased sales by at least one-fifth when compared with September 2010, though the industry looks good mostly when compared with last year. Thanks to their financial problems, GM and Chrysler took bigger hits than the rest of the industry the past few years.
On Monday, Ford and Toyota estimated a low-13 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), while GM estimated a number in the high 12s.

The automakers face slow growth rather than a double-dip recession, says GM sales veep Don Johnson. The auto industry remains a bright spot in consumer demand because a lot of buyers are replacing aging cars. Not to mention (as no one did) cars and trucks coming off three-year leases from the beginning of the recession with stickers higher than their owners could afford.
Pickup trucks had a good month at the Detroit Three. GM trucks were up 34.3 percent, with the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra selling 57,602 combined. With heavy advertising and incentives, GM expects to have its truck inventory back down to a 90-day supply, or 200,000 units, by the end of the year.
Ford sold 54,410 F-Series, and Chrysler sold 24,522 Ram pickups, helping it edge past Toyota Motor Sales, which remained beset with supply problems related to the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Ford’s utilities were up 35 percent overall in September ’11, versus September ’10, led by the aged Escape and the new Explorer. As for pickups, strong sales to small businesses and contractors have helped, though certainly there can’t be too much demand resulting from home construction and repair.
The 20k+ Ford Escape sales are puzzling. The much newer Chevy Equinox also continues to sell well, but it needs to be combined with GMC Terrain sales to better the Ford.
While GM’s Chevy Cruze again led compact sales last month, its soon-to-be-replaced Malibu took a dive. Meanwhile, the new Ford Focus missed the top five in compact sales, while its soon-to-be-replaced Fusion was the third-bestselling midsize sedan. Ford blames short supply of the ’12 Focus, which launched in March. Last month, Ford said a large portion of its 14,093 Focus sales in August were of the new model. Could it be that many buyers are willing to spend a couple of dollars more per month to buy a Fusion, especially as gasoline prices have come down below $3.50 per gallon in September?

October 2011 Sales: VW, Chrysler Up Big as Market Levels

It was a good month despite the numbers. Automakers said October’s Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) was the best of the year, at roughly 13.5 million including medium- and heavy-duty trucks, up from 13.2 million in September. Ford and GM cited somewhat encouraging job growth and looser credit for stronger sales.

It’s like malaise; only it looks pretty good next to 2008.

That means that seasonally, Octobers never are terribly good for selling cars and trucks. Another anomaly is that General Motors’ sales rose just 2 percent, though the automaker held on to its 19.4 percent market share, which is up roughly one point for the year to date.
This is the type of confusion car sales numbers cause. That 2 percent increase compares October 2011 with October 2010, of course, and SAAR numbers don’t really mean anything by the time you get actual annual numbers.
What the GM numbers mean is that GM has found its natural level, just under 20 percent share. Chevy sales were up slightly while every other division was off slightly. Buick, for one, ended a long streak of year-over-year gains as it sold down the last of its outdated products, the Lucerne, and built on the Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal. GM says Cadillac struggled amidst a strong product and marketing attack from BMW.
Other news outlets have trumpeted Chrysler Group’s “sensational” 27 percent sales hike, but that’s compared with a very lean 2010 number. Last year, Chrysler was slowly getting back on its feet and trying to hang on to a base number of sales as it got production levels back up. Most of its new or refreshed product was still a month or more off. A 27 percent hike looks good until you consider that Chrysler was the number-five automaker in October ’10, somehow keeping ahead of Honda last year.
That’s not to detract from Chrysler’s success this year. It has managed to reach a five-figure number for its midsize Chrysler 200, and Jeep and Ram pickup sales are strong. You’re getting a pretty good indication of how well the top six or seven automakers will do going forward, though Honda will continue to have shortages because of the Thai floods. Hyundai and Kia will continue to eat into competitors’ market share, and based on a strong start-of-production month for the VW Passat, I think that car could get into the top-five list of midsize cars. Which midsize will it dethrone?

November 2011 Sales: Healthy Gains as Industry Heads to a 13 Million Year

The U.S. first reached car and light truck sales of 15 million back in calendar 1965, when baby boomers bought boatloads of Ford Mustangs and their parents bought a million Chevy Impalas, Belairs and Biscaynes. That number remains elusive in today’s market. November 2011 sales totaled about 1 million — good for a Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate of nearly 14 million. By the time December sales come in just after New Years, we’ll have bought nearly 13 million cars and light- and medium-duty trucks in 2011, which is at the low end of predictions General Motors, Ford, and most analysts made a year ago.
In the year-to-date, a few trends have emerged. First, the average middle-class buyer is sticking with midsize cars, and cross-shopping them against compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox. That’s the talk over at Ford these days, and it makes sense. Middle-class Western Europeans scoop up four-door Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks because they offer versatility and enough space for a family of four, at a relatively low purchase price with decent fuel mileage (especially the diesels). We don’t buy hatchbacks here, unless they’re Mini Coopers or Toyota Priuses, but compact two-row crossovers offer all that versatility, enough room for a family of four and gas mileage that can seep into the low 30s if you get the four-cylinder and front-wheel-drive.
If you used a second mortgage to buy a Chevy Tahoe and a Toyota Camry five or eight years ago, or you’re coming off a three-year lease, you might find one of these compact CUVs the best combination to handle your needs, if not your wants. Of course, that means you’re also one of the middle-class survivors of the Great Recession who still has gainful employment, and you’re watching your monthly payment.
Second, luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are having a spectacular year. Both reported their best November U.S. sales on record. They each have a number of new models to boost sales, and I suspect we’ll see some great numbers from BMW when the new 3 Series gets into U.S. showrooms.

April 2012 Sales: The Luxury of a New Car or Truck

Has the automobile become a luxury item again, as it was more than a century ago? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself as luxury brands jumpstarted the 2008-09 financial nadir and as the premium German brands post higher sales and profits. General Motors’ Cadillac vice president, Kurt McNeil, says that luxury car sales are about 1 percent behind the rest of the revitalized industry. Cadillac is off 23.9 percent this year through April, and off 13.7 percent retail, while Buick is off 16.4 percent total, 4.9 percent retail.
Lexus sales were flat last month, compared with the post-tsunami April ’11 (though the full effects of last year’s Japanese disaster hadn’t yet hit Toyota’s lux division by that month). Lincoln sales fell 12.8 percent last month, and it’s nearly flat, too, at -0.4 percent for the year-to-date.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz had its best April ever. So did Audi. BMW Group is up 13.7 percent year-to-date, with Bimmer sales up 15.7 percent and Mini up 6 percent.
Part of Cadillac’s problem is leasing. GM says 14 percent of the vehicles it moves in a month are leased rather than sold, compared with 19 percent for the industry. Subprime lending is higher, at 9 percent for GM, versus 6.5 percent for the industry. McNeil also points to aggressive luxury car incentives of 10 percent to 15 percent, though I’ve seen some pretty good Cadillac, Lincoln, and Lexus deals lately.
Mercedes, BMW, and Audi have kept their lineups fresh with lots of new product in the last couple of years. If Cadillac and Lincoln want to prove American automakers are more than commodity manufacturers, and disprove what Mercedes tried to do with Chrysler for nine years, the new ATS, XTS, MKZ and updated MKS had better be good.
It’s most important for Lincoln, as it hangs by a Blue Oval thread. Lincoln’s sales totaled just 6308 in April, off 12.8 percent April-over-April, but enough to keep Ford Motor second overall in sales, ahead of Toyota Motor by just 1998 units.

May 2012 Sales Auto Sales Continues to Lead — or Beat — the U.S. Economy

On the same day the U.S. Labor department released May job numbers that were worse than the dismal expectations of economists, Toyota said its May sales rose 87.3 percent. That’s not the man-bites-dog story, here. In May ’11, Toyota was suffering the effects of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. It’s the domestic year-over-year gains of 30 percent for Chrysler, 12.6 percent for Ford Motor and 10.9 percent for General Motors that stands out as news. GM says its May sales are its best in 33 months.
Even Chrysler’s gain isn’t such big news compared with Ford and GM. The May ’11 Chrysler number was still sufficiently low that the substantial May ’12 gain seemed inevitable. Ford and GM posted healthy gains, at least when compared with those Labor department numbers; just 68,000 new jobs in the U.S. last month, with unemployment rising by one-tenth of a point, to 8.2 percent.
GM’s sales chief, Don Johnson (who leads up Chevrolet beginning next month) on Friday morning reiterated the company’s confidence that Americans will buy 14- to 14.5-million new cars and light trucks this calendar year. Few dispute the automotive sector is taking the lead in the slow, tenuous economic recovery. In the European Union, where the faltering economy threatens to bring down ours, only Volkswagen Group is making any money, leading sales on a sinking ship.
This raises an obvious question: who, in the U.S., is buying new cars and trucks? Even though unemployment remains too high, with the “real” number more than twice the official number, more than 80 percent of the nation is gainfully employed, and they’re replacing old vehicles. Ford says the average vehicle age in the U.S. fleet is 10.8 years old, with the average car age at 11.1 years old. Ford says its commercial fleet sales accounts for 14 percent of overall sales, equal to its number from May ’11. There’s strength in small commercial truck buyers, Ford says, which means that even if we’re not building new homes and office buildings, we’re buying new roofs and getting the A/C fixed.

SEMA 2008: WTFinal Day Hits and Misses

SEMA 2008 is over. You know this because dogs are barking all over the world.;

So far, we’ve highlighted many of the fantastic vehicular creations live from the SEMA floor. Most of these have been cars and trucks.; Here are a few more that caught my eye, from the incredible to the incredibly bad. 85 Porsche 911 Carrera Tribute
First, the latter. Say what you will about the styling of this “show car” (looks like a mid ’90s kit car to me), but the overall concept and execution reeked of too much time spent indoors laying up fiberglass.; From the display board, the builders of this rolling chassis proudly describe it as a “tribute to the 1985 Carrera” and add that it is “due to be finished 2010.” Even more confusing is that this chassis was made in and apparently shipped all the way from New Zealand. What?; Exactly.

2009 SEMA: A Few of My Favorite Things

The stands were a bit smaller, and there were fewer cars, but SEMA 2009 was a better show than anyone thought it might be twelve months ago. Back then the economy was in free-fall, and no-one knew where it would land. This year, the mood among most exhibitors is a mixture of relief and quiet optimism: We’ve survived the worst, and things are slowly getting better.

 By now you’ve probably seen all the star cars, courtesy of our extensive 2009 SEMA Show coverage. But here are a couple of things that caught my eye as I dashed through the halls between sessions with the MT video crew doing live interviews and pre-recorded stories for motortrend.com and our You Tube channel.

Why Fiat Might be the Best Thing to Have Ever Happened to Chrysler

I’ve lost count of the number of auto show press conferences I’ve attended over the years. Most follow a fairly predictable formula: At some point a guy in a suit will stand up and read a speech, while the assembled journos take notes and look for holes in the talking points. There’s usually a little showbiz — some loud music and flashing lights, occasionally a dancing girl or two — but it’s generally all pretty perfunctory.  Few are memorable.
I’ve never forgotten former GM honcho Ron Zarella’s “fireside chat” at the 2001 Detroit Show, though, mainly because it was so toe-curlingly gruesome. I still cannot imagine there actually was a meeting at GM where someone said: “Here’s an idea. Why don’t we put Ron on stage in a smoking jacket, sitting in a leather armchair next to a fireplace, and have him read from a book of Nostrodamus’ predictions that show what a great future we have?” And that everyone in the room high-fived it.
I’m not likely to forget Dodge boss Ralph Gilles’ presentation at SEMA in a hurry, either, though for very different reasons.
Ralph (pictured) came on stage in jeans and a black T-shirt, and for once it didn’t look like a car company exec desperately trying to look hip and cool. It was just Ralph being, well, Ralph. “This is what I wear to work,” he says with a shrug. In addition to running Dodge, Gilles still has overall responsibility for Chrysler design. He probably doesn’t have time for a suit…

BMW takes the top off the i8 hybrid concept

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a topless two-seater version of the i8 coupe, and will make its first appearance at the Beijing motor show later this month. Slightly shorter than its 2+2 sibling, the Concept Spyder makes generous use of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic used in the LifeDrive architecture, features windowless doors that swivel up and a transparent tailgate. The interior is decked out in a mixture of plastic, carbon, and leather, and features an 8.8-inch high-definition screen that displays driving information in 3D.
Powered by a combined 354-horsepower eDrive power train (131-horsepower electric motor on the front axle and a 223-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the rear), the i8 Concept Spyder achieves a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds and tops out at an electronically controlled 155 mph. And yet, the roadster sips fuel to the rate of up to 94 mpg in the European test cycle.
 BMW introduced the i8 and i3 electric and plug-in car concepts last year, and the i8 Concept Spyder will keep the sub-brand in the public eye until the plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles enter production some time in 2013. It's also a way for BMW to show off its lightweight and modular LifeDrive architecture by quickly developing a new model using the same powertrain and materials.

Fisker to debut Atlantic plug-in EV at NYC event tonight

We already know quite a bit about Fisker's follow-up to the Karma electric sports sedan. We know that it's called the Atlantic, that it's smaller than the Karma, and that it should be significantly less expensive--rumors put the MSRP at about $40,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. Heck, we even know what it looks like thanks to a batch of leaked photos.
 However, there's a great deal that we don't know. There have been no power, range, or economy ratings leaked to go along with the photos. We don't have dimensions, so we can only guess based on those photos how much smaller a vehicle the Atlantic will be. Most importantly, as CNET's Martin LaMonica points out, we don't know how Fisker can afford to build the thing.

Fisker finds funding, Atlantic EVer will see production

The 2012 New York auto show starts early tonight with the official announcement and unveiling of the Fisker Atlantic. The Atlantic is the second new vehicle to be debuted by the vehicle (or the third if you choose to count the Fisker Surf design concept) and is Fisker Automotive's shot at building an extended-range electric vehicle that people can actually afford.
The Atlantic doesn't divert terribly from the formula set by the Karma. The sedans feature similar mustachioed front ends, the smaller Atlantic largely maintaining a scaled-down version of the Fisker design language with a few tweaks here and there. For example, the Atlantic's headlamps feature a faceted design that, when illuminated by the LED daytime running lights, produce an effect that is described as backlit ice. Like most of the elements of the Fisker school of automotive design, you'll either love it or hate it. Personally, I think it looks rather, ahem, cool.
Things get interesting behind the Atlantic's B-pillar. While the Atlantic hides its second pair of doors even better than the Karma by integrating the door handles into the nook formed by the rear side glass and the C-pillar in a manner that is reminiscent of the Hyundai Veloster. The Atlantic is about a third shorter than its larger sibling, thanks in part to a truncated rear end, putting the sedan in the same size class as the BMW 3 Series or Audi A5. Likewise, Fisker claims its new model will feature more interior space than either of those vehicles. Additionally, the Atlantic's price is estimated to fall near the top end of that class as well, which puts it between $45,000 and $50,000.

2014 Chevrolet Impala gallops into the New York auto show

NEW YORK--The 2014 Impala debuts with a new, muscular design that calls on equal parts Malibu and Camaro to create a look that Chevrolet says "looks much more expensive than it is." Classic Impala design cues, such as the leaping Impala emblem on the C pillar and the raised Impala lettering on a rear chrome bar, blend with the more modern Chevrolet design language to create a large sedan that, while a bit visually busy from certain angles, is athletic and muscular.
Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system will grace the Impala's dashboard with its large 8-inch color touch screen, keeping the driver and passenger informed and entertained. Skip the MyLink system and you'll still find yourself looking at a smaller 4.2-inch display. And keeping the passengers safe are a selection of new safety features, including full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. There's also an industry first front-center side airbag that, aside from being a mouthful, inflates between the front seats in a side collision to keep the front passengers from re-enacting an episode of the Three Stooges and knocking heads together.

Hyundai debuts the new 2013 Santa Fe...twice

NEW YORK--Today at the 2012 New York auto show, Hyundai debuted not one, but two new versions of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe for two different kinds of crossover buyers.
The first debut was the Santa Fe Sport, a small crossover that seats five. Under its hood, drivers have a choice between either a 190 horsepower direct-injected 2.4-liter engine that should net an estimated 33 highway mpg or the turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter engine that outputs 264 horsepower at the expense of a pair of highway mpg. If these engines sound familiar, it's because they're the same that you can find powering the Hyundai Sonata. Whether this shared architecture means we'll ever see a Santa Fe Hybrid, remains to be seen.
Like the Sonata, the Santa Fe defaults to a front-wheel-drive configuration with a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the sedan, however, Hyundai's new crossover can be optioned with an all-wheel drive system that sends power on demand to the rear axle. Through a combination of true torque vectoring and torque braking, Hyundai claims that the Santa Fe Sport can control traction to each individual wheel without the driver ever knowing the system has intervened.
Hyundai also features an interesting Driver Selectable Steering Modes (DSSM) feature that gives users the choice between three settings for the power-steering system. Comfort decreases steering effort by 10 percent from the baseline normal mode for easy one-handed parking lot cruising. Likewise, the Sport setting increases steering effort by 10 percent, while also increasing steering feel for tackling winding roads.

Acura RLX flagship serves as tech showboat

NEW YORK--Acura's RL has long been a struggling warhorse, unable to keep the company ahead of the technology charge led by other automakers. But its replacement, the RLX, looks to at least put Acura back on the front lines.
 The RLX was shown off as a concept at the New York auto show, but in recent years Acura has tended to follow-through on its concept cars to production. The RLX concept is a meaty sedan with the Acura beak grille, but its proportions remain similar to that of the RL. The size of the RLX could work against its being accepted as a full-size luxury car.
The choice to keep the car of a moderate length could hurt its bid to compete with the Lexus LSes and Mercedes-Benz S-classes of the world. But Acura promises a large, comfortable cabin with many high-tech features. As people get used to luxury in smaller packages, the RLX could be coming at the right time.
 Acura previously let out that this car would be a hybrid, so it was not hard to figure out that it would use a variation on the system powering the new NSX. Under the RLX's hood will be a direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 complemented by an electric motor to drive the front wheels. A dual electric motor array powers the rear wheels, giving the RLX all-wheel-drive.
 Not only do these power components combine for 370 horsepower, but the hybrid system also gets the RLX an estimated 30 mpg average.
 Acura will also offer a less powerful, and most likely cheaper, front-wheel-drive version, using just the gas engine, with 310 horsepower. To make up for its lack of all-wheel-drive, Acura will include a system that it calls Precision Steering.

Viper comes back, teeth sharpened

NEW YORK--Fans of the old Dodge Viper may be disappointed in its rebirth. While still driven by a ridiculously powerful engine, and maintaining its cabin far to the back of the car, the 2013 SRT Viper comes with unforeseen refinement.
 Instead of strict power to the wheels with no electronic interference, the new Viper comes with traction and stability control. An active suspension system lets the driver choose between street and track modes. Body work around its side pipe should even protect the legs of passengers getting out of the cabin. Although refined, the Viper keeps its essential shape. But it would be foolish to lament the previously unfettered Viper, as technology has proven itself again and again in performance cars. The traction system on the new Viper enables launch control, making it possible to actually use all of the car's massive torque. The suspension system's street mode should also make possible to enjoy a Sunday drive, rather than seeking out a chiropractor the next Monday.
 With the 2013 Viper, it looks like the new SRT group was challenged to build a world-class super car, able to hold its own against the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the world. And it may have well succeeded.

California's autonomous car bill inches closer to reality

A bill that paves the way for autonomous cars to be driven on state roads cleared its first of many hurdles. California Senate Bill (SB) 1298 passed the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday on an 8 to 0 vote.
 The bill, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), will set up safety and performance standards for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California's public roads. The rules and regulations for robotic cars will be modeled after those already being used in Nevada.
 Autonomous vehicles will be required to meet all applicable safety standards and performance requirements in state and federal law, and the California Highway Patrol will consult with the Department of Motor vehicles to recommend additional requirements. The new legislation will permit the operation of autonomous vehicles on California's public roads by a licensed driver.
 Approval from the Senate Transportation Committee is the first of many steps on the path to the Governor's desk. Next, SB 1298 will move to the Senate Rules Committee for a possible referral to a second policy committee. Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, and Oklahoma are also currently considering autonomous vehicles legislation. Nevada began issuing permits to companies that want to test autonomous vehicles on state roads last month after they've documented 10,000 miles on private tracks or other roads under various conditions.

The hybrid premium: How much more does a hybrid car cost?

Ever since hybrids became popular, with the second generation of the Toyota Prius, the question arose of whether the fuel savings justified a hybrid car's higher price. The extra expense for a hybrid car has been called the hybrid premium.
 The extra cost for a hybrid car comes from the additional equipment in the driveline. Along with the gas engine, hybrid cars have an electric propulsion motor, a high-voltage battery pack, and a power control module, this latter component determining how to feed electric power into the drive system.
 Now, with many automakers offering some type of hybrid car, the competition has opened up. So what is the current status of the hybrid premium? We looked at a selection of 2012 hybrid models, comparing them with their straight gasoline counterparts, if any. In choosing cars for comparison, we stuck to trim levels where navigation was available, to level the playing field. However, even looking at cars at the same trim level, differences such as horsepower and torque assert themselves, so technically we are still talking about an apples to oranges comparison.

New Shelby GT500 boasts most powerful production V-8

As new city cars come out with less than 100 horsepower, you might have thought the horsepower wars were over. But there's still a corner of the great American garage where gearhead engineers build and tune engines to dump massive amounts of power out through driveshafts to wheels.
 The team bearing Ford's blue oval on their coveralls get to wear the garage king crown for their efforts with the new Shelby GT500, which was certified to produce 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. That makes the 2013 GT500 more powerful than the Ferrari 458 Italia -- lot more powerful.
The new supercharger in the Shelby GT500 displaces 2.3 liters. How did Ford get that much power under the hood of the Mustang-based Shelby GT500? Displacement and forced induction. The block is a 5.8-liter V-8 with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Ford stuck with port injection for this beast, instead of going with the more efficient direct injection, which could be a lost opportunity or a future improvement.
 On top of this engine is a new supercharger, a 2.3-liter forced induction unit powered by the engine to shovel air through the intakes. Ford says that the engine produces 395 pound-feet of torque at idle, then generates the peak 631 pound-feet from 2,000 to 5,800 rpm. The peak horsepower hits at 6,500 rpm, with redline at 7,000.

Toyota RAV4 EV to make public debut next week

Toyota will officially unveil the RAV4 EV next week, an all-electric SUV that could be an important indicator of electric vehicles sales overall.
 The company earlier this week sent out a notice that it will debut the RAV4 EV on Monday May 7 at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) in Los Angeles, an important conference for EVs.
 Toyota has shown off concept RAV4 EVs already, but important details such as price and availability have not yet been disclosed.
 The all-electric SUV is the fruit of a partnership between Toyota and Tesla Motors, which is supplying the electric powertrain for the vehicle. It's expected to have a driving range of about 100 miles.

Nissan to build production Juke-R supercars

Last year a Nissan department based in Europe came up with the strange idea of putting the GT-R's engine in the new Juke small SUV. The car was introduced as a concept, and Nissan probably thought that was the end of the matter. Like most concept cars, the Juke-R would be consigned to a lonely corner of a garage, and eventually disassembled.
 A strong positive reaction from the car-loving public, which must have taken Nissan by surprise, dictated a different fate for the car. After the Juke-R's first public appearance, in Dubai of all places, Nissan capitalized on its popularity by releasing videos of it racing a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, and a GT-R.
 All along, Nissan insisted the oddball Juke-R was nothing more than a concept.

2012 Ford Focus Electric: The strong, silent type (first drive)

On the road, the Focus Electric rides nearly identically to the gasoline-powered Focus. That is, until you listen and realize that there is no exhaust note and no engine noise, only the gentle "whoosh" of the road beneath the tires and the tiny, high-pitched hum of the electric motor. Unlike a hybrid, there's no gasoline engine that fires up when you get too heavy on the accelerator, so there's no audible feedback to deter you from your lead-footed antics, there's only silent and strong electric torque egging you on and prodding you forward. And just because there are no tailpipe emissions doesn't mean that there are no consequences to driving inefficiently. Rather than hurting the environment or your wallet at the pump, driving the Focus Electric like a tool hurts your range, a resource that is in quite limited supply on a vehicle that only starts with an EPA estimated 76 miles per charge.

Ferrari trivia contest

Over the weekend of April 28, Ferrari hosts its Racing Days at Infineon Raceway in Northern California. The featured event will be the Ferrari Challenge, a one-model race with the 458 Challenge version of the 458 Italia.
 Ferrari aficionados will want to see the 599XX Evo take laps. An example of this rare, 740-horsepower Italian stallion will be on hand, letting Ferrari engineers test its active aerodynamics system. Ferrari will also be running an FXX for testing purposes.
 Race history buffs will also enjoy seeing laps by historic Ferrari F1 cars.
To win, be among the first 20 to correctly answer this question: Which car earned the record last year for the highest amount ever paid for a car at public auction?

Audi gives China small and fast with the RS Q3 concept

Every automaker realizes the importance of China's growing thirst for cars, and the unique requirements of the market. Audi comes to the 2012 Beijing auto show with a concept vehicle that mixes practicality and excitement.

 The RS Q3 concept is based on Audi's Q3 compact SUV. Not sold in the U.S., the Q3 seats five and has a little cargo area. It is similar to the BMW X1 that will be coming to the U.S. this year. If BMW is successful with its car, maybe Audi will follow suit.
The RS Q3 combines practical passenger space with a powerful engine.
(Credit: Audi)
 The Q3 can be had with a variety of engines, the most powerful generating 211 horsepower. The RS Q3 gets 360 horsepower from a 2.5-liter direct injection turbocharged five-cylinder engine, an impressive achievement in power engineering. And it sends that power to all four wheels with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. That should lead to some exciting performance.
 The RS Q3 gets some suspension tuning and cosmetic enhancements as well. It sits almost an inch lower than the standard Q3. Custom wheels and a black honeycomb grille treatment contribute to the performance look. Aerodynamics come in the form of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer front spoiler.

Lamborghini Urus SUV concept: Unconventional offroader

Following the example of Porsche, which used its Cayenne SUV to create more stable revenue, Lamborghini wants to add an SUV as a third model in its lineup. At the Beijing International auto show, Lamborghini finally revealed what its SUV will look like.
 Using the sharp edges of its current design language, the Urus concept presents a very unique look for a vehicle designed to drive offroad. Although about 16 feet in length, similar to the Cayenne, the Urus concept is only about 5.5 feet high, making it more like a raised sedan.

2012 Toyota Prius C: Fuel economy champ

It seems like the Prius C model should come after the Prius B, and before the Prius D. But Toyota shows no interest in alphabetical naming when it comes to its Prius lineup. Toyota recently expanded the cars it calls Prius, adding to the standard model the Prius V, a plug-in version, and now the C.
 The C means City, which explains the smaller dimensions of the car. The Prius C is a nice, modern little hatchback a foot and half shorter than the standard Prius. Its size makes it easy to park and maneuver through narrow lanes.

But its real virtue is fuel economy. Although the EPA estimates put it on level with the standard Prius, at 50 mpg, we found it did consistently better, turning in an average of 51.2 mpg after a week of driving in the urban confines of San Francisco, hills included, and the fast-moving freeways of California.
 It also serves as a showcase of new Toyota cabin technology, such as a new navigation system. The new Entune system uses your connected smartphone to bring in traffic data, local gas prices, Bing search, and other useful apps and information.

Beijing auto show features everything from @Ants to Urus

China's international auto show in Beijing starts on Friday, April 27, but we have an early look at the production cars and concepts that will be on display.

 The show features cars from Chinese automakers and their joint venture partners, the latter including such well-known brands as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Jeep.

2013 Porsche Panamera GTS: The track sedan

That is not to say the Panamera 4S or S would not excel when banged around a road course, but Porsche designed the GTS to beat both of them. Thirty more horsepower eked out of the same engine gives it a power edge, and Porsche includes many of its performance options as standard in the GTS.
 Minor cosmetic differences include black trim accents and a different front air intake. The GTS also sits slightly lower on its air suspension, and its all-wheel-drive helps it scramble through the turns.

2013 Audi S7: Brains and brawn

Audi improves on the A7's formula the only way it can: with more power!
The Audi A7 is probably the only member of the so-called "five-door GT" segment to pass through the Car Tech garage and be universally liked by the editors. So we were interested to see what the automaker would do with the sport-tuned 2013 S7, which was revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Predictably, the automaker didn't stray too far from the A7's formula. You know what they say, "If it ain't broke..."
Externally, the S7 differentiates itself from the A7 with aluminum covers for the side mirrors, 19- or optional 20-inch wheels unique to the S, subtly more aggressive bodywork, a dual exhaust system with quad tips, and, of course, the S7 badges. Sharp-eyed enthusiasts may notice that the S7 sits 10mm lower than the model upon which it's based thanks to a sport air suspension system. In the cabin, there are new sport seats wrapped in Valcona leather with diamond stitching and the same Audi MMI system with Internet connectivity and Google Maps integration that helped the A7 earn our coveted Editors' Choice award.
 Audi developed a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 for the S7.
However, you'll have to pop the S7's hood (or mash the accelerator) to spot the biggest change the S-prefix brings: the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine. Output is rated at 420 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. A zero-to-62 mph run happens in 4.9 seconds as the humpbacked hot rod accelerates onward to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
In an effort to maintain a semblance of efficiency without compromising overall power, Audi has equipped the S7 with a new cylinder on-demand system that disables four of the V-8's cylinders under partial load to conserve fuel. To maintain the feeling V-8 smoothness while essentially dropping down to an inline-4 engine, Audi has equipped the S7 with active engine mounts that cancel out the additional vibration and an active noise cancellation system in the cabin that uses the audio system to minimize what Audi calls "undesirable sounds."
Check out our gallery of the new 2013 Audi S7 for more photos and details.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth: This small car's got bite

LOS ANGELES--For such a cute little car, the Fiat 500 Abarth's scorpion logo is probably the manliest badge in automotive world.
The Fiat 500 Abarth's scorpion badge
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the peppy 101-horsepower Fiat 500 gets a heart transplant in the form of Fiat's award-winning 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that boosts available power to 160 ponies. More impressive is the torque number: 170 pound-feet, which is the same amount of twist the Honda Civic Si develops with 2.4 liters of displacement. The Abarth 500 also features a single-option five-speed manual transmission and upgraded driveline components that can withstand the rigors of performance driving while mitigating torque steer.
The suspension has also been beefed up with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) twin-tube shock absorbers by KONI and a stabilizer bar up front. Out back, the 500 Abarth still makes do with a torsion-beam rear axle, but also gains a stiffer stabilizer bar. The 500 Abarth can be had with optional 17-inch wheels or the standard 16-inchers. Regardless of size, the wheels wrap around an upgraded braking system.
The Abarth's cabin features the same Blue&Me hands-free calling system that you can get the standard 500 with, but the driver and front passenger now interact with the system while seated in sport bucket seats with pass-throughs for racing harnesses (not included).

A new lease on life for Chevy Volt as demand picks up?

The Chevy Volt will restart production "earlier than previously planned" due to an uptick in demand, General Motors announced earlier this week, but will this help to quiet critics?
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle had been slated for a five-week production suspension, but that will be cut to four weeks, according to a report in the Detroit Free Press. This is "due to increased Volt sales since January and the need to meet demand in our strong markets, including California," GM said in a statement, according to the Free Press.
The Volt came under withering criticism from some in the media when GM suspended production in March.

Two Chrysler designs coming to the Beijing auto show

In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Chrysler Group just announced its return to the China market at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 23, with two new concepts.
According to a press release, Chrysler will unveil a Chrysler 300C design concept and a Jeep Wrangler design concept. Both are designed to appeal to the Chinese consumer.
Although Chrysler did not reveal any details, dark and vaguely revealing photos of the Jeep Wrangler concept show embossed leather seats, large black wheels, and a mesh grille. The Chrysler 300C offers a light, luxurious interior and a dark mysterious exterior.

California's autonomous car bill inches closer to reality

A bill that paves the way for autonomous cars to be driven on state roads cleared its first of many hurdles. California Senate Bill (SB) 1298 passed the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday on an 8 to 0 vote.
 The bill, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), will set up safety and performance standards for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California's public roads. The rules and regulations for robotic cars will be modeled after those already being used in Nevada.
 Autonomous vehicles will be required to meet all applicable safety standards and performance requirements in state and federal law, and the California Highway Patrol will consult with the Department of Motor vehicles to recommend additional requirements. The new legislation will permit the operation of autonomous vehicles on California's public roads by a licensed driver.
 Approval from the Senate Transportation Committee is the first of many steps on the path to the Governor's desk. Next, SB 1298 will move to the Senate Rules Committee for a possible referral to a second policy committee. Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, and Oklahoma are also currently considering autonomous vehicles legislation. Nevada began issuing permits to companies that want to test autonomous vehicles on state roads last month after they've documented 10,000 miles on private tracks or other roads under various conditions.

2014 Chevrolet Impala gallops into the New York auto show

NEW YORK--The 2014 Impala debuts with a new, muscular design that calls on equal parts Malibu and Camaro to create a look that Chevrolet says "looks much more expensive than it is." Classic Impala design cues, such as the leaping Impala emblem on the C pillar and the raised Impala lettering on a rear chrome bar, blend with the more modern Chevrolet design language to create a large sedan that, while a bit visually busy from certain angles, is athletic and muscular.
Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system will grace the Impala's dashboard with its large 8-inch color touch screen, keeping the driver and passenger informed and entertained. Skip the MyLink system and you'll still find yourself looking at a smaller 4.2-inch display. And keeping the passengers safe are a selection of new safety features, including full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. There's also an industry first front-center side airbag that, aside from being a mouthful, inflates between the front seats in a side collision to keep the front passengers from re-enacting an episode of the Three Stooges and knocking heads together.

Hyundai debuts the new 2013 Santa Fe...twice

NEW YORK--Today at the 2012 New York auto show, Hyundai debuted not one, but two new versions of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe for two different kinds of crossover buyers.
The first debut was the Santa Fe Sport, a small crossover that seats five. Under its hood, drivers have a choice between either a 190 horsepower direct-injected 2.4-liter engine that should net an estimated 33 highway mpg or the turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter engine that outputs 264 horsepower at the expense of a pair of highway mpg. If these engines sound familiar, it's because they're the same that you can find powering the Hyundai Sonata. Whether this shared architecture means we'll ever see a Santa Fe Hybrid, remains to be seen.
Like the Sonata, the Santa Fe defaults to a front-wheel-drive configuration with a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the sedan, however, Hyundai's new crossover can be optioned with an all-wheel drive system that sends power on demand to the rear axle. Through a combination of true torque vectoring and torque braking, Hyundai claims that the Santa Fe Sport can control traction to each individual wheel without the driver ever knowing the system has intervened.

Acura RLX flagship serves as tech showboat

NEW YORK--Acura's RL has long been a struggling warhorse, unable to keep the company ahead of the technology charge led by other automakers. But its replacement, the RLX, looks to at least put Acura back on the front lines.
 The RLX was shown off as a concept at the New York auto show, but in recent years Acura has tended to follow-through on its concept cars to production. The RLX concept is a meaty sedan with the Acura beak grille, but its proportions remain similar to that of the RL.
The size of the RLX could work against its being accepted as a full-size luxury car.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
 The choice to keep the car of a moderate length could hurt its bid to compete with the Lexus LSes and Mercedes-Benz S-classes of the world. But Acura promises a large, comfortable cabin with many high-tech features. As people get used to luxury in smaller packages, the RLX could be coming at the right time.
 Acura previously let out that this car would be a hybrid, so it was not hard to figure out that it would use a variation on the system powering the new NSX. Under the RLX's hood will be a direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 complemented by an electric motor to drive the front wheels. A dual electric motor array powers the rear wheels, giving the RLX all-wheel-drive.

Viper comes back, teeth sharpened

Instead of strict power to the wheels with no electronic interference, the new Viper comes with traction and stability control. An active suspension system lets the driver choose between street and track modes. Body work around its side pipe should even protect the legs of passengers getting out of the cabin.
Although refined, the Viper keeps its essential shape.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)
 But it would be foolish to lament the previously unfettered Viper, as technology has proven itself again and again in performance cars. The traction system on the new Viper enables launch control, making it possible to actually use all of the car's massive torque. The suspension system's street mode should also make possible to enjoy a Sunday drive, rather than seeking out a chiropractor the next Monday.

 With the 2013 Viper, it looks like the new SRT group was challenged to build a world-class super car, able to hold its own against the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the world. And it may have well succeeded.
 The new Viper gets many refinements over the old model. While retaining the same basic body design, new aerodynamic touches reduce drag. The hood and rear deck are made of carbon fiber, while the doors are made of aluminum, all helping to shave 100 pounds of weight off the car.
The Viper badge gets a new treatment.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)
Even the badge got a new design, suggested by Viper fans.
The seat shells are molded from carbon fiber and kevlar, also helping to hold down weight. SRT raised the roof over the driver and passenger seats to accommodate helmets. But the cabin is also more spacious than on the previous version of the car.

 What might really bother old Viper fans are the electronics used in the cabin. The LCD instrument cluster is more GT-R than Barney Oldfield, letting the driver configure the information display using steering wheel buttons. SRT even makes Chrysler's UConnect navigation head units available for the car.
The LCD instrument cluster display lets the driver configure the information.
(Credit: SRT)
 Despite all the niceties, SRT still throws big displacement under the hood with an 8.4-liter V-10. Made of aluminum, it generates 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the most torque of any naturally-aspirated production engine, according to SRT.
 Throwing any notion of fuel economy to the wind, SRT shortened the ratios of the Viper's six speed manual transmission. As the car hits its top speed in its top gear, every gear is given its full potential, occupying its own distinct place in the powerband. SRT has not yet said what sort of fuel economy the Viper will get, and it's probably best not to ask.

2009 New York: Mitsubishis i MiEV May Come to America

 This left-hand drive concept isn’t new (it debuted at the 2009 Geneva motor show), but the language surrounding its North American debut is quite interesting. Mitsubishi claims this iteration of i MiEV “hints at future possibilities,” and represents a step towards an eventual US-spec model.

 Changes to the basic i package make such dreams plausible. The i MiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car’s width – a scant 59.8 inches – is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection.
 In spite of these changes, the LHD concept shares its driveline with “normal” i MiEV prototypes. A 63-hp electric motor drives the rear wheels up to 81 mph, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. It takes approximately 7 hours to recharge the battery from 220-volt outlets (14 hours, if using a 110-volt source), although a three-phase ‘quick charger’ provides an 80-percent charge in approximately 30 minutes.
 In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, Mitsubishi says owners could also experience a cost benefit. Compared to the gasoline-powered i microcar, the electric version is nearly 66 percent less expensive to operate. If owners charge the i MiEV during off-peak hours, the car’s operating costs are 1/9th that of the gas i

This left-hand drive concept isn’t new (it debuted at the 2009 Geneva motor show), but the language surrounding its North American debut is quite interesting. Mitsubishi claims this iteration of i MiEV “hints at future possibilities,” and represents a step towards an eventual US-spec model.

 Changes to the basic i package make such dreams plausible. The i MiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car’s width – a scant 59.8 inches – is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection.
 In spite of these changes, the LHD concept shares its driveline with “normal” i MiEV prototypes. A 63-hp electric motor drives the rear wheels up to 81 mph, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. It takes approximately 7 hours to recharge the battery from 220-volt outlets (14 hours, if using a 110-volt source), although a three-phase ‘quick charger’ provides an 80-percent charge in approximately 30 minutes.
 In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, Mitsubishi says owners could also experience a cost benefit. Compared to the gasoline-powered i microcar, the electric version is nearly 66 percent less expensive to operate. If owners charge the i MiEV during off-peak hours, the car’s operating costs are 1/9th that of the gas i

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a Top Safety Pick. The Japanese automaker's small crossover joined the Lancer as the second Mitsubishi to receive the designation after the IIHS revised its safety tests to include more

Ode to the Audi A8:

For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that my dream car is the Audi A8. It’s one of the reasons why I was inspired to start this blog. I figured the more I wrote about the A8, that dream of owning one would become a reality. Although it hasn’t happened yet, I’m determined and confident that I will have one.

Audi Q7 Limo: The Best Wedding Car

 June is here and that means many weddings taking place all over the world. Planning your big arrival is just as important as the big day itself. For a memorable day you need a memorable car. Any car enthusiast should take careful consideration in what car they roll up in, it sets the tone. Of course, we’re a little biased, but we think the Audi Q7 limo would be the best wedding car for the happy couple...

So after the excitement of the big day, what is there to look forward to? After weekends filled with DIY and trips to the in-laws, did you know that most couples will be eligible for a reduction in car insurance rates following the nuptials?
 Marriage is meant to be all about committing your love to another person who you promise to spend the rest of your life with in sickness and in health. However, if you are a newly wed or thinking of popping the question, did you know that marriage can have a

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro MT6 Coupe

 Ever since the Audi A5 coupe model was unveiled back in 2007, it has drawn quite a bit of attention for its style, design, and 258 lbs of torque.  It has 211 horsepower, but don't let that number fool you.  This car has powerThe A5 coupe we tested was a 2.0 TFSI quattro with 6-speed manual transmission.  As much as we were tempted to take it to the 180 mph limit, we had to restrain ourselves and cruise at 80 mph.   The ride was cool and smooth like vanilla ice cream going down your throat on a summer day.
The Interior
 Even in a coupe model, Audi ensured that no detail was overlooked.  Being in a car like this makes you feel stylish and sleek even if you're just wearing sweats and heading to the grocery store.  But you may not want to wear sweats because heads will turn and people will stop you in parking lots to ask you about the car.  Don't say we didn't warn you.
 The leather 8-way power seats with driver lumbar and aluminum "hologram" interior trim throughout definitely made an impression.  The dark walnut wood inlays are an extra, but added even more style to an already stylish interior.  Can you say luxurious?

Being a coupe model, it was to be expected that tall people were not allowed in the back seat, and if a tall person was driving the car, only one person could sit in the back.  However, the interior comfort that is likened to a luxury sedan more than made up for the lack of leg room.
 Surprisingly, though, the trunk has plenty of space if two people want to take a weekend road trip to say, Las Vegas, like we did.  We were able to fit a big keyboard, two medium-sized bags, and a few laptop bags in the trunk.

2011 Audi A3 TDI FWD S-Tronic

In my idea of a perfect world, everyone would be driving cars that get excellent fuel mileage. Until that time comes, thank goodness for the Audi A3 TDI.
 Before I had the opportunity to test drive the A3, I kept wondering if the U.S. was ready and willing to pay for a compact luxury car. The model I tested has a base price of $30,250.00, which features four-wheel drive and a S-Tronic transmission. When I asked a friend if she was would pay that much for a compact car, she told me that if she was single without kids she could picture herself in an A3. However, for $30K, she’d much rather buy a van.

WantAnR8 Campaign

It's time to summon up the creative energy, Audi R8 fans. The twitter campaign that made dreams come true for a few R8 enthusiasts has made its way back to Twitter land. According to Audi, the Twitter hashtag #WantAnR8 has been used over 75,000 times. We probably think it's much more.

Volkswagen CC

Anyone around the office that’s known me for any length of time knows that the less-than-stellar quality experience I had with my fourth-gen GTI left quite an impression on me. So, I’m still an admitted VW skeptic. But I have to admit I was a big fan of the original CC’s styling. When I first saw photos of the 2013 restyle, I thought VW had “ruined” the CC by trying to rigidly apply its new, more conservative corporate design language to this formerly flamboyant, stylish four-door coupe. Thankfully, the restyle looks much more coherent in person. Another added bonus as part of the restyle is the optional addition of a middle seatbelt in the back row, making it a snug, but useable five-seater. I think this will do a lot to expand the CC’s appeal, even if the extra seat is never actually utilized. I still think my Sonata is nearly as stylish as the CC, and infinitely roomier and more practical, but kudos to VW for a tasteful update.

Range Rover Evoque

I don’t think I’d personally own one of these, and feel it’s a little overpriced for what it is. Yes, yes, I know it just won our Sport/Utility of the Year award, but that doesn’t make it an instant personal purchase prospect. Okay, if I’m seemingly so ambivalent about it, why is it on my “favorites” list? Because Land Rover had the cojones to introduce a 2-door compact SUV when nearly everyone else, with the exception of the Jeep Wrangler, has given up on the narrow niche. Granted, just about the only thing the Wrangler and Evoque have in common are four wheels and headlights, but I can appreciate that Range Rover wanted to make a style statement with the Evoque. In both two and four-door form, I’d say it succeeded.

Ford Focus/Fiesta ST

I would gladly take either of these hot-hatch specimens. Having previously owned a Mazda Protege 5 and a VW GTI, I was instantly attracted to this duo. At this stage in my life, I’d probably go for the slightly larger, plusher Focus, but would not sneeze at the Fiesta. Both are solid efforts and show beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ford is intent on being top-and-center on enthusiast shopping lists.