Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet, GM

In the wake of the Chevy Beat news that started pounding the wires before the 4th of July weekend, the Wall Street Journal reached out to Bob Lutz for some commentary on the topic. Lutz, in an email to the Journal, said, “We always thought we’d do it at some point, but now it obviously enjoys a much higher priority.” Based on what the Journal says, this loosely translates to “the 2012 timeframe.” Unfortunately for GM, this is a car that its U.S. operation needs approximately yesterday. It would behoove the brain trust in the RenCen to stop debating this and simply end all the speculation by formally announcing a U.S. Beat and attaching a timetable, already (as in, now). We think that the car’s appearance as an Autobot in next summer’s Transformers follow-up will help create enough public interest for that GM will be forced to make some sort declaration if they haven’t by then already (TF2 opens on June 26, 2009).

As we’ve suggested, GM would probably do itself a big favor by greenlighting production versions of all three Triplet concepts, sending the Trax (also featured in TF2) and Groove to showrooms, too. The argument that Americans aren’t into small cars/econocars/hatchbacks is quickly losing water, as automaker sales numbers would attest. There’s a reason the Civic now outsells the F-150 and that the Hyundai Accent saw a 70% jump last month. Toyota isn’t adding the 5-door Yaris to the U.S. lineup on a whim, either. Market forces, in the form of elevated fuel prices, are altering the landscape, and people are a lot more willing to look at (and buy) something smaller and more economical. It’s just reality. The longer General Motors deliberates, the longer it’s going to get beaten by competitors who have product ready to go right now. Don’t wait for for the popcorn-chompers to play focus group and beg for these cars next summer. Grow a set and make the announcement now. Who would’ve thought that Michael Bay has a better vision of the future than the General itself? In his, GM’s cool, stylish minicars will be on the streets next summer. We know that’s not possible in real life, but GM needs embrace the fact that a market now exists in the United States for the Beat (and its siblings) and make the obvious call.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Supercars, Ferrari, Rumormill

Dino fans rejoice, the rumormill is churning out plenty of grist about a V6 power unit in the offing for some future Ferraris. The California is already getting a V8, so Prancing Horse fans wishing for a “Dino II” will remain unfulfilled, but new approaches to high performance are key to keeping Ferrari at the zenith of autodom, lest it fall down the nostalgia hole that’s seen Jaguar nearly suffocate on its own pillowy upholstery. The case for a V6 would be partly the banal issues of emissions and consumption, and a six might also offer weight and packaging advantages, though the rumors of a turbocharged mill add plumbing, weight, and complexity back into the mix. Additionally, anyone who’s ever given the boot to a turbocharged engine can attest that forced induction’s ability to make small engines flex big muscles, it can also lead to big-league fuel swilling, poking holes in the idea that a turbo V6 might save a lot of fuel over the direct-injected V8. Like any automaker, Ferrari is certainly looking at all sorts of “what if” ideas that will never reach production to find the right solution for the myriad technical challenges facing any automaker, let alone an exotic manufacturer. One thing’s certain: a turbo V6 with Ferrari emblazoned along the cam covers would shriek with a proper Italian accent, and you have to respect any company that violently spits on the ground when the terms “SUV” or “Four-Door” are whispered.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

These images, released this morning in Europe, reveal a less confronting design than the previous model. That edition of the 7 Series was the first to bear the mark of style-meister Chris Bangle, whose design gambits appear to be present mainly about the car’s rear. The latest generation appears to have acquired a more streamlined shape, if not quite so “sporty” as some pundits had forecast.

This is crucial in reducing drag _ a central tenet in BMW’s much-touted efficient dynamics philosophy, which in the past decade has seen the German marque reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent across its passenger vehicle line-up.

Most important is the latest range of engines, of which the bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is the star with its 300kW and 600Nm.

Yet for all its output, BMW claim consumption in combined conditions of 11.4litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100km and emission of 266 grams of CO2 per kilometre _ figures that compare favourably with locally-produced six-cylinder family cars and make an Aussie bent eight seem Jurassic.

The sedan version of the 7 Series accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and the bigger limo wouldn’t be far behind.

The other engine available from launch is an enhanced version of the award-winning bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline six, boosted to 240kW and 450Nm. This engine moves the 740i from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, uses 9.9L/100km on the European combined cycle while emitting 232g/km of CO2.

All engines are Euro V compliant - appreciably greener than any Australian government requirements. The others in the 7 Series are designated 740i and 750i, with the 140mm longer wheelbase versions called 740Li and 750Li.

All models have a six-speed automatic transmission with an electronic gear selector and power going through the rear wheels. Lately BMW’s steering, with and without active steering, has been criticised. The integral active steering system makes its debut as an option on the hydraulic rack-and-pinion set-up of the 7 Series.

BMW says that this applies active steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering. Dynamic damping control and dynamic driving control are standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map, are varied by the dynamic driving control button on the centre console. This offers comfort, normal and sports settings. A special traction mode and sports+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available for owners and chaffeurs who fancy pushing on a bit.

The 7 Series is the most driver orientated car in its class and the newcomer is likely to continue in this vein, despite the continued handicap of run-flat tyres. Against the harsh riding boots there is an updated air suspension system.

BMW makes much of the weight-saving measures. The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible. The engines are also aluminium.

The Bavarians have persisted with the iDrive multimedia system, known even to the more polite critics as “bloody iDrive”. The mildly revised system is here given a larger display with high-resolution graphics and a better menu structure. Like more recent Bimmers it gets direct selection buttons.

The latest 7 Series makes its international debut later this year and arrives locally in 2009. Further pricing, specification and information for Australia will follow closer to launch, although prices should start from about $185,000.

Filed under: Time Warp, SUVs, Euro, Land Rover, UK, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for more renderings of the Bell Aurens Longnose

Few things define British motoring better than a Land Rover and the classic roadster. So, why not combine the two? While the vehicles share nothing in common except their status as iconis, two German Brit-car aficionados have melded the two vehicle classes into the Bell Aurens Longnose Land Rover. The end result is somewhat reminiscent of a Willys Jeepster, though it’s far more serious in intent. Custom bodywork sits atop a classic Land Rover Series chassis, to which V8 or V12 power is added — it’s up to the buyer. Four-wheel-drive and low-range gearing assure that the Landie’s off-road credentials are left fully intact.

Based on the rendering above, the vehicle certainly looks long and low, with no protection from the elements to speak of. Its lengthy bonnet leads to a passenger compartment fronted by folding windscreens. A choice of rear end styles will be available, including an optional boattail, perfect for fording muddy waters. You can read the long-winded press release in its entirety over at The Land Rover Chronicles.

[Source: The Land Rover Chronicles]

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

What’s the best way to pay for gas these days? Trading gas for sex? Opting for Chrysler’s “Let’s Refuel America” plan? Wait for GM to bring the Chevy Beat to the U.S.? Or perhaps just steal it. Yes, these are all options that made the pages of AutoblogGreen yesterday - some a little more sensible than others, of course.

• How bad do you need it? Gas for sex deal goes awry in Kentucky
• At Witz’ End - Gas Prices - What To Do, What To Do?
• No brainer of the day! GM to bring Chevy Beat to US market
• Gas-siphoning HUMMER leads police on high-speed chase
• Michigan governor proposes reducing speed limit to save gas
• Sensible AAA recomments not trying “dangerous fuel-saving techniques”
• Long Beach study shows gas/hybrid buses get lower mileage than diesel
• Tata Nano production to start this fall, greener variants coming
• EPIC calls for some unity on the ethanol issue, darnit
• VIDEO: Top Gear looks at alternative fuels in 1990
• Environmentally conscious drivers sticking with biodiesel even at higher prices
• Chrysler thinks “Let’s Refuel America” gas lock plan just wasn’t offered long enough
• Man falls in love with his Xingyue enclosed scooter
• UNICA says 4th of July is the right time to end ethanol tariffs
• Volvo pinning hopes on small cars, diesels
• 2009 BMW 7-series leaks, possible hybrid coming in a year
• Daimler sets up sustainability board
• Fox Business wants you to keep your trucks
• Dealership can’t sell trucks, sells scooters instead
• Gordon Murray’s Type-25 city car gets fleshed out