ODB famously declared that “Wu-Tang is for the children“, and we’d have to disagree. But one of the beloved cars of rappers everywhere, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, apparently is, if the commercial for the new vehicle is to be believed.
The CLS is responsible for the modern day “four door coupe” genre, and the new one looks even more aggressive than the outgoing version. No wonder its stopping young enthusiasts in their tracks.
Hit the jump to see the official video.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
BMW‘s 6-Series Coupe “Concept”, is about as much of a concept as the earth is flat. BMW has released a couple videos in addition to the photos previously leaked, with one showing the car’s exterior and the other detailing the slightly more interesting interior improvements.
Just like the current 6-Series set the trend for BMW’s styling, the next generation should do the same, incorporating elements of the 5-Series GT and 7-Series. Inside, a new dashboard with a bisected center console are the most significant improvements, as is the new Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Hit the jump to see the videos
[Source: BMW]
Stories of domestic auto workers showing up to work inebriated, and displaying reckless disregard for the integrity of their job are legion among a generation of consumers who swore off American cars in favor of imports. But that was the pre-internet era, where evidence was mostly anecdotal.
Now, The Truth About Cars, via Fox News, has a mountain of documented proof that UAW workers do, in fact, get drunk and stoned on the job. A Chrysler plant worker apparently tipped off a local Fox News affiliate that a bunch of workers were getting f!$&ed up on the job every single day for a period of ten days. On their lunch hour.
The video is pretty self-explanatory, and we want to make it clear that this is only a group of bad apples among a community of hard working Americans who are working hard to help turn Chrysler around. The problem is that the job security and culture of entitlement fostered by some elements allows for this situation to happen. With Chrysler owned by the taxpayers of America, and a slate of new products on the way that will ostensibly rescue the company, this is the last thing the beleaguered automaker needs.
[Source: The Truth About Cars]
We’ve been seeing a glut of stories lately about Generation Y and their increasing distance from the automobile. A new study shows that while Generation X made up 21% of the miles driven in 1995, Generation Y made up only 14% of them in 2010.
The usual reasons have been trotted out, like the economic downturn, the rise of electronic gadgets replacing the car as a status symbol and the graduated licensing program making it harder for new drivers to get on the road. The latest trend of prolonging education, via grad school or taking longer to do an undergrad degree, also means that owning a car becomes more difficult.
Interestingly, car sharing services like Zipcar have been cited as an obstacle to car ownership, but is also seen as a more attractive alternative, meaning that the costs of car ownership, rather than driving itself, is what’s really bothering young people.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
Infiniti‘s entry-level G25 sedan will go on sale this in October with a starting price of $31,825, $1325 less than a BMW 328i. An all-wheel drive G25x will start at $34,825. In between the two will be a G25 Journey, priced at $33,225.
Available only with a 7-speed automatic, the G25 will serve as the base model G sedan, but come with much of the premium equipment that the G37 does, including leather upholstery, aluminum trim, power seats, a premium stereo and XM satellite radio.
While the G37 offers BMW 335i rivaling performance, the truth is that most people don’t need this level of performance, and a less power, but still generously equipped sedan will serve them quite well.
[Source: Infiniti]
Cadillac has announced sponsorship of a new documentary on the Chinese Communist party that has been described by some as “propaganda.” The film, titled “The Birth of the Party” was created to celebrate 90 years of the Chinese Communist Party, with the sponsorship by the American luxury brand being announced on its Shanghai website.
And as shocking as this all might seem, it’s even more alarming considering Cadillac is part of General Motors – which, if you need reminding, is owned by the U.S. government.
Cadillac is using the sponsorship agreement to help promote a long wheelbase version of the STS luxury sedan, which is sold in China as the SLS.
While it may help Cadillac sell more luxury sedan overseas, will this association with an oppressive dictatorship hurt the brand at home? You tell us.
[Source: Automobile & ChinaAutoWeb]
A controversial Chinese government plan that would force foreign automakers to surrender their electric vehicle technology in exchange for being able to sell vehicles in the world’s largest auto-market is drawing the ire of automakers worldwide. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is currently writing up a 10-year plan designed to transform the country into the “world’s leader” in developing and building green vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the plan that would force automakers to surrender their technology was revealed by four international auto execs who, understandably, are not in favor of the dictatorship’s tactics.
One unnamed senior exec told the Journal, that the move is, “tantamount to China strong-arming foreign auto makers to give up battery, electric-motor, and control technology in exchange for market access.” And he added: “We don’t like it.”
While no specific executives have publicly commented on the proposed green car plan, the auto industry is not the first to feel the Chinese government’s tactics, with executives from Siemens and General Electric recently speaking out about the country’s business tactics.
According to a draft of the 10-year plan, the Chinese government would require that automakers who want to create and sell electric vehicles in China would be forced into joint ventures with Chinese companies. That’s nothing new in China, but under this new green car plan, foreign ownership would be limited to a minority stake.
[Source: WSJ]
Rumors of Mitsubishi‘s withdrawal from the U.S. market arose in the midst of the recession and despite new product unveilings the reports have continued to surface. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko fought back stating that, “We have never thought about withdrawing from the U.S. market, and we will not do so.”
Instead Masuko says he plans to quadruple sales in the U.S., increasing total volume to 200,000 units – up from the current 50,000 unit range. To do this he says the brand will need to have patience, while reducing its significant incentive program in order to create profits. New products will also play a crucial role and the launch of the new Outlander Sport compact crossover (competing with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4) is the first of those. There are also reports that Mitsubishi will bring the sub-compact Colt back to North America in response to a resurgence in small cars.
But the bigger questions for Mitsubishi have to do with its current products and facilities. In particular, the Galant sedan, Eclipse coupe and convertible and Endeavor SUV face challenges, with Masuko stating that, “it is not possible to continue with the models that we have had.”
In addition, Mitsubishi has yet to announce what it will do with its Normal, Ill. production facility.
Answers to the many questions facing Mitsubishi are expected when the company unveils a mid-term business plan, which is expected to drop in November.
[Source: Automotive News]
Porsche will again move forward with plans to build a new entry-level sports car, as well as a smaller SUV, while expanding its hybrid technology in the years to come. As its own entity, proposals for the baby-Boxster and smaller Cayenne were both axed, but under the new Volkswagen management the cases have been reexamined with the small roadster being given the green light while a compact SUV is still under consideration reports Automotive News.
The smaller Boxster model will join the range around 2013, as a new Boxster model arrives and grows in size. As expected, both Audi and VW could get versions of this roadster – which makes sense considering the first such example of this vehicle was shown as the Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster (above).
As for a smaller Cayenne, it’s expected to be built off the Audi Q5 platform.
In addition to these two models, Porsche will look to expand its hybrid offerings with plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne SUV and Panamera that will boost fuel economy even further.
As for the rest of the product lineup, over the next few years we could see a fully electric Boxster if the Boxster EVs that are set to be tested next year prove worthwhile. In addition, we could see a 4-cylinder Boxster in the future, while a Panamera convertible is still under consideration by Porsche exec.
[Source: Automotive News via Cnet]
MINI has just officially revealed not one, but two of its MINI Scooter E Concepts that will officially debut at the Paris Auto Show next week. Created to bring together a youth-oriented lifestyle element and sustainable mobility, the scooters take significant design cues from the MINI lineup of cars while using a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver guilt-free mobility.
Making the MINI E Scooter Concept almost excessively hip is its smartphone integration, where the owner’s iPod or similar device acts as the actual key for the scooter, clicking into a central docking station between the handlebars. When in motion, the smartphone can even be used as a navigation system, music system or as a telephone thanks to an integrated wireless Bluetooth interface.
As for the style, both models shown are undeniable MINI, with chrome accents and both lights and mirrors designed directly from the MINI lineup of cars. Plus, there’s the large central speedometer where the smartphone docks.
As mentioned, two models will be shown in Paris, the first being a two-seater yellow model designed to showcase the features of the scooter, while the second model is a single-seater designed to show-off the sportier lifestyle side of the vehicle with British Racing Green paint and distressed brown leather – how very British.
For more on the MINI Scooter E Concept check back for complete Paris Auto Show Coverage starting September 30th.
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