Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dallara unveils new Formula 3 chassis

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above to view in high-resolution
Formula 3, for any racing fans who don't watch the feeder-formulas like football fans watch college pigskin, is one of the most important lower formulas in international motorsports. While NASCAR may have its own hierarchy, the vast majority of racing's most successful drivers have at some point passed through F3, making the aray of regional and national series operating around the world an important stepping-stone for aspiring F1 drivers.
Although technically Formula 3 does not mandate a uniform chassis (like Champ Cars, IndyCars, GP2, and A1GP do), Dallara's permeation of the series might as well be a complete monopoly. Dallara also the builds chassis for IndyCars, the World Series by Renault (which feeds into F3) and GP2 (the next step up from F3). It built the immensely successful R8 endurance racer for Audi and the first batch of the KTM X-bow, as well as consulting on the development of the Pagani Zonda and Ferrari 333 SP.

Dallara's new Formula 3 chassis, despite FIA-mandated restrictions, benefits from significantly improved aerodynamics as a result of many hours spent in wind-tunnels and in CFD simulators. The Dallara F308 is also more compact than its predecessor while conforming to new side-impact regulations. In addition to the usual suspension set-up, a new pushrod unit is available designed to minimize understeer, and the car comes equipped with Brembo's latest brake package.
With Formula Three grids growing around the world, and the F308 now conforming to Spanish and Italian regulations, Dallara expects to sell 70 cars for the 2008 season. Check out the press release after the jump for more details, and the gallery below for more high-resolution images.
[Source: Dallara]
Gallery: Dallara F308


Continue reading Dallara unveils new Formula 3 chassis

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Air Supply: Porsche Design flagship store opens at Frankfurt airport


Porsche and Ferrari fight like cats and dogs. Legend has it that a major motivation in the development of the F40 was Porsche's release of the 959. Fast forward 20 years when Ferrari rolled out the F430 GT to usurp the 911's dominance of sportscar racing. In an increasingly commercialized market, the fight has been taken to the merchandizing arena, where Ferrari's branding efforts are rivaled only by those of Porsche Design.
In the latest battle of this merchanizing war between the two supercar-makers, Porsche Design has opened its newest flagship store, which isn't in Stuttgart where Porsche is headquartered, nor is it in Austria where the design house is based; the new store takes up 145 square meters of real estate on the second floor of Hall B at the sprawling Frankfurt International Airport, a major hub for international air travel and the airbase for Lufthansa, Europe's second-largest airline.
We've reported previously on all manner of Porsche Design products - including kitchen cabinets, wristwatches, Adidas sneakers, power tools, mobile phones and downhill sleds - and most are available at the new store, which, along with retail outlets at airports in Munich, Vienna, London, Moscow, Dubai and Hong Kong (soon to be joined by additional locations in the Copenhagen, Zurich and Manchester terminals) caters to the burgeoning airport shopping market.
[Source: Luxurylaunches.com]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.18.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


Which is the bigger story, that Paris Hilton ran out of gas or that there's a chance that Israel will have 100,000 electric cars in 2 years? I'll let you read them both and then decide. Meanwhile, we'll busy ourselves with reviewing the 2007 BMW 535d (yes, it's a diesel) and making videos of Ford handing over the plug-in Escape hybrid to SCE.

• In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2007 BMW 535d. Yes, it's a diesel!
• EVS23: Ford's plug-in Escape hybrid handover videos
• Video: Paris Hilton runs out of gas (and hilarity ensues)
• UK scientist: Young women can fight global warming by realizing Ferraris don't make a guy sexy
• Free enterprise wingers attack Vectrix for using a diesel truck
• Shai Agassi: Israel will have 100,000 electric cars in 2 years
• Electric bus service starts in Castell&oacute;
• Ten years of the Toyota Prius - now it comes in cake form
• Infiniti to launch high-speed hybrid system in 2011
• Indian-built Suzuki under 109 g/km for 2008
• GM trying to cut factory energy bills
• Ford licensing its soy-foam seat technology
• Porsche pushes back Cayenne hybrid delivery date to at least 2010
• New refinery to be built in South Dakota to process Canadian crude
• GM to launch LaCrosse hybrid in China before Beijing Olympics
• The end of particullates in Europe?
• Go with Danny on a quick test drive of the Kewet Buddy in the UK
• LG Chem gets exclusive contract to supply LiIon batteries to Hyundai/Kia

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rhys Millen and Red Bull want to perform a backflip with a truck

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc.


New Year's Eve at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada Rhys Millen, with the help of Red Bull, will attempt the first ever (purposely performed) backflip of an off-road racing truck. The stunt is part of ESPN's No Limits broadcast immediately following the Chick-fil-A Bowl. It is scheduled to begin airing live at 11:15 pm EST on December 31st. That is of course, pending the clash of the tigers doesn't go into overtime. The experiment is no far stretch for Mr. Millen as he has performed many movie stunts behind the wheel, along with claiming Pike's Peak and Formula D titles. If the stunt doesn't go as planned Rhys has no one to blame but himself since his crew took on the responsibility of designing and building the launch ramp.

Follow the jump to see a teaser video of Rhys Millen and his Red Bull truck courtesy of GT Channel.

[Source: Red Bull Experiment]Continue reading Rhys Millen and Red Bull want to perform a backflip with a truck

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW running at 100% capacity, simultaneously irritating suppliers

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Earnings/Financials
BMW's running full-bore as it strains to double its profit margin within the next five years. Across all 23 of the company's manufacturing locations, capacity is maxed out at 100-percent, and there's nary an extra Roundel badge to be had. As BMW pushes for a 10-percent profit margin, they're also putting the squeeze on suppliers. To the OEMs, it seems that BMW has shifted its focus from quality and innovative technology to the bottom line. Not helping matters was a public statement by Manfred Scoch, deputy chairman of BMW's supervisory board, criticizing their suppliers for having better profits than the automaker. With their focus on building the Ultimate Driving Machine, BMW has enjoyed a reputation as a favorite customer of automotive suppliers. Scoch's lead balloon didn't go over well with the companies that make parts for BMW, and has stirred further rumblings that there's growing dissatisfaction with BMW's apparent focus shift. Suppliers shot back at BMW, expressing alarm at Scoch's statement and stating that their ability to generate a profit is tied to their innovation and hard work, rather than overcharging BMW. Understandably, suppliers are loath to concede any price breaks on agreements that are already in place.

For its part, BMW's decided that it's more cost effective to increase their ability to make some components in-house. With that in mind, the Leipzig and Regensburg stamping plants are undergoing expansion, and there will be a new Leipzig stamping facility in 2009. At least 200m euros will be invested in Leipzig and Regensburg, but BMW believes it's a better idea to invest its capabilities, rather than pay a supplier to sort it all out. By the time it's all said and done, further integration may happen to keep the slices on the pie chart looking healthy. If they keep ticking off the companies that make the pieces that they bolt together into automobiles, BMW may end up doing it all themselves.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Now-famous Schumacher taxi for sale

Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Opel

We just can't get enough of this saga. First, Michael Schumacher, family in tow, commandeers a taxi to get to the airport. Then the local police decide to launch an investigation into the purported violation of Germany's Personnel Transport Act. Now the cab driver, a hundred euros richer thanks to the champ's generosity, has said that he's considering selling the now-famous taxicab which Schumacher drove in the incident.
The taxi is a nine-seater Opel Vivaro minivan, and according to the driver, he's already been inundated with calls from potential buyers interesting in acquiring the cab. The top offer at the time of printing the story in the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag was 63,000 euros.
"I need the money - because of the Schumi-Ride I could be in big trouble with the police," said Tuncer Yilmaz, the owner and driver of the taxi.
[Source: F1-Live]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Toyota Tundra named Motor Trend 2008 Truck of the Year

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Toyota

click image for more pics from our own review of the 2007 Toyota Tundra

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Toyota_Tundra_named_Motor_Trend_s_2008_Truck_of_the_Year'; Motor Trend awarded its 2008 Truck of the Year award, the last of its three yearly awards, to the Toyota Tundra today. New for the 2007 model year, the Tundra beat out the Chevy Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD and Ford's line of F-250, -350 and -450 Super Duty trucks. What's interesting about MT's TOTY competition is that because these trucks have such a wide range of capabilities and purposes, they are not pitted against each other, bur rather against specific criteria determined by the magazine's editors. Each is scored in the areas of "superiority", "value", and "significance". They use this strategy in both the Car OTY and SUV OTY award competitions, as well.

While we think the Tundra is the most significant truck that hit the market this season, at least in terms of how it has increased competition in this segment to new levels, we're not so sure that it stacks up as well in the other two categories. For one, it's difficult to call the Tundra "superior" when it's been saddled with a number of quality issues, including most recently its first official recall of 15,600 trucks for a driveshaft issue. And how exactly is the Tundra a better value than its competitors in the class when all can be had with a bed full of rebates and incentives?

Our money was on the F-450 for this award, as the truly super truck from Ford is rather peerless in the market. But we're not the editors of Motor Trend, and it's their award to give to whomever they choose. We're sure they're ready for the onslaught of armchair automotive journalism that's coming their way. Toyota, no doubt, is thrilled with the honor. Expect to see new commercials for the Tundra with those golden calipers on the hood any day now as the automaker attempts a last ditch effort to reach its goal of selling 200,000 units in 2007.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Tundra


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Last Mercury stand-alone dealership closes

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Mercury
A paucity of hot product, and an unintentional buyer boycott has claimed the last Mercury-only dealership. Dealerships trading singularly in Mercury products were always few and far between; the brand was usually paired with Lincoln, but Community Motor Company in Canonsburg, PA has sold only new Mercurys for 57 years. The small family run dealership will continue to sell used vehicles, which have seen the franchise through even as yearly sales of new Mercurys have dropped to one third of their 1989 high point of 300 cars. The only salesperson, Joe Mastrangioli Jr., didn't feel any pressure from the Blue Oval to hang it up, but Ford does need to trim its retail network. Elevated age, health concerns, as well as a tough sales climate have made it feel like the right time for Community Motor to bow out.

Mercury appears to be gasping for breath like a porgy washed ashore. They are nice enough cars; the Milan is handsome and nicely trimmed, the Sable got a more distinctive face this year, and the Mountaineer is what every Explorer should be. Initial quality is better than most, according to JD Power, and the brand knocked it out of the park on Power's 2007 Dependability ratings, too. Despite that, nobody seems to be paying any attention to Mercury (sales are down 6.7% through November). It could be that the brand has nothing unique to offer other than tarted up Fords. The fleet-only status of the Crown Victoria makes the Mercury store the only place to get the Panther platform without the Town Car drag, but the Grand Marquis long ago had its day in the sun. Every time we lament the fortunes of Mercury like this, we get an email from Ford letting us know it has product in the pipeline for its Roman god of Commerce and Speed (how ironic is that?). We'll have just have to wait and see.

[Source: Auto News - sub req., Photo: Larry Rippell]


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lutz says importing Astra saved $900 million

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Hatchbacks, GM, Saturn

The Saturn Astra represents a quantum leap forward for GM in the small car market. For a mere $100 million, which is chicken feed for a new product, the General traded in the uninspiring Ion for the European juggernaut Opel Astra. Many thought GM was merely buying time (literally) until a truly global Astra appears in 2010, since we've been told for years that it was too expensive (see: Focus) to retro-fit a Euro-car for the US Market. Maximum Bob has turned that paradigm upside down, as he explained that the spared development costs have netted GM savings of about $900 million. Of course, GM would probably never shell out $1 billion for a small car with a volume of 45,000 units per year, but since the General makes products all over the globe, it makes sense to sell the best cars and trucks wherever it can. If it helps keep your factories at full capacity while saving $900 million at the same time, than that's cool, too. Hey, if this is the new reality of automakers going global, we're all for it. Now Ford, bring on that Mondeo already!
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First Subaru Impreza STI crash happens in Japan

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Hatchbacks, Subaru


From the front, it looks like the damage would almost buff out. Then you see the shot of the back. Significant restyling has taken place on this particular brandy-new STI, and we're not talking about the new duds Fuji whipped up. At least now we know what the primo donor cars will look like at the pick-a-part. While it's an upsetting thing for us internet pikers to gaze upon, we can only imagine the owner's anguish. That said, since most of the damage is in the rear, we're guessing that someone else is at fault for the total loss of this Subie. So, while this particular STI is likely headed for a dismemberment, the owner is likely tooling around in a replacement. So, what do you think the combined cost of this lovely hunk of low-miles (282km) scrap plus a shipping container would be?

Thanks for the tip, Marc!

[Source: caradvice.com.au]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: More F1 Hoonery: Lewis Hamilton gets license suspended

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Celebrities
Formula One wonder boy Lewis Hamilton decided that an appropriate follow up to a scorching F1 season and a second place finish on Top Gear's test track would be a high speed run through the north of France. The open-wheel prodigy was caught doing 120 mph near the town of Laon - 40 mph over the speed limit - and was fined &pound;600, had his unspecified Mercedes impounded and lost his license in France for a month. Much like F1 legend Michael Schumacher when he was busted for hooning in a German taxi, Lewis was reportedly "polite and cooperative" when the boys in blue (do cops wear blue in France?) caught up to him.

The 22-year old racer has endured his fare share of controversy over the past year, including a feud with his ex-team mate Fernando Alonso and the Stepneygate affair that plagued his team McLaren. Here's hoping that 2008 will be a bit more subdued but equally remarkable. Until the season starts, however, he may need new teammate Heikki Kovalainen to give him a ride.

[Source: TopGear, Photo by Stuart Wilson/Getty]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Volkswagen

click above image to view high-res gallery of VW New Beetle renderings

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Next_generation_VW_New_Beetle_cuter_than_EVER'; It's one of the hardest tricks for a designer to pull off: redesign a retro car that takes its styling cues from an iconic classic. Volkswagen has already refreshed the design of its New Beetle once, though the redo was kept to a minimum and included things like new headlights, slightly more creased fenders, and new taillights. The time will come, however, when the New Beetle needs a new look, and according to Brenda Priddy's illustration artist, the next-gen people's car will be inspired by VW's series of up! concepts that have been trotted out at recent auto shows around the world. And truly, doesn't it make sense? Adding the up! bumper to the New Beetle gives its face a cheery smile that one would expect from a car that comes standard with a flower vase in the dash. The same goes for the rear bumper that gives a grin to passerbys as if to say, "Make love, not war!". Even the new head and taillights in these renderings look more like actual eyeballs than on most cars. Whether or not these illustrations have a grain of truth to them remains to be seen, but the fact can't be denied that VW needs to somehow update the New Beetle's design without losing any of its inherent charm.

So far this year, the New Beetle coupe is down 9.8% in sales while the convertible is off -19.7%. What will help a redesign gain traction with buyers are new features being planned for the next-gen Bug, including availability of a DSG gearbox and even a speedster model that could hint at a performance variant. Hmmm... kind of looks like Walt Disney's version of a Porsche Boxster.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - renderings

Continue reading Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Stupidity begets parody: 219 MPH response vid

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Videos, Ferrari


Remember that "219 mph" Murcielago video? Well, someone's gone and matched that feat using a Ferrari F430 (kind of). As you'll see, this attempt is equally fraught with danger (there's a harrowing moment at the 1:08 mark), and other cars thwart the top speed attempt a couple of times, just as was the case in the original. This attempt ends far more dramatically, however, and should serve as yet another cautionary tale for those thinking of trying a stunt like this themselves.

Thanks to all who sent tips!

[Source: YouTube]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazda5 Touring

Filed under: Garage, Minivans/MPVs, Mazda



The Tutors have been waiting months to get a Mazda5 in the Autoblog Garage. The car-like minivan has been on the our family shopping list since we knew we were adding an extra person to the house. Based on the Mazda3 platform, the 5 promised a sedan ride with family-size space for parents on a budget. That, in my mind, is the perfect vehicle.

Our strato blue tester was a Touring model with 17" wheels, cloth seats, automatic climate control, and moonroof. The only optional equipment was satellite radio. The sticker on the window listed a base price of $19,780 with a $430 charge for the Sirius receiver and a delivery charge of $595, for a grand total of $20,375.

Continue reading about the Mazda5 Touring after the jump.<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" />

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazda5 Touring


All photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Mazda5 Touring

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit '08 Preview: Nissan FORUM Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivans/MPVs, Nissan

click image for high-res gallery of the Nissan FORUM Concept

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Nissan_reveals_FORUM_Concept_with_microwave_and_mute_button_2'; Next month in Detroit, Nissan will show the world the FORUM, a minivan design study that probably hints at styling cues and features being considered for whatever's destined to replace the Quest. After reading Nissan's hyperbolic press release (it's pasted after the jump), one might think the FORUM is single-handedly capable of restoring the American nuclear family dynamic through its feature set alone. Seriously, there's a line in there that calls the vehicle a "unique family 'togetherness' space." I have one of those, too: it's called a house.

The FORUM's most touted features are its trackless doors, b-pillar-less construction, and swiveling 2nd row Turntable Seating. The doors utilize a new patented hinge that allows for sliders without the unsightly track line on the bodywork. That, combined with the elimination of the b-pillar, allows the side of the van to be opened wide for easy access when the front door is also open. In reality, the pillarless construction is probably just there to better show off the concept's interior, which is highlighted by a motorized, swiveling second row seat that can be rotated 90 degrees to look out the side of the van, or 180 degrees to face the third row passengers.

Other interesting features include a small built-in microwave sized just right for popcorn, wireless tv monitors, an audio muting/intercom setup called "Time Out," second and third row surveillance cameras "Kids' Cams" and the around-view parking assistance system introduced on the Infiniti EX35. Is it the ultimate family pod? Well no, since the concept has no engine. Nissan says a clean diesel would be a natural fit for it if it were to arrive in the marketplace, though.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan FORUM Concept

Continue reading Detroit '08 Preview: Nissan FORUM Concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Honda recalling 43,000 Acuras for power steering hose

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Acura, Honda


Those of you rolling in a 2005-2008 Acura RL take note: Honda has issued a recall for your power steering hose and being the educated consumer that you are, you won't have to wait by the mailbox to know about it.

The high temperatures created by the V6 under the RL's hood are apparently causing some cracks to form in the power steering hose that could lead to fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter, resulting in a fire, which is bad. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued the recall, but no injuries or fires have been reported as of yet.

Approximately 43,200 Acura RLs are affected by the recall and since it's likely that you're more informed than your local Acura service department, we'd suggest you print out this post and tell the folks at your dealer that you've got a friend in the industry.

[Source: Detroit News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dodge-branded Chery A1 headed to Mexico soon

Filed under: Economy, China, Dodge, Chery


Chrysler and Chery will finally consummate their corporate marriage south of the border when a version of the Dodge-badged Chery A1 goes on sale in Mexico soon. The Chinese econobox will be built at Chery's Wuhu plant and exported to Mexico. According to a review in the Wall Street Journal, beyond a vibration in the steering column at 100 mph, some interior fitment issues and a lack of grunt with four adults in the car, the A1 handled the daily slog with relative ease. Not bad for a little over $5,000.

Sales of the Dodge/Chery A1 in the States are expected sometime in 2009, assuming that the subcompact can meet U.S. crash and emissions standards. Regardless, we're still waiting for the Hornet.

[Source: China Car Times via TTAC]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BREAKING: House passes energy bill (again), President will sign into law to

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/politics/Congress_approves_Energy_Bill_with_35_mpg_CAFE_standard'; Once the Senate removed a big $21.8 billion tax package that Democrats had hoped would be included in our nation's new energy bill, the bill itself began sailing through the halls of Congress. After finally being passed by the Senate on the third try, the bill returned to the House of Representatives, which has to revote on it since the Senate had trimmed a little here and added a little there. The core of the bill, an increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 35 mpg by 2020, has remained and the House overhwhelmingly passed the revised bill today by a vote of 314 - 100. Thus, we can now officially say that the United States Congress has approved the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. You'll know doubt hear politicians crooning about its historical significance on the news networks tonight, and truth be told, it is a big deal and will force automakers to apply every bit of ingenuity they have to meet the new CAFE standards in time while providing consumers with cars and trucks that they actually want to buy.

The bill will now be delivered to President Bush who has said he will sign it into law tomorrow. Ladies and gentleman, drink up, we have a new energy bill.

UPDATE: Ford and Chrysler's official responses to the new energy bill added after the jump.

[Source: Associated Press, Reuters]Continue reading BREAKING: House passes energy bill (again), President will sign into law tomorrow

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Volvo responds: Next-gen XC90 not dead

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Volvo


Yesterday, the word from Auto Motor and Sport Sweden was that the next Volvo XC90 was stillborn due to a lack of hybrid drive trains and other fuel-saving technologies. Not so, according to Volvo, who responded to the pub's article by saying that a facelifted XC90 is in the works and that the XC90 replacement has not been cancelled.

How Volvo plans to get around new fuel economy regs and what Ford platform will be used to underpin the automaker's burly next-gen 'ute is still up in the air, but a clean-sheet rethink might be in order to address many of these environmental issues that will be plaguing Volvo in the upcoming years.

[Source: Auto Motor and Sport Sweden via World Car Fans]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Finally! GM to widely incorporate Bluetooth by 2009

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., GM
One of my biggest pet peeves about the new GM cars I've driven is the unavailability of Bluetooth. Let's face it: most of us use Bluetooth-enabled phones, and as more manufacturers incorporate Bluetooth connectivity into their cars and trucks, GM's apparent lack of action on this front makes it look bad.

Consider the new CTS. It's a fantastic car that can be had with full iPod integration, the Gracenote database for your CDs, a 40GB in-dash hard drive, but not Bluetooth integration for your phone. It's a glaring omission in a car that otherwise uses technology to good effect. This applies almost everywhere -- Escalade, Malibu, Denali, you name it -- with the notable exception of the Cadillac STS. If you're not rolling in the CTS' big (and less appealing) brother, you either have to use a headset or the OnStar phone system. This is stupid. Thankfully, it's going to end.

In a reader Q&A session at the GM FYI Blog, Phil Colley of GM Performance Parts responded to a question about GM's dearth of in-car Bluetooth offerings, saying that the General will soon undertake the "broadest rollout of Bluetooth in the industry," with the technology appearing in 30 vehicles across the GM range by MY '09. So, if you want Bluetooth in your new Chevy, you still have to wait a little longer, but at least you know the General's going to get with the program soon enough.

[GM FYI Blog via The GM Source]
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