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Hyundai's N Performance Division Has Two More Models in the Cards
William Maley posted an article in Hyundai
Hyundai's N performance division has seen early success with the i30 N in Europe, already hitting its full-year sales target at the end of June and customers waiting six to seven months to get their vehicle. This has the brand encouraged that the upcoming Veloster N due for the U.S. later this year will see similar success. It also has N planning two more models, along with the possibility of a third. According to Automotive News, the first of the two new N models will the i30 Fastback N, debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October. This model wasn't originally planned, but would be green-lighted after Hyundai-Kia design chief Peter Schreyer showed a mock-up to Albert Biermann, head of vehicle testing and high-performance development. Following this is a possibly an SUV. We've heard reports that it could be the Tucson or Kona. Biermann said there could be a fifth model in the wings. "There's a car within the next two or three months that we probably have a chance to show to Vice Chairman Chung [Eui-sun] and our top management. Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous 'OK, go for it,' " he told Automotive News. Also being talked about at N is what alternative powertrains could power their vehicles. "When we think of cars after 2021 for N, I think we cannot avoid electrification. We will have an EV sooner or later. It's just a matter of timing," said Biermann. "As an example, we have an Ioniq EV. Were we to find a nice battery, a bigger motor and inverter, we could make an Ioniq EV N with a nice chassis and more power. Something like that is not fully crazy." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Hyundai's N performance division has seen early success with the i30 N in Europe, already hitting its full-year sales target at the end of June and customers waiting six to seven months to get their vehicle. This has the brand encouraged that the upcoming Veloster N due for the U.S. later this year will see similar success. It also has N planning two more models, along with the possibility of a third. According to Automotive News, the first of the two new N models will the i30 Fastback N, debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October. This model wasn't originally planned, but would be green-lighted after Hyundai-Kia design chief Peter Schreyer showed a mock-up to Albert Biermann, head of vehicle testing and high-performance development. Following this is a possibly an SUV. We've heard reports that it could be the Tucson or Kona. Biermann said there could be a fifth model in the wings. "There's a car within the next two or three months that we probably have a chance to show to Vice Chairman Chung [Eui-sun] and our top management. Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous 'OK, go for it,' " he told Automotive News. Also being talked about at N is what alternative powertrains could power their vehicles. "When we think of cars after 2021 for N, I think we cannot avoid electrification. We will have an EV sooner or later. It's just a matter of timing," said Biermann. "As an example, we have an Ioniq EV. Were we to find a nice battery, a bigger motor and inverter, we could make an Ioniq EV N with a nice chassis and more power. Something like that is not fully crazy." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Porsche Passport is A Subscription Service for Porsche Fans
William Maley posted an article in Porsche
Subscription-access to a fleet of vehicles is starting to gain some traction. The latest automaker to join this bandwagon is Porsche. Porsche Passport is pretty straightforward - put up a certain amount of cash up every month and you'll get access to a number of Porsche vehicles that will be dropped off you for as long as you want. There are two tiers to Passport. Launch gives you access to eight model variants of the 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Cayenne, and Macan for $2,000 per month. Accelerate bumps the price to $3,000 per month, but it expands the variants to 22, including the 911 and Panamera 4S. To join, you'll need to pay a one-time $500 activation fee and download the Porsche Passport app. After a background and credit check, you'll be part of the program. The monthly fee includes tax, registration, maintenance, and detailing. There are no caps on mileage or swaps per month. Porsche Passport will begin as a pilot program in the Atlanta area - home to Porsche's North America office - beginning in November. If the program proves to be successful, expect more markets to follow. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 Porsche Launches New Sports Car and SUV Subscription Program Porsche Passport provides members with on-demand use of up to 22 model variants Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) today introduced Porsche Passport, a new sports car and SUV subscription program, which provides members flexible access to Porsche vehicles via a mobile app. This month-to-month subscription program offers frequent vehicle exchanges, unrestricted mileage, and on-demand access for up to 22 different Porsche models. In a new relationship with Clutch Technologies, LLC, Porsche Passport will conduct its pilot program in metro Atlanta, which is home to both companies. "Our Strategy 2025 vision is to be the most aspirational brand in a new era of mobility and consumer expectations. Catering to customers' desire to experience our sports cars in new ways is a part of our core strategy," said President and CEO Klaus Zellmer of PCNA. "With Porsche Passport, we now offer our customers a simple and flexible driving solution at their fingertips." Porsche Passport provides white-glove vehicle delivery in metro Atlanta through two membership plans - "Launch" and "Accelerate." "Launch": Includes on-demand access to eight model variants such as the 718 Boxster and Cayman S, as well as the Macan S and Cayenne, for a monthly fee of $2,000. "Accelerate": Includes on-demand access to 22 model variants such as the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the Panamera 4S sports sedan, the Macan GTS and Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUVs, in addition to the vehicles offered in the "Launch" package, for a monthly fee of $3,000. Membership plans include vehicle tax and registration, insurance, and maintenance, as well as detailing, for the fixed monthly fee. To sign up, Atlantans can download the Porsche Passport app available on Apple and Android devices to apply for membership. Both plans require a one-time activation fee of $500, and membership approval is dependent on a background and credit check. Once approved, the vehicle will be delivered to the member's requested location in metro Atlanta beginning November 2017. Users can schedule same day or future vehicle exchanges through the Porsche Passport app. "Porsche Passport will provide increased choice and flexibility for new target groups in the Atlanta market," said Vince Zappa, President of Clutch Technologies. "Clutch is proud to be the enabling technology behind the service." Clutch's technology platform will manage customer interaction as well as the end-to-end service delivery for Porsche Passport. The possibility of future market expansion will be determined after the pilot program. For more information about Porsche Passport, visit www.porschepassport.com or call 404-800-3173. -
Subscription-access to a fleet of vehicles is starting to gain some traction. The latest automaker to join this bandwagon is Porsche. Porsche Passport is pretty straightforward - put up a certain amount of cash up every month and you'll get access to a number of Porsche vehicles that will be dropped off you for as long as you want. There are two tiers to Passport. Launch gives you access to eight model variants of the 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Cayenne, and Macan for $2,000 per month. Accelerate bumps the price to $3,000 per month, but it expands the variants to 22, including the 911 and Panamera 4S. To join, you'll need to pay a one-time $500 activation fee and download the Porsche Passport app. After a background and credit check, you'll be part of the program. The monthly fee includes tax, registration, maintenance, and detailing. There are no caps on mileage or swaps per month. Porsche Passport will begin as a pilot program in the Atlanta area - home to Porsche's North America office - beginning in November. If the program proves to be successful, expect more markets to follow. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 Porsche Launches New Sports Car and SUV Subscription Program Porsche Passport provides members with on-demand use of up to 22 model variants Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) today introduced Porsche Passport, a new sports car and SUV subscription program, which provides members flexible access to Porsche vehicles via a mobile app. This month-to-month subscription program offers frequent vehicle exchanges, unrestricted mileage, and on-demand access for up to 22 different Porsche models. In a new relationship with Clutch Technologies, LLC, Porsche Passport will conduct its pilot program in metro Atlanta, which is home to both companies. "Our Strategy 2025 vision is to be the most aspirational brand in a new era of mobility and consumer expectations. Catering to customers' desire to experience our sports cars in new ways is a part of our core strategy," said President and CEO Klaus Zellmer of PCNA. "With Porsche Passport, we now offer our customers a simple and flexible driving solution at their fingertips." Porsche Passport provides white-glove vehicle delivery in metro Atlanta through two membership plans - "Launch" and "Accelerate." "Launch": Includes on-demand access to eight model variants such as the 718 Boxster and Cayman S, as well as the Macan S and Cayenne, for a monthly fee of $2,000. "Accelerate": Includes on-demand access to 22 model variants such as the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the Panamera 4S sports sedan, the Macan GTS and Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUVs, in addition to the vehicles offered in the "Launch" package, for a monthly fee of $3,000. Membership plans include vehicle tax and registration, insurance, and maintenance, as well as detailing, for the fixed monthly fee. To sign up, Atlantans can download the Porsche Passport app available on Apple and Android devices to apply for membership. Both plans require a one-time activation fee of $500, and membership approval is dependent on a background and credit check. Once approved, the vehicle will be delivered to the member's requested location in metro Atlanta beginning November 2017. Users can schedule same day or future vehicle exchanges through the Porsche Passport app. "Porsche Passport will provide increased choice and flexibility for new target groups in the Atlanta market," said Vince Zappa, President of Clutch Technologies. "Clutch is proud to be the enabling technology behind the service." Clutch's technology platform will manage customer interaction as well as the end-to-end service delivery for Porsche Passport. The possibility of future market expansion will be determined after the pilot program. For more information about Porsche Passport, visit www.porschepassport.com or call 404-800-3173. View full article
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Subaru Considers Building Electric Versions of Existing Models
William Maley posted an article in Subaru
Subaru is one the few automakers that hasn't jumped on the electric vehicle bandwagon. But that could be changing as the company is considering building electric versions of their current models. Subaru CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told Bloomberg in an interview said the automaker is looking into installing electric powertrains in current models instead of building an all-new model. Yoshinaga said this would allow Subaru not to partner with another automaker and allow the electric versions to capitalize on the recognition of a model's name. “If there’s already an attractive Subaru model, for example the XV crossover, and if a customer in Beijing wants one but is only allowed to buy an electric vehicle, if there’s no electric version then he can’t buy it. Providing the choice of an EV means the customer can still desire the same Subaru,” said Yoshinaga. Subaru has set aside $1.2 billion for R&D for the coming fiscal year, with the priority focusing on electric vehicles. The company is hoping to launch a plug-in hybrid next year with an electric vehicle to follow in 2021. It doesn't hurt that Subaru's new modular platform was engineered to handle various powertrains, including all-electric. Source: Bloomberg -
Subaru is one the few automakers that hasn't jumped on the electric vehicle bandwagon. But that could be changing as the company is considering building electric versions of their current models. Subaru CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told Bloomberg in an interview said the automaker is looking into installing electric powertrains in current models instead of building an all-new model. Yoshinaga said this would allow Subaru not to partner with another automaker and allow the electric versions to capitalize on the recognition of a model's name. “If there’s already an attractive Subaru model, for example the XV crossover, and if a customer in Beijing wants one but is only allowed to buy an electric vehicle, if there’s no electric version then he can’t buy it. Providing the choice of an EV means the customer can still desire the same Subaru,” said Yoshinaga. Subaru has set aside $1.2 billion for R&D for the coming fiscal year, with the priority focusing on electric vehicles. The company is hoping to launch a plug-in hybrid next year with an electric vehicle to follow in 2021. It doesn't hurt that Subaru's new modular platform was engineered to handle various powertrains, including all-electric. Source: Bloomberg View full article
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The relaunch of Alfa Romeo has cost Fiat Chrysler Automobiles dearly. Speaking with analysts during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Sergio Marchionne said the relaunch cost "in excess" of 2.5 billion euros (about $2.7 billion) so far. Back in 2014, FCA said it would invest 5 billion euros through 2018 to relaunch Alfa, though the timeframe has been pushed back to 2020. Alfa Romeo has also been losing money and will continue to do so until the full benefit of the Giulia and Stelvio hit. To help curb costs, Marchionne told analysts that Alfa's Giorgio platform will be shared with other FCA brands; primarily Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati. "The investment in Alfa Romeo and certainly the technical investment in the architecture was something that was designed to benefit more than Alfa. I'm happy that we have finally found clarity of thought in the extension of these architectures well beyond Alfa," said Marchionne. Marchionne said Giorgio would underpin "the whole Maserati development beyond 2018," along with large Jeeps and the next-generation of Dodge's rear-drive models. As we have we reported previously, Giorgio will underpin the next-generation Charger and Challenger. Automotive News learned from a source that the platform will underpin the next Journey and Durango crossovers, and possibly a new midsize sedan. No information was given about Jeep, but it seems the next-generation Grand Cherokee is a safe bet. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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The relaunch of Alfa Romeo has cost Fiat Chrysler Automobiles dearly. Speaking with analysts during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Sergio Marchionne said the relaunch cost "in excess" of 2.5 billion euros (about $2.7 billion) so far. Back in 2014, FCA said it would invest 5 billion euros through 2018 to relaunch Alfa, though the timeframe has been pushed back to 2020. Alfa Romeo has also been losing money and will continue to do so until the full benefit of the Giulia and Stelvio hit. To help curb costs, Marchionne told analysts that Alfa's Giorgio platform will be shared with other FCA brands; primarily Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati. "The investment in Alfa Romeo and certainly the technical investment in the architecture was something that was designed to benefit more than Alfa. I'm happy that we have finally found clarity of thought in the extension of these architectures well beyond Alfa," said Marchionne. Marchionne said Giorgio would underpin "the whole Maserati development beyond 2018," along with large Jeeps and the next-generation of Dodge's rear-drive models. As we have we reported previously, Giorgio will underpin the next-generation Charger and Challenger. Automotive News learned from a source that the platform will underpin the next Journey and Durango crossovers, and possibly a new midsize sedan. No information was given about Jeep, but it seems the next-generation Grand Cherokee is a safe bet. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
As more consumers head over to crossovers and SUVs, automakers find themselves making changes to their lineup. Case in point is Ford which is considering dropping some of their nameplates because of the change in demand. “Over time, there should be some pruning of the portfolio to support growth in other areas. Clearly we’re going to invest in growing the SUV portfolio. We certainly intend to have a strong car base as well; we don’t know where the market’s going to go. But there will be some pruning over time as there should be in a nameplate and portfolio,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas. Ford's car sales are down 14 percent through November with sedans being the big losers. Fiesta: Down 26 percent year-to-date Focus: Down 17 percent YTD Taurus: Down 11 percent YTD Fusion: Down 10 percent YTD Hinrichs didn't say which nameplates could be cut, but mentioned that former popular vehicles such as the Ranger were dropped after demand fell. “If you look at our past, there’s been some nameplates that have dropped off and other nameplates have been added. Given where the market is going, the demands for capital investment and the regulatory changes coming at us, we’ll continue to always look at the total portfolio and see where’s segmentation going and where should we be phasing out,” said Hinrichs. We think the Taurus is one of the vehicles on the chopping block since sales of it have been falling for the past couple of years. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
As more consumers head over to crossovers and SUVs, automakers find themselves making changes to their lineup. Case in point is Ford which is considering dropping some of their nameplates because of the change in demand. “Over time, there should be some pruning of the portfolio to support growth in other areas. Clearly we’re going to invest in growing the SUV portfolio. We certainly intend to have a strong car base as well; we don’t know where the market’s going to go. But there will be some pruning over time as there should be in a nameplate and portfolio,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas. Ford's car sales are down 14 percent through November with sedans being the big losers. Fiesta: Down 26 percent year-to-date Focus: Down 17 percent YTD Taurus: Down 11 percent YTD Fusion: Down 10 percent YTD Hinrichs didn't say which nameplates could be cut, but mentioned that former popular vehicles such as the Ranger were dropped after demand fell. “If you look at our past, there’s been some nameplates that have dropped off and other nameplates have been added. Given where the market is going, the demands for capital investment and the regulatory changes coming at us, we’ll continue to always look at the total portfolio and see where’s segmentation going and where should we be phasing out,” said Hinrichs. We think the Taurus is one of the vehicles on the chopping block since sales of it have been falling for the past couple of years. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Sports and supercars have been stepping up with power it seems with every new model. There comes a point where the question is raised is there such thing as too much power. Someone at Porsche believes so. Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT division (group behind the 911 GT3) tells Car Magazine that future GT models will pass on the horsepower wars. "I’m not a believer in this horsepower monster, up, up, up, more, more, more. For my personal tastes, around 500bhp is enough, because 700-800bhp calls for bigger brakes, sturdier suspension, it gets heavier and heavier logically," said Preuninger. Preuninger went on to suggest that future GT and RS models will focus on shedding weight and hit a power-to-weight ratio, not adding 50 horsepower for each generation. Now you might think that Porsche will shrink the power that comes out of their engines for these models. Preuninger says the automaker will not do that. Source: Car Magazine View full article
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Sports and supercars have been stepping up with power it seems with every new model. There comes a point where the question is raised is there such thing as too much power. Someone at Porsche believes so. Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT division (group behind the 911 GT3) tells Car Magazine that future GT models will pass on the horsepower wars. "I’m not a believer in this horsepower monster, up, up, up, more, more, more. For my personal tastes, around 500bhp is enough, because 700-800bhp calls for bigger brakes, sturdier suspension, it gets heavier and heavier logically," said Preuninger. Preuninger went on to suggest that future GT and RS models will focus on shedding weight and hit a power-to-weight ratio, not adding 50 horsepower for each generation. Now you might think that Porsche will shrink the power that comes out of their engines for these models. Preuninger says the automaker will not do that. Source: Car Magazine -
G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - CheersandGears.com March 15th 2014 Did these models DEFINE Cadillac? Cadillac had had a long history of hits and misses. Based on reviewing other writtings and forums it seems that the following years / models are hit upon by many as what defines Cadillac. Now with Cadillac rolling out their new emblem, I wonder, do these models define who Cadillac is today? 1915 Cadillac 1930 V16 Cadillac Sedan 1938 Cadillac Series 60 Sedan 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille 1957 Cadillac Series 70 Eldorado Brougham 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible 1967 Cadillac Eldorado 1999 Cadillac Escalade 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept 2003 Cadillac CTS 2009 Cadillac CTS-V 2013 Cadillac ATS 2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept 2014 Cadillac CTS Do you agree with this list or do you feel there is another model that should be here that helped define Cadillac? Strange that there is no option to add pictures as I have pictures for each year I have posted in this topic.
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Mercedes-Benz Readies More Sprinter Models and Dealers For U.S.
William Maley posted an article in Mercedes Benz
You could say the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is patient zero in the European Van invasion we are currently experiencing in the U.S. When it was introduced as the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter back in the early 2000s, the vans became popular as they offered impressive space and fuel economy. Now with competitors such as the new Ram Promaster and upcoming Ford Transit featuring the recipe, Mercedes-Benz knows they have to be one step ahead. "The Sprinter is the benchmark and the norm of the Euro-style vans. There is a revolution happening in the segment and big changes coming that were caused by the Sprinter -- vans with a smaller footprint but big cargo volume," said Bernie Glaser, Mercedes-Benz USA vice president and managing director of the van unit for the U.S. To keep the Sprinter in the running with the new contenders, Mercedes-Benz has some plans in the works including a new four-wheel drive variant that will go on sale next year and the addition of 30 more dealers over the next five years. There is also talk of 12 passenger Sprinter model and the introduction of the new V-Class into the U.S. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
You could say the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is patient zero in the European Van invasion we are currently experiencing in the U.S. When it was introduced as the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter back in the early 2000s, the vans became popular as they offered impressive space and fuel economy. Now with competitors such as the new Ram Promaster and upcoming Ford Transit featuring the recipe, Mercedes-Benz knows they have to be one step ahead. "The Sprinter is the benchmark and the norm of the Euro-style vans. There is a revolution happening in the segment and big changes coming that were caused by the Sprinter -- vans with a smaller footprint but big cargo volume," said Bernie Glaser, Mercedes-Benz USA vice president and managing director of the van unit for the U.S. To keep the Sprinter in the running with the new contenders, Mercedes-Benz has some plans in the works including a new four-wheel drive variant that will go on sale next year and the addition of 30 more dealers over the next five years. There is also talk of 12 passenger Sprinter model and the introduction of the new V-Class into the U.S. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 11, 2013 With sales of Scion vehicles slumping down and Toyota telling its dealers who have Scion that they can step away from it with no penalties, it makes you wonder if Scion has any new models on the way to help out. Bob Carter, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Sales USA told Reuters that new products for the brand are coming later than sooner. "We have a very robust and very exciting product cadence coming for Scion, however, it's further down the pipeline," said Carter. Scion's sales peak was back in 2006 with 173,034 models. Last year, Scion only moved 73,505. Through August, the brand's total sales stand at 48,959, which is on pace for less than 70,000 vehicles sold this year. Also, Scion represents 0.3 percent of Toyota's total sales in the U.S. Carter is confident that sales of Scion vehicles will rebound. "It's just going to take us a little longer to see the growth," he said. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Toyota Executive Says No New Scion Models For The Time Being
William Maley posted an article in Scion
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 11, 2013 With sales of Scion vehicles slumping down and Toyota telling its dealers who have Scion that they can step away from it with no penalties, it makes you wonder if Scion has any new models on the way to help out. Bob Carter, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Sales USA told Reuters that new products for the brand are coming later than sooner. "We have a very robust and very exciting product cadence coming for Scion, however, it's further down the pipeline," said Carter. Scion's sales peak was back in 2006 with 173,034 models. Last year, Scion only moved 73,505. Through August, the brand's total sales stand at 48,959, which is on pace for less than 70,000 vehicles sold this year. Also, Scion represents 0.3 percent of Toyota's total sales in the U.S. Carter is confident that sales of Scion vehicles will rebound. "It's just going to take us a little longer to see the growth," he said. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
