0
0
April 1, 2010
NYIAS: The New Subaru WRX and STI
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
Today marked the official introduction of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and STi, effectively raising the bar on all sport compacts. So what’s new about the WRX and STi? Read on…
March 31, 2010
NYIAS: The New A-Team Van
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
There’s a new A-Team movie out this summer, and if you grew up on the original series, the ultimate icon for the show was that tough black GMC van. Well, the van is back, and I for one am glad to see that the producers didn’t substitute the original with an Express. This van is so badass, and who knows, it may very well give the vanner some traction. Well, maybe not. More pics below the jump!
January 20, 2010
2011 Mustang Still a Bargain
By Rob Einaudi
Editor-in-Chief
The 300 hp V6 Stang will start just under $23k, including destination charges, and the new 412 hp 5.0 GT will be priced just over the $30k mark, including destination charges. See the full PDF at The Mustang Source.
Which reminds me of the Mustang conversations I had with the Ford guys at NAIAS. J Mays told me that they have already started preliminary work on the 50th anniversary Stang for 2014. He said he’d like to see the car shrink down a bit and told me that IRS would be “logical” for the next generation pony car. Regarding the current generation Mustang, Mays said we can expect more special editions, though he refused to be specific when I asked him about Boss Mustangs, Bullitt Mustangs and the Mach 1.
Continue reading after the jump!
January 19, 2010
J Mays: The Good Stuff is Coming!
Atomicalex
“Oh, it’s you two! I love you guys! Let’s talk about cars!” J Mays broke away to greet Rob and I as we worked our way through the Ford stand at NAIAS. And Rob and I love J Mays, Global Executive Vice President for Design at Ford. We sat down for a few minutes with Mays to chat yellow Mustangs, the future of the hatchback (that’s five-door to you!), the lack of Ranger, and what to expect for a Crown Vic replacement. Details after the jump!
January 15, 2010
Tiki Jeep
Atomicalex
It’s a good thing that Chysler hasn’t messed with the Wrangler. About the only thing you can do to it without messing up what could be the perfect vehicle is come out with new appearance packages. The Islander trim includes neoprene seats with tiki images, island blue paint, and some new hood stickers. 100% show, but who cares? It’s still an Wrangler underneath. More pics after the jump.
Ram Truck Cut-Away
Atomicalex
I love it when manufacturers cut away entire vehicles. This Ram was on display at the NAIAS this year. Two detail shots after the jump.
January 14, 2010
Jim Federico: This (Regal GS) is a Test
Atomicalex
“This is a test. We need to see where the market goes.” Jim Federico, Vehicle Line Executive for Global Midsize Vehicles, is excited about the future for the Buick Regal brand at GM. The Regal will launch this year and is an important addition to the line – it’s the first Buick in a long time that sheds cushy in favor of performance. To make his point, Jim notes that “The GS is the return of turbocharging to Buick.” The importance of this is not lost on us – our next question was “what about GN?” That’s where the test line comes in: if the Regal GS does well, Federico says that a GN is “not out of the question.” More on the future for Buick and the Regal after the jump.
Continue reading "Jim Federico: This (Regal GS) is a Test" »
January 13, 2010
Mike Simcoe: Going Global with Design at Chevy
Atomicalex
“There’s no doubt about it, it’s an amazing place. The history, the ghosts. You know you are somewhere special.” That’s how Mike Simcoe, Executive Director of Design for Chevrolet, describes working at GM Tech Center’s design studios in Warren, MI. Designed by Eero Saarinen at the height of the Atomic Age, the complex is an mid-century masterpiece and a place where design and style invade every view. It’s the perfect place to lead a design renaissance from. Simcoe talked to me about the new global design language for Chevrolet, and no, it does not specify two tail lights on every car. More after the jump.
Continue reading "Mike Simcoe: Going Global with Design at Chevy" »
NAIAS: Walking Around the EcoXperience
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
On the lower floor of the Cobo Hall Convention Center, there was a track (of sorts) that was set up so everyone could pilot an electric (or Hybrid) vehicle. There were many models that were made available by the various manufacturers, even models that were not on sale in the US yet. There were cars from Tango, CT&T, Think, Mitsubishi (which is odd because they didn’t attend the show), Mercedes Benz, Smart, and GM.
NAIAS – A Lick of Mercury
Neuwerks
Inside (or next to) the Ford booth at NAIAS, exists a small, little known division of Ford Motor company, known as Mercury. A brand most of us relate to our grandparents or older neighbors, more than the live youthful image they attempted with models like the ill-fated Cougar sport coupe.
Feeling like somewhat of an afterthought next to Ford, Volvo, and Lincoln, Mercury featured only three of their current models. Present at NAIAS 2010, are the Milan, Mariner, and Mountaineer. Sadly for those interested in their full size RWD car, the Grand Marquis, it was not present. Could this be the last time we see of Mercury at NAIAS? Time will tell, but at least we got a small taste!
