Toyota - best-selling automobile brand in the U.S.?

According to research firm AUTODATA CORP., Toyota brand appears set to become the best-selling automobile brand in the U.S. this year. Toyota was the sales leader through November, with its market share rising 0.8 percentage point from the first 11 months of 2006 to 14.2 per cent.

For General Motors, Chevrolet brand dipped 0.6 point to 14 per cent, while Ford brand saw a 1.7 point decrease to 13 per cent.

Chevrolet Malibu - 2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle

Kelley Blue Book the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, announces the Chevrolet Malibu as the winner of the "2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle" award. According to the kbb.com editorial team, the newly redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is being honored for taking the important mid-size car category to a new level of overall refinement. Specifically, its stylish sheetmetal, attractive interior, well-sorted ride-and-handling characteristics and quiet — all in a very affordable vehicle — combined to produce a value equation that set it apart from the pack.

More than 30 vehicles were redesigned for the 2008 model year. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editorial team reviewed the complete list to identify vehicles that demonstrated the greatest improvement relative to their predecessors and competitors. Factoring into the final decision were judgments on exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and value. A major factor contributing to the Malibu’s 2008 win is the vehicle’s market significance.

"The 2008 Malibu solidified its case for kbb.com’s ’2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle’ with a top-to-bottom, inside-and-out remake that’s nothing less than game-changing," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "The new Malibu has earned its place at the top of one of the toughest and most competitive categories in the industry. It can take on any competitor head-to-head."





Rounding out the top 10 finalists for kbb.com’s "2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle" were (in alphabetical order) the Audi TT, Cadillac CTS, Honda Accord, Infiniti G37, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Lancer, Porsche Cayenne, Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander.

"As we’ve come to expect in recent years, each vehicle on this year’s list of finalists represents a huge step forward versus its predecessor," said Nerad. "The presence of the CTS and Vue along with the Malibu marks a significant resurgence in product offerings from the domestic manufacturers. The domestics have proven they can play in the big leagues again with no excuses."

Kelley Blue Book’s "Best Redesigned Vehicle" History

2004 - Ford F-150
2005 - Ford Mustang
2006 - Honda Civic
2007 - Chevrolet Silverado
2008 - Chevrolet Malibu

2008 Volkswagen Beetle

Driving off in iconic, head-turning vehicles like the 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible just got easier with new option packages from Volkswagen. The New Beetle sedan now is available in a well-equipped base model “S” as well as the “SE” model with premium sound, heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The New Beetle convertible is available in Black, Laser Blue, Gecko Green, Salsa Red, Harvest Moon and Sunflower Yellow. The sedan also is available in Platinum Gray and Reflex Silver. New 16-inch alloy wheels are available on the “S,” and 17-inch alloy wheels are available on the “SE.”


The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are available at Volkswagen dealers now, with a starting price of $17,365 for the hard-top and $23,125 for the soft-top. From the sides, a character line plays off the fenders and a relatively flat mid-body and presents a “hunkered down” look. Black roof trim now frames the familiar silhouette.

As you would expect from Volkswagen, the interior of the car has been given thorough attention. The newest interpretation of the iconic interior includes a single-bezel instrument cluster housing a large, easy-to-read, 140 mile-per-hour speedometer and a smaller tachometer and fuel gauge. Chrome accents enhance the instrument cluster and the dashboard air vents.

Revised stitching on the V-Tex seating results in a new look. In a nod to the importance that New Beetle and New Beetle convertible drivers place on their music, Volkswagen designers have placed the auxiliary input jack in a more visible location in the center console.



A two-speed windshield wiper system features a four-speed intermittent wipe feature. A large assist handle across the instrument panel above the glove box and two rear-passenger assist straps located on the B-pillar on hardtop models ensure interior comfort.

The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are offered with the advanced Volkswagen 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

With four valves per cylinder, aluminum alloy cross flow heads and double overhead camshafts, the engine is strong, quiet, and efficient. Hydraulic lifters are maintenance-free. Digital electronic ignition and Motronic sequential multi-point fuel injection help the engine to operate on regular unleaded gasoline.

Power is delivered to the front wheels with two types of transmissions. A fivespeed manual transmission operates smoothly with a hydraulic clutch. An available sixspeed transmission with Tiptronic® allows for both automatic and driver-selected gear changes using the gear selector. The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible with automatic transmission achieve an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 29 miles per gallon in highway driving and 20 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 28 mpg highway and 20 on the city cycle.

Independent front McPherson struts, a torsion beam rear axle and front and rear stabilizer bars combine for a comfortable ride and excellent handling. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes increase control—not to mention pure driving pleasure.

For four-season fun, the New Beetle convertible features a three-layer cloth top with a heated glass rear window. An extra window switch on convertible models allows the driver to lower and raise all of the side windows simultaneously. The modern top helps keep road noise out in the “up” or closed position. Lowering the top is easy, and it piles neatly behind the rear seat in original Beetle fashion.




A comprehensive package of safety features that are standard equipment includes an advanced driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system and driver and front passenger head/thorax side airbag supplemental restraint system. The latest version Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) also is standard, as is an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and traction control including Anti-Slip Regulation. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now is standard as well.

The New Beetle convertible also includes an Active Rollover Support™ system that “pops up” two spring-loaded aluminum posts in 0.25 seconds from behind the rear seat headrests. For soft-top models, available options include a semi-automatic roof and a wind blocker.

The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible boast many of the most popular comfort and convenience luxuries as standard features, including fully reclining, height-adjustable front seats, a height-adjustable and telescoping three-spoke padded steering wheel. A 10-speaker premium in-dash CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo is available in the convertible.


All New Beetle and New Beetle convertibles offer select leather trim as options. Also available are heatable front seats and windshield washer nozzles as well as SIRIUS™ satellite radio.

Owners can select option packages that include features such as model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires.


Pricing:


2008 Volkswagen Beetle S - five speed manual - $17,365
2008 Volkswagen Beetle S - 6-speed tiptronic - $18,440
2008 Volkswagen Beetle SE - 6-speed tiptronic - $20,440
2008 Volkswagen Beetle Triple White Sedan - 6-speed tiptronic - $20,990

2010 BMW X3 II

BMW will launch the next generation X3 in 2010. BMW will move the production of its X3 SUV from Austria to South Carolina, USA. Next to its standard competitors, like Touareg, the 2010 X3 will get a new competitor starting 2009 when Mercedes will launch the GLK, but also the all new Infiniti EX.

To be built on the same 3-Series platform like the current model (but stretched and widened to help differentiate it from the 3-series wagon), the 2010 X3 will get an all-new exterior and new engines under the hood.

As BMW confirmed, the CS Concept will inspire all the future models, and the X3 is no exception. It will get a new front fascia (inspired by the CS), with a large prominent grille, redesigned headlamps and a slightly redesigned rear end. The air intakes on the lower bumper will be shared with the future X6 and will also likely become a future design cue for BMW activity vehicles.

The interior in the next X3 will also see a major upgrade, using high-tech materials and also offering more space for the passengers.

Spy photographers report that the 2010 model will have a redesigned suspension setup compared to the current X3.

Under the hood we will see the same engine range with just a few exceptions. It is expected that the 2.5i version to be dropped just because 160 hp won’t be enough for a future SUV (we have to consider that the Infiniti EX has an output of 290 hp and the GLK starting from 228 hp). Instead BMW will add the powerful twin-turbo 3.0 liter engine used in the 335i.

BMW will produce the 2010 X3 at the Spartanburg’s plan, South Carolina, USA in a number of 50.000 units a year

Competitors


Mercedes GLK-Class



Known only by the internal development code, 204 SUT, the new Mercedes-Benz compact SUV will be called the GLK-Class, following the logic of the other compact vehicles in the range (SLK, CLK) inspired by larger models (SL, CL). “K” stands for “kurz”, meaning “short” in German.

Following the latest tendencies in the SUV construction, same as the latest ML-Class, the new model will use a unitary body construction, rather than a separate chassis, like those used on high-performance off-roaders. Inspired by the BMW X3, the GLK will most likely be oriented towards the ’sport’ rather than the ’utility’ end of the SUV market. And that end is the one to attract most buyers these days, as statistics show that SUV owners rarely use them in off-road.

The GLK is expected to feature the more potent engine of the C-Class, including the new four-valve 3.0-liter and 3.5-liter V-6s as well as a supercharged four cylinder and a CDI turbo diesel. As any other model in the range, the MLK is likely to feature an AMG version, featuring the V8 engine known from the C55AMG.

The GLK-class is expected to be assembled in Bremen at a yearly production rate of 40.000 units starting with 2008. Expected base price is around $46,000.


Infiniti EX35



The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in late December 2007, offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems – including the world production car debut of the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of the vehicle while parking.

Every 2008 Infiniti EX35 comes standard with a fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Sedan), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated) and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.

The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing.



Volkswagen Touareg



Volkswagen of America launched the restyled Touareg 2, one of the world’s most successful premium SUVs to a new plateau. No small feat for a vehicle that has set records – from the highest volcanic peaks in Chile to the dunes of the legendary Dakar Rally. The Touareg 2 is a masterpiece of German engineering for adventure lovers seeking the most capable on- or off-road vehicle built with the driving dynamics and value only Volkswagen can deliver.

A completely redesigned front end demonstrates the extent of the changes on Touareg 2. The new Touareg 2 now is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its new stylized front grille — chrome on V6 FSI and matte chrome on V8 FSI and V10 TDI — with chrome eyebrows standard on all models. A redesigned front bumper, new side mirrors with improved airflow, and sleek, new organically shaped headlamp housings with polycarbonate lens covers further distinguish the Touareg 2 from its predecessor.

The changes continue to the rear of the vehicle, where a new roof edge spoiler sharpens the look, improves aerodynamics, and aids fuel efficiency. The brake light housings have an improved LED lighting visual effect and feature a sporty new dark “glazing” treatment. Below the rear bumper, but not forgotten, the exhaust system tailpipes also have been massaged for a fresh new look.

Fiat Linea wins the "Autobest 2008" prize

After winning “Car of The Year 2008” with the Fiat 500, “Carro do Ano 2008” with the Fiat Grande Punto and other prestigious international awards, the Fiat brand has now brought home the coveted "AUTOBEST 2008" prize with the Fiat Linea. The electors were an international jury of 15 specialist journalists representing 15 European countries containing a total of about 300 million inhabitants: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and Hungary.

The Fiat Linea placed first with 850 points, ahead of the Kia Cee’d (784), the Mazda 2 (705), the Skoda Fabia (679) and the Toyota Auris (583). Under the terms of the "AUTOBEST" award, the jury selects the winner from a shortlist of 5 finalists on the basis of 13 parameters that include design, comfort, economic running, driveability, price and value for money. Each member of the jury has a total of 240 points to distribute among the 5 cars and there is a ceiling of votes for each parameter.



The "AUTOBEST 2008" prize provides further confirmation of the acclaim with which Europe has welcomed the Fiat Linea, a three-box segment C saloon that offers original styling, functionality and driving pleasure as well as a very competitive price/content ratio.

Conceived within the orbit of Tofas A.S., the 50/50 joint-venture between Fiat Auto and Ko Holding quoted on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, the new car is manufactured in the Turkish factory of Bursa and marketed in a number of European and extra-European countries: from Spain to Germany, from Morocco to Finland. And starting next year, the Fiat Linea will also be produced and marketed in Brazil, China, Russia and India.


The new model was designed by the Fiat Style Centre and presents an elegantly dynamic external line with a distinctly Italian flavour to target an international market. Backed by an extraordinary stylistic heritage, the Fiat Linea is a gracefully elegant 4-door vehicle, that comes with generous dimensions that set it at the top of its segment: 4.56 m long, 1.73 m wide, 1.5 m tall and a wheelbase of 2.6 m, in addition to a sizeable luggage compartment of 500 litres

HUMMER HX concept to be unveiled at 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Scheduled for introduction at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles. Fresh out of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., the designers’ first test in GM was to design a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept.

“HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. “Today’s graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint.”

The task presented numerous challenges to the new designers, from creating a vehicle for a brand known around the globe for its iconic design, to ensuring the model would live up to the market’s expectation of HUMMER off-road capability.

To help ensure designs were true to the HUMMER brand, these designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, an ex-professional motocross racer and director of the HUMMER design studio.

“Carl definitely set the tone,” said Rojas. “While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction.”

While sketching and sculpting together in the HUMMER studio, these recent graduates drew upon the creative energy of each other, further improving their individual designs, as well as that of the final concept.

“We drew inspiration from one another,” said Kang. “As you’re designing and sketching you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better.”

David, Min Young and Robert’s collaboration inspired the HUMMER HX concept, which presents extraordinary efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand, the world’s most capable off-road vehicles.

“While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way,” said Jablonski. “We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great.”

After three months of sketching and sculpting theme work for the new HUMMER concept, each designer had the opportunity to present scale clay models to Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman and Ed Welburn, who chose which design would ultimately become the HX concept.

In its final concept form, the E-85 FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX embodies the off road spirit of HUMMER in a fully customizable package. The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open vehicle SUT. It also features a slant back assembly with removable doors and fender flairs.

“Working as a team, you realize it’s more than one person influencing the vehicle,” said Rojas. “You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We’re all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality.”

Future Mercedes SL-Class renderings

The latest issue of the Autobild magazine features a few renderings of the future Mercedes SL-Class. And if it’s to consider that Autobild is al the time very close to the real car, we might have a pretty good idea of how the production car will look. Not bad at all!

The engines on the future SL will start from the V6 with 272 hp in the SL 350 and will go up to a V12 with 517 hp in the SL 600. The AMG version, SL 63 AMG will have an output of 525 hp. The SL 65 AMG will deliver around 612 hp.