Simona Alina
Filed in: BMW | 2008 | convertible | Geneva Motor Show | sports cars | BMW M3

When the first official images of the M3 Convertible started to surface online everyone thought that it will make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show. But BMW denied any rumor and said that we will need to wait untuil March when the M3 Convertible will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The same as the Coupe and the Sedan version, the Convertible will be powered by the same 4.0 liter V8 engine that delivers 420 hp. But, compared to the Coupe version, the Convertible will be a little bit slower: it will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds (0.4 seconds slower than the coupe).

Source: BMW M3 Convertible - first official images

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With all the attention surrounding the sale of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands you’d think Ford must desperate to offload the two brands. After all, just recently as 2006 Jaguar posted an annual loss of more than $700 million and Land Rover, while profitable, wasn’t posting anything worth mentioning. Skip forward just 12 months and it’s a very different story.

For 2007, Land Rover’s global sales increased nearly 18%, due mostly to increased sales in new markets Russia and China, and according to the carmaker’s managing director Phil Popham it’s “strongly in profit at the moment”.

Jaguar, too, has turned around its dismal performance record and should be close to turning a profit this year. “In 2008 we are expecting a much stronger year in terms of sales,” Mike O’Driscoll, Jaguar managing director, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show.

Despite the recent strong performance of both Jaguar and Land Rover, Ford, as part of its own turnaround plan, has decided to focus on its core brands and thus is offloading the two British marques. It will be interesting to see what cash-rich Tata Motors will be able to do with the brands once it takes control.

Source: Jaguar and Land Rover on track for strong 2008

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Lincoln surprised show goers at the NAIAS with the unveiling today of the new MKT sedan concept, showcasing the brand’s new design language on a spacious luxury utility vehicle. Officials are calling this a concept but recent spy shots around regular Blue Oval proving grounds suggest this design study will be heading for production.

As a sign of the times, the MKT features an efficient EcoBoost V6 engine rather than a large displacement V8 and it’s also makes use of more environmentally friendly materials in its construction. The 3.5L engine features turbocharging and direct injection to lift power and torque to V8 levels with fuel efficiency of a V6. Other fuel saving features include an advanced transmission, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – it’s also capable of running on E85 ethanol blended fuel (Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year).

Inside, the concept takes on a distinctive luxury theme. Occupants get first-class airline style seats, of which there are four in total, as well as full heating, reclining and footrest features.

For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.

The instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, also houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses LEDs strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.

Source: Lincoln MKT Concept previews new flagship

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Alex Nunez
Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Cadillac, GM

Hot off the wire is GM’s surprise announcement that Cadillac will unveil a CTS Coupe Concept at its press conference later this morning. We’ve been expecting a CTS Coupe as part of the diversification of that model’s offerings, and this concept should give us a great idea of what the probable production car will look like. Photos won’t be released until closer to showtime, and we’ll get them up as soon as they’re released. Joining the CTS Coupe will be the Cadillac Myst, another hydrogen concept, and of course, you’re already familiar with the CTS-V and Escalade Hybrid, which round out the Caddy contingent. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:
NEW PRODUCTION MODELS AND CONCEPTS HIGHLIGHT CADILLAC’S DESIGN AND INNOVATION AT THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

DETROIT – Carrying the momentum of its ongoing product renaissance – exemplified in the new, award-winning CTS – Cadillac accelerates into 2008 with significant moves that advance the brand’s dramatic design and innovative performance technology. These initiatives are on display at the North American Auto Show, in a pair of new production models and a pair of forward-looking concepts:

• 2009 CTS-V – the ultimate expression of Cadillac’s performance, luxury and design
• 2009 Escalade Hybrid – the first hybrid propulsion system applied to a large luxury SUV, delivering more than 50-percent improved fuel mileage in city driving
• Myst Concept – a petroleum-free, hydrogen-powered vision of future luxury transportation
• CTS Coupe Concept – a celebration of Cadillac’s design heritage in the form of a personal, expressive sports coupe

“Cadillac’s portfolio of technical solutions for luxury consumers around the globe has never been more diverse,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Wrapping all these products together is the distinctive design that has powered Cadillac’s resurgence.”

The CTS-V, Myst Concept and CTS Coupe Concept make their world debuts at Detroit, representing different yet complementary aspects of Cadillac’s advanced technical development and evolving design language. The Escalade Hybrid, beginning production in mid-2008, extends the desirability of the leading large luxury SUV.

Source: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept to debut later this morning

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BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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Source: BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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BMW 128i convertible - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

 

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Source: BMW 128i convertible - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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Source: BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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BMW M6 Coupe - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

 

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Source: BMW M6 Coupe - 2008 Detriot Auto Show

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Saturn announced this weekend at the Detroit auto show that production will may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Saturn Vue Green Line. The crossover is expected to be the first regular production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to hit the market.

Plug-in hybrid allow owners to recharge the electric motor's battery overnight, in this case providing 10 miles of range without activating the gasoline engine. The vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries can be fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet.

When the batteries are fully charged, the Vue plug-in hybrid will potentially double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV. After electric-only propulsion depletes the lithium-ion energy storage system to a specified level, the battery is replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid system’s electric motors and regenerative brake systems.

Source: GM to sell Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid in 2010

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Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Saturn, Detroit Auto Show

Click the Flextreme for high-res images

Back in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, General Motors main European brand Opel unveiled the second body style and third power-train variant of their E-Flex architecture. Since the product lines of Opel and Saturn have been converging over the past few years it makes sense to display the Flextreme at U.S. auto shows with Saturn badging. Aside from the badge changes, the Flextreme is still the same vehicle that was on the Opel stand in Germany.

To refresh you memories, the Flextreme carries on the power-train concept of the original Chevy Volt as a range extended electric vehicle. Drive to the wheels is provided by a 53kW electric motor which gets electrons from a 16kWh lithium ion battery. Where the Flextreme differs from the Volt is the range extender. The Volt uses a 1.0L three cylinder, gasoline/E85 flex-fuel engine to drive the generator. The Flextreme uses a 1.3L four cylinder diesel engine.

Aside from the diesel E-Flex setup, the other important aspects of the Flextreme are the two on-board Segway scooters mounted in a compartment in the back and the vehicle and the styling. The design of the Flextreme gives a strong preview of the design language of the next generation of Opel and Saturn vehicles starting with the upcoming Opel Insignia which will replace the Vectra and Aura. Check out the coverage of the Flextreme from Frankfurt for more details on the powertrain.

Related Posts:

• Chevy Volt goes to Europe: Opel Flextreme Concept has ultra-low emissions of 40g/km of CO2 (!) and two on-board Segways
• Frankfurt 2007: Opel Flextreme live shots, unloading the Segways

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saturn Flextreme Concept

Gallery: 2007 Opel Flextreme concept

[Source: General Motors]

THE SATURN FLEXTREME PLUG-IN CONCEPT:
EFFICIENCY NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

• Sleek, sporty compact concept vehicle hints at Saturn’s future design direction
• Extended-range electric vehicle features GM’s E-Flex System and provides up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free range
• Customer-friendly innovations include FlexDoors® and FlexLoad® features

DETROIT – Saturn demonstrates that clean, practical transportation and stunning design can go hand-in-hand with the electric-drive Saturn Flextreme concept, introduced today at the North American International Auto Show. Featuring General Motors’ breakthrough E-Flex electric propulsion technology that provides up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free range, as well as a sleek, monocab design, the Flextreme looks as clean as it drives.

With multiple aesthetic and functional innovations such as cameras that replace side-view mirrors and unconventional doors that allow easy entry and exit, Flextreme signals that the distinguishing features of Saturn’s portfolio will continue in future product introductions: striking, European-inspired designs; and a commitment to providing customers with functional, efficient vehicles that respect the environment.

“Clean design, innovative features and environmental technology are hallmarks of Saturn’s newly revitalized portfolio,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “The Flextreme concept demonstrates how these design-driven, innovative attributes will be applied in our next generation of vehicles, and it shows that unconventional thinking can result in great cars.”

A collaborative effort between Saturn and GM’s European Opel brand, the Flextreme concept was developed to showcase the future design direction of both brands, which share many similar customer traits. This design partnership has resulted in several highly successful production vehicles in the U.S. and Europe such as the Saturn Aura; the Saturn Sky and Opel GT; Saturn Vue and Opel Antara; and the Saturn Astra and Opel Astra. The Flextreme concept debuted as an Opel at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Flextreme also represents Saturn’s ongoing commitment to deliver vehicles that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. Unlike conventional vehicles and gas-electric hybrids, the Saturn Flextreme concept features GM’s E-Flex System that uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel it for up to 34 miles of electric-drive-only range. The battery can be recharged at a household outlet in just three hours. On the road, a clean and efficient 1.3L turbo-diesel onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range. Fully charged, the Flextreme’s 34-mile, all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in the U.S. to travel without using any fuel or emitting any CO 2.

Saturn’s commitment to innovation and clean transportation is further illustrated by the two high-tech electric Segway® Personal Transporters ingeniously packaged below the Flextreme’s cargo floor. With a twist of the handlebar-mounted release, the handlebar retracts and rotates downward for easy loading into the rear compartment. Once docked, the batteries of these modified Segways can be charged along with the Flextreme’s batteries.

Exterior design that dares to be different

The Saturn Flextreme concept highlights the new elements of Saturn design language: more sculpted surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow, boomerang-shaped lights and a sloping feature line in the side graphics.

Aerodynamic details and lightweight materials help enhance the fuel savings of the electric-drive system. For example, the bottom edge of the windshield is pulled far forward so that the hood, with its characteristic crease, is very short. The integrated power socket is in the cowl panel.

The front grille and rims are covered by lightweight, polycarbonate transparent trim, which improves aerodynamics while maintaining visual aesthetics. Special light alloy wheels look like conventional wheels, yet are designed to avoid energy-robbing air turbulence.

Like the wheel design, the large, boomerang-like curved front light units are visually deceptive, and continue a theme that began with the Opel GTC Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The vertically oriented front lights “slice up” the front end in an unusual manner. The LED headlamp unit houses a lightweight crossbeam, fog lamps and air intake for brake cooling, which are comparatively small. The curved rear lights are completely integrated into the tailgate and hidden beneath rear glass. If one of the tailgate doors is opened, an additional parking light switches on so that the Flextreme can be easily seen in the dark.

All windows, including the windshield, are made of lightweight polycarbonate, as is a large part of the roof. The Flextreme’s panoramic windshield provides a bright and spacious interior and stretches over most of the roof, which is reinforced by a spine-like composite structure that extends to the rear floor.

Innovative doors open up new possibilities

In keeping with Saturn’s philosophy of challenging conventional thinking, the Flextreme concept design team set out to create a vehicle that combined GM’s E-Flex chassis with a body style that is dynamic, yet efficiently makes the best use of space. To do so, it uses the FlexDoors® and FlexLoad® systems, two innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance the Flextreme’s functionality.

With the FlexDoors system, access to the rear cargo area is throug h two butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that individually swing open upward along the central axis of the vehicle. This thoughtful feature allows the Flextreme’s trunk to be accessible from the side when parked tightly against a wall or another vehicle, or when a bicycle rack is fitted on the rear.

The rear doors are another key distinguishing feature of the Flextreme. While the front doors open in the conventional manner, the rear doors are rear-hinged. And as there is no center roof pillar (B-pillar), opening both doors on one side creates a large opening for easy entry. For families, this feature is especially useful when securing child seats and children into the rear seating positions.

High-tech interior features enhance convenience

The FlexLoad underfloor luggage compartment may be the Flextreme’s most customer-friendly feature. A practical yet flexible stowage option that extends and retracts electronically, it eliminates having to lift luggage up, over and into a trunk. In the Flextreme concept on display, the rechargeable Segway® Personal Transporters are docked in this underfloor luggage compartment.

Also inside the Flextreme concept are honeycomb structures that offer low weight and high rigidity. These functional, geometric structures can be found in the instrument panel’s lower portion, cabin floor, cargo floor and above the center tunnel where the lithium-ion batteries are located.

The seats use lightweight construction and are anchored to the car’s floor by a single track rather than the usual two, creating more foot space in the rear. Refined upholstery gives the seats a light and elegant look, with some parts in fabric/mesh and corners made of especially soft material. The steering wheel hub houses another high-tech feature: a full-size driver air bag packaged with a special vacuum technique that reduces its overall volume.

Large, panoramic, configurable displays are set directly under the windshield. They can show a complete, all-around view of the car’s surroundings, using the two side cameras (one front-facing, one rear-facing) that replace the conventional side mirrors. The displays can also show information about vehicle systems such as the audio system, phone and other equipment.

All the right touches

A second display on the center console features touch-screen operation. At the top, the programmable, one-touch buttons are designed like computer shortcuts. They provide easy access to various intuitive menus, including air conditioning, comm