June 1, 2011
Toyota. The Japanese automaker has announced a recall of 106,000 units of its first-generation Prius hybrid. Why? In order to fix a power steering issue that can make the car difficult to turn. A little more than half of the total number of vehicles were sold here in the U.S. We're still hearing about Toyota recalls at this juncture? Really?
Fiat-Chrysler. The company is in cahoots with York Capital Management - a New York-based hedge fund - helping it acquire property in California to fuel its California Superstores. Mercenaries helping mercenaries. Is anyone surprised by this?
Corvette Enthusiasts. Automotive News is reporting that the next-generation Corvette will be a 2014 model available in the fall of 2013. Uh, that means the C8 will probably be a 2020 model available in the fall of 2019, from what we're hearing. Yikes.
Toyota. Mark Rechtin, reporting for Automotive News, says that Toyota is giving development "clout" to its North American operations. Congratulations Toyota, it's only about, oh, 10 years too late...
(Photos courtesy of Audi)
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle "built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics," according to Audi. The German automaker introduced the show car in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW enthusiasts takes place from June 1 - 4, 2011. Weighing-in at 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb), the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is equipped with the 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of this TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm. The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM racer the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel. Audi says the A1 clubsport quattro goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 10.9 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed World (http://world.needforspeed.com), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.
Editor's Note: Gary Vasilash is the Editor-in-Chief of Automotive Design and Production magazine, a highly-respected insider publication in the industry about product design, development and production (www.autofieldguide.com). This week Gary does a review of Peter's new book ("Witch Hunt" from Octane Press) entitled "De Lorenzo's Inferno." Check out Gary's interesting take on the book here. - WG
Editor's Note: Our "Quick Take" this week covers the 2011 Jaguar XJL. First off, I've always been partial to the "leaping cat" - its fierce elegance affixed to the hood of many a fine automobile. It started in high school when a buddy of mine had the good fortune to have a dad with a stable of vintage Jaguars. And so Jim would drive them to school on occasion and I was captivated - with the wood, the leather, the smell - the whole thing. I blame those impressionable years on my somewhat irrational decision soon after college to buy a 1957 Jaguar Mark VII that was, to put it kindly, a major fixer-upper. After many years and many dollars I had nearly restored it to original, and it was just as magnificent as I had imagined - a glorious ivory-colored beast that just screamed style and elegance and grace. By that point, however, my bank account was also screaming, and so I sold my dream car (and yes, I still look back). So I came to the 2011 Jaguar XJL (Lunar Gray with Jet) with quite a fondness for the marque. I am a sucker for big and luxurious - just am - can't help it. I can enthusiastically report that the XJL delivers on both accounts. I am also a V8 devotee, mileage be damned (yes, I am EVIL). In that area, the 385-hp Jag also delivers. My husband called it 'bad ass' - and I think he's right. It is a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing - not in the AMG, "pin your back to the seat sense", more in the "look what this elegant, refined car can do when you least expect it" sense. Make no mistake, the 2011 XJL is big, but it is graceful, not clumsy. It has road presence to spare. The inside is a cocoon of indulgence. From the wide door sills and mile-deep wood on the doors, to the endless gleaming chrome and the analog clock (how quaint and how right). I also loved the heat-sensitive glove box release - just put your finger near the little 'eye' and the box pops open (like I said, kinda into Jaguar). I must admit, I've been feeling jaded lately and more than a bit weary of the drumbeat of practicality and political correctness and all things green. But a few days with the XJL brought me to my senses. And all I can say is "Wow." - WG
Editor-in-Chief's Note: I echo WordGirl's thoughts on this big, opulent Jag. I'm still not knocked out by the styling and the thing is l-o-n-g, but the overall package is so compelling it's just hard to go all negative on it. What's the point? It's massive, it's elegant, it's refined -- the interior is beyond stunning -- and it's got just enough V8 growl to keep me interested. And the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is just killer in every sense of the word, I mean, just awesome. If you're into big and you like to march to a different drummer when it comes to your luxury car, as in other than German, this big Jag should do just fine. - PMD
2011 Jaguar XJL, $79,700. Optional equipment: Wood and leather steering wheel $500; Bowers & Wilkins 1200w sound system $2300; Figured ebony veneer N/C; Ivory headliner, N/C. Transportation & handling, $875. Total as tested, $83,375.00.