ON THE TABLE - AUGUST 14, 2013

 Carlos Tavares. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The Renault COO tells Bloomberg's David Welch that he wants to run an American car company like Ford or GM. Tavares is a talented guy but it's rare, okay let's call it for what it is - a first - that a guy still gainfully employed (Tavares currently reports to Carlos Ghosn) comes right out and says he wants to be CEO somewhere else. Tavares figures Ghosn isn't going anywhere and he isn't going to fire him either, because Ghosn needs his talent. The realistic chances of Tavares going to GM or Ford? A big fat zero. But here's a thought, The Great Sergio doesn't have a succession plan - other than at some point walking away with all the money and leaving his 30+ direct reports twisting in the wind - so maybe he could give Carlos a call. Then again, maybe not. - PMD

 Yasuyuki Yoshinaga. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The President of Subaru is worried that the company may be getting too big. “We’re standing at a major turning point for Subaru,” Yoshinaga said in an interview with Bloomberg in Tokyo. “It shouldn’t just be about volumes. We should be making cars only Subaru can make that are a little more expensive and more profitable than the competition.” Hallefrickin'-luja, ladies and gentlemen, a car company leader actually concerned about getting too big and having his brand become a commodity. Who would have thought that the leader of Subaru would remind everyone about the importance of adhering to brand image and to not get lost in the chase for profits through volume. There's more to this business than that, as Yoshinaga clearly understands. He also understands that Subaru can't be all things to all people, and that Subaru needs to stay true to its mission. “Some people in the company may want to make mass-market products or cheaper cars, but is this really the right direction for Subaru?” Yoshinaga continued. “We’re not a carmaker that can grow as big as Toyota. And even if we could, reaching that sort of scale would mean we’d stop being Subaru.” We'd stop being Subaru. This guy gets it. Are you listening, BMW or Mercedes? Probably not, but just in case... - PMD

(Courtesy of General Motors)
Cadillac revealed the Elmiraj Concept at Pebble Beach, calling it a modern update to the classic format of a two-door grand coupe. Elmiraj is "a pure expression of streamlined design and engaging rear-wheel drive performance," according to Cadillac PR minions. The concept "advances Cadillac’s philosophy of dramatic design and performance, and its commitment to lightweight, agile cars." Elmiraj is constructed with chassis and structural elements of an ongoing Cadillac rear-wheel-drive vehicle development project slated for future production (aka the vehicle coming that will be bigger than the XTS, but not as big-time as the Ciel). Elmiraj is powered by a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 delivering an estimated 500 hp. The engine takes the baseline technology from the new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 featured in the upcoming 420-hp 2014 CTS Vsport (dumb name, by the way) edition, and expands it to the classic performance format of a V8 engine. The face of Elmiraj experiments with new visual elements, yet is unmistakably Cadillac. The interior of Elmiraj includes backlit titanium trim from the cowl to the doors, dividing the upper camel leather from the wood trim. Cadillac Studio craftsmen handpicked fallen Brazilian Rosewood, a wood veneer prized for its use for hundreds of years in home furnishings and musical instruments. The wood is hand-cut into three dimensional sections for perfect control of the grain flow. The car’s instrumentation features an analog tachometer and speedometer that are transparent. Directly behind the analog gauges sits a wide screen, high resolution display, which projects driver information and the output of a front-mounted camera. The 2+2 layout features high-performance seats, designed to support spirited driving while also delivering luxury accommodation. “We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction. More recent design like the CTS-V Coupe and the ELR are provocative,” said Clay Dean, executive director of advanced design. “Both of these cars were major statements of performance and luxury and drove Cadillac forward into new territory.” Designers at General Motors’ advanced design studio in North Hollywood, Calif., under the direction of Frank Saucedo, led the development of the car’s interior and exterior. Elmiraj was hand-built by in-house craftsmen in Michigan. See more coverage and Peter's comments from Monterey/Pebble Beach in this week's Rant.

Lincoln Black Label Center Stage.
(All photos courtesy of The Lincoln Motor Company)
Lincoln previewed Lincoln Black Label today at Pebble Beach. Presented as a new and higher level expression of Lincoln design, style, materials, craftsmanship and personal service and experience, Lincoln Black Label is a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention. Limited-edition design themes, ultra-premium materials, meticulous execution and elevated client service will be the hallmarks of Lincoln Black Label. The three design themes are Center Stage, Indulgence and Modern Heritage. Showcased on an all-new MKZ and the MKC Concept, Lincoln Black Label eventually will be available on every new Lincoln vehicle. “Lincoln Black Label will offer an experience for our clients that will engage them, not overwhelm them,” Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “Lincoln Black Label is another important step in our brand’s reinvention to appeal to a whole new group of progressive luxury clients.” Lincoln Black Label is intended to launch near the end of 2014.

Lincoln Black Label Center Stage, inspired by fashion and theater, is designed for the most expressive clients. The Jet Black interior is highlighted by a Foxfire Red headliner, capturing the drama of being in a dark theater with the impact of a rich, deep red accent color. Alcantara suede with uniquely designed perforation adds plush texture to the doors and seats.
Lincoln Black Label Indulgence.
Lincoln Black Label Indulgence is inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Ganache- and Truffle-colored Venetian leather with a subtle antiqued finish adds richness and depth. The Ziricote wood trim features a beautiful natural grain and color inherent in the wood with no added dyes or stains. This wood - new to the automotive industry - is often used in high-end yachts.

Lincoln Black Label Modern Heritage.
Lincoln Black Label Modern Heritage offers a fresh take on the classic black-and-white interior with subtle red accents. Designed for the client who appreciates a clean, modern aesthetic, the soft white interior is warm and inviting. Renewed and engineered wood trim - imbued with metal flake between its layers - creates a sparkling effect to stylishly highlight this modern classic design.

(Jaguar)
The restored Jaguar XK120 that broke the land speed record of 172+ mph in 1953 won “Best in Class, Post War Racing” this week at the Quail Motorsports Gathering, part of the Pebble Beach festivities on the Monterey Peninsula. Legendary driver Norman Dewis, who set the production car world land speed record driving this same XK 120 at Belgium’s Jabbeke Motorway in 1953, was in attendance. This was the first time Dewis has seen the “Jabbeke Jag” since he drove it that historic day 60 years ago.

(Photos courtesy of BMW)
BMW unveiled the BMW Concept M4 Coupe on Thursday at Pebble Beach. “The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept,” explains Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M Division. The BMW Concept M4 Coupe, finished in the colour “Aurum Dust” exclusively developed for this model, continues with BMW M’s design language, which BMW calls "strong in character, emotional and extremely dynamic," even though the color reminds us of something "Gold Member" would drive in an Austin Powers sequel.

(Mercedes-Benz)
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is the brand's new entry for the fast-growing compact SUV segment. With a length of 173.9", a width of 71" and a height of 58.8", the new GLA will continue to push Mercedes-Benz into every segment they can get their hands on.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Like other entries in the compact SUV class, the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers the flexibility of a crossover.

(Mercedes-Benz)
"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "So I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and high everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand." Really? Fascinating design? Please. Like the segment didn't exist before Mercedes decided to enter it. The arrogance just oozes out of Mercedes, they just can't help themselves. And it's kind of pathetic.

(Mercedes-Benz)
The 2015 GLA-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution, so there's that. It will be powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Mercedes-Benz will now have five crossover/SUVs: GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G. The new 2015 GLA-Class will make its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September, and it will arrive in U.S. showrooms in the Fall of 2014.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Gary Vasilash of Automotive Design & Production sums up last week's episode of Autoline After Hours for us here. - PMD

Editor-in-Chief's's Note: Our "Quick Take" this week has us in the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LTZ. This is not my type of vehicle - at all - so my driving impression will be severely limited. These things are incredible in that they've been engineered to the point that you almost don't realize what a gigantic beast it really is. Almost. When you're driving around with no other vehicles around, the scale of the Tahoe doesn't seem all that big. And it drives so effortlessly that you become used it, until you try to park it, that is. Or get in and out of it. If you need to tow things I can see how the Tahoe would be a pretty nice vehicle for that. But when I see these things being driven around in the urban/suburban slog, I have to wonder. - PMD

2013 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD LTZ: $61,055 ($57,150 Base Price; Crystal Red Tintcoat, $495; Light Titanium/Dark Titanium Interior; 5.3-liter Vortec SFI V8 with 320HP and 335 lbs-ft of torque; 6-speed automatic; four-wheel drive; 3.42 rear axle ratio; 7,300 LBS GVW rating, 20" polished aluminum wheels; Leather appointed seating, front; Heated and cooled driver and front passenger seats; Heated 2nd row seats; Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel; Sun & entertainment package - Rear seat entertainment system, additional nine months of XM Radio & NAVTRAFFIC, power sunroof - $2,435; Sun & entertainment package savings, -$450; Heavy Duty trailering package - Engine oil cooling system, transmission oil cooler - $230; Trailer brake controller - $200; Destination Charge, $995)

Adherence to Brand Image: Chevrolet makes big trucks and SUVs. They sell a lot of 'em. Over and out. - PMD