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Johnson Controls, Inc. could be the most famous automotive company you've never heard of. And chances are, when you drive your car, you're sitting on a JCI seat, or looking at a JCI instrument panel, or using JCI technology in some way. If you open your garage door using Homelink, you've got JCI components in your car.

JCI made their money in heating and cooling systems for office buildings, but if you're lucky enough to tour their booth at a major automobile show, you'll conclude that automotive interiors are the company's passion. VehicleVoice correspondent David Barrett got just such a tour at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month, and gives you this sneak peek of the JCI innovations you're likely to see in your next vehicle.


Show Runtime - 11:00

Posted by Cameron at 01:52 PM | Permalink

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Toyota Tests Viability of New-Generation Sports Car
The concept developed for Toyota's 2007 North American International Auto Show stand had both Supra and green-car enthusiasts drooling. Since Toyota dropped the Supra in 1997, rumors and dreams of its revival have repeatedly resurfaced. Supra enthusiasts reacted like Chevrolet Camaro fans; there weren't enough of them buying the product to keep it around, but they still keep looking for a successor. It is not surprising that Toyota's 2007 North American International Auto Show star concept, the FT-HS, was most often called a Supra successor.

Though many of those enthusiast dreams for a new Supra were dreams, ten years later the possibility remains for Toyota to again tackle the sports car segment. Is this truly a Supra successor? No. A production FT-HS would be in response to the market of today and where the company sees it going tomorrow. Toyota's image might benefit from a halo car, to go along with the image of bulletproof reliability. And if Toyota does go for it, a hybrid powertrain is a good bet.

Continue reading "2007 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota FT-HS, the 21st Century Sports Car"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Volkswagen believes that great things can come in small packages. Their 2006 GTI won Motor Trend's Car of the Year award, after all. The 2007 edition does add a five-door version to the lineup for folks who want a bit more function, but do not want much more size. Sticking with the theme, VW's new SUV Concept, the Tiguan, is another small package with big features.

No, we don't know what a Tiguan is. Neither does Dictionary.com. But that's not important right now. What is, is the fact that the L.A. Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show offered a peek at the new compact SUV sporting a 50-state-compliant 2.0-liter diesel. What does that mean? VW is promising several alternative drivetrains when the Tiguan actually hits production. Word on the show floor in Detroit was that the production model is going to be darned close to the concept.

David Barrett gives us a quick look at the Tiguan, replendent in orange, as well as the 2007 GTI, also resplendent in orange. In fact everything in the VW booth was resplendent in orange, including the light.


Show Runtime - 3:28

Posted by Cameron at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Finally! A formidable adversary to the BMW 3-Series. I’d call it an adversary, others may call it an antidote or a nice alternative. But what ever you call it, this Audi A4 was pretty impressive. When I think of Audi, I think of Bavaria, when I think of Bavaria I think of BMW. Some may enjoy the current generation 3-Series but I think BMW may have lost their aficionado edge. Some may even say they’ve gone off the reservation. I think the real BMW cowboys left the marque just as Bangle’s design caught on and these enthusiasts are looking for a place to hang their hat. Well, my guess is they’ll find Audi a brand that may meet their demands.

Audi is poised to make waves over the next few years. Some of those waves are going to take prospective new car owners away from BMW and into new Audi’s like this A4 3.2 Quattro.

Continue reading "Audi A4 3.2 Quattro S-line – ‘Teutonically Tight’"

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Detroit Concept Furthers Los Angeles Nagare

Back at the LA show in November 2006, Mazda showed a concept called Nagare to LA audiences (click here for our report). The Nagare (pronounced na-ga-reh) described future Mazda design themes as an expression of where Mazda styling might be in 2020. In Los Angeles, Mazda promised to follow it up with concepts at Detroit and Geneva in 2007 that would gradually grow closer to something we'll see in showrooms soon. Mazda delivered the goods in January 2007 with Detroit's Ryuga concept.

Nagare is one of more than 100 Japanese words describing the embodiment of motion, fitting for the first Mazda to explore their new surface language, and also the general name of Mazda's new design philosphy. The second concept is the Ryuga ("ree-yoo-ga"). And, you guessed it, ryuga is another Japanese word for motion, this time "gracious flow."

Continue reading "2007 Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Ryuga Refines Nagare Theme"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A few months ago, we stumbled upon a European website for the Carver One. The website waxes ecstatic... "Here is something that will make you go out of your way to find curvy roads: the Carver One! You steer it like a car, but when cornering it banks like a motorcycle while you feel like you are flying a jetfighter. The thrill of this tilting capability combined with the handling of a sports car makes for an exhilarating driving experience unlike any other!"

Pretty persuasive, huh?

Well, being the vehicle junkies that we are, VehicleVoice and AutoPacific staffers wanted the chance to drive one. As luck would have it, a Carver One made its way to a secret location in Southern California on a glorious January day and we had the chance to drive a survival orange Carver One around an almost deserted office park.

We were wondering if the Carver One was a car or a motorcycle or something in between? When we first saw the "vehicle" in the plastic, we were surprised as how big it is. The photos and videos in the Carver-Europe website conveyed a much smaller size than actual.

As we were ogling the Carver One, a pedestrian wandered by on his lunch time constitutional. He was 6' 6" tall. That he could get into and out of the Carver One without too much trouble shows its size and accommodation. It's actually pretty tall with a sweeping roofline that provides good headroom for the driver.

Ah, yes. The driver. The Carver One has tandem seating. This is what gives you the idea that it is more of a motorcycle than a car. There is room for a passenger riding behind the driver, but the passenger needs to ride akimbo the driver. That is his or her feet will be resting just about where the driver's elbows are.

There is one door on the left/driver's side of the vehicle. The door is plenty big enough for the driver to get into and out of, but no one tried to get in the rear seat. The rear seat seemed large enough for a child at the biggest. Windows on both sides roll down about 80% into the door/bodyside.

Unlike a motorcycle, the Carver One has a conventional steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake and clutch pedals. This particular example is powered by a Daihatsu 660cc 3-cylinder engine. It has a 5-speed manual transmission. There is a heater and defroster and a single windshield wiper for the windscreen. As a fully enclosed vehicle the driver and passenger likely would not be required to wear motorcycle helmets.

Continue reading "Carver One - What is It? Car or Motorcycle?"

Posted by George Peterson at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

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BMW was one of the more fascinating exhibitors at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month, mainly because of it's schizophrenic display. In one section, lined up in all their Teutonic beauty, were the M models. Few cars go faster and with more muscular style than BMW's Motorsport line. And in another section of the booth, BMW's breakthrough Hydrogen 7 - truly a great advancement in alternative drivetrains. So, in one moment, you're looking at nothing but raw speed - MPG be damned - and the next, you're contemplating hydrogen fuel stations and water vapor emissions. Only BMW could make both ends of the spectrum look so good.

In this podcast, David Barrett starts things off with another exclusive interview - this one with Alternative Fuel Expert Daniel Kammerer. And he ends things walking along BMW's "M Row" where he gives you a look at the new M Coupe, the insanely horse-powered M5, and the two new M6s - the convertible and the coupe.


Show Runtime - 7:49

Posted by Cameron at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Audi's Johan de Nysschen clearly stated the objectives for Audi of America in an Automotive News World Congress speech given in Detroit last week. de Nysschen is the Executive Vice President of Audi of America Inc. and has plans to make the brand much more aggressive in the United States.

Traditionally, Audi has positioned itself as a traditional, understated European luxury brand in the U.S. Now, de Nysschen says, these days are over.

Audi's Solid Sales Year Leaves it Still in the Shadow of Lexus, Mercedes and BMW in the USA

Audi sold 90,116 vehicles in the USA in 2006 last year, but has languished in the shadow of its Bavarian competitor BMW from Munich and the unfocused Mercedes lineup from Stuttgart. In Europe, Audi competes much strongly with BMW and Mercedes than it does in the USA, and in China Audi is kicking butt.

This mis-match is not lost on Audi of America and Audi AG management, they want to increase Audi's position in the USA and de Nysschen is implementing plans to make that happen. Early in his regime at Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen participated in a VehicleVoice video podcast. It would be instructive to watch that podcast again. Very informative.

Audi's "Separation Plans"

de Nysschen is very high on having all aspects of Audi of America separate and unique from Volkswagen USA. During a dinner at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show there was a wide ranging discussion concerning whether Audi should relocate their headquarters in teh USA and where it should go. I volunteered that Bermuda would be a fine choice, but the New York suburbs in New Jersey seemed to be a front-runner as did the suburbs of Atlanta. Shortly after that show, Audi of America it was going to relocate down the street from Volkswagen of America but in completely separate facilities. Apparently, that plan has been put on hold for budget reasons.

But even without physical separation, Audi has gone a long way inside the Volkswagen of America building to make itself different and more upscale.

Continue reading "Audi, Audi, Audi. To Increase Presence in USA"

Posted by George Peterson at 09:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Like anyone in this business, I can get pretty amped shooting images or driving a $60,000 car. Unlike many in this business, I can also get pretty excited about good cheap transportation.

Continue reading "2007 Suzuki Forenza Wagon"

Posted by Dan Hall at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The more things change the more they stay the same. If there was ever a saying the sums up the launch of the brand new Mini, that would be it. Some might joke, "Where's the new Mini?" while standing right next to it, but it's important to remember that there is hardly a more difficult task for a automotive design team than creating an entirely new car, that looks the same as the old model.

That was the challenge put before cheif Mini designer Bert Hildebrand. When David Barrett met him for an exclusive interview at the North American Auto Show in Detroit this month, you couldn't tell that he'd just finished a grueling redesign. In fact, Hildebrand is as cheerful and charming as the car he's helped recreate. Barrett not only chats Hildebrand up about the new Mini, but gives you a first look at the all new John Cooper Works Mini and the new Mini Sidewalk.


Show Runtime - 13:59

Posted by Cameron at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Weather!

Ford planned a first class event. Lots of '08 Super Duties, on road evaluations, off road evaluations, trailer towing experiences etc etc. Many journalists. Lots of Ford factory people to talk to. And then the weather hit. Who would have thought that Texas could have that much freezing rain? Planes delayed hours and hours. The required re-routes forced us hundreds of miles off-course. Then the drive evaluations had to be cut to maybe 20% of the planned experience. Interstate highways blockaded off by law enforcement officials. Then hundreds of miles across Texas in a bus to get back to Dallas' DFW from which planes could actually take-off. I was glad my departing flight was delayed for hours - otherwise, I wouldn't have been on it at all.

Kudos to the Ford PR staff coping with such a series of challenges. They get an A+ for calmness and competence under fire. But I've gotta ask, "Why as the VehicleVoice and AutoPacific rep on many press previews do I end up with the 'challenging' weather?".

The Truck - Major Change for 2008 Model Year

Ford's revised Super Duty is already in production at at Kentucky Truck Plant, and called a 2008 model. Finished vehicles are still in containment (or were a few days ago) but will be shipped by the end of January.

I'd call the '08 Super Duty a Major Change Program (as contrasted with the all-new 2007 GMT 900 and 2007 Toyota Tundra, and the minor change 2007 Dodge Ram). The exterior of the cab is significantly freshened , the interior of the cab looks all new, the bed is largely carryover, the gas engines are carryover and the diesel engine is a major change (new fuel, new exhaust emissions standards, new 6.4L displacement, new fuel handling system) but based on the prior International supplied 6.0L V8 turbo Diesel.

The Strengths

The freshened exterior appearance looks good. Very masculine. In my opinion somewhat more so than the new Chevrolet Silverado, for example.

The interior is masculine, but contemporary with best in class feature availability. I'd never actually used electrically heated exterior rear view mirrors before this trip: they work just fine! The electronic navigation system was also a real aid when there was poor visibility and a route book challenged by blocked roads.

The bed includes an optional step to aid entry/egress. Not for everyone, but a useful feature nevertheless.

Continue reading "2008MY Ford Super Duty Drive Evaluation"

Posted by Jim Hossack at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Four-Door Coupe Set to Replace S-Type
At the 2007 North American International Auto Show, those attending the media days got a strong hint as to the look of a Jaguar S-Type replacement. Unfortunately for consumers, the show car was pulled before they got there. It is being shown to dealers before being shipped back to Europe for display at the 2007 Geneva auto show this March. By the end of this year, we expect to see the production car shown.

Expect to see the launch of the Jaguar XF production version in 2008 as a 2009 model year product.

Just before the Detroit show, Jaguar acknowledged that S-Type replacement will be renamed XF, to move it in line with the XK and XJ. Those creative types at Jag then named the 2007 concept C-XF. Naming aside, this is one terrific-looking concept with looks enough to get Jaguar's mid-level entry back on the map.

Styling is by Ian Callum's team and is revolutionary in the way that the Mercedes-Benz CLS is revolutionary. Sticking with Jag's hereditary low-roof design, the C-XF sports a fastback look more like the XK coupe than XJ sedan. The C-XF tells us that the XF will take sportier look than the S-Type ever did. The C-XF concept has a lower roof than the production car will wear, but the new style still will compromise rear seat headroom when the car reaches production. This is a clear sacrifice, one that has hampered prior Jaguar models and, for some buyers, has ruled out the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

For other buyers, however, style is the object and poor headroom for occasional rear passengers is a sacrifice they're perfectly willing to make. After all, the driver is seldom riding in the rear seat. Compromise or no, the fastback roof looks great on the concept and contributes to its stylish profile.

Continue reading "2007 Detroit Auto Show: Jaguar C-XF Shows the Next New Jag Goes Sexy"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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SUVs are NOT DEAD - Sport Utility Vehicles Remain Top Considered Vehicle Segment

For as long as I can remember, the New York Times and eastern media have been taking SUVs to task. While many of the people writing these stories don't own a vehicle or even drive a car or truck, they have decided that the Sport Utility Vehicle is the poster child for social irresponsibility. No matter what they say, folks continue to gravitate to SUVs. We have the data.

For the past thirteen years, Sport Utility Vehicles have been the product segment that is most considered by American driving public. 2006 was a traumatic year for SUVs. High fuel prices dampened demand for large truck-based SUVs, but in 2006 as for more than a decade, demand for SUVs was highest among AutoPacific’s seven macro product segments. When consideration for contemporary SUVs – Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles or XSUVs – is included, consideration goes even higher.

Clearly America’s love affair for this Swiss Army Knife of vehicles has not waned, nor has demand by Americans for a vehicle type that can do many different things. We used to say that people bought SUVs because they can go anywhere, go anytime, go with anything, go with anybody… an SUV could do it all. Meeting these criteria – especially the go anywhere aspect of the equation yielded SUVs that were too capable. They could go off-road over rough terrain through tough climate conditions. Even though most buyers never used them for what they were capable of, they were designed to have off-road credibility.

Let it be XSUV: Let's officially coin our term for Crossover SUVs. These are not simply "crossovers", after all, you could have a crossover of almost any two products. We don't want to call them CUVs - Crossover Utility Vehicles - because that dilutes what they really are supposed to be. The right term is Crossover SUV. This clearly defines that this is an SUV based on a car platform - something not quite as capable as body-on-frame traditional SUVs. So, for now on, it's XSUVs.

Carmakers Responded to Buyers with Crossover SUVs: By the end of the ‘90s, manufacturers began to respond to buyers’ demand for slightly softer product characteristics. For awhile terms like “soft-roaders”, “cute-utes” were used to describe vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and even the Lexus RX300. Inside the car companies engineers and designers were referring to these types of vehicles as Crossovers. And while the buyer rarely refers to his Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, or Honda Pilot as a Crossover SUV, that is what they are. They are not designed for off-roading, but they are designed to provide comfortable, maneuverable, efficient transportation in the suburbs and on vacation.

VehicleVoice internet survey panel members and respondents to AutoPacific's annual Future Vehicle Survey have responded about what type of transportation they will consider next time they buy. Selected details are below the fold.

Continue reading "SUVs are NOT Dead"

Posted by George Peterson at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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