Car Talk → 2022

[LTAWACS]

It's a bit much, isn't it?

It's never too much.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

The CTS-V coupe will debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week with everything that makes the CTS-V one our favorite super-sedans, albeit in a sexy new two-door shell. Aside from the sleek yet thick-of-beltline new suit, the only other real difference from the existing V is the one-inch wider track at the rear axle, which may or may not be noticeable when driving, and a marginally lower mass. The 556-horsepower supercharged LSA V8 engine and the choice of a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox carries over. We highly recommend that anyone considering a V regardless of bodystyle check the option box for the Recaro seats, they are worth every penny.

AutoBlog

[sevfiv]

Ew...looks like a body kit from the front..

[Urbannizer]

Buck Regal GS

The Regal GS is based directly on the high-performance OPC version of the Opel Insignia but instead of using the foreigner's 325-horsepower turbocharged V6, Buick is sticking with its four-cylinder-only strategy for the Regal. The GS is powered by a higher output version of the 2.0-liter direct-injected EcoTec four-cylinder that we've come to know and love in numerous GM products over the few years, with the tell-tale dual portholes on either side of its hood indicating its intentions. In this application, powertrain engineers have re-tuned the engine from its original 260 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque to 255 hp and 295 pound-feet. The GS is also equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox... in a Buick! While we tend to favor three-pedal configurations, we're confident that the GS will also be available with a self-shifting option when it arrives in showrooms.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/buick-regal-gs-brings-performance-back-to-trishield-brand/

[Urbannizer]

2011 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

Power will come from a new family of direct-injected DOHC V6s, including a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated version and a smaller unit with twin turbochargers designed to take on the turbocharged BMW 135i. Expect the turbo engine to produce just north of 300 horsepower.

http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/2011-mercedes-c-class-coupe-revealed.html

[Urbannizer]

Ew...looks like a body kit from the front..

I agree and that grill is crappy.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Urbannizer

[travelguy_73]

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

AutoBlog

We saw the standard coupe at the LA Auto Show, and it is beautiful in person, very concept car looking. In daily driving, though, that tall back end is going to be a pain to live with. But, the buyer of this car isn't going to be interested in what's behind him!

[Urbannizer]

2012 Chevy Aveo Concept - The production version will look very similiar to the concept, expect minor changes. Sedan version is planned as well.

If by chance we thought about the Chevy Aveo at all during the past several years, it was usually because of its unfortunate styling and cheap feel. Starting with next week's 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Chevy is out to change the Aveo's image into a product that we might actually desire. The process begins with the Aveo RS concept, which provides a preview of what to expect from the next-generation production Aveo when it arrives in showrooms sometime next year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chevrolet-aveo-rs-concept-proves-small-hatches-are-ready-for-a-r/

[LTAWACS]

I like the looks of the buick... but i think more power would complement the new look. I think it should have at least 300HP.

[Urbannizer]

I like the looks of the buick... but i think more power would complement the new look. I think it should have at least 300HP.

America always gets a "not as great as the original" version of a vehicle. Opel Insignia OPC gets 325-HP...

[Urbannizer]

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

Be On The Lookout: All-New Chevy Caprice Police Car Reports For Duty In 2011

An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It's a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

http://www.autoblog....-caprice-polic/

Edited January 8, 2010 by Urbannizer

[travelguy_73]

I don't know if you guys have been following the car tech at CES, but there are some incredible devices coming in the near future (aka, the "connected car"), the most interesting of which seem to be from Ford.

http://ces.cnet.com/?categoryId=9830919&tag=mncol%3btags

[Urbannizer]

I don't know if you guys have been following the car tech at CES, but there are some incredible devices coming in the near future (aka, the "connected car"), the most interesting of which seem to be from Ford

Eh I don't know if MyFord and SYNC App is a great idea, another distraction for drivers.

Edited January 9, 2010 by Urbannizer

[barracuda]

Eh I don't know if MyFord and SYNC App is a great idea, another distraction for drivers.

It could be, although the intention is that voice-commands for most typical accessory functions and mobile phones will provide a safer driver environment. If you learn to use the voice commands, these systems work really well and allow you to keep your attention on the road. Those who don't bother learning the voice interface will be the ones getting distracted while fumbling with the graphical interface or their standalone cell phone or GPS.

[Subdude]

America always gets a "not as great as the original" version of a vehicle. Opel Insignia OPC gets 325-HP...

The Buick is identical to the Insignia/Chinese Regal, except that it has large cut out rear exhausts and prominent vertical air intakes up front. Why do you think that is?

[Subdude]

2012 Chevy Aveo Concept - The production version will look very similiar to the concept, expect minor changes. Sedan version is planned as well.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chevrolet-aveo-rs-concept-proves-small-hatches-are-ready-for-a-r/

That's really not a bad-looking small car. Well done Daewoo! One has to wonder though why anyone would want a frumpy sedan version.

[Subdude]

BMW 5-Series 'Gran Turismo" (who makes these names up?):

It's like BMW management challenged their designers to come up with something even more grotesque than the X6, and this was the result.

[Urbannizer]

^I don`t know but what is this "Gran Turismo" suppose to be? Is it a 4 door coupe? Like that Pannamera or is it a Crossover? It looks better than the X6, but why does it exist?

Edited January 9, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

2011 BMW Alpina B7

At next month's Chicago Auto Show, BMW will be reviving the Alpina B7, and while the sweet 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 remains under the hood, the dial has been turned up from the stock 400 horsepower to a full 500 hp, along with 516 pound-feet of twist. That should be enough to catapult the big sedan to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The B7 goes on sale this spring in both standard and long wheelbase formats, although pricing has yet to be announced. Make the jump for all the details.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chicago-preview-bmw-brings-back-the-alpina-b7-for-2011/

[Subdude]

^I don`t know but what is this "Gran Turismo" suppose to be? Is it a 4 door coupe? Like that Pannamera or is it a Crossover? It looks better than the X6, but why does it exist?

I think it's a fastback sedan. It exists because the German manufacturers are competing to fill every potential product niche.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Ford Focus Reveaed! U.S and EU Versions are now one.(:

This week in Detroit, Ford is unwrapping an all-new Focus for the 2012 model year. When the original Focus debuted internationally in 1998 and then in the U.S. a year later, it was more or less a common design. The U.S. version, however, suffered from a series of manufacturing issues and recalls within its first year of sales. Meanwhile, the overseas model got a full redesign in 2004, but Americans kept the MK1 Focus until three years ago when it got an unfortunately awkward re-skin. This time around the new Focus is truly global and adopts the latest evolution of Ford's European "Kinetic" design language. Judging by our first exposure to the 2012 Focus, every other contender in the segment may have a real problem to deal with next year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/2011-ford-focus-unveiled-u-s-and-euro-models-finally-unite/ Edited January 11, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

GMC Granite- GMC is calling this the "Urban utility vehicle" it will slot under the Terrain and its rivals are the ScionxB, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. Expect minor changes for the Production version. Mostly in the interior.

Compared to the Orlando, the Granite has a sharper, more chiseled look that's appropriate to its name. However, this is no copy of the Scion xB or Nissan Cube. The windshield is more steeply raked than the upright screens on the two Japanese boxes, and the Granite isn't as tall, with a roof that's six inches closer to the road than the Nissan and three inches shorter than the Scion. In fact the closest current model in size to the Granite is the Honda Fit, although the Honda is more than three inches narrower. GMC has sized this vehicle for crowded urban environments where its 161.3 inch length is two feet shorter than the Terrain and should make it easier to navigate the cramped confines of the world's metropolises.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/gmc-granite-concept-offers-professional-grade-bix-box-styling/

[LTAWACS]

BMW 5-Series 'Gran Turismo" (who makes these names up?):

When you see GT on vehicles... that's what Gran Turismo means. GT.

2011 Ford Focus Reveaed! U.S and EU Versions are now one.(: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/2011-ford-focus-unveiled-u-s-and-euro-mdels-finally-unite/

Jesus those things are entirely too small! Ugh!

[Urbannizer]

^Everything is too small to you! Ugh!

Edited January 11, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

2012 VW Coupe Concept - This will make it to Production, but it will be 'toned down'. Rivals will be the Honda Accord Coupe, Nissan Altima Coupe, and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Rumors are that this will be called the Jetta Coupe.

In showcar guise, the NCC features Volkswagen's 1.4-liter TSI inline-four with 148 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system uses the same basic architecture (if not dimensions) as the recent L1 and Up-Lite concepts from Frankfurt and Los Angeles. In this case, a 20-kilowatt electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the seven-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. A 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery in the back of the car provides electrical energy storage for electric drive, electric boost and regenerative braking. The system also allows for the complete decoupling of the transmission for enhanced coasting even at highway speeds, although it isn't immediately clear from the press release if the electric motor will push the NCC along for extended periods as it does with Volkswagen Audi Group's Porsche Cayenne Hybrid System. Either way, VW is estimating the NCC's mileage at 45 miles per gallon based on EPA test procedures with the EU numbers coming in at 56 mpg (U.S.) and 98 g/km of CO2. Acceleration to 60 mph is ballparked at 8.1 seconds and top speed is pegged at 141 mph.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/volkswagen-compact-coupe-concept-blends-sport-and-hybrid/

[mkultra25]

When you see GT on vehicles... that's what Gran Turismo means. GT.

I can't think of another example of automotive-related terminology that has been abused as frequently or as wantonly as "Gran Turismo". There has yet to be the econobox built that's too lowly for some genius to get the bright idea that it could benefit immeasurably from some cheap badgework or a vinyl decal bearing the familiar letters "GT".

Is there anyone left who actually remembers when "grand touring" meant something specific and uncommon?

BTW, you kids get off my lawn.

[Urbannizer]

Im really dissapointed at Honda. Here is their latest crap. The 2011 CR-Z. It looks okay but its a heavy, slow, fake hybrid.

While we're really digging the looks of the CR-Z and the way it hearkens back to the classic CRX and even the original Insight Hybrid, we've gotta admit that we're a tad bit disappointed with the specifications. With 122 horsepower on tap and just 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist, shouldn't we expect more than 36 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway from the CR-Z?

At least there's an optional six-speed manual transmission to go along with the expected CVT automatic. We'll know soon enough know how it goes down the road, as the 2011 CR-Z is slated to hit the ground running in the summer.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-honda-cr-z-promises-to-bring-driving-joy-to-the-hy/

[Urbannizer]

Toyota to expand the Prius into its a brand

by Peter Valdes-Dapena, senior writer

January 11, 2010: 2:20 PM ET

http://money.cnn.com...ontent=My+Yahoo

Detroit (CNNMoney.com) -- The Toyota Prius, America's most popular hybrid car, will become a family of vehicles, Toyota announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday.

Toyota made the announcement at its unveiling of the FT-CH small hybrid concept car.

The new Prius brand will take years to develop, said Bill Reinert, Toyota's national manager for advanced technology.

The Prius cars would all be unique hybrid-only vehicles, not hybrid versions of exisitng cars....

Edited January 12, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Subdude]

GMC Granite- GMC is calling this the "Urban utility vehicle" it will slot under the Terrain and its rivals are the ScionxB, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. Expect minor changes for the Production version. Mostly in the interior.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/gmc-granite-concept-offers-professional-grade-bix-box-styling/

According to the NY Times article this would likely not make it into production.

I can't think of another example of automotive-related terminology that has been abused as frequently or as wantonly as "Gran Turismo". There has yet to be the econobox built that's too lowly for some genius to get the bright idea that it could benefit immeasurably from some cheap badgework or a vinyl decal bearing the familiar letters "GT".

Is there anyone left who actually remembers when "grand touring" meant something specific and uncommon?

BTW, you kids get off my lawn.

Even more abused is the use of the word "Sport" included in car descriptions or names. Like "sports coupe" or "Sport Activity Vehicle". It essentially has lost any meaning.

[LTAWACS]

I can't think of another example of automotive-related terminology that has been abused as frequently or as wantonly as "Gran Turismo". There has yet to be the econobox built that's too lowly for some genius to get the bright idea that it could benefit immeasurably from some cheap badgework or a vinyl decal bearing the familiar letters "GT".

Is there anyone left who actually remembers when "grand touring" meant something specific and uncommon?

BTW, you kids get off my lawn.

Yes, I know what you mean. These days manufacturers put GT stickers on some of their models so that that masses will say "Dang... dat thang must be fast!". Ugh.

Edited January 12, 2010 by LTAWACS

[LTAWACS]

Im really dissapointed at Honda. Here is their latest crap. The 2011 CR-Z. It looks okay but its a heavy, slow, fake hybrid.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-honda-cr-z-promises-to-bring-driving-joy-to-the-hy/

Looks like someone punched a current Prius to give it this large, bulbous nose. Ugh.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Lincoln MKX- They got rid of those wrap-around tailights.

The really story is not the exterior - it's the interior. Specifically, the MKX is the first vehicle getting Ford's all new Minority Report-inspired (no, really) MyFord Touch system. Although in this application the futuristic navigation, entertainment, climate and phone system is called MyLincoln Touch. Hey, what's in a name.

There's more inside to greet you than just MyLincoln Touch, as the MKX features vastly improved materials than not only the previous car, but all other Lincolns. We touched, we felt and please trust us - the MKX is an nice, upscale place to be. Also, they've banished buttons. Literally, there aren't any on the center stack. Instead you're treated to a series of touch sensitive sliders. George Takei would be stoked. The best part: all this inner goodness will soon be making its way across the Lincoln lineup.

http://www.autoblog....ylincoln-touch/

Edited January 12, 2010 by Urbannizer

[Urbannizer]

Cadillac XTS- The DTS replacement, the production version will look almost identical to the concept. It will be here by early 2012 or late 2011.

For the past decade, Cadillac has been transforming itself from a brand that built big, floaty old-school luxury cars for old-school customers into something much more contemporary to compete with the best premium brands from Europe. Unfortunately for GM, the process has been only partially successful. The Escalade has been a huge sales success for the brand and the CTS has achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. The STS and the first generation SRX, however, never quite struck a chord with the market and the DTS is just old.

A new SRX debuted last year, but now it's time to flesh out the rest of the lineup. It's time to spread that goodness to both a smaller and larger sedan. Last August we saw styling concepts of both those cars, dubbed the ATS and XTS during a visit to the GM design studios. GM isn't publicly showing the 3 series-sized ATS just yet, but the XTS is debuting today at the Detroit Auto Show. The XTS Platinum concept is a preview of Cadillac's new flagship that's expected to start production in early 2012

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-concept-ready-to-replace-sts/

[LTAWACS]

I LOVE that Caddy... Nice...

[Urbannizer]

^ It will be Cadllac's 7-Series. The ATS, which will come before the XTS will be Cadillac's 3-Series, and the CTS will be the 5-Series.

Another coupe may join Cadillac as well. The Converj Concept, which is the same as the Volt.

Edited January 13, 2010 by Urbannizer

[LTAWACS]

^ It will be Cadllac's 7-Series. The ATS, which will come before the XTS will be Cadillac's 3-Series, and the CTS will be the 5-Series.

Another coupe may join Cadillac as well. The Converj Concept, which is the same as the Volt.

I wonder what kind of powerplants will be offered. V12?

[mkultra25]

I see that the Houston Auto Show coming up at the end of this month has cut back this year from a full week spanning two weekends to five days and a single weekend. Not too surprising given the state of the industry and the economy, and most of the other major auto shows have implemented similar cutbacks. It'll be interesting to see how many exhibitors decide to sit this one out.

[Urbannizer]

^It seems that every car show so far has had less new vehicles/concepts than last.

[Urbannizer]

Audi E-Tron Concept - This E-Tron concept is different from the other that was at the LA Auto Show last month. It will be the Audi R4, which will arrive in 2012.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/latest-audi-e-tron-concept-best-preview-of-upcoming-r4-model.html

[LTAWACS]

Holy carp! NICE.

[Urbannizer]

2011 Mini Countryman

We know that because of 2009 and all the economic misery it entailed, Mini decided to delay the launch of the Countryman, at least here in the U.S. Meaning that you're going to have to either wait until October, or move to Europe to get your hands on one.

[sevfiv]

The Minis are cute but I keep randomly reading about awful service and maintenance issues.

Also, I happen to have a rental right now - a Dodge Nitro - and it is what I would imagine it would be like if a toaster was blown up to the size of an SUV and made drivable..

[LTAWACS]

The Minis are cute but I keep randomly reading about awful service and maintenance issues.

Also, I happen to have a rental right now - a Dodge Nitro - and it is what I would imagine it would be like if a toaster was blown up to the size of an SUV and made drivable..

I suggest getting an F-250.

[Urbannizer]

2010 Mazda 5 - Mazda wants you and your car to smile ;D

Cribbing heavily from recent show cars like the Nagare and Furai, the new 5 sports swoopy character lines along its flanks, and adopts the now-familiar and familial smiley face up front. Besides an all-new body, the 2011 Mazda5 will also get the company's "i-stop" start-stop technology for its new direct-injection engine, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent according to Mazda. Mazda says the Nagare-inspired styling actually serves to reduce drag and maintain a good balance of downforce before and after, but we're pretty sure people will just think its a bit overstyled.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/all-new-2011-mazda5-coming-to-geneva/

[sevfiv]

I suggest getting an F-250.

Oh no! That would be completely unfunctional for me.

[Subdude]

2010 Mazda 5 - Mazda wants you and your car to smile ;D

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/20/all-new-2011-mazda5-coming-to-geneva/

Euro version. I have a hard time imagining that would do well in America.

[Urbannizer]

^Mazda5's have been sold in the U.S since 2005. I don't know how well they are doing here though.

[Urbannizer]

Alfa Romeo's U.S Return Delayed Indefinitely

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has cast dark clouds over hope that Alfa Romeo will return to the U.S. in the near future. According to UK-based Telegraph, Alfa's return has been postponed indefinitely while the brand sorts out its troubles at home.

European Alfa sales have fallen dramatically in recent times, with a slow-to-evolve lineup plagued with old platforms and designs. Fiat execs are currently mulling over what direction to take with the brand, while sister brand Lancia seems destined to join with Chrysler.

http://wot.motortrend.com/6613733/auto-news/report-alfa-romeos-us-return-delayed-indefinitely-could-be-canceled/index.html

[Subdude]

Alfa Romeo's U.S Return Delayed Indefinitely

http://wot.motortrend.com/6613733/auto-news/report-alfa-romeos-us-return-delayed-indefinitely-could-be-canceled/index.html

Nice looking cars with a poor rep for quality. I think Fiat was kidding itself that they could succeed with Alfa in America. Even more delusional is trying to sell Lancias as Chrysler. Did you see the "Chrysler Lancia"?

[Urbannizer]

^ Yeah I saw. Lancias are ugly if they sell that here, they should replace it with the PT Cruiser.