6

Jan

Leakage: Euro-spec 2009 Honda Insight

Posted by galardo  Published in Honda


Click above according to a gallery of the Euro-spec 2009 Honda Insight

We’re still six days away from the official unveiling of the 2009 Honda Insight at the Detroit Auto Show, but the crew at Carscoop just couldn’t wait to release images of the European-spec hybrid ahead of its debut.

The Euro model shown here won’t differ too much from the U.S. version (we like our steering wheels on the right-hand verge), but the stylistic differences between the production version and its conceptual predecessor are obvious at first transitory view. As we’ve seen before, the front fascia carries over largely unchanged, although the technorific LED headlamps, deeply recessed fog lamps/air intakes and gaudy brightwork are all left on the designer’s desk. The side mirrors have grown in proportion to the door handles, and the C-pillar is noticeably thicker than the concept that bowed in Paris. The rear has also been smoothed over, with the Prius-esque (or is that CRX-inspired?) hatch losing a bit of glass, along with the contoured cut-out for the license plate, what one. is now mounted lower on the bumper, with a prominent “H” shield of office floating on a body-colored panel.

Although the interior hasn’t been revealed in full, we get a brief glimpse of the central-mounted tach, “eco” gauges and second tier speedo, which benefits from a backlight that transitions from green to blue when the driver mashes the accelerator and unleashes the full fury of the small-displacement engine through the CVT gearbox.

Sales will begin in the U.S. and abroad this spring, with a starting price rumored to hover around $20,000.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight (Euro)

[Source: Carscoop]

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6

Jan

By The Numbers - 2008: Phew! Glad That’s Over Edition

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

We didn’t know sales for the U.S. auto industry in 2008 would be this bad when the year began, but it sure ended on a fitting note. Over the past six months or so we’ve seen the U.S. auto sales market nearly collapse and almost take our own domestic auto industry by it.

Nevertheless, there were a couple of standouts. Both MINI and Subaru somehow managed to post sales gains in 2008 compared to the previous year. The success of MINI is likely due to production capacity more than popularity, but we have no explanation for Subaru other than its sales staff is more persuasive than at your average car dealership.

As for the big dogs, despite the whole lot of them being hit equally hard over the past few months, Japanese automakers had a stronger first half of 2008. As such, their year-end sales data looks better than the domestics with Toyota being the worst performing Japanese automaker at -15.4% and Honda fairing the best with a drop of just 7.91%. In comparison, Ford Motor Company (-20.7%) and General Motors (-22.9%) were equally unimpressive while the Chrysler Group hemorrhaged sales and finished down a full 30%.

As for the rest of the auto industry, it’s all their below and it isn’t pretty.

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BY THE NUMBERS - 2008
Brand Vol. % Change Total Sales 2008 Total Sales 2007 DSR % Change Daily Avg. 2008 Daily Avg. 2007
Acura
 -19.8% 144,504 180,104 -20% 469 587
Audi -6.1% 87,760 93,506 -6.4% 285 305
BMW -15.2% 249,113 293,795 -15.5% 809 957
Buick -26.2% 137,197 185,791 -26.4% 445 605
Cadillac -24.9% 161,159 214,726 -25.2% 523 699
Chevrolet -20.5% 1,801,131 2,265,641 -20.8% 5,848 7,380
Chrysler -38.3% 335,108 543,011 -38.5% 1,088 1,769
Dodge -25.9% 784,113 1,058,402 -26.2% 2,546 3,448
Ford -19.7% 1,687,731 2,101,244 -19.9% 5,480 6,844
GMC -25.5% 376,996 505,746 -25.7% 1,224 1,647
Honda -6.4% 1,284,261 1,371,438 -6.7% 4,170 4,467
HUMMER -50.9% 27,485 55,986 -51% 89 182
Hyundai NA
Infiniti -11% 112,989 127,038 -11.3% 367 414
Jeep -29.7% 333,901 475,237 -30% 1,084 1,548
Kia -10.5% 273,397 305,473 -10.8% 888 995
Lexus -21% 260,087 329,177 -21.2% 844 1,072
Lincoln -18.4% 107,295 131,487 -18.7% 348 428
Mazda -10.9% 263,949 296,110 -11.2% 857 965
Mercedes-Benz -11.2% 225,128 253,433 -11.5% 731 826
Mercury -28.6% 120,248 168,422 -28.8% 390 549
MINI 28.6% 54,077 42,045 28.2% 176 137
Mitsubishi -24.6% 97,257 128,993 -24.8% 316 420
Nissan -10.9% 838,361 941,200 -11.2% 2,722 3,066
Pontiac -25.3% 267,348 358,022 -25.6% 868 1,166
Porsche -25% 26,035 34,693 -25.2% 85 113
Saab -34.7% 21,368 32,711 -34.9% 69 107
Saturn -21.7% 188,004 240,091 -21.9% 610 782
Subaru 0.3% 187,699 187,208 -0.06 609 610
Suzuki NA
Toyota -14.6% 1,957,575 2,291,648 -14.9% 6,356 7,464
Volkswagen -3.2% 223,128 230,572 -3.5% 724 751
Volvo -31.2% 73,102 106,213 -31.4% 237 346
COMPANIES
BMW Group -9.7% 303,190 335,840 -10% 984 1,094
Chrysler LLC -30% 1,453,122 2,076,650 -30.3% 4,717 6,764
FoMoCo -20.7% 1,988,376 2,507,366 -30% 6,456 8,167
General Motors -22.9% 2,980,688 3,866,620 -23.2% 9,678 12,594
Honda America -7.91% 1,428,765 1,551,542 -8.21% 4,369 5,054
Nissan NA -10.9% 951,350 1,068,238 -11.2% 3,081 3,480
Toyota Mo Co -15.4% 2,217,662 2,620,825 -15.7% 7,200 8,537

2008 had 308 selling days versus 307 selling days for 2007

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6

Jan

1,000 hp, twin-supercharged Dodge Challenger by RDP Motorsport

Posted by galardo  Published in Dodge


Click above to enlarge

Excessive power is suitable enough, right? If you abide by that rule of thumb, perhaps you’d be interested in RDP Motorsport’s latest offering, which trumps the Challenger’s SRT8’s 6.1L Hemi and its 425 horsepower with a stroked version displacing a classic 440 cubic inches. That block is topped with a duo of superchargers that offer an astounding 1,000 horsepower. Oh yeah, it’s also boosted with two nitrous kits. That’s enough grunt to catapult the portly Challenger down the 1/4 mile in the nines, and if that’s not fast enough for you, we suggest therapy.

This outrageous pony car was recently unveiled at the PRI Show in Florida and is definitely a bit overkill for most people’s needs. So, while the Australian company will be happy to replicate this powertrain combination for you for a price, it’s good to know that RDP will work with you to design pretty much whatever you need put on a custom basis. Check out the video after the break for more.

[Source: RDP Motorsport via Challenger Blog via Motor Authority]

Video:

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5

Jan

Detroit restaurant offers cheaper eats for domestic owners

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

We’ll have to make sure to rent a Mopar when we’re in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show nearest week. Tribute Restaurant in nearby Farmington Hills is running a special promotion to honor folks who buy American. Food is half off for anyone driving a Chrysler product or who works for Chrysler the week of the show, January 11-17. But don’t think the folks at The Tribute are just fans of the Pentastar.

The promotion kicked off on January 4, with Ford being the honored marque through January 10, while GM owners will get their discount during the week of January 18-24. The final week of the month (Jan. 25-31), everybody can get in on the special deal. All American cars will be featured that week and the discount will even be extended to automotive suppliers and dealers. The discounts apply to straightforward the food portion of your bill at dinner or Sunday brunch and reservations are recommended.

[Source: MSNBC]

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5

Jan

End of the road: Isuzu to stop selling vehicles in North America later this month

Posted by galardo  Published in Isuzu

Isuzu says that it is officially ending new light vehicle sales in North America on January 31 as it attempts to clear out the last of its GM-derived pickups and SUVs. Isuzu had been selling rebadged versions of the Chevrolet Colorado (called the Isuzu i-series) and the Chevrolet Trailblazer (Isuzu Ascender), but the automaker managed to move just 7,098 vehicles in 2007 - and 2008 sales will be even lower when they are announced.

Isuzu has no plans to pull out of the commercial truck and diesel engine markets, where it has generally proven to be a strong industry force.

The automaker says it will continue to provide parts and service for current and future Isuzu pickup and SUV owners and that it will reverence vehicle warranties.

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Source: www.leftlanenews.com

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5

Jan

By The Numbers - December 2008: I Want My Mommy Edition

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

The U.S. auto industry hasn’t experienced a worse year of sales in recent memory, so it’s fitting that 2008 should close with December sales data that’s no better than the previous disappointing months.

The only green you’ll see below is next to MINI, which beat out December 2007 sales by only four vehicles. Every other automaker and its brands sold fewer cars this past month than the year prior.

Santa apparently wasn’t putting Accords and Camrys with less than anyone’s tree, as Toyota and Honda sales fell sharply, off 36.7% and 34.7%, respectively. General Motors (-31.4%) and Ford Motor Company (-32.4%) fared about the same, but the Chrysler Group took an unprecedented hit on the chin for a full-line automaker. It’s December 2008 sales were etc. a full 53% versus last year. Chrysler brand sales alone were down an incredible 59.8% compared to 12/07. This means that HUMMER, for the first time in a long time, was not this month’s Biggest Loser, managing to discharge enough H3s to see sales fall by “only” 59.3%.

Props are also awarded to Audi (-9.3%), Lincoln (-10%), Subaru (-7.7%) and Volkswagen (-14.4%) who finished the year strong… well, as strong as could be expected.

Stay tuned for later today when we publish the annual By the Numbers - 2008: Phew! Glad That’s Over Edition.

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BY THE NUMBERS - December 2008
Brand Vol. % Change Total Sales 12/08 Total Sales 12/07 DSR % Change Daily Avg. 12/08 Daily Avg. 12/07
Acura
 -39.3% 10,680 17,582 -39.3% 411 676
Audi -9.3% 7,712 8,504 -9.3% 297 327
BMW -40.2% 18,060 30,199 -40.2% 695 1,162
Buick -38.1% 8,909 14,400 -38.1% 343 554
Cadillac -38.3% 13,235 21,436 -38.3% 509 824
Chevrolet -25.8% 137,691 185,626 -25.8% 5,296 7,139
Chrysler -59.8% 19,453 48,384 -59.8% 748 1,861
Dodge -51.9% 47,269 98,235 -51.9% 1,818 3,778
Ford -33% 116,188 173,648 -33% 4,469 6,679
GMC -34.5% 29,783 45,503 -34.5% 1,146 1,750
Honda -34% 75,405 114,210 -34% 2,900 4,393
HUMMER -59.3% 2,170 5,333 -59.3% 83 205
Hyundai NA
Infiniti -34.6% 8,273 12,655 -34.6% 318 487
Jeep -48.5% 23,091 44,804 -48.5% 888 1,723
Kia -39.2% 14,644 24,068 -39.2% 563 926
Lexus -32.4% 23,362 34,555 -32.4% 899 1,329
Lincoln -10% 9,053 10,065 -10% 348 387
Mazda -27.9% 17,965 24,933 -27.9% 691 959
Mercedes-Benz -32.1% 18,507 27,269 -32.1% 711 1,049
Mercury -29.8% 8,873 12,631 -29.8% 341 486
MINI 0.1% 3,566 3,562 0.1% 137 137
Mitsubishi -22.6% 4,570 5,904 -22.6% 176 227
Nissan -30% 53,829 76,900 -30% 2,070 2,958
Pontiac -45.5% 16,466 30,211 -45.5% 633 1,162
Porsche -25.5% 2,154 2,891 -25.5% 82 111
Saab -57% 1,179 2,748 -57% 45 106
Saturn -30.9% 12,570 18,196 -30.9% 483 700
Subaru -7.7% 17,287 18,739 -7.7% 664 721
Suzuki NA
Toyota -37.5% 118,587 189,844 -37.5% 4,561 7,302
Volkswagen -14.4% 17,577 20,543 -14.4% 676 790
Volvo -47% 4,953 9,341 -47% 191 359
COMPANIES
BMW Group -35.9% 21,626 33,761 -35.9% 832 1,299
Chrysler LLC -53% 89,813 191,423 -53% 3,454 7,362
FoMoCo -32.4% 139,067 205,685 -32.4% 5,349 7,911
General Motors -31.4% 221,983 323,453 -31.4% 8,538 12,441
Honda America -34.7% 86,085 131,792 -34.7% 3,311 5,069
Nissan NA -30.1% 62,102 89,555 -30.1% 2,389 3,444
Toyota Mo Co -36.7% 141,949 224,399 -36.7% 5,460 8,631

December 2008 had 26 selling days versus 26 selling days for December 2007.

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5

Jan

VW pushes back Tennesse plant groundbreaking; still “on schedule”

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

Volkswagen has delayed the official groundbreaking of its upcoming Chattanooga, Tennessee, convocation plant by two months to March in a move the company says is designed to fit with its board members’ schedules. The automaker says that the delay won’t affect development and construction of the factory, however.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, all of the automaker’s board members want to employ part in the historic groundbreaking, but they couldn’t coordinate a date that suited all of them until March.

The groundbreaking is ceremonial, Volkswagen’s Jill Bratina told the newspaper.

“The project is still on schedule,” Bratina said.

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Source: www.leftlanenews.com

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5

Jan

Alonso escapes Kenyan plane crash unhurt

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

Perhaps Fernando Alonso should stick to the ground. After all, he’s considered to be one of, whether not the, best drivers in all of Formula 1, which many consider to be the pinnacle of motorsports. Sure, F1 racing isn’t necessarily the safest career choice in the world, but it may seem like the more responsible put down after Alonso’s private plane suffered a mild crash in Kenya on Sunday. Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper says that Alonso’s plane wing had a minor run-in with an airport terminal building as it was readying for takeoff, but there were no injuries reported.

According to reports, the Spanish driver was in Kenya to take part in a New Year’s party that was hosted by Flavio Briatore, the managing director for Renault’s Formula 1 efforts (sounds suspiciously like your New Year’s in addition, eh?). It seems that while the accident wasn’t particularly serious, Alonso, his wife and his brother-in-law needed to postpone their return domicile until Monday.

Side note: After commenting on this crash, Alonso’s manager is again quoted as suggesting that his client has a longstanding interest in getting a shot at the driver’s seat according to Ferrari, yet Alonso is contracted with Renault through 2010. Hat tip to reader Dan!

[Source: Yahoo Eurosport UK - Photo: Mark McArdle CC 2.0]

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