Chrysler "Driving America" With 0% Financing, following $1.5 Billion Loan

Chrysler Financial is back in action following the approval of $1.5 billion in Federal loans, sourced from the $700 billion financial bailout. To celebrate, the automaker is beginning a new 0% financing promotion for up to 60 months starting tomorrow. The incentive will be available on 2008 and 2009 models in hopes that it will spark more showroom traffic to help offset a dismal December.

"Dealers told us after December that not having Chrysler Financial cost us 20 to 25 percent sales," said Steven Landry, executive vice president for North American sales and service, to Automotive News. "We could see a significant lift."

Chrysler will publicize the promotion with a "Driving America" campaign that starts next week, though it should be noted that leasing a new Dodge or Chrysler through Chrysler Financial is still off the table.

Although the conditions of the financing offer vary by vehicle, here are the vehicles included:

• Chrysler Town & Country
• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler 300C
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Commander
• Jeep Wrangler
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Magnum
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Ram (regular and Heavy Duty)

Don't expect this to be the last low-interest loan promotion from Chrysler in the near future. The $1.5 billion is just a transitional loan until the Federal Reserve starts a "far larger consumer-lending program," according to Automotive News.

Smaller Rolls-Royce RR4 previewed in latest design sketches

Rolls-Royce has recently been undertaking significant organizational changes with the appointment of CEO Tom Purves from parent company BMW, the introduction of the new Drophead Coupe and most recently, the development of a smaller Rolls-Royce model codenamed the RR4 that has been slightly revealed in these design sketches. Due out in late 2010, the RR4 will accompany the Phantom lineup of vehicles and will be built on a modified Rolls-Royce assembly line at Goodwood, England. Paint, wood and leather shops will be expanded for increased production, as well as a second shift will be added to the manufacturing plant. According to Chief Designer Ian Cameron, a bigger emphasis on driving was instilled in the RR4's "more informal" design. Even with smaller dimensions and a "more organic form" that emphasizes owner's likeliness to drive the car rather than be driven, the Phantom's little brother is still expected to command at least a $350,000 price tag. Key to the new design will be a BMW-sourced V-12 powerplant that is speculated to produce 470-plus horsepower. The engine will utilize BMW's HPi system that enables the V-12 to produce less emissions and more power on high quality fuel. Although the revised engine will likely be shared with the upcoming fifth-generation BMW 7 Series and the vehicle derived from the Concept CS sport sedan slated for 2011, sources close to the project have indicated that the RR4's engine will be "of a unique capacity, larger than the 6.0-liter that will be fitted to the 7 Series." Currently the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupe employ a Rolls-Royce-like 6.75-liter (or as they state a 6-3/4-liter) V-12 that will most likely serve as engineering inspiration for the smaller four-door's power supply. According to company chairman Ian Robertson, the RR4 is anticipated to greatly "expand the appeal of the brand" and further details of the new model will be revealed in the coming months nearing its release. Rolls-Royce posted a 25 percent increase in sales for 2007 with 1010 cars -- a record amount for one year. Source: Rolls-Royce

Kizashi Killed: Suzuki Reportedly Canceling Large Car Plans

Suzuki Motors will reportedly scrap its plans for a larger, more upscale sedan based on its trio of Kizashi concepts in an effort to cut costs and production. In a report last week by Reuters citing Nikkei, Suzuki will focus on reducing its expenditures rather than investing in the development an all-new car in an ever-shrinking segment already occupied by well-established players. Its larger, more luxurious models were slated to make their debut sometime in 2010, but as global demand dwindles on all segment levels, such a huge project was deemed too much for the Japanese automaker. In concept form, the Kizashi cars utilized highly fuel efficient powertrains ranging from a 2.0L turbo diesel four-cylinder to a more powerful 3.6L V-6 engine The Nikkei also reported that Suzuki officials have opted to delay the 2010 opening of plants in Russia and Thailand as a result of lackluster sales. Source: Reuters

Audi’s automatic engine stopping

In 2008 Audi’s cars will receive automatic engine starting and stopping system…

The system of automatic engine stop and start is designed to save fuel during the stop of a car will be installed to some Audi models. The system will turn off the engine after stopping of a car and then turn it on automatically when you press the accelerator pedal. This innovation is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere during the long stop in the traffic jam.

It is expected that ath next year, the equipment will be installed to A4.

Furthermore, as reported by the Executive Director of Audi AG Rupert Shtadler, shortly cars will have automatic system for traffic regulation “Drive Select” which will offer the driver the regime, that at some point is the most economical. All these innovations are an integral part of a series of measures applied to improve the economy of Audi cars by 20% till 2012.

Subaru Forester is Motor Trend’s Sport Utility of the Year

The Subaru Forester emerged triumphant from a field of thirteen contenders to clinch the 2008 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year award. According to Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus McKenzie, the decision to give the award to the Forester was unanimous. “The Subaru Forester is the SUV for our times”, he added.

The Subaru Forester has had an excellent safety record. It recently received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Aside from five-star frontal and side impact crash-test rating, the 2009 Forester also received a four-star rollover resistance rating. The 2009 model certainly lives up to it with cutting –edge safety technology such as ring reinforcement safety system; front, seat mounted side and three row side-curtain airbags; and ABS.

China's Brilliance set to display at Detroit show, vows 2009 U.S. market debut

While some already established automakers are pulling out of the 2009 Detroit auto show, others, like China's up-and-coming Brilliance, are making themselves right at home in the Motor City. According to a report by Automotive News, Brilliance will display four of its global offerings at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January. If all goes as planned (not likely, considering its lengthy track record), the report says Brilliance will enter the U.S. market by as early as next year. The Chinese automaker is looking to ship its BS6 midsize sedan, BS4 compact car, BC3 sport coupe, and FRV hatchback to Detroit where it will try to gain some much needed excitement despite a highly publicized shaky European introduction. Last month, we reported on Brilliance's reselling of a BS4 sedan in Europe that was revised by Porsche after receiving horrible crash safety results earlier in the year. Although none of its cars pass American safety and emissions standards in their current form, Brilliance officials insist their models will meet regulations by December of this year with extensive help from Porsche AG and FEV Inc. In an interview with Automotive News this past spring, Brilliance VP He Guochua stated the automaker has already sent BS6 and BS4 sedans for testing in the U.S. where they achieved "good" safety results and, as expected, problematic emissions outputs. Brilliance currently employs a variety of expertises in the manufacturing and improvement of its cars. BMW, its Chinese partner, helps out with the company's production process, Porsche has been commissioned for its engineering, and Mitsubishi provides support to the powertrain departments. It will be surprising if, even with all the outside assistance, Brilliance's cars will be up to standard and ready in time for its proposed 2009 U.S. introduction. Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

New BMW Z4 to debut January ‘09?

Rumors about the arrival of a new BMW Z$ in 2009 have been buzzing for months. The rumors might just be true. According to a BMW insider, the automaker might debut a new, redesigned BMW Z4 next month. The new Z4 will offer drivertrain choices including either a naturally apspirated or twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, found in the 328i and 335i, respectively. An M verson with a V8 and a carbon fiber roof is also rumored to be available.

The 2009 BMW z4 is also expected to have new front and rear fascias, a lower roofline and ducktail spoilers as well as stylistic differences between the Z4 coupe and the folding hardtop variety. However, the soft-top Z4 is expected to be dropped from the mode lineup.

Meanwhile, a new Z2 is rumored to be currently in the works with coupe and cabrio variants and equipped with BMWs EfficientDynamics system. The two-door Z2, based on the 1-series, is expected to be powered either by a natrually aspirated or turbocharged 2.0-liter four with a possibe hybrid version using BMW’s eDrive system.

Source: Autoblog

Acura Makes A Stand At 2008 L.A. Auto Show

The 2008 L.A. Auto Show was one to remember. Acura was present and so was their version of the "Batmobile." The only difference was that this batmobile had satellite radio.

Presenting the Acura American Le Mans Series Vehicle: The power comes from a V8 engine creating 500+ hp. The valve train is a dual overhead camshaft and has four valve per cylinder. What do you think of this supercar?

Click HERE to see 2009 Acura TL

Meet the New Jeep Patriot

Practically unchanged from the concept introduced at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Jeep Patriot made its global debut as a production vehicle, the newest entry-level SUV in Jeep’s lineup, at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The new Patriot arrives just three months after the debut at the 2006 NAIAS of another entry-level SUV from Jeep, the Compass. Both the Compass and the Patriot share a platform with the Dodge Caliber.

While the Compass looks more like a conventional SUV with a Jeep grille, the Patriot is more akin to the traditional Jeep design with elements of the original Jeep Cherokee evident. These include the square-ish lines, short overhangs and the trademark seven-slot Jeep grille. Also, the Patriot has already earned is ‘Trail Rated’ badge, unlike the Compass, because of its higher ground clearance and 4WD system.

The new Patriot will come with three available configurations: the standard front-wheel drive and two four-wheel drive systems (Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II). These drive systems make the Patriot a true off-road vehicle with its features such as added traction, continuously variable transmission with a low range capability, higher ground clearance, 17-inch all terrain tires and aluminum wheels, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, body sealing, etc.

Freedom II makes the Patriot at par with Jeep’s off-road capability prerequisites for water fording, traction, articulation, ground clearance and maneuverability. The Jeep Patriot will be powered by a 2.4 liter World Engine with variable valve timing and with an output of 172hp, and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The Patriot will be arriving at dealerships later this year with an entry-level sticker price at under $16,000.

Electric Car Around the Corner - 2010 Think Global Ox

The electric car we need is just around the corner.

It seems that more automakers worldwide are committing to electric-powered cars. Word spreads of an Norwegian company, Think Global, entering the marketplace with a small, affordable electric car. The company is selling tiny electric cars in Europe and will be offering them in the U.S. in 2009.

Think Global recently showcased a new concept vehicle called the Ox. It is about the size of the Toyota Prius and can travel from 125 to 155 miles before it needs a charge. It speeds from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds running on lithium-ion batteries that can be charged to 80 percent of capacity in less than one hour. The on-board electronics are powered by a solar panel that has been integrated into the roof. No one is sure of the price, but other Think Global vehicles have a price tag of less than $25,000.

Think Global has a business plan exemplifies saving it a lot of money. It designed an ultra-lean manufacturing system production facilities for about $10 million while competitors spend billions of dollars. The factories produce cars closer to their customers and cut transportation costs. Company execs say that Think Global would be profitable if it sells 10,000 vehicles a year.

This is definitely the right step towards next-generation technology and management. Maybe Detroit's Big Three can take a couple pointers.

source: businessweek

Kelley Blue Book Posts Most Researched Autos for 2006

The information gathered from more than 60 million visitors of Kelley Blue Books’ kbb.com, the most visited third-party auto web site in the net, comprised of the raw data of the latest most researched vehicles for the first six months of 2006. Included in the Top 20 list of America’s most trusted source of new and used automotive information are the following.

Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Rav4
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander
Chevrolet Tahoe
Honda CR-V
Ford Mustang
Nissan Altima
BMW 325
Acura TL
Toyota Sienna
Toyota 4runner
Ford Escape
Infiniti G35
Toyota Avalon
Mazda 3

On top of the list are Asian models, Honda and Toyota. Seven slots are occupied by Toyota and five by Honda, which are all included in the Top Ten. In place of the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has fallen off from the current list, are Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Tahoe. Together with the Tahoe is the Ford Mustang, the sole domestic models that made it to the most researched line-up.

Two utilitarian minivans came in at the 6th and 7th spots, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna respectively. Three entry level luxury vehicles also made it in the list - the BMW 325, Acura TL and Infiniti G35 (pictured above) – which according to Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com have definitely become the brands and vehicles that the public aspires to drive and own.

BusinessWeek names best American cars of 2006

Much has been said about the current financial crisis that America’s top automakers are experiencing. Sales continue its downward trend as demand for large and midsized SUV’s fall. May sales figures were down by 4.6% compared to last year. However, America’s automakers are producing much improved vehicle models generating a lot of buzz. There have been a number of exciting new sedans and coupes introduced such as the Saturn Sky and Ford Shelby GT500. Impressive new vehicle models have also come out from Detroit’s Big Three over the last few years.

To find out which among these new American vehicles are the best, BusinessWeek.com attempts to rank the newest domestic cars of 2006 according to reported reliability, government crash-safety ratings and total cost of ownership. Data were gathered from various sources such as Consumer Reports (Reliability), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Safety ratings) and Edmunds.com (total cost of ownership or TCO). TCO refers to the ownership expenses incurred over a five year time span including such costs as financing, taxes, maintenance, operating and depreciation costs. For this list, only cars with 2006 as the base model year were considered. Not all cars in the market were compared, however, due to the lack of complete safety and reliability data.

America’s best for 2006:

Small Car – Ford Focus

Sedan – Chevrolet Malibu

Wagon – Ford Focus Wagon

Minivan – Dodge Caravan

Small Truck – Dodge Dakota

Large Truck – Ford F-150

Luxury Sedan - Chrysler 300

Mid-Sized SUV - Jeep Grand Cherokee

Luxury SUV - Jeep Commander

Supercar/Exotic - Saleen S7

Hybrid - Ford Escape Hybrid

Coupe - Dodge Viper SRT10

Source: MSNBC

2009 Ford Ka Pictures Revealed Before Paris Auto Show

A leading UK monthly car mag has let the Ford Ka out of the bag. Pictured released ahead of it's official debut at the Paris Auto Show

From this pic it certainly appears that the new Ka will look the part. It looks a lot like a baby version of the Fiesta, which is no bad thing. There is a touch of Corsa about it though, which is a bit disappointing

It's well known that the Ka will share its underpinnings with the Fiat Panda and 500, and be built alongside the Italian cars in the ironically named town of Tychy in Poland.

According to those in the know, the Ka will get 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 1.6 TDCi diesel engine.

Expect to see the car first at the Paris motor show, and then in a highly contrived cameo appearance in the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace, which opens on 31st October.

source: cartribe

More than 20% of Bugatti Veyrons, are in Dubai

Following the Bugatti Veyron that got a parking ticket a few days ago, here is something new that you could be interested in. Did you know that about 1/5th of Bugatti Veyrons have been sold in Dubai? Consider the 1.5 million people population and the fact that 15 have been sold there and you get a pretty nice ratio, 1 supercar for every 100,000 people.

In the other direction, 37 units have been sold in Great Britain where they have a 60 million population so the rate is pretty bad. I guess business is doing great in Dubai if they have 15 millionaires to afford a Bugatti Veyron.