Saxton On Cars

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

L.A. Auto Show: Jaguar C-X75 Electric Supercar Concept

Jaguar's C-X75 range-extended electric supercar concept made its North American Debut at this year's 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The C-X75, designed to celebrate 75 years of the marque, is a 205 mph four-wheel drive supercar capable of running in purely electric (zero tailpipe emissions) mode for 68 miles on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. The lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the Lithium-ion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 560 miles.

Because each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, the C-X75 is four-wheel drive – with all the traction, grip and safety benefits that entails – without the weight disadvantages of a purely mechanical set-up. Inherent in this drivetrain is the ability to independently vector torque to each wheel across the full speed range. This offers potential benefits in terms of stability and control, creating an infinitely and instantaneously adjustable traction and stability control system.

L.A. Auto Show: Subaru Impreza Design Concept

Subaru unveiled the Impreza Design Concept at the LA Auto Show, which previews their new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character. The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester.

Subaru's advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology. I'm told this concept is expected to become reality.

2012 MAZDA5 Starts At $19,990 In January

The 2012 MAZDA5 compact multi-activity vehicle will have a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,990, including destination and delivery. The 2012 MAZDA5 will go on sale at dealers across the U.S. in January 2011.

The 2012 MAZDA5 is powered by a 157 horsepower 2.5-liter MZR I-4 engine and can be paired with either a six-speed manual (Sport models only) or five-speed automatic transmission (standard on Touring and Grand Touring). The 2012 MAZDA5 will be offered in three trim grades: the Sport, the mid-level Touring from $21,990 and the top-of-the-line Grand Touring from $24,670.

Friday, November 19, 2010

L.A. Auto Show: Media Days Wrap

The L.A. Auto Show media days had new debuts for everyone with a strong diverse exhibition of new vehicles with a couple of manufacturers wanting to blow us away.

Mass Introductions
I'm talking about Dodge with six vehicles, their entire line-up, new or face-lifted - Challenger, Charger, Avenger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan. The other was Lotus with a debut of five hot sports cars.

Electric
Electric vehicle introductions have been a theme of the L.A. Auto Show for years and this year we had the Honda Fit EV, Toyota Rav4 EV, Kia Optima Hybrid, Infinti's M35h, Buick LaCrosse e-assist and Mitsubishi's MiEV.

Sedans
The show stopper was the all-new Hyundai Elantra sedan starting at $14,830 and loaded with nav and rear camera monitor for under $20,000 - amazing! Another impressive mass market, high volume affordable sedan debut was the 2012 Ford Focus, coming in both 4-door and 5-door models. Chrysler showed off the new 200, replacing the Sebring sedan.

Topless
Looking for a convertible? The Chevy Camaro, Volkswagen Eos and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet debuted this week.

Luxury
New luxury choices include the Audi A7 hatchback sedan, Range Rover Evoque SUV, Saab 9-4X crossover and the Porsche Cayman R. Also, check out the BMW X3.

Minivan
If you're looking for a minivan the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Nissan Quest.

Concepts
The hottest head-turning, eye-popping concept sports cars were from Mazda and Jaguar. Nissan showed the Ellure while Subaru says their concept reveals their design future. Also see the BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept.

The L.A. Auto Show is open today through Sunday Nov. 28th and I'll have more on the new debuts over the next few weeks.

L.A. Auto Show: Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet And Quest Minivan

The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, the world’s first AWD crossover convertible was shown in an amazing color at the L.A. Auto Show and will certainly attract a buyer with expressive tastes with serious cash in the wallet with a starting MSRP of $46,390. This Murano is powered by Nissan's 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.It goes on sale early next year.

The 2011 Nissan Quest has a boxy look which is good for maximizing interior space and follows Nissan's "macho" design seen in their other vehicles. Quest standard features include quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, permanent hidden storage and Nissan Intelligent Key™. The 2011 Nissan Quest is offered in four models: S, SV, SL and LE – starting at $27,750.

L.A. Auto Show: Porsche Cayman R

Porsche Cayman R is powered by a 330 horsepower 6-cylinder mid-engine mated to either a manual or PDK 7-speed automatic transmission. The manual starts at $66,300 and the auto at $69,960. It's a poor man's 911 with many rich Porsche features.

L.A. Auto Show: Range Rover Evoque 5-Door

Range Rover Evoque 5-door, the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover model ever, made its global debut at the LA Auto Show. The Evoque comes with a turbocharged 240 horsepower 2.0-liter Si4 engine. Range Rover Evoque is now available in two body styles, the Coupé and 5-door.Expect to see the Evoque in dealerships next year.

L.A. Auto Show: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The 2011 Camaro Convertible, starting at $29,150, has a 312 horsepower Direct Injection V6 offering up to 29 MPG highway. The upscale SS has a 426 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with an EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway. The available automatic transmission version of SS features Active Fuel Management and offers 25 MPG highway while delivering 400 horsepower. The Camaro comes in 4 trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS and arrives in Chevrolet showrooms in February.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

L.A. Auto Show: Volvo's Stefan Jacoby Makes Keynote Speech

The MPG keynote speaker to kick off the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show was Stefan Jacoby who, in August, was picked by Geely to run Volvo Car Corporation because of his success with Volkswagen in China. He attributed his move from President of VW of America to Volvo as liking challenges in the automotive industry believing he's the right man for Volvo's expected growth. In his speech, Jacoby gave a history of Volvo contributions to the auto industry and explained the U.S. sales slide from a 2004 peak of 140,000 vehicles to less than half that this year as a result of the financial crisis and a negative currency environment saying that things can only get better. He cited Volvo's C70 convertible, XC60, C30 and S60 as Consumer Reports' recommended vehicles. Jacoby promised to bring more attractive products from a leaner, better, smarter faster Volvo targeting to take this year's global production of 380,000 to 800,000 by 2020. On the green side, Jacoby says their electric C30 with a 150km range will be in a test fleet in California next week. Volvo will build a factory in China where sales are up 50% this year over 2009. More details on the China plan and Geely's mission for Volvo will be coming in the next few weeks according to Jacoby so stay tuned.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

2012 Volkswagen Eos Hardtop Convertible Coming in Feb. 2011

Volkswagen introduced their all-new "all-season" 2012 Eos hardtop convertible on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show to invited guests and celebrities at their design studio in Santa Monica. The Eos, in addition to being a full convertible, has a fully functional sunroof when the roof is up.

The Eos comes with the 200 horsepower 2.0-liter 4 cylinder16-valve DOHC turbocharged engine delivering highway fuel economy of 31 miles-per-gallon. It's mated to a six-speed automatic dual-clutch system that engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. The 2012 Eos hits the U.S. market in February and elsewhere in the Spring of next year and comes with the Carefree Maintenance Program covering the first 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance at no charge.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Mullin Automotive Museum: Bugatti-mania and more

The Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, open to the public on selected Saturdays, has some of the most rare cars on display, including Bugattis, Delages, Delahayes, Hispano Suizas, Talbot-Lagos and Voisins along with vintage racing cars and modern Bugatti prototypes. Peter Mullin took over the space once occupied by Otis Chandler's collection but none of the vehicles here now were part of Chandler's exhibit.

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, one of only 3 made, sold in May for between $30 million and $40 million to an anonymous buyer making it the highest price ever paid for an automobile. In 1971, this Bugatti was purchased for $59,000 by Dr. Peter Williamson who restored it. It won't be on display very much longer so get there to see it. Visiting the museum is a rich cultural experience and an absolute must for any car connoisseur.