Auteur/autrice : admin

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NAIAS 2015 : AMERICA IS BACK ! – Part III

Next is Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA – not exactly a ‘domestic’ anymore, but becoming more of a force in the market every month.  Under the Fiat banner and Marchionne’s expert guidance, the Chrysler Group has recovered dramatically from the dark days of 2007/2008 — are you watching Daimler? – are you watching Cerberus?
Introductions at the show for FCA included the Fiat 500X, the Alfa Romeo 4C cabrio, the Jeep Renegade, the Ram 1500 Rebel and the facelifted Chrysler 300.  The 500X should be a big plus for the Fiat distribution network in North America.  Having struggled for a long time with just the 500 that was only recently supplemented by the homely looking 500L, US dealers must be breathing a sigh of relief that they have a car in the 500X that they can actually sell in decent quantities.  The styling is more ‘good’ than ‘fantastic’, but the car is “cute” enough to perhaps create the cult following among younger people that the brand desperately needs.  Thumbs up for Fiat on this one.
The Jeep Renegade, built on the same platform as the 500X and in the same plant in Italy (a first outside the US for Jeep), looks a little bit awkward at first due to its compact dimensions.  On closer examination, however, the interior is certain to win over a lot of buyers.  The package is excellent and the interior styling, materials and features are extremely well executed.  Two hits on the same Platform.
FCA cleverly has the displays for Alfa Romeo and Maserati on the outside of the big central FCA stand – separate, but together.  Alfa displayed some historic racecars to reinforce the brand image, while Maserati featured the previously introduced Alfieri concept – a beautiful design that we all hope they build.  The wheels are especially interesting with unusual rod spokes finished in a blue accent colour that was also used to highlight other areas of the car.
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NAIAS 2015 : AMERICA IS BACK ! – Part II

As usual the General Motors display covered a vast area, plus there were two separate stands for Cadillac and Buick.  Trucks and SUV’s abounded in every shape and size, including the new mid-size Chevy Colorado pick up and its twin the GMC Canyon.  Unremarkable from a design standpoint, these trucks, along with the new Toyota Tacoma, mark a resurgence in this smaller (but still quite large) pick up truck category.
Chevy featured a facelifted version of the Volt which, although smoother and cleaner than the original, remains somewhat unremarkable.  It is, however, probably distinctive enough to continue giving Volt owners the “green image” they desire.  Also revealed at the show was the Chevy Bolt concept, a 5-door hatchback battery electric car that most likely will be in production in a couple of years – oil prices permitting!
The Buick display proved to be much more interesting, featuring the Avenir concept – a large 4-door sedan that might be a good fit for China, but surely encroaches on Cadillac territory in the US.  This relatively large RWD car made a powerful statement with a long front end, sweeping feature lines on its flanks and a unique boat-tail rear.  With the present emphasis on aerodynamics, there has been a tendency for the rear quarters/decklids/rear ends of many sedans to follow an increasingly similar look – with the Avenir, Buick has struck out on its own and we like it!  Also on display was the Cascada mid-sized 4-seat convertible – a Buick version of the Opel Cabrio.  The North American market for this kind of convertible has been steadily declining over the last few years, so it will be interesting to see if this pleasing design can drive some incremental sales for Buick.  Personally I like the proportions much better with the top up!
Cadillac introduced a new V-series version of the CTS, joining the recently announced ATS-V.  Although their horsepower figures have been pre-empted and overwhelmed by the Dodge Charger/Challenger Hellcat models, these Cadillacs are all business, so we should give GM full credit for going “head-on” with the Germans.
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NAIAS 2015 : AMERICA IS BACK ! – Part I

The weather is cold and snowing.  Temperatures are well below freezing and the steam is billowing from the manhole covers in the streets.  Ahhh, Detroit in January!  But, never mind the conditions outside, the atmosphere inside Cobo Hall is hot and vibrant.  The European industry might still be sluggish, but North America is back and roaring on all 8 cylinders.  Fuel prices are low, but Corporate Average Fuel Economy targets remain high and are looming on the horizon.  Trucks are selling fast – the bigger the better; SUV’s and CUV’s are selling in every possible size and permutation.  There are 700+ horsepower, 200 mph supercharged cars at affordable prices; there are electric cars; hybrids and even ‘almost ready for prime time’ fuel cell concept cars.  It is chaos out there.  Just the way we like it.

Hang on for a quick ride (in 6 parts…) through the good, the bad and the ugly as we cruise the first big auto show of 2015.

Starting with the North American domestic manufacturers, Ford made a good deal of noise (literally and metaphorically) with the stunning new GT, plus a Shelby GT350  version of the Mustang and a Raptor version of the new aluminum-bodied F Series pick up – all displayed in an interesting shade of dark blue.

The GT is clearly designed with racing in mind and the plan is to be at Le Mans in 2016 to take on Ferrari again in celebration of the first Ford GT40 victory 50 years before.  The car looks a bit too long in the wheelbase (a function of engine placement for the twin-turbo V6 no doubt), but overall the result is dramatic and even at an expected price in the $150 to $200,000 range, Ford should have no trouble selling the 300 cars required for homologation and could easily reach the probable maximum of 1,000 cars destined for retail customers.  Among the many interesting features, there are several standouts.  Key is the “flying buttress” roll bar that spans the wide rear quarters of the car and bridges the dramatic aero tunnels on either side of the vehicle that extend from the doors to the rear wing.  The doors themselves hinge forward and upward adding to the drama.  The tail lamps also are intriguing – a large ring of red at the end of a turbine-like housing that has a mysterious vent down the center.  Add big black wheels and what’s not to like about this monster.

FORD GT
FORD GT
FORD GT
FORD GT
FORD GT

The GT 350 Mustang echoes some of the GT’s front-end thematics and with 500 horsepower it should be more than enough to satisfy those of us who cannot quite stretch all the way to the real GT.

Mustang 350
Mustang 350

On the Lincoln stand we saw the introduction of the new MKX SUV based on the Explorer.  Lincoln has come a long way towards re-establishing itself as a bona fide luxury brand with some genuinely nice products, tastefully styled and carefully executed.  The MKC, mid-sized SUV, introduced at the last Detroit show has made a good impression in the market and the expectation is that the MKX will consolidate this position.  The Lincoln Motor Company – as they like to call it – has a long way to go, but they are certainly on the right track.

——– to be continued….

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Paris 2014 – Nissan Pulsar : Conventional Design

Life is not all about crossover. Nissan exhibits at the Mondial its first European sedan for six years, a compact hatchback classic called Pulsar, along with a Nismo concept. This new C-Segment competitor has its sights on the Peugeot 308.
Having said that, by observing the Pulsar 2014, connoisseurs identify some common features with the Tiida 2 (in China) such as the dlo silhouette. Nevertheless, it is obvious that Nissan designers are trying to affiliate this car to the rest of the brand. For example the V-shape on the grille or the rear lights are clearly inspired by the very latest Qashqai. The rear light clusters boomerang-shaped tail and join harmoniously side of the vehicle. The dimensions of the Pulsar are interesting in this segment. It is around 15 centimeters longer than its competitor and the wheelbase is pushed to 2.70 meters. These dimensions give roominess to the interior and to the trunk.
The Nismo version adds some design features especially inside with the race-inspired theme with a red tachometer and a three-spoke steering wheel.
The interior is kept very basic. Just remember, the Almera II was not very advanced in term of style. But it was certainly very roomy and comfortable…
The Pulsar is certainly not as advanced, in term of style as a Qashqai, not as trendy as a Juke, but in this category, it will certainly seduce a lot of customers…

 

 

 

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PARIS 2014 – VOLVO XC90: GOING HOME…

After three beautiful concepts, the wait is coming to an end at the Mondial de l’Automobile: Volvo is unveiling a production car: the XC90. It is introducing the Volvo style led by German Thomas Ingenlath and a hybrid engine of 400 hp. It is clear to see the filiation with the three previous concepts cars seen in Frankfurt, Detroit and Geneva.
The new XC90 is the first vehicle to feature the redesigned logo, the well-known iron emblem, with the iconic spire of the company aligned with the diagonal bar across the grid. The headlights are designed like a T-shape called « Hammer of Thor » by the communication team…No doubt that the iron logo presents an innovative and distinctive face, fitting with the impression of strength the next generation Volvo vehicles ahead should give.
In term of volume and shape there is no surprise: it is a Volvo. And the style is clearly robust even though it is not very advanced. Surfaces are very clean and simple with no extravaganza, but this is what you can expect from a Volvo. It might look a little bit too reserved for some of us and certainly appears less innovative and futuristic than any of the previous concept, but remember, this one is a production car.
« The overall impression of both the inside and outside is closely related to key elements of the Swedish way of life, generous space, importance of light and focus on well-being, » says Thomas Ingenlath, Vice President for Design at Volvo Car Group. And this is well translated in the exterior design since you are attracted to open the door because you feel you are coming home…And when you open the door…you are home!
The interior space is huge and light. It can accommodate seven passengers easily. The thin seat design allows more space. The third row offers comfortable space for two passengers measuring up to 1.70 meters. The simplicity, even in its luxury, of the interior fits perfectly with the idea of the Scandinavian design heritage. The combination of leather, crystal – for the gear shift knob – and wood, with handmade details, gives you the feeling of sitting home in a sofa, ready to read a good book next to your fireplace. And when you do that, you usually want to listen to some good music…isn’t it? This is why Volvo audio designers have worked together with their counterparts in the British audio equipment company renowned Bowers & Wilkins. This car is an auditorium.
The most striking feature of the new XC90 is the fact that the center of the dashboard is identical to a touch screen tablet, which forms the heart of the new integrated control system. From that the driver and its passenger can have access to the whole car systems and to the connected services.
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PARIS 2014 – PEUGEOT QUARTZ CONCEPT: the athletic crossover…

At the Mondial de l’Automobile, the Lion from Sochaux was showing a concept car which seems to be an outline of what the 6008, Audi Q5 and BMW X3 among others future competitor, could be. It follows themes already seen two years ago on the Onyx. In its production version, the line of the vehicle will be softened and it will receive four traditional doors, but no doubt that it will keep this aggressive image. The lines are sharp, surfaces are complex. The feeling is ultra-athletic for such a car. The extremely short overhangs certainly help and give as much room as possible for the occupants. The upper part of the Quartz gives the impression of a single block. The sculpted body captures the light. The ratio in between body and glass is pushed to a ratio of three-quarter against one quarter. For comparison, at Audi, it is rather two-thirds, one-third. In order to help aerodynamic the glass roof finish into two spoilers. From side view, they are aligned with the “coupe-franche”, the recent Peugeot design signature. This oblique line separates the two color finish of the vehicle.
It is certainly on the inside that the show car is more impressive and more advanced. The compact sporty steering wheel integrates many controls, allowing driver to play with driving modes and shift gears. The first thing you see when you sit in, is this amazing info screen behind the wheel, featuring all information you need such as speedometer, tachymeter, navigation and infotainment. Since it was introduced in the Audi TT Mk III, this seems to be the new car interior trend. And certainly a good indication of what next generation Peugeot car will use as technology.
Exalt and Quartz interiors are designed in the same way: towards and around the driver. Like in the Peugeot Exalt, the central console is also featuring the 7 key “piano” that are totally configurable. The central console is made of basalt which gives the impression of strength and lightness. Quartz is the first-ever vehicle to employ a digitally woven textile. The process is very innovative, since it does not produce any waste by avoiding cuts: it can create large and complex parts that can be used right as they are produced. By using recycled materials, such as the kind of plastic used for water bottle, this process is, like the paper for the Exalt dashboard, following the UPCYCLING process Peugeot wants to use and promote…
With the Exalt and the Quartz, Gilles Vidal’s teams are giving us some good inputs of what Peugeot’s future will be. Now we have to wait…we hope not for too long…

 

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PARIS 2014 – PEUGEOT EXALT: SUBLIMATION OF SEDAN

Introduced at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2014, the concept car Exalt returned to Paris at the Paris Motor Show with slight changes. This show car tends to prove that Peugeot is very interested in producing a high-end sedan in the coming years.
Make no mistake: the Exalt was not born Coupé to which designers would have added 2 openings. The Exalt is, according to in-house designers, the SUBLIMATION OF A SEDAN: a complete sedan with its codes and comfort…but with a dynamic and elegant appearance.
The standout element of the exterior designed by Romain Saquet, is clearly the “clean cut” on the rear part, delimitating the use of the microstructure material inspired by « sharkskin » which attracts and accelerates air cells in order to reduce aero drag. If it was ocher in Beijing, it is dark gray in Paris. The rest of the car body is still finished in untreated steel. The body will oxidize and will evolve throughout the years…
The interior architecture, according to its designer Alessandro Riga, is designed for the human body, around the human body. The lower part is comfortable and envelops the cabin up to the chest. Material choice is made around the idea of LOCAL SOURCING: depending on the location of sales and production, parts are manufactured with technical and local products. In Beijing the dashboard was carved in a wood coming from China, while in Paris and Europe the same part is made of recycled compressed paper to give the feeling of wood and remembering the business pages of major newspapers. We’re talking here about UPCYCLING since wood is « reincarnated » and somehow “back to life”. As Lavoisier (1743-1794, Chemist) said: “nothing is lost, nothing is created, and everything is transformed”.
The attention given to the cockpit (see 208 and 308) is part of the Design Manifest of Peugeot and Alessandro Riga gave a particular consciousness to the top part of it in the Exalt. The information is fully oriented toward the human with the head up display instrumentation. Detail of great importance, Alessandro told us that his theme was inspired by the universe of music with its impression of freedom given to hands especially with these 7 keys « piano » that are totally configurable.
The Exalt is using the “Hybrid4 system” developing 340Hp in theory for a total weight of 1.700 kgs.
By showing this car in Paris after Beijing, there is no doubt that Peugeot has something in mind…let’s be patient…