ON THE TABLE - NOVEMBER 20, 2013

    Elon Musk. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The billion-dollar boy genius's fire and brimstone campaign in defense of his beloved Tesla Model S has worn thin. At some point the "he doth protest too much" rule comes into play. I know Elon loathes PR people - as in "why have PR people when I alone know all the answers about absolutely everything" - but he needs to sit down and shut-up over the Tesla Model S fires and offer at least a modicum of a constructive response, other than "I'm right and everyone else is an idiot!" You wanted to play in the automotive big leagues, Elon, and you remind everyone - and tediously so, I might add - that you will show the auto manufacturers of the world how it's done. But with that comes a level of responsibility and accountability. I know it's a very tough pill to swallow, Elon, but you don't control this game and you can't take your ball, stomp your feet and harrumph your way out of this one. Offer some explanations that have some validity, other than they were just fluke incidents. Or not. But, if it's "not" you better be prepared for some serious consequences. - PMD

  Chevrolet. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The new "mid-sized" Colorado pickup truck (see it below - WG) - in this case the term  "mid-sized " is only loosely applied, given the fact that standard full-size trucks have grown to gargantuan proportions - either presents GM with a golden opportunity to make new hay in the market, or it will give people excuses not to buy a Silverado. There are pockets around the country clamoring for a mid-sized pickup, so in those areas the new truck should do well. But there's a real danger that the Colorado will cannibalize from the Silverado, no matter how emphatically GM states that won't happen. Needless to say, it's one of the giant "we'll sees" of the 2015 model year. - PMD

​(Images courtesy of Kia)

Introducing The Nightmare for every luxury automaker doing business here in the U.S. market: The 2015 Kia K900. The new, 119.9-inch wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive luxury car is offered with an all-aluminum, direct-injected, DOHC, 32-valve 5.0-liter Tau V8 producing 420 horsepower and mated to an eight-speed transmission. The standard car has a 3.8-liter, 311HP Lambda V6 mated to the same eight-speed transmission. Similar to the V8, the Lambda V6 features GDI and CVVT technology. There are far too many standard features to list here - the V8 comes standard with adaptive LED headlights and full LED lighting, for instance -  but suffice to say the K900 will be a force to be reckoned with in short order.

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​(Audi of America)

The introduction of the new A3 lineup from Audi is much anticipated. With an array of premium standard features, even the base model of the all-new A3 will come equipped with xenon plus front lighting with Audi signature LED DRLs and taillights, Bluetooth® technology, leather seating surfaces, Audi pre sense® basic and a panoramic glass sunroof. For enthusiasts, the most noteworthy car in the new lineup will be the high-performance S3 sedan. Powered by a 290HP 2.0 TFSI engine connected to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission, the S3 should prove to be a very interesting machine, especially in contrast with the Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG.

​(Images courtesy of VW)

VW unveiled the baddest GTI in the world - the "Design Vision GTI" - at the L.A. Auto Show. It made its debut at Germany's Wörthersee festival, the brand's premier enthusiast gathering, but it is the first time that it has been shown here in the U.S. Key stats? The twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter TSI V6 delivers 503HP at 6500 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque from as low as 2000 rpm, with a maximum figure of 413 lb-ft at 4000 rpm. The power and torque is distributed to the wheels via a DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The machine will sprint from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds. The design team, led by Klaus Bischoff (Head of Design of Volkswagen Brand), drew the C-pillars and sills outward as autonomous body elements, thus creating space for substantially wider front and rear tracks. The "Design Vision GTI" is 0.6 inches shorter (167.4"), 2.8 inches wider (73.6"), and 2.2 inches lower (54.5") than a regular GTI. The track has also increased to 62.2 inches wide (59.7 for the production GTI) and 62.8 inches at the front (versus 60.6). Volkswagen fitted it with large carbon-ceramic brake discs, sized 15.0 inches up front and 14.0 inches at the back. The ceramic brake discs and red-painted brake calipers peek through the spokes of custom 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which are 8.5J wide at the front and 9.5J at the back (with 235 tires in the front and 275s at the rear). Awesomeness indeed.

 
(Nissan)
If you like the Nissan JUKE, you'll love the JUKE NISMO RS even more. The new JUKE NISMO RS has 215HP, 210 lb-ft of torque and a Helical Limited-Slip Differential (with manual transmission), along with additional structural rigidity and larger brakes (versus non-NISMO RS models). The interior touches include genuine Recaro front seats, carbon fiber-look finishers, a special red-and-black color theme with suede, Alcantara® and leather appointments. The Nissan JUKE NISMO RS will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2014.

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(Images courtesy of Honda)
The Honda FCEV Concept expresses a potential styling direction for Honda's next-generation fuel-cell vehicle anticipated to launch in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe. It made its debut at the L.A. Auto Show today. "The Honda FCEV Concept hints at Honda's future direction for fuel-cell vehicles," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "While this car is a concept, it points toward a very real future."

Honda's next-generation fuel cell-electric vehicle launching in 2015 will feature the world's first application of a fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, "allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of FC technology to multiple vehicle types in the future," according to Honda. 

Significant technological advancements to the fuel-cell stack in the Honda FCEV Concept have yielded more than 100kW of power output. The power density is now 3kW/L, an increase of 60 percent, with the stack size reduced 33 percent compared to the FCX Clarity. Honda says that the next generation Honda FCEV is anticipated to deliver a driving range of more than 300 miles with a quick refueling time of about three minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa.

(SRT)
The Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand will produce an exclusive, limited-run Anodized Carbon Special Edition package for the SRT Viper GTS model. The new package includes a metallic matte exterior body color, Black Vapor Chrome five-spoke “Rattler” wheels, Gloss Black GTS badge, Satin Black exhaust bezel, Anodized Carbon fuel filler door, orange brake calipers, carbon fiber brake ducts and rear applique.

(SRT)
Inside, the Anodized Carbon Special Edition Viper has an Alcantara wrapped headliner, door bolsters and knee blockers; orange accent stitching on the Nappa leather wrapped door trim, center console and instrument panel and on the Nappa leather and Alcantara seats. Orange accents are also added to the door panel and instrument panel. Carbon fiber accents are added throughout the center stack, door panels and steering wheel, and an exclusive carbon GTS badge is featured on the dashboard. A limited production run of 50 Viper GTS models with the Anodized Carbon Special Edition Package begins in January 2014 at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. A Viper GTS featuring the new special edition package is being shown at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz has announced the SLS AMG GT Final Edition. To be built in a limited run of just 350 units globally, the super sports car with its 583 hp AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine, will be available as either a Coupé or a Roadster. Features include an exposed carbon fiber hood with central air outlet, carbon fiber front splitter on the front apron, a fixed carbon fiber rear spoiler, exclusive AMG forged light-alloy wheels and designo magno graphite matte paintwork that has been adopted from the SLS AMG GT3 "45th Anniversary" collector's model race car. The market launch will begin in March 2014. 

(Ford)
The Ford Edge Concept - a thinly disguised version of the upcoming production version - was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Ford says that the key attributes of the Edge Concept are a sleek, crisp exterior design, an interior finished with premium materials, and craftsmanship, capability, fuel efficiency and technology that assists the driver - including a push-button and remote-operated parking feature customers could use from either inside or outside the vehicle. Other features include advanced, automated driving technologies including self-parking and obstacle avoidance systems currently under development by Ford, a preview of the future of semi- and fully autonomous driving options.
 

(Images courtesy of Jaguar)
Jaguar unveiled its new F-TYPE Coupe at a private event in L.A. Tuesday night. The press release spent more time talking about the "stars" in attendance than the car, but at least we know this: The new Coupe features ample trunk space, easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs, and is available with a power assisted tailgate. The top of the F-TYPE Coupe range will be the F-TYPE R Coupe, with a 550HP 5-liter supercharged V8 engine that is said by the factory to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 186 mph. The F-TYPE Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2014.

(GM)
For those of you out there clamoring for a new mid-sized truck to consider, Chevrolet has unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The new Colorado has a standard 2.5L I-4, with an available 3.6L V-6. Each engine features direct injection and variable valve timing and each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Our strategy is simple: meet the needs of the broadest possible customer base, and let them choose precisely the right truck to meet their needs,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president and president of GM North America. “The all-new Colorado benefits from the solid foundation established by the Silverado, and it reinvents the midsize truck while reinvigorating the segment at the same time.” Perhaps the biggest news? Colorado will also offer the segment’s only diesel engine in its second year, the Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel already offered in global markets.But don't run out and bug your local Chevy dealer today, because the Colorado won't be in showrooms until one year from now.      Note: A 6-speed manual gearbox is available with the 2.5L engine on extended cab 2WD Work Truck models.

(Audi of America)
Audi of America says that the connected car future will arrive in the U.S. next spring with the arrival of its all-new, technology-rich Audi A3 sedan. The A3 family of cars will have 4G LTE capability designed in, and Audi says that means a secure high-speed wireless pipeline to the Internet, which provides access to a wide range of data, now and in the future. Initially, the new Audi connect 4G LTE service will allow enhancements, such as smoother renderings of the Google Earth™ and Google Street View features that come with Audi MMI navigation plus. The 4G LTE connectivity will also provide faster downloads and high-definition video streaming for up to eight devices used by passengers over the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook and Twitter alerts; access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations; personalized RSS news feeds, and more. Editor-in-Chief's Note: And in there somewhere is a car worth talking about, we presume. - PMD

(BMW Group)
The new MINI has made its debut. The exterior design is evolutionary. It's also slightly longer, wider, higher, lighter and it has a longer wheelbase, a wider front and rear track and more room throughout. The big news is the new generation of BMW-developed engines featuring TwinPower Turbo Technology. The three model variants available as of market launch are: MINI Cooper with 100 kW/136 bhp 3-cylinder engine, MINI Cooper S with 141 kW/192 bhp 4-cylinder petrol engine and MINI Cooper D with 3-cylinder diesel engine (85 kW/116 bhp). A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with optional 6-speed automatic transmission or a new sports automatic transmission available.

(Porsche)
The final performance numbers for the new Porsche 918 Spyder are in. With the weight-optimized "Weissach" package (shown), the 887HP V8 hybrid supercar accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.6 seconds, zero to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, and it hits 186 mph (300 km/h) in 19.9 seconds. In full electric mode (utilizing the two electric motors on the front and rear axle) the 918 Spyder accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, without producing any emissions, seven tenths of a second quicker than the previous time. With the Weissach package fitted, this electric sprinting time is reduced to 6.1 seconds. The Porsche 918 Spyder with Weissach package currently holds the lap record for road vehicles on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a time of 6:57 minutes.

(Porsche)

Other world debuts in L.A. for Porsche include the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models. Additionally, the vaunted Porsche 918 Spyder will be shown for the first time at an auto show in North America, and the Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive models will also be on display shortly after their world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show the same day. The Los Angeles area is Porsche’s most important market, with 17 percent of all cars sold in the U.S. Given that, the company is currently building the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, which will offer a world-class test track and handling course, including special surfaces which replicate inclement weather conditions where customers and auto enthusiasts can hone their driving skills and try out the latest Porsche models. The experience center, located in Carson, California, will also be the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America, currently located in Santa Ana, California.

 

(BMW Group)

More than 130 historic sports cars spanning eight decades of automotive history will go head to head for victory in the “1000 Millas Sport” in Argentina, November 14-16. This year’s event will be the 25th edition of South America’s foremost classic car rally. BMW Group Classic will be sending a trio of exceptional cars "embodying the sporting spirit of BMW." Besides a BMW 2000 CS and BMW 3.0 CS, BMW is sending its BMW 328 Kamm racing saloon, a faithful replica of the racing car built in 1939, which used the latest aerodynamics and lightweight design expertise at the time – and which competed in the Mille Miglia a year later. Developed in close cooperation with streamlined design pioneer Wunibald Kamm, the sports car boasted a still impressive Cd of 0.25. Its spaceframe (weighing just 30 kg) and aluminum bodywork gave the BMW a curb weight of 760 kg, and the 136 hp six-cylinder in-line engine powered it to a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). Accident damage meant the original car was consigned to the scrap heap in the early 1950s, but in 2010 BMW unveiled this replica version, which traces the original design drawings in full. And it has been a regular attraction at international classic car exhibitions and competitions ever since. 

(Subaru)

When even Subaru is getting into the design game, you know design will continue to grow in importance as the Ultimate Initial Product Differentiator. Subaru will unveil its new Legacy Concept next week during the media preview days for the L.A. Auto Show, and it is said to provide a look at the styling cues for future Legacy models.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz designers have developed this concept of a super sports car – the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo - for the new PlayStation® 3 racing game Gran Turismo® 6. The concept is designed to be powered by an AMG V8 biturbo engine developing 585HP and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. Other details: An aluminum space frame body and components in carbon fiber, a weight of 1385 kilograms which translates to 2.4 kilograms per HP, and AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system. The AMG sports exhaust system features eight - count 'em - tailpipes integrated into the rear end, and for fans of Gran Turismo® 6 the Mercedes-AMG sound designers "have created a powerful, sonorous exhaust note that authentically celebrates the V8's love of high engine speeds," according to the automaker.

(Mercedes-Benz)
"By virtue of its proportions and expressive appearance, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo embodies the brand's defining design philosophy of sensuous purity in a unique way. The design of this concept car reflects to extreme effect the perfect symbiosis between emotional, sensuous contours and intelligently presented high tech," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. Editor-in-Chief's Note: With all due respect to Mr. Wagener, this concept has virtually nothing to do with current Mercedes-Benz design, unfortunately. It's almost Bill Mitchell-esque in its emotional pull, which is something that the current Mercedes-Benz design language utterly lacks. And it makes the CLA - which various media-types can't keep salivating over - look positively craptastic. - PMD

(Mercedes-Benz)
The radiator grille is a reinterpretation of the wide Mercedes-Benz sports car grille with central star. Though its shape is reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL racing car of 1952, the grille is composed exclusively of LEDs. Mercedes-Benz insists that the variable LED grille with different light patterns is a further development of the diamond grille introduced with the new A-Class. Huh? Right.

(Mercedes-Benz)
The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo made its debut as a 1:1-scale model on November 19, 2013, at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. The concept will make its debut on the virtual racetrack when the new racing game goes on sale in December 2013 – as the first of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series of vehicles.

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

Editor-in-Chief's's Note: Our "Quick Take" this week finds us in a 2014 Buick Regal Turbo with AWD.  I really enjoyed the hell out of this car. The standard turbo engine in the Regal Turbo is a sweet-running little jewel with great throttle response and a willingness to deliver what you need when you need it in terms of real world power and all-around drivability. And it's got chassis manners to match, too, with an overall feel and willingness to go down the road that's both surprising and refreshing at the same time. The Regal Turbo is a sleeper of a car, in that it's one of those machines that you don't expect much from yet it delivers more of what you want than what you're prepared for. The Buick Regal Turbo is an unexpectedly satisfying machine to drive and another excellent piece of work from GM's True Believers. The only drawback? And it's a big one - see below under "Adherence to Brand Image. - PMD

2014 Buick Regal GS AWD: $44,275 ($39,270 Base Price; Crystal Red Tintcoat, $495; Ebony with Piano Black interior; 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected, Ecotec 4-cylinder engine with 259HP and 295 lbs-ft of torque; 6-speed automatic transmission; Advanced, fully automatic all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip rear differential; 19" alloy wheels; Heated driver and front passenger GS sport seats; Power seat adjuster, driver and passenger, 8-way with 4-way lumbar; Dual-zone climate control; Heated tilt & telescopic sport steering wheel with multifunction controls; OnStar directions and connections with automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, etc. (6-month complimentary subscription); Audio system - Buick Intellilink radio, navigation, CD player, select Bluetooth streaming; Sirius Satellite Radio (with 3-month complimentary subscription); BOSE premium 9-speaker sound system (HD radio); High Intensity Discharge headlamps; Heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors; Driver Confidence package No. 1 - Sensor indicator, following distance, Forward collision alert, Rear cross traffic alert, Lane departure warning, Memory settings, driver and passenger seat, outside mirrors, Side blind zone alert with lane change alert - $890; Driver Confidence package No. 2 - Adaptive cruise control, Automatic collision preparation - $1,695; Power sunroof, $1,000; Destination Charge, $925).

Adherence to Brand Image: As much as I enjoyed the Buick Regal Turbo it couldn't be more out of place in the Buick lineup if it tried. When you look at Buick's lineup and see the Verano, the LaCrosse, the Encore and the Enclave, the Regal Turbo is a misfit crying for a better place to call home. The Regal Turbo's sporting pretensions are genuine and worth exploring - as I said, it's a surprisingly satisfying enthusiast machine - but it has nothing to do with Buick or the Buick mission. Buick is clearly GM's Chinese luxury brand and there's nothing about the division that suggests sporty or that it builds machines designed for enthusiasts. And when Buick adds a new Riviera in 2016, do you think it will have anything to do with having an enthusiast's perspective? No. Buick is a design-centric brand that exudes just the right amount of luxury and style for its Chinese luxury intenders. Where does the Buick Regal Turbo fit? It doesn't, but it would have made a sensational Pontiac Grand-Am. - PMD