Flybrian

Reminds me of the Nitro...

Concept to Production Saturn PreVUE (2006) | Opel Antera (2007) | Saturn VUE (2008)

Acura “Advanced Sedan Concept” Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show LOS ANGELES, Calif. November 29, 2006 – The Acura “Advanced Sedan Concept” made its world debut today at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Created by Acura’s Los Angeles-based advanced design team, the concept features a modern, powerful exterior while retaining an ultra luxurious feel. “The Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura’s commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style,” said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations. “With our advanced design team taking a significant role in shaping future vehicle design, we can expect upcoming products to reflect this progressive, forward-thinking styling.” The Advanced Sedan Concept is the purest expression of advanced design, performance and luxury, highlighted by its powerful, wide stance and deeply sculpted surfaces. The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence. The concept’s generous exterior proportions suggest that a large, powerful engine lurks beneath the surface. The exterior lines reveal a sheer, sculpted lower body contrasted with a taut, architectural cabin. Although ultra-modern in its design, the concept retains the classic silhouette associated with a flagship sedan. Low to the ground, the concept is anchored by large 22 inch front and 23 inch rear tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful brake discs and calipers accent the wheels and large ducts direct cooling air to the components. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s muscular appearance. The sleek, compact cockpit nestles atop the sculpted body and flows from hood to trunk. For a unique panoramic view, the roof is constructed entirely of tinted glass that shades the occupants while still connecting them to the outside world. “We wanted to capture the essence of an ultra luxurious sedan but give it a striking, mysterious presence to create a vehicle with a dual personality,” said Dave Marek, chief designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “The concept echoes this quality with its clean exterior lines, a wide, stance, high performance cues and key luxury accents.” The hood is accented with pronounced character lines that culminate in the aggressive five-sided grille, which contributes to the sedan’s bold presence. The commanding grille is constructed of polished aluminum and features a cut crystal Acura emblem. The narrow headlights also double as air intakes and are positioned low on the bumper, further enhancing the sedan’s already commanding 79.5 inch width. “The front of the sedan communicates power and luxury,” explains Marek. “The pronounced hood and large grille communicate performance, while the jewel-like Acura emblem captures the essence of pure luxury.” In the rear, the Advanced Sedan Concept has a flush mounted rear bumper with the high-mounted stop lamp integrated into the center break of the trunk. The jeweled taillights are pushed to the outer edge of the bumper to further enhance the vehicle’s wide and low appearance, while integrated dual exhaust outlets complement the sedan’s performance-oriented style. During the past decade, several Acura vehicles have been designed and developed in the U.S. including the award winning MDX luxury SUV, the innovative TL performance luxury sedan and the all-new RDX turbocharged crossover SUV. Acura will continue the expansion of its U.S. design capabilities with the addition of a dedicated Acura Design Center that will open next year in Torrance, Ca.

Marquette

Probably for 2008.

More pics added at first post!

Press Release Styling concept mixes sports car attitude with everyday functionality LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2006 – The Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on agile and fun-to-drive performance that can also provide exceptional practicality as a daily driver. Sports car in shape and design, the low-slung REMIX features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience. The aluminum-color exterior accentuates every line and curve in the geometric, yet fluid styling. Capable of delivering more than just driving performance, the rear storage area supplies generous cargo room. “Pure Honda to the core, the REMIX concept vehicle focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun-to-drive philosophy,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality.” The REMIX Small Sport Concept is a product of the Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Purely a design concept, the vehicle is fashioned around a front-wheel drive small car platform with a 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission. A sport suspension, along with aggressive tires and brakes, further supplement its performance side. “The REMIX blends familiar Honda themes into a new, fresh design,” said Ben Davidson, REMIX lead designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “Smooth and fluid surfaces provide a sports car identity to the geometric shapes that form the functional aspect of this vehicle.”

Press Release HONDA RUINS LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITH STEP BUS CONCEPT LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2006 – Designed around city nightlife and high energy lifestyles, the Honda Step Bus Concept represents the ultimate expression of Honda packaging prowess with a mid-engine design and a fully maximized and quickly adaptable interior. The highly configurable, high-tech interior provides ultimate urban utility from the outside in. Sliding front doors with a space efficient design let people enter and exit in tight spaces. Although micro in exterior size, the cavernous interior can harbor large amounts of band equipment, sports gear and other bulky items. “Following the traditional Honda theme of ‘man maximum, machine minimum,’ the Step Bus seeks to create the largest possible interior with the smallest possible exterior,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This innovative concept vehicle shows how large functionality can easily exist within small vehicle packages.” The Step Bus Concept is a product of the Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Wako design center in Saitama prefecture, Japan. Purely a styling concept, the vehicle uses a mid-engine, rear wheel drive platform with a small displacement power plant. The 5-passenger interior features modular construction with a spacious interior. The modular construction is highlighted by tracks in the door that can hold beverage containers, cell phones and more. Advanced technology includes a next-generation navigation system. The tall body provides room for a ceiling-mounted storage tray. Painted in light green metallic, the body design embraces a bold vertical architecture style that creates a large presence within a small space.

Volkswagen is still surprising. Nissan, too.

The Land Cruiser, yes. The LX has never, ever been worth its $10-15k premium.

Good to see he's doing his part by quitting using aerosol coloring for his gray hair.

GM @ LAIAS 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Press Release 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Image Gallery For release: Nov. 29, 2006, 12 p.m. EST GMC EXPANDS ITS PROFESSIONAL GRADE PORTFOLIO TO INCLUDE THE 2008 YUKON HYBRID Design Meets Technology With the World’s First Two-Mode Hybrid System in an SUV LOS ANGELES – The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, featuring the world’s first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV, will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy when it arrives at dealerships toward the end of next year. By utilizing innovative hybrid technology and Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, the Yukon Hybrid will deliver a spectacular combination of fuel efficiency and power, while maintaining the capabilities of a full-size SUV. “GMC has always stood for engineering excellence, so we’re extremely proud to be the first to market with a two-mode hybrid SUV to further improve our segment-leading fuel economy while providing all the performance you expect from GMC,” said John Larson, general manager, GMC. The GMC Yukon Hybrid is powered by an aluminum small-block Vortec V-8 engine that maintains important performance attributes of full-size trucks, such as towing at 6,000 pounds. To offset the added weight from the hybrid propulsion system, GM redesigned certain vehicle components to optimize aerodynamics. These design changes include a new hood, front and rear fascias and a sleek GMC grille. While traditional full hybrid systems offer only one electric mode that is utilized during low-speed driving, GM is teaming up with DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group to co-develop the two-mode hybrid system, which is a patented fuel-saving technology with one mode for city driving and one mode for highway driving. The first mode of the system is for low speed and light loads. In this mode, the hybrid system can operate with electric power only, engine power only and any combination of engine and electric power. When the first mode operates as electric only, fuel consumption is reduced in heavy stop-and-go traffic by shutting off the engine for extended periods of time and moving exclusively under electric power at low speeds. The second mode is primarily used at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing and late-intake valve closure, to allow even more efficient engine operation with electric motors less than half the size of a traditional “one-mode” hybrid system. Full eight-cylinder engine power is provided when conditions demand it, such as passing, towing or climbing a steep grade. The two-mode system also leverages a four-speed automatic transmission and electronic controls in an integrated, powerful and compact system that can be used with gas and diesel engines, front- and rear-wheel-drive configurations and cars, trucks and SUVs. “The GMC Yukon Hybrid will be equipped with unique powertrain technology that provides a terrific combination of fuel economy, performance and towing capability in a full-size SUV,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. “The Yukon Hybrid’s 25-percent composite fuel efficiency improvement highlights GM’s commitment to save as much fuel as possible by applying hybrid technology to the highest fuel-consuming vehicles first.” GMC is a division of General Motors Corp. GMC markets Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Envoy, Canyon and Savana. GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks and SUVs delivers capabilities and unique features to fit every active lifestyle. GMC sold more than 566,000 vehicles in 2005, and has set divisional sales records 11 times in the last 13 years. More information on GMC and its products can be found at www.gmc.com.

GM @ LAIAS 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Image Gallery 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Press Release

GM @ LAIAS 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line Image Gallery 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line Press Release

GM @ LAIAS 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line Press Release 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line Image Gallery For release: Nov. 29, 2006, 12 p.m. EST 2007 SATURN AURA GREEN LINE HYBRID SEDAN OFFERS AFFORDABILITY AND IMPRESSIVE FUEL ECONOMY LOS ANGELES –The Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid, introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, will deliver at least a 25-percent fuel economy improvement over the non-hybrid Aura XE for a premium of less than $2,500. The Aura Green Line’s base price is expected to start below $23,000. “The introduction of the Aura Green Line broadens Saturn’s commitment to customers of enabling them to drive green without going broke,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “With Green Line variants of both Aura and Vue, Saturn again demonstrates that environmental products can also be a great value.” The 2007 Aura Green Line will be produced at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant, and will be available at Saturn retailers in spring 2007. The Aura Green Line is equipped with the GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption fuel via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission. This is the same hybrid system that debuted this year in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line and will be used in the all-new 2008 Vue Green Line, also being unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. “The Saturn Aura Green Line is the first of four hybrids GM will introduce in the 2007 calendar year, more than any other manufacturer,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. “Equipped with GM’s 2.4L, four-cylinder Ecotec engine and the GM Hybrid system, the Aura Green Line will deliver spirited performance, as well as a significant improvement in overall fuel economy compared to the current Aura.” Fuel-saving performance Aura Green Line’s innovative hybrid powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower (122 kW)* at 6400 rpm* and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5000 rpm.* While maintaining the vehicle’s sporty feel, the GM Hybrid system seamlessly reduces fuel consumption by: Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, to minimize idling Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released Enabling early fuel shut-off during vehicle deceleration Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration through regenerative braking to charge the advanced nickel metal hydride battery Performing intelligent battery charging when it is most efficient The new GM Hybrid system provides additional power, when required, during launch from the electric motor/generator. At wide-open throttle, such as during a passing maneuver, the system enhances acceleration by using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine and achieve maximum power. The GM Hybrid system also is designed to automatically maintain full accessory functionality when the vehicle is stopped, including climate control, so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. The Aura Green Line delivers an appropriate balance between fuel economy and cabin comfort with an air conditioning system with two selectable modes. The Hybrid A/C mode favors more fuel efficient performance by limiting the draw on the hybrid powertrain, while the normal mode provides maximum passenger comfort in hot climates and enhances defogging performance. Based on the all-new Saturn Aura midsize sedan The Aura Green Line hybrid sedan is based on the all-new Aura midsize sedan, which blends Saturn’s new, European-inspired design language and high levels of refinement with the brand’s customer-focused purchase and ownership experience. The Green Line features the same comprehensive safety package that earned Aura a full five stars in government frontal and side-impact crash tests, placing it among the safest vehicles available. Key standard features include dual-stage frontal, side-curtain and thorax protection air bags, along with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and the OnStar safety and security system. GM’s hybrid strategy The Aura Green Line is one of 12 hybrids GM will launch, providing customers with several levels of fuel economy savings at different price points on vehicles ranging from cars to full-size SUVs. GM launched the world’s first hybrid pickup trucks in 2004. GM also will offer the world’s first two-mode hybrid system for passenger vehicles in the new, full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs in 2007.

INTERIOR

GM @ LAIAS 2008 Saturn VUE Image Gallery 2008 Saturn VUE Press Release EXTERIOR DETAIL

My favorite anecdote about trunk space was walking out of office deport with one of those dry erase boards - 4.5'x3.5' to be exact. It happened this woman also bought a similar, but slightly smaller one, probably 4'x3'. She was trying to somehow fit it in her Volvo S40 sedan and eventually resorted to moving her child seat to the front seat, folding down both rear seats, and wedging the thing up against the headrests. I popped the trunk, tossed it in, closed it, and drove away.

Photography doesn't add disjointed cutlines and bulbous taillamps. The rear is trash, pure and simple.

Aww it has a tail!

That's just horrible. The Escape looked far better in current form.

Really cheap construction, poor air conditioning, tippy bordering dangerous road handling, uncomfortable seating position, dangerously slow acceleration, and tinny engine. I realize all compacts have tinny engines, but the Echo's sounded like a bad Hamilton-Beech blender. I'd say what makes it real bad is the general design - narrow, but high, leading to generally unstable driving characteristics. I know someone who got rid of a coupe because she honestly felt unsafe driving it on the highway. She had a Metro 5-door prior and replaced the Echo with Focus.

:rotflmao:

It just looks very cheap.