Simona Alina
Filed in: Ford | 2007 | SEMA Auto Show | car tuning | Ford Flex

Hip Hop guru of car customization Funkmaster Flex brings his vision of urban luxury to Ford’s newest crossover with the Flex2. His signature two-tone paint scheme is integrated cleverly into the Flex2 through a House of Kolor Kandy custom paint job that features a Brandywine body color and a unique faux-brushed aluminum roof. Flex2’s exterior design is further enhanced by custom 3dCarbon accents including fender vents, upper and lower grilles and a rear upper spoiler.

The all-black leather interior features Katzkin custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior trim. To keep the party going inside the vehicle, Funkmaster Flex added two Invision headrest-mounted DVD systems in the first and second rows, along with a JL Audio 12-inch subwoofer and amplifier to enhance the tunes.

Flex2 rolls on custom 22-inch NC Forged wheels and Cooper Zeon XST tires. With a 1-inch lowered suspension and Borla dual rolled exhaust tips, Flex2 is an urban legend in the making.

“I know what this vehicle is going to be in the urban market: It’s going to be killer!” says Funkmaster Flex. “Whether you’re flossin’ with your friends, going to the club or riding around with your girl, the Ford Flex is the next urban street vehicle, and Flex2 is my interpretation of the ultimate in street luxury.”

Source: Internal

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Source: Ford Flex2 by Funkmaster Flex

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Ford | 2007 | SEMA Auto Show | car tuning | Ford Flex

Courtesy of customizing legends Chip Foose and Funkmaster Flex, the 2009 Ford Flex sports two distinct new looks at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Star of Overhaulin’ and the hottest custom car designer on the scene, Foose gave the Flex a look of contemporary suburban luxury that accentuates its already stand-out good looks.

Riding on Foose Design 22-inch wheels and Eibach springs customized for a lower appearance, the Foose Flex exterior features a custom-mixed, tow-tone blue and cream pearl paint job.

Inside, this color scheme continues with three-tone blue, gray and tan premium leather surfaces by Katzkin Leather.

Custom front and rear fascias and rocker panels are complemented by a custom wrap-around chrome beltline. Additional exterior details include painted appliqué door handles and a relocated license plate. With custom upper and lower grilles and bold FORD lettering across the front and rear, the Foose Flex reflects the right amount of expressive luxury appeal.

“When Ford called, I was quite excited to be one of the first to get my hands on the Flex,” says Foose. “I didn’t want the individual pieces I added to be the most eye-catching parts. I wanted it to look as if it came from Ford’s design studio.”

Source: Internal

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Source: Ford Flex by Chip Foose

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Lascelles Linton
Filed under: MPG, Toyota

Toyota introduced the 2009 Corolla at SEMA Wednesday. According to the LA Times, the car is 140 pounds heaver, two inches wider and “will show little to no improvement in fuel economy, and maybe even a small drop for some versions of the car.” Edmunds however says it “has made some substantial improvements in … fuel economy.” The LA Times article quotes a spokesperson saying that the fuel efficiency is already quite good, the numbers are not official but should be “a little less.” USA Today says “fuel economy should be about the same.”

So which is it; better, worse or the same? Mike Michels, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA, says “It’s putting out more power and has better fuel economy than it’s predecessor. … But if you look at the outgoing Corolla, those numbers will look higher. It’s because the EPA changed the rating method.” Okay, so maybe everyone is confused because the numbers changed… but wasn’t the transition from 2007 to 2008? I am getting confused now.

I will just compare the company press release to the EPA site data. The press release says 27/35 mpg. The EPA site says… it has two numbers. Wonderful. The automatic has lower mileage so if they meant that one, it’s higher but if they mean the manual, then it’s lower. I think they meant the automatic as standard so there is a drop which would make sense because it’s heaver and larger. I am contacting everyone involved just to be sure. Is Toyota the new big, fat king of the car industry? Maybe. Stay tuned.

[Source: LA Times, Edmunds, USA Today, International Herald Tribune]

Source: Does the 2009 Corolla get lower mileage than 2008 model?

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Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Chrysler

Up to 11,000 more jobs will be cut at Chrysler, the company announced today. That’s the headline that’s everywhere, and deservedly so. The subhead is that four products will be discontinued and “two all-new products and two hybrid models” will be added.

The vehicles that are disappearing include the Dodge Magnum, the convertible version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler Pacifica and the Chrysler Crossfire. The new products are the Dodge Journey and the Dodge Challenge, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid and the Dodge Durango hybrid.

Automotive News (subs req’d) says that Chrysler’s UAW workers feel blindsided by this announcement. Four days ago, the UAW approved a new contract with Chrysler.

Full press release from Chrysler after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler today issued the following news release:

Chrysler Announces New Plans to Balance Supply and Demand

• Chrysler Announces Product and Plant Changes
• Industry-wide volume reduction and sales slow down requires plant adjustments
• Four products will be cancelled from Chrysler line-up; while adding two all-new products and two hybrid models

Chrysler LLC today announced that it would make volume-related reductions at several of its North American assembly and powertrain plants, and eliminate four products from its line-up.

Shifts will be eliminated at five North American assembly plants which, combined with other volume-related manufacturing actions, will lead to a reduction of 8,500-10,000 additional hourly jobs through 2008.

Additional actions include reductions of salaried employment by 1,000 and supplemental (contract) employment by 37 percent. The Company also plans to eliminate hourly and salaried overtime and reduce purchased services due to reduction in volume.

The volume-related actions are in addition to 13,000 jobs eliminated by the three-year Recovery and Transformation Plan (RTP) announced in February. The objectives of the RTP remain the same.

“The market situation has changed dramatically in the eight months since Chrysler established the Recovery and Transformation Plan as its blueprint,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Annual industry volume (U.S. market) then was running at a 17.2 million clip. Now, we expect a seasonally adjusted annual volume for 2007 to be significantly lower and carry over into 2008.”

“We have to move now to adjust the way our company looks and acts to reflect a smaller market,” added Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President. “That means a cost base that is right-sized and an appropriate level of plant utilization.”

LaSorda added that third-shift operations at assembly plants usually reflect a high demand after a product is launched. Three of the five plants affected by this action are the result of elimination of third shifts” in Belvidere, Illinois; Toledo, Ohio, and Brampton, Ontario.

In contract negotiations just concluded with the United Auto Workers, Chrysler committed to spending more than $15 billion on products, plants and engineering during the life of the contract through 2011.

The company announced that it will eliminate four models through 2008, including Dodge Magnum, the convertible version (only) of Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Crossfire. In the same time frame, Chrysler will add two all-new products to its portfolio: the Dodge Journey and Dodge Challenger, along with two new hybrid models, the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango.

“These actions reflect our new customer-driven philosophy and allow us to focus our resources on new, more profitable and appealing products,” added Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President. “Further, these product actions are all in response to dealer requests.”

Manufacturing Actions

Chrysler will eliminate shifts at five assembly plants, and take further volume-related actions at several other facilities. It will:

Drop third-shift operations at Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant in the first quarter 2008. Belvidere builds the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass.

Drop second-shift operations at its Jefferson North (Detroit, Mich.) Assembly Plant in the first quarter 2008. It’s expected that the plant will return to two shifts in first quarter 2010 with the introduction of the next generation of sport-utility vehicles. The addition of a third shift will remain an option, depending on market demand. Jefferson North builds the Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

Drop third-shift operations at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant in the first quarter 2008. Toledo North builds the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro.

Drop third-shift operations at Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant in first quarter 2008. Brampton will build the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. The Dodge Magnum will be discontinued.

Drop second shift operations at Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant in first quarter 2008. Sterling Heights builds the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedans and Chrysler Sebring Convertible.

In addition, Mack Avenue (Detroit) Engine Plant II will return to a traditional two-shift / two-crew operation in the first quarter 2008 after operating on a three-crew, two-shift, 120-hour-per-week (3/2/120) schedule. Mack II builds the 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

“I’m confident that we have the right team in place and a business plan that doesn’t need to be re-written,” concluded Nardelli. “Like all good plans, the RTP has built-in flexibility that allows us to stay one step ahead of market change. And that is the way to long-term sustained profitability.”

Source: 11,000 fewer jobs, two new hybrids at Chrysler

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The trade group representing automotive importers has said it will not fight a combined 35 mile per gallon fuel economy standard being considered by the U.S. Congress, but its members want more time to meet the stiffer standard.

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers wants the deadline for meeting the tougher standards pushed significantly back from the proposed 2020 timeline. The lobbyist group represents more than a dozen import nameplates, including Toyota, which had sided with Detroit automakers in seeking lesser standards that separate car and truck ratings. The only AIAM members that sell large trucks are Toyota and Nissan.

Source: Importers Agreeable to 35 mpg Standard

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Now here’s a Scion xD that I wouldn’t actually mind seeing parked in my garage –well, if I had a garage, that is. The widebody kit is beautifully integrated to the xD which is painted in a vigorous Papaya Orange color. The kit is complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels in 245/30 R20 Yokohama rubber up front and 295/25 R20 in the rear.

As you can see in the detailed list after the jump, Scion’s SEMA-fied xD is filled with aftermarket components and accessories like the suspension and brake kits, Sparco racing seats and DVD player. Disappointingly, the supped Scion xD doesn’t feature any engines mods whatsoever. Too bad, we were just starting to like it. -Details and pics after the jump

FIVE AXIS DESIGN - SCION xD WIDEBODY

01 EXTERIOR

• Five Axis Design 6” Widebody

• Papaya Orange paint

02 ENGINE

• No modifications

03 EXHAUST

• Five Axis Unique Finishers

04 WHEELS

• FIVE:AD R6:F_SPEC

F: 20 x 8.5, +0

R: 20 x 10.5, +20

Satin aluminum finish

05 TIRES

• Yokohama Advan Sport

F: 245/30 ZR20

R: 295/25 ZR20

06 SUSPENSION

• TEIN Super Street Damper

• TRD strut brace

07 BRAKES

• Stoptech Big Brake Upgrade

F: 355mm x 32mm, ST40 4-piston Caliper

R: 328mm x 28mm, ST22 2-piston Caliper

08 INTERIOR

• Five Axis Design Interior Appointments

• Sparco Faster steering wheel

• Sparco Litium shift knob

• Sparco Reflex racing pedals

• Upholstery by Salt Turin Upholstery

09 SEATS

• Sparco Sienna sport seats

10 ICE

• Pioneer AVIC D3 navigation head unit

• Monster Car Audio cables and wires

• Real-time video capture

• Four exterior LCD screens

11 GAMING FEATURE

• Five Axis Modified Smart Industries 6” Claw Vending Machine

• Five Axis Design Plush Souvenir Toy Car SWAG

Source: SEMA: Scion xD Widebody by Five Axis Design

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SLK55

Special Lamborghini limited edition Christmas tree gifts

Lamborghini will make available a pack of limited edition Christmas tree gifts. So, what do you get? The gifts include ceramic Christmas tree baubles in box-sets of three finished in the Gallardo Superleggera orange glaze along with a set of same colored slow-burning candles with the Lamborghini logo imprinted on one side. The Lamborghini Christmas collection also includes 2008 calendars plus a set of 20 Christmas cards featuring the €1 million Lamborghini Reventón, presented last month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Special Lamborghini limited edition Christmas tree gifts

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When we launched autoshows.ford.com back in January, we didn’t know what to expect but we’ve been gratified by the response! We’ll continue our coverage of the world’s great auto shows by rolling out even more videos, behind-the-scenes interviews with Ford’s innovators and designers, and exclusive coverage from the show before it opens to the public. The 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off November 16th, so keep watching this space, and keep your comments coming!

Source: Auto Show Update

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Hummer | Hummer H3

GM today announced that it will will invest approximately $73 million into its Shreveport, La. truck assembly plant to prepare the plant for production of the all-new HUMMER H3T. The H3T is scheduled to arrive in dealerships by third quarter 2008.

“GM’s $73-million investment in Shreveport is further proof that the community remains an important part of GM’s manufacturing plan,” said Troy Clarke, GM Group Vice President and GM North America President. “The H3T is unique for HUMMER because it is the brand’s first true pickup. Like every HUMMER model, the H3T delivers capabilities unparalleled in the marketplace and will carve out a new niche in the truck market. I’m happy to say that the men and women of Shreveport will be a big part of this new growth.”

Cal Rapson, UAW vice president and director of the GM Department, also voiced strong support for the project.

“This investment is a testament to the members of UAW Local 2166 for their hard work and commitment to build high quality products,” Rapson said. “UAW members at the Shreveport plant are an important part of the team that is bringing this exciting new GM vehicle to the market.”

Larger than a midsize truck, smaller than a full-size, the H3T delivers attitude, versatility and capability. And more important, with a fully functional truck bed and one of the industry’s broadest range of personalization accessories, the H3T provides a new level of lifestyle functionality to the HUMMER portfolio and will draw new customers into the brand.

Source: Internal

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Source: Hummer H3T will debut in 2008

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Drew Phillips
SEMA, SUVs, Safety, Volvo

Volvo is known for its safe cars, so it’s only fitting that they would build a vehicle specifically designed for safety. The XC70 SR (Safety Rescue) concept was designed with the surf rescue vehicles of Southern California beaches in mind. The SR has an array of features that make it ideal for acting as a support vehicle like front and rear skid plates, a new front and rear overhang to improve approach angles, and a lifted chassis for five extra inches of ground clearance. Inside, the seats have been covered win a fabric similar to a wet suit, and emergency gear can be stored in the cargo department. On the floor are two scuba tanks, an oxygen tank, and a first aid kit, among other rescue equipment.

Gallery: Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue

PRESS RELEASE:

Las Vegas, NV (October 30, 2007) - Southern California’s lifeguards have been glamorized by Hollywood for decades. While they share the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, these dedicated men and women are highly trained professionals who take safety very seriously.

Guided by the surfing lifestyle and casual beach culture, the XC70 SR’s brilliant yellow and red paint scheme is authenticated by Catalina Island’s City of Avalon official seal. The Volvo XC70 is capable of back-country emergency duty; all-terrain victim support services and a broad array of rescue missions that are critical to those in need.

“California’s picturesque Catalina Island, and its historic city of Avalon, hosts tourists and sportsmen from around the world. Its unique deep canyon terrain, remote wilderness areas, deep water coves, secluded surf spots and hard-to-reach campsites and anchorages make rescue operations a top priority,” said Catalina’s spokesman, Wayne Griffin. “The impressive Volvo concept model is equipped to meet the real world needs of emergency service providers in Catalina and wherever all-access, fast response vehicular support is demanded. With high service demands here on the island, a flexible use rescue unit would be an asset; this concept vehicle could realistically meet our many unique evac demands including the many surf related incidents we respond to every year,” he added.

The Volvo Catalina Island Rescue unit epitomizes the company’s slogan and offers rescue operations specialists a glimpse of what is possible - a safe, comfortable and capable response support vehicle from a manufacturer committed to the idea that human life is to be celebrated and preserved.

Wrapped with eye-catching Surf Rescue graphics and City of Avalon insignia, the concept model can be easily seen on a crowded beach, in deep canyon terrain or from air support equipment. It sports a custom-crafted front fascia that wears a one-off milled aluminum billet grille. Front and rear skid plates and wider wheel lip cladding has been added for extra body protection from flying sand. The new fascias also reduce front and rear overhang, thereby improving approach and departure angles.

The chassis has been lifted an additional five inches from the stock ride height for improved ground clearance. It also makes way for a massive set of custom designed 20-inch wheels and Pirelli 275/45R20 tires sporting a unique tread pattern for increased traction. The rear subframe has been beefed-up for added ruggedness with milled aluminum billet components.

True to form, the XC70 SR is topped by a unique aerodynamically designed roof-mounted emergency light bar integrated with a rescue board rack. Not only does this treatment contribute to the stunning good looks of the vehicle, it also helps to reduce wind drag by attaching directly to the XC70’s OEM supplied roof rails.

When it’s time to respond to a call, the driver or front passenger can activate a barrage of flashing blue strobe emergency lights. In addition to the roof, they’re neatly inset into the lower front valance panel, headlight and rear combination light clusters as well as the inside rearview mirror.

Lifeguards get wet and sandy on the job so the interior has been modified for heavy-duty use - without sacrificing style. The XC70’s standard front bucket and folding rear seats have been recovered in wetsuit style neoprene fabric that’s custom tailored in black and gray with bright yellow inserts. Decorative interior panels throughout the cabin are tinted yellow to segue with the spirit of the exterior hue.

Bulky emergency rescue gear housed in the cargo compartment can easily be accessed via the XC70’s power rear tailgate. Secured to the neoprene covered floor are two scuba tanks, an oxygen tank, a small first aid kit, a resuscitator box and a large waterproof box containing additional medical supplies and surf rescue equipment.

The XC70’s 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. All-wheel-drive with Instant TractionTM is standard. Electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle’s brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

Source: SEMA 2007: Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue