Jeep. The Great Sergio is making a deal with the Chinese to build the new Jeep Cherokee in China. No big surprise, since a Fiat-branded anything doesn't have a chance in hell of succeeding in that market. We wonder if it will make the Chinese "feel like a kid again"? And we wonder if it will arrive at Chinese dealerships in a more timely fashion than it did here? The target date is by 2015, but somehow we wouldn't be surprised if that date doesn't slip just a tad.
(Ford)
The 2014 Ford Fiesta with new 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost® engine has a fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined, which makes it the only vehicle in the subcompact class to deliver 45 mpg highway and produce at least 120-plus horsepower. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE-certified at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, but it features an overboost function that allows it to make more than 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds. The new engine makes its debut in the 2014 Ford Fiesta.
The 2014 Ford Fiesta with new 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost® engine has a fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined, which makes it the only vehicle in the subcompact class to deliver 45 mpg highway and produce at least 120-plus horsepower. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE-certified at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, but it features an overboost function that allows it to make more than 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds. The new engine makes its debut in the 2014 Ford Fiesta.
(Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed EL-Arishy’s imagination was piqued while dining at the Goodwood Hotel, adjacent to the Home of Rolls-Royce. The result? A one-off Chicane Phantom Coupé incorporating design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood’s rich motor sport history. The traditional interior wood-finish is replaced by carbon fiber and the bonnet and windscreen surround are finished in a matte black, complementing the Gunmetal exterior paint. Wheels are painted to match the exterior color, the first time such a feature has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car. A checkered flag motif stitching is added to the seats and echoed on the exterior with a matching Bespoke coach line. “Customers often task us with designing cars themed around a particularly passion or interest. The customer leads the creative process, working in collaboration with us to create a highly personal, one-off masterpiece. As Bespoke designers we take great satisfaction in turning these dreams into reality,” said Gavin Hartley, Bespoke Design Manager. Bespoke design commissions have included an exterior paint color perfectly matched to a customer's favorite eye shadow and a wood-veneer sourced from a tree on a customer’s estate.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed EL-Arishy’s imagination was piqued while dining at the Goodwood Hotel, adjacent to the Home of Rolls-Royce. The result? A one-off Chicane Phantom Coupé incorporating design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood’s rich motor sport history. The traditional interior wood-finish is replaced by carbon fiber and the bonnet and windscreen surround are finished in a matte black, complementing the Gunmetal exterior paint. Wheels are painted to match the exterior color, the first time such a feature has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car. A checkered flag motif stitching is added to the seats and echoed on the exterior with a matching Bespoke coach line. “Customers often task us with designing cars themed around a particularly passion or interest. The customer leads the creative process, working in collaboration with us to create a highly personal, one-off masterpiece. As Bespoke designers we take great satisfaction in turning these dreams into reality,” said Gavin Hartley, Bespoke Design Manager. Bespoke design commissions have included an exterior paint color perfectly matched to a customer's favorite eye shadow and a wood-veneer sourced from a tree on a customer’s estate.
(Porsche)
Porsche is introducing the Panamera Turbo S as the top of the Panamera model lineup. The GT sedan will have 570 HP with 553 lb.-ft. at between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, with overboost increasing torque momentarily to 590 lb.-ft., and a top track speed of 192 mph. An Executive version of the Panamera Turbo S is also available with a wheelbase that has been extended by 5.9 inches. The new Panamera will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show November 20-21, 2013. In the U.S., the Panamera Turbo S will have a base M.S.R.P. of $180,300 and the Panamera Turbo S Executive will have a base M.S.R.P. of $200,500. Prices do not include delivery charges.
Porsche is introducing the Panamera Turbo S as the top of the Panamera model lineup. The GT sedan will have 570 HP with 553 lb.-ft. at between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, with overboost increasing torque momentarily to 590 lb.-ft., and a top track speed of 192 mph. An Executive version of the Panamera Turbo S is also available with a wheelbase that has been extended by 5.9 inches. The new Panamera will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show November 20-21, 2013. In the U.S., the Panamera Turbo S will have a base M.S.R.P. of $180,300 and the Panamera Turbo S Executive will have a base M.S.R.P. of $200,500. Prices do not include delivery charges.
(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)
Nowicki Autosport • Design will introduce their new project car, Concept7, at the 2013 SEMA Show (Mobil 1 Booth #24243) set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Concept7 is an exciting appearance group for the 7th generation Corvette. Designed by Jeff Nowicki of Nowicki Autosport • Design, Concept7 embraces the new bold direction of the C7, offering Corvette owners a bespoke collection of exposed carbon fiber components. The Concept 7 suite of carbon fiber enhancements includes: Heat extractor hood; Carbon front grill center bar; Fender gill inserts; Rear taillight bezels; Rear spoiler; Rear lower diffuser; Carbon A-pillar trim; Rear quarter air intakes and Carbon wheel house flares (accommodates a larger wheel package). “Corvette C7 owners can choose Concept7 components to suit their own level of taste and individuality,” Nowicki commented. “Each Concept7 component is produced from the finest carbon fiber composites and built to exacting standards with an eye on fit, finish and production quality.” “The 7th generation Corvette is the perfect platform for these components and partnering with Mobil 1, Michelin, Brembo, HRE Wheels, Sankuer Composite Technologies, T.F.B. Plastics, BASF and Purifoy Chevrolet made it possible to complete the build in time for SEMA,” added Nowicki. Nowicki Autosport • Design is an automotive prototype and fabrication studio based in Birmingham, Michigan. Nowicki Autosport specializes in design, clay modeling, and prototype innovative accessories for the automotive industry. For more info visit http://www.nowickiautosport.com.
Nowicki Autosport • Design will introduce their new project car, Concept7, at the 2013 SEMA Show (Mobil 1 Booth #24243) set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Concept7 is an exciting appearance group for the 7th generation Corvette. Designed by Jeff Nowicki of Nowicki Autosport • Design, Concept7 embraces the new bold direction of the C7, offering Corvette owners a bespoke collection of exposed carbon fiber components. The Concept 7 suite of carbon fiber enhancements includes: Heat extractor hood; Carbon front grill center bar; Fender gill inserts; Rear taillight bezels; Rear spoiler; Rear lower diffuser; Carbon A-pillar trim; Rear quarter air intakes and Carbon wheel house flares (accommodates a larger wheel package). “Corvette C7 owners can choose Concept7 components to suit their own level of taste and individuality,” Nowicki commented. “Each Concept7 component is produced from the finest carbon fiber composites and built to exacting standards with an eye on fit, finish and production quality.” “The 7th generation Corvette is the perfect platform for these components and partnering with Mobil 1, Michelin, Brembo, HRE Wheels, Sankuer Composite Technologies, T.F.B. Plastics, BASF and Purifoy Chevrolet made it possible to complete the build in time for SEMA,” added Nowicki. Nowicki Autosport • Design is an automotive prototype and fabrication studio based in Birmingham, Michigan. Nowicki Autosport specializes in design, clay modeling, and prototype innovative accessories for the automotive industry. For more info visit http://www.nowickiautosport.com.
(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)
(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)
(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)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 finds us in a 2014 Audi A8 L TDI quattro tiptronic. This is it, folks, this is the direct transference of racing technology applied to a production car. In this case we're talking Audi's 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning TDI technology applied to its production 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine, and the results are impressive. Though only having 240HP, the V8-like torque in this big Audi made for a seamless driving experience, certainly delivering plenty of power for the typical 3/10 urban driving slog and even more responsiveness at highway speeds. And the mileage - which is certified at 24 city/36 highway - was as advertised, which is certainly remarkable for this imposing car. But as impressive and responsive as the TDI drivetrain was, this car felt sluggish and ponderous around town. Weighing-in at around 4,500 lbs., the A8 L felt much heavier than that. Once you got rolling, the A8 L TDI felt like the proverbial freight train going down the road - especially at 85-90 mph on the highway - but I could never shake the feeling that there was a boat anchor under the hood. And that is really too bad because the drivetrain was so impressive I thought I would be able to overlook that, but I couldn't. The front heaviness of this car was so off-putting that as much as I appreciated the mileage, I would opt for a gasoline-powered version instead. I would love to see this drivetrain in a smaller and lighter package. I liked it so much I could even imagine it in an R8, it was that good. Everything else about the A8 L was exceptionally well done. The fit and finish of the interior was outstanding, as is Audi's wont, the Bang & Olufsen audio system rocked and the Topview camera system was simply uncanny, just to single out a few things. But all that said I have a real problem with a car that stickers for $99,000+ but still was not equipped with a heated steering wheel, an option which can only be had if you add the Cold Weather package for $800. Really? Audi couldn't see fit to include a Cold Weather package in a car that stickers for $99,000? That's a giant bowl of Not Good in my book and pretty much unforgivable. I understand that Audi is one of the VW Group's most profitable divisions (along with Porsche) but it doesn't make it right. I loved the seamless application of diesel technology in this car and Audi should be applauded for it because it is indeed impressive, but I wouldn't opt for the TDI version of the A8 L for the aforementioned reasons. - PMD
2014 Audi A8 L TDI quattro tiptronic: $99,445 ($82,500 Base Price; Glacier White Metallic exterior; Nougat Brown interior; 3.0-liter TDI clean diesel 6-cylinder engine with 240HP and 406 lbs-ft of torque; 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes; quattro permanent all-wheel-drive with 40:60 torque split; 19" 15-spoke-design alloy wheels with 255/45 all-season tires; Power glass sunroof (tilt and slide);Audi MMI Navigation plus; Audi connect (with 6-month complimentary subscription); BOSE Surround Sound System, HD radio; Sirius Satellite Radio (with 3-month complimentary subscription); Adaptive, xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs & taillights; Auto-dimming and power-folding heated exterior mirrors; heated, 18-way power front seats with memory; Four-zone automatic climate control; Power rear window and rear side window sunshades; Advanced key; Auto parking system plus with rearview camera; Extended leather package; Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System,$6,300; Premium Package - Audi side assist, 22-way climate comfort front seats with massage, LED headlights - $4,000; Driver Assistance Package - Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Audi lane assist & Audi pre sense plus, High beam assist, Top view camera system - $3,250; Panorama sunroof, $1,300, 20" 10-spoke wheels with all-season tires, $1,200, Cloth headliner; Front filler panel; Destination Charge, $895)
Adherence to Brand Image: The Audi A8 is Audi's flagship, and the TDI version of it - as an exercise in advanced diesel technology - is simply superb. The day-in, day-out realities of owning a diesel-powered machine have been made a non-issue by the seamless execution that Audi has delivered in this car. But as good as the TDI execution is in the A8 L the package is not perfect, and Audi's quest continues. - PMD
Adherence to Brand Image: The Audi A8 is Audi's flagship, and the TDI version of it - as an exercise in advanced diesel technology - is simply superb. The day-in, day-out realities of owning a diesel-powered machine have been made a non-issue by the seamless execution that Audi has delivered in this car. But as good as the TDI execution is in the A8 L the package is not perfect, and Audi's quest continues. - PMD
