Archive for March 8th, 2010

Report: Audi working on successor to A2 with electric drivetrain?

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Audi

Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 – the quirky little hatch that never came to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.

“There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it’s likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.

[Source: AutoWeek] Read more…

A Mild Wind: Notes from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO – Making a minivan visually exciting is pretty much like making cold fusion. Honda has taken another shot at improving the humble minivan’s image, and it may finally have succeeded. The 2011 Odyssey, previewed in a “concept” that showed no interior and is probably a few millimeters off the production model in each dimension, is as sexy as minivans get.

Honda says the new Odyssey is designed to appeal to what its marketing mavens call “hesitators,” who apparently are people too wishy-washy to decide whether or not their images can withstand driving one. The new minivan has a more rakish windshield, a tapered roofline and what design chief Catalin Matei calls a “lightning bolt” beltline. It’s longer, lower and wider than the old minivan, with more interior space and will come with a V-6 using Honda’s variable cylinder management, standard on all trim levels. It helps boost fuel mileage from the current 17/25 mpg to 19/28.

It looks good for a minivan, though even that statement is relative. After all, it shares floor space with the Accord, Crosstour and Pilot.

Read more…

Chrysler to use Fiat’s MultiAir engines

Chrysler has announced a raft of new engines for its line-up, which it says will boost the overall fuel-efficiency of its vehicles by 25% between now and 2014.

The engines are taken from Fiat’s range, and include direct injection, turbocharged, and Multiair units, plus dual-clutch transmissions. Chrysler said 80% of its vehicles across all its brands will get the new technology.

Among the line-up is two Multiair 4 cylinder units: a 100bhp 1.4 litre unite with 95lb ft of torque and a turbocharged 1.4 litre unit with 170bhp and 170lb ft of torque. A 190bhp 2.4-liter Multiair unit putting out 175 lb ft of torque will also be available. A 280bhp 3.4 litre V6 Multiair unit with 260 lb ft of torque will also be available and will first be available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee later next year.

Chrysler says that it will start selling vehicles with a new 6 speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) from later this year, with the next generation Sebring thought most likely to get the unit first. A hybrid Ram 1500 will also go on sale later this year.

One of the conditions attached to Fiat’s shareholding in Chrysler being expanded in future was that the Italian manufacturer must reach emissions targets with the U.S brand. Read more…

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Toyota prices redesigned Avalon, Sienna minivan w/Auto Access Seat [w/video]

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Toyota, Specialty, Luxury

Toyota has officially announced pricing for the updated 2011 Avalon which made its public debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Additionally, pricing has been released for the Sienna with Auto Access Seat, which is the first factory-installed power access seat available in a minivan.

The Avalon, which goes on sale later this month, starts at $32,245, which is the same starting MSRP as the outgoing 2010 model. Higher-grade Limited models start at $35,485, which represents an increase of $200 over the 2010 model. All Avalons use Toyota’s 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-i dual variable valve timing, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the slightly revised styling (look very closely), 2011 Avalons feature plusher interior amenities, as well as more up-to-date technological features.

Toyota’s 2011 Sienna is just now starting to hit dealerships, but customers with special passenger needs can now option for the Auto Access Seat model, which incorporates a power second-row captain’s chair making it easier for folks with mobility issues to enter and exit the van. The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered up to 19 inches to make ingress and egress substantially easier for passengers, and the seat’s operation is controlled by either seat-mounted controls or a wireless remote. The Auto Access Seat is available on LE and XLE V6 Siennas for $35,135 and $39,445, respectively. Hit the jump to see a video of the Auto Access Seat in action.

Pricing for both models does not include destination charges – $750 for the Avalon and $800 for the Sienna. Follow the jump to read the full information in Toyota’s press release.

Read more…

Toyota hits back at David Gilbert’s “no fault code” demonstration

Filed under: Safety, Toyota

In a video webcast for the media that concluded a just a few moments ago, Toyota hit back at the “simulated unintended acceleration” demonstration that was shown by ABC News late last month. When we saw the original report, we postulated that the condition Gilbert produced may not be representative of a scenario that can actually happen in the real world, and judging by Toyota’s findings, we were right.

As reported on Friday, Toyota went to an independent testing firm called Exponent to attempt to replicate the results from the Gilbert study. Dr. Shukri J. Souri of Exponent acknowledged that Gilbert did indeed create a scenario that produced what looked like a valid accelerator pedal signal to the electronic engine management system. But before demonstrating how the test was performed, Souri explained how the pedal sensor wiring works and showed how the connector is constructed. As we expected, Gilbert’s testing methods and ABC News’ report are very much in question. Make the jump for our full breakdown.

Report: GM scouring the globe for next Corvette design, first time looking beyond U.S.

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

The Chevrolet Corvette is a uniquely American invention. It’s the quintessential sportscar from the land that brought us baseball and apple pie. Interesting, then, that General Motors would choose to seek out design studies from its various styling studios from all around the globe, particularly those in Europe.

According to AutoWeek, though, that’s just what GM’s vice president of global design, Ed Welburn, did late last year when the time came for The General to start drafting proposals for the next-gen Corvette. Why would GM consider looking at European design flavors for its oh-so-American, V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sportscar? Demographics. According to Welburn, “We have challenges in the States with the Corvette. The average age of the customer is really rising.”

That average age, for those keeping track, is 54 years-old (so says the Power Information Network). And it seems that the import-favoring younger generation in America isn’t all that interested in the current ‘Vette, a fact that has undoubtedly played a part in the Corvette’s 48-percent sales decline in 2009 over the previous year.

One thing’s for certain – its certainly not the Vette’s all-conquering performance that’s holding it back. Perception seems to be a bigger problem. “We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has,” said Welburn, referring to the notion that many believe the current Corvette looks too big despite being roughly the same size as the benchmark Porsche 911. We might also suggest that GM needs to gag the beancounters who will undoubtedly threaten to nickel-and-dime the quality out of the next Vette’s interior.

Read more…

Tata Indigo Manza: Price in Bangalore

Price of Tata Indigo Manza in Bangalore
All prices (indicative) ex-showroom as of Feb 2010, prices may vary

Tata Indigo Manza Saffire Petrol

Tata Indigo Manza (Safire) Aqua - Rs 4,68,819/-
Tata Indigo Manza (Safire) Aura - Rs 5,02,828/-
Tata Indigo Manza (Safire) Aura ABS: – Rs 5,26,880/-
Tata Indigo Manza (Safire) Aura+ – Rs 5,75,545/-

Tata Indigo Manza Quadrajet Diesel

Read more…

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