TSX to House Acura’s First Hybrid Powertrain
Geely Maintaining Low Profile as Volvo’s New Owner
Ford Motor is finalizing its sale of Volvo to Geely International, one of China’s premier car manufacturers. The sale was long expected, but it still comes as an uneasy pill to swallow for Volvo’s following. Geely execs privately assured both Ford and Volvo management that they would not interfere with the Swedish brand’s operations…yet.
Geely’s strategy is to take a hands-off approach and finance projects underway. Geely and Volvo are expecting the new S60, the brand’s midsize saloon, to attract new buyers and bring steady revenue. If all goes well there, Volvo should receive further funding for its extended-range electric powertrain development and a likely revival and expansion of the hi-po “R” line. Expect a lot to be made of the C30 in the near-future in both cases.
The Best Concept of the Decade is…
…the Cadillac Sixteen.
More than any other unmade concept, the Sixteen has been recurring topic of discussion. It both hearkened back to a glorious past and showcased potential for the future. Had it not been for outside circumstances, a Caddy could have earned the title of “Standard of the World.”
The Sixteen was all about old-world extravagance. The outside was bold, but the inside was bolder. The interior composed of premium hand-stitched leathers, woods, and chrome, but managed to be classical minimalist. The engine was a naturally aspirated 13.6 L V-16 capable of producing 1,000 hp. About the only thing to disapprove of was the meager 4-spd. A/T.
But in a decade of four bucks a gal. gas, climate change, and bankruptcies, the Sixteen never stood a chance.
The story doesn’t end on that sour note.
The recent Converj, a stylish coupe evoking the Sixteen’s style with hybrid technology, is on its way to production–assuming GM lasts that long. At least with that, there is a bright spot in this story.
This Week’s Winner: Porsche Panamera
Yes, it is the most hideous thing to have four doors since the Aztek; but the Panamera has earned almost unanimous praise as perhaps the best sport sedan on the market. Porsche may have failed on styling, but it succeeded in bringing the sports car spirit to the Euro saloon. We haven’t touched a Panamera Turbo yet, but we’re beginning to wonder if it is indeed better than our beloved Audi RS4. We didn’t think it could be possible, but Bloomberg, Autoblog, Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are forcing to rethink our attitude.
Ugliness Aside, Bloomberg Makes Panamera Its Top Car
Joining the blind crews of Autoblog and Edmunds comes business group Bloomberg, which was so turned on by the ghastly Porsche sedan so as to select it as Car of the Year. Yeah, nobody gives a rat’s ass about Bloomberg’s auto opinions, but ailing Porsche was quick to send out a press release highlighting the honor.
We still think it’s the ugliest thing on the road.
Image Gallery: Infiniti M
The redesigned Infiniti M aims to pierce the BMW 5’s heart once and for all. The new exterior features a curvier look seen with the G37 and Maxima. The interior has been fully upgraded with wood accents, leather-wrapping, improved stereo, and a revised driver OS. The base M37 will employ a 330 hp 3.7 L V-6 found in the G37; the higher-level M56 will use a 420 hp 5.6 L V-8. A gas-electric 3.5 L six will be released for 2012.
Image Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide
The Aston Rapide marks the company’s first modern saloon. The car features the routine Aston styling and outstanding interior. The Rapide features a premium Bang & Olufson sound, heated memory seats, track-grade braking, rear-seat LCDs, and an centralized driver OS. The Rapide is equipped with a 6.0 L V-12 generating 470 hp mated to 6-spd. “Touchtronic” gearbox. Top speed will hover around 180 mph, with 60 hit in five seconds. Pricing is set at $200,000 and production is to be between one and two thousand units a year, depending on the pace of demand.
Image Gallery: Audi A8
Press Release:
Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.
Read more
Image Gallery: Buick Regal
“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”
Buick Regal to Only Have Four-Cylinder Engines
The third model in the new Buick lineup, the Regal, will be equipped with only two inline four-cylinder engines: a 2.4 L putting out 182 hp and an optional turbo 2.0 producing 220 hp. The Regal, based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, will cover the smaller-end of the Buick luxury menu–aiming at the likes of the Acura TSX and Lexus IS250.
The I-4 engines are meant to promote GM’s greener image, but the 3,600 lb. curb weight has us wondering. The TSX and IS also have optional sixes: is it wise for GM to discount those extra two cylinders? Folks agree the LaCrosse was a step in the right direction, but the Regal looks and sounds drab. Buick is in shaky waters, and this addition isn’t quite inspiring us…yet.
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