Personally, I think there is a place for both. The GT-R would be perfect for weekend getaways up coast highway and the Murano, well, for everything else. You see - I’ve come to appreciate vehicles that do a lot of routine things really well, but nothing perfectly. In my youth a stripped down Porsche 911 without any sound deadening material, without back seats, or even a stereo - but extremely taut suspension would be the perfect vehicle – it did one thing perfectly. Today, I know there’s a difference between a perfect vehicle and one that you can live with. I also appreciate things like my kidneys, teeth, and ability to hear passengers… although that may change when I have children.

Coincidentally, a whole host of formerly pricey accoutrements are making their way into small vehicles at a time when interest in small vehicles is increasing. Yes, fuel prices have a lot to do with increased consumer interest in smaller vehicles, but it’s also a steadily increasing number of young, Generation Y first time buyers coming into the marketplace.

Just last week, Suzuki announced that navigation will be standard – yes, standard – in the 2009 Suzuki SX4, their little entry level car. And it’s no bare bones nav either – it includes all the latest in navigation technology, such as real time traffic, weather, local events, and integrated Bluetooth for your cell phone, which is also capable of reading your text messages to you. Developed by Garmin and Microsoft, Suzuki’s T.R.I.P. (travel, real-time traffic, information and play) system incorporates infotainment features that many luxury cars don’t even offer yet. You can bet that similar technology will soon be available (if not standard) in competing small vehicles in the near future.

Pop quiz, hot shot: What decade is it?

Weak Dollar

Since George W. Bush entered the White House, the value of the dollar has fallen 41%. This automatically makes the price of gasoline in dollar terms much, much higher. At dollar parity from the beginning of 2001, we would be paying $72 dollars for a barrel of oil and gasoline would be priced at between $2.25 and $2.50 using the equation from energytomorrow.org. EnergyTomorrow.org is brought to you by "The people of America's Oil and Natural Gas Industry". Their formula contends that crude oil is 72% of the cost of gasoline; refining, distribution, service stations, marketing is 16% (probably includes their profits as well); taxes are another 12%.

So, with gasoline being at a national average of $3.61 today, the weak dollar accounts for $1.36 of the cost per gallon.

Now, government policies determine the value of the dollar and even though President Bush and the Treasury state that they are in favor of a strong dollar, their actions have resulted in a weak dollar.

Crude Oil Prices

Sure, crude oil has just moved over $120 per barrel. Goldman Sachs Group was widely criticized in 2005 when they forecast a barrel of oil at $105. Now, they are talking about $150 per barrell by the end of the year. $150 would result in gasoline priced in the range of $4.90 to $5.10 per gallon. If the price per barrel rises to $200 per barrel a per gallon gasoline price of between $6.40 and $6.60 per gallon would be the result.

Big Oil?

We believe, although we have no proof, that Big Oil is also a major culprit. They do have some level of influence on the price of crude oil. After all, they drill for it, pump it, refine it and sell it. For the past half decade, it has appeared to us that Big Oil has been playing a psychological game with American drivers. They ratchet up the price of gasoline to $3.00 per gallon and everybody is pissed. Then they drop it back to $2.50 per gallon and everybody feels better. The next price peak is $3.25 and then it drops back to $2.75. The next price peak is $3.50 and then drops back to $3.00. See the pattern? Intentionally or not, they are psychologically conditioning us to higher and higher prices.

Driving away from the hotel, easing out of Pasadena local traffic, it was a few miles before the opportunity to explore the depths of the throttle arrived. When it did, the payoff was instant acceleration and an exhaust and engine symphony. The 425HP Challenger SRT8 tune is visceral, powerful, and begs that right foot ask for more. When you get, say, up into the Angeles Crest highway and away from stop signs and bicyclists, Challenger proves an entertaining companion. In town, the car is comfortable and it only takes a well-placed blip to bring out that wonderful burble. Mustang's V8s sound terrific; Challenger SRT8 sounds even better. Issues of fuel economy and pollution aside, the Challenger SRT8 and smoky burnouts are an obvious pair. Though none executed by this author, an SRT engineer left serious rubber on request just outside of pit lane. It was truly a sight to behold, watching the car just get swallowed up in tire smoke.

That SRT8 is estimated for 13/18 mpg on the EPA cycle, improved with MDS and other tweaks over the known Charger SRT8, isn't important here. If you're considering an SRT8, you've already accepted living life below 50 mpg. And if you haven't, there are plenty of options out there. The limited-run 2008MY starts at just under $38,000, with only three sub-$1000 options.

Considering just how much Volkswagen is a part of our cultural lexicon, it’s somewhat surprising that there aren’t more of them on the road. Volkswagens have been an iconic part of our automotive landscape, and just about everyone has a Volkswagen memory – whether recent or from long, long ago.

Volkswagen enjoyed a tremendous resurgence in the late 1990s with the New Beetle and the fourth generation Jetta. Both appealed strongly to young and young-at-heart buyers, leading to incredible sales growth and an enviable owner base of youthful, hip, opinion-leading consumers. As of late, though, the brand has lost some of its luster. VW has lost some of its edge with those trend-setters that had flocked to the brand just a few years ago. Yet, losing that edginess hasn’t translated to massive sales gains to mainstream Middle America types.

Volkswagen is currently in a push to become a truly mainstream brand in the North America, as it is in many other parts of the world. They have ambitions to sell (combined with its sister Audi) one million units in the US by the middle of next decade. Those are some seriously lofty targets, making one wonder what steps Volkswagen is taking to achieve those goals.

Automotive Ecstasy - Nissan GT-R

But the piece de resistance was the opportunity to drive Nissan's GT-R Super Car. Couldn't drive it on public roads, but we were able to put in five laps at Circuito Estoril a famous race track near Lisbon. There were three GT-Rs to drive and one that was giving hot laps with a Nissan race driver who could really make the GT-R fly. But back to the actual experience. I teamed up with Pedro, a Portuguese driver from Sintra who demonstrated the features of the GT-R while lapping the course. The first lap was to get familiar with the course. The second was to get familiar with the car. Impressive car. Impressive driver.

For the third through the fifth laps, I got to drive and experience Nissan's $70,000 rocket ship. Check all the boxes and you can get it up to $72,000. Compared with a Porsche Turbo, the GT-R is a deal.

I remember the call like it came just last week, because it did.

“Katrina, I have a new car.”

“How exciting!”

“It…it has a stick shift.”

“Even better!”

“You don’t understand! I don’t know how to drive a stick. I need you to teach me.”

“You’ve made me a very happy woman, grasshopper.”

The new Sonata gets a deeper grille and taller rectangular headlights, more chrome trim all around, and a very slightly revised lower rear fascia. The changes bring a VW Passat to mind, but these subtle changes make for a more grown up and refined Sonata. The taller, more vertical grille and headlights help the hood creases look less clumsy and make for a more imposing face. Changes to the rear are so subtle as to be irrelevant; there are new taillights, but the shape is the same.

After eventually getting out of the Chrysler business, Tracinda bought enough of General Motors to get a seat on the board. Company man Jerry York held that seat and pushed for a GM-Renault-Nissan tie-up. Bound by duty to stockholders to explore the option instead of dismissing it outright, Rick Wagoner and GM staff worked with Renault-Nissan for a few months to prove what we all seemed to know in the first place: A Renault-GM tie-up didn't make much sense. Kerkorian's Tracinda sold off its GM stake and went home. The end of that story, right?

Well, yes and no. Whether by the "third time's a charm" or "try, try again" schools of thought, Tracinda has been accumulating shares of Ford Motor Company since April 2, 2008, and offered today to buy more. And by more we mean enough to give Tracinda 5.6% of FoMoCo. But what does Tracinda really want? Does the company want take over a Detroit car company, no matter which? It does seem that Kerkorian is obsessed with making a major, direct impact on the automotive industry. His efforts so far have succeeded in shaking things up, often when it can be most disruptive, but not in improving the business overall.

After showering, I hopped in a cab and quickly arrived at 2008 Salao Inernacional do Automovel de Portugal. Nine Euros later I walked into Hall 1 and began the journey. The Portugal International Auto Show is not huge like Frankfurt, or Tokyo, or maybe Detroit, but it is spread over four spacious halls. Clearly the automakers did not have their A-Class displays here, but the displays were very competitive. Everybody was here - many not playing in the USA - except Opel (General Motors), Jaguar/Land Rover and Porsche were conspicuously absent (or I somehow missed them in my two sweeps of the show). The show did have many smaller cars that are available in Europe and likely would do pretty well in the USA given today's fuel price environment.

I don't intend on going through the show car-by-car, but I thought seeing some highlights would be interessting. Here goes.

In the spirit of up-to-the-minute analysis that separates the good blogs from the great ones, I hereby present a short essay on hybrids and automotive environmentalism in honor of Earth Day … which was three days ago.

Well, it’s the thought that counts.

There have only been a few movies since then that have even come close. The French Connection (not quite), Ronin (almost), and The Transporter (lacked realism). Nothing has surpassed the cool factor of Lieutenant Frank Bullitt in his 1968 Mustang GT 390 as he punches it through the streets of San Francisco double clutching each shift and chasing down that black ’68 Dodge Charger.

It’s been too long since the last update (Sorry). There has been a lot of work coming in the office and my boss keeps telling me that it has something to do with me earning a living. So, that has taken priority but in the mean time I’ve been saving up for things like ‘axles’. Oh, boy! How many of you actually get excited when you hear the word axle? Yeah, I didn’t either, until about a week ago.

Anyway, Last time I left you guys we had boxed in the frame, stuffed the 2006 GM 6.0L, 4L80E transmission and New Process t-case inside the shell of our ’58 Travelall and bolted up the mass air flow meter. We had a couple setbacks…

- Transmission cross-member fabrication (ran across t-case output)... Refabricated cross-member to go up and over the output shaft
- Driver’s side header did not fit (now running 1998-2002 LS1 Camaro header on driver's side and 1969-1972 (LS1 swap) Chevelle header on passenger side (both from S&P in Arkansas)

…but I should have known my education was just beginning.

Flex Has Personality Taurus X Lacks

First, the Flex has style. It looks like a huge Mini Clubman and I don't intend that as an insult. Rumor has it that the initial theme for the styling of the Flex was developed by the Land Rover studios in England and then Ford opted to use the concept as its Ford Fairlane concept vehicle that received positive reviews at its first viewing at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The interior is very well done and has excellent ingress/egress. The relatively stiff A-Pillar and gives a large front door with a generous opening. The rear doors are large making for very easy ingress/egress. Ford says the rear seat has five inches more knee room than an Expedition. The 3rd row seat folds flat into the floor, but it is not as slick as that on the Expedition and Navigator which has power assist. The seats are comfortable giving good support.

Flex is one of the first vehicles to benefit from Ford's new DNA for door closing sounds, engine sound, material feel, etc. These minor touches give the Flex a very upscale feel even though it is tough to get its price over $40,000. Base price is under $30,000 and there is a logical walk upwards from the base (still well-equipped) vehicle to the range topping Limited.

Public Will Warm Up to Flex

Walking around the Flex display at Fabulous Fords Forever this past weekend at Knott's Berry Farm, I kibitzed as folks crawled over the Flex. They seemed genuinely surprised at the interior roominess of the vehicle and the size of the rear seat. They appeared to like the styling even though it is a bit polarizing (love-hate). One woman wondered if this was the "next minivan". Another thought it was bigger than her Suburban. In any event, Flex elicited mostly positive reactions and should sell very well when it is launched inlate summer.

What happened?
Since February 26 all 3,650 UAW member walked off the job leaving American Axle production in a lurch. In the last two months this strike has affected progress at as many as 30 GM plants. American Axle produces parts for GM's full-size pickups and SUVs, the hot new Chevrolet Malibu, and many others. This means almost 50K GM employees have been affected.

Lucerne Super - Evolves Buick DNA

Well, the Lucerne Super is a bit different. As Engineering Program Manager Karen Nicklin explains, "This is not your bloaty boaty Buick". She's right. The car feels solid and confident at its first movement. The steering is quicker. The suspension is tauter. The engine is stronger (by only 17-horsepower for a total of 292HP). Dynamically, these adjustments result in a car that feels competent and confidence inspiring. It is not a sports sedan by any means, but it is a damn fine big sedan.

Nicklin is with GM's Performance Division. They work on things like the Buick LaCrosse Super, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, the Cadillac CTS-V... the stuff that drivers like to drive.

So, you'd expect the upgrades on the Lucerne to be only performance enhancing. Au contraire! There are numerous exterior and interior detail upgrades as well. Super has a unique front fascia and bolder grille while carrying over the fenders and hood. The rear can be distinguished by larger exhausts. Nicklin admits to being first an interior engineer and it shows in the attention to detail in the interior: Leather padded instrument panel cover. Different material tones on the instrument panel appliques. Unique steering wheel, etc.

Give Buick Buyers the Opportunity to Drive the Best

Interestingly, the Lucerne Super is not in the lineup to bring in droves of new buyers. Its volume expectations are relatively modest at 6,000 units per year (500 per month). And it is not to drive down the age of the Buick buyer base. It is to provide those discerning Lucerne customers who want uncompromising transportation the opportunity to drive the best. Interesting strategy.

Priced at $40,000 with the only major options being a Navigation System, moonroof and chrome wheels, Lucerne provides an excellent car that should appeal to Buick buyers who want to drive rather than be driven... and may even bring in new customers to the Buick store. The car is in production now and should just be arriving at Buick dealerships around the country.

Well, either someone gave the bean counter working on the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS an extended vacation or he was taken out back and shot. The '08 CTS is a nice car and it's produced by a domestic auto manufacturer. I know… at first I didn’t believe it either. Most of us had to keep looking down at the Cadillac badge on the steering wheel every few minutes just to confirm the fact that we really were driving a Cadillac. For a minute it didn't compute. It was a surreal experience.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/2008_cadillac_cts_so_who_shot_1.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/2008_cadillac_cts_so_who_shot_1.html Auto News & Reviews Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:03:12 -0800 Chrysler LLC has not been shy about going after a partner. Chrysler needs access to the expertise in small cars that they don't have, as well as to benefit from the kinds of economies of scale necessary to make any sort of profit on vehicles expected to sell at the bottom end of the scale. After signing with Chinese maker Chery for help in the international arena, announcements have come on new relationships with Nissan. The OEM agreements with Nissan announced this week are examples of two companies finding a win-win relationship.

Nissan and Chrysler Serve as OEM Supplier and Client
Often deals like this are announced with one partner clearly benefiting more than the other, no matter how many times the phrase "win-win" is used during the presentation. But in this case, the relationship will benefit both partners. Each company is contributing in areas where they have expertise and market success, areas where solo development costs are prohibitive. Each company is also using production capacity that might otherwise be difficult to fill.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/chrysler_and_nissan_sharing_ca_1.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/chrysler_and_nissan_sharing_ca_1.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:58:28 -0800 I recently attended a presentation with a panel of Indian-market experts, at a Society of Automotive Analysts meeting. Much was covered, discussed, and analyzed, and we were shown more numbers than you could shake a stick at.

A couple of points stuck in my head. Among them: Indian companies and people seem more patient and willing to learn, yet still ambitious and effective. Another: As a basic cultural value, the Indian population doesn't seem to care all that much for cars.

Tata is Ready to Learn
Tata Motors has been making vehicles since 1954. They aren't newcomers, though most of their history is with commercial vehicles. The company is expanding on the global scene slowly and carefully. The purchase of Jaguar Land Rover is the first step for playing with in the big leagues.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/exhuast_note_7_tata_shows_pati_1.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/exhuast_note_7_tata_shows_pati_1.html The Car Biz Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:07:53 -0800 Break the Cycle of Apathy

Ford Division had its national dealer meeting in Las Vegas during the week of April 7 with more than 3,000 dealers in attendance. The Bellagio Hotel was over-flowing with Ford logos, banners and geegaws. At the same time, Ford was selling dealers on its new advertising campaign "Ford: Drive One". With "Drive One" as its platform, Ford is trying to create a 750,000-strong army of advocates to get consumers to reconsider its vehicles. Ford wants to break the "Cycle of Apathy" that appears to surround consideration of their products.

Ford figures if it can jazz up employees, retirees, dealers and dealership employees that word about Ford's quality gains and new products will spread virally through the North American auto market.. This is in addition to Ford's huge customer base and number of Ford enthusiasts that can be brought into the campaign, person-to-person outreach is the backbone of Ford's multimillion-dollar "Drive One" campaign, which started this month. As Jim Farley, Ford's Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications said, "There are thousands of enthusiasts with Ford Oval tattoos. I can count those with Toyota tattoos on one hand." The key is to get them working together to stimulate consideration for the Ford brand.

Ford started in early April briefing employees and retirees on the plan. Last week, Ford told its dealers about the new campaign in sessions in Las Vegas.

Unlike the "Bold Moves" campaign in 2006, Ford promises that Drive One will be around for years. Time will tell how long Ford management continues the Drive One message. Too often, when new management gets in place, the first thing to change is the advertising theme. (After all, what was the first thing Jim Farley did? Change the ad themes).

Dealers Involved in Developing Drive One Strategy and Implementation

Ford included members of their dealer council in the development of the new Drive One strategy. During many meetings in Dearborn in January and numerous conference calls and countless emails, the strategy evolved that results in Drive One. On a broader base, Ford surveyed more than 700 dealers as it developed the campaign. When including regional and local advertising by dealers, Ford says it annually spends $1.5 billion on advertising in the United States including Tier 1 through Tier 3 advertising. In the case of Drive One, Ford says they have buy in from not only Tier 2 advertisers (regional), but also Tier 3 (individual dealers).

The biggest difference at this dealer meeting is that Ford executives really listened to what dealers had to say, said Jeff Robberson of Robberson Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Bend, Ore.

Engineers at the Dealer Show

For the first time ever at a dealer show, Ford brought in more than 60 company engineers to share specifics of the automaker's technological and product accomplishments with the people who are trying to sell vehicles. Many of the engineers had never met a dealer before in their career. This is typical of the isolation product engineers often operate in at a major auto company in the USA. (Asian and European manufacturers are much more likely to be giving their engineers hands-on, face-to-face experience with dealers and consumers).

Farley gave the example of an engineer demonstrating Ford's soybean-based seat foam that provides about 5% of the oil content in the seat foams in several Ford vehicles today. She got more than 100 requests for samples from dealers. Many of the dealers are in farming communities but never knew that Ford was using material grown by their prospective customers. Now that they know, the dealers can market that connection more directly to local consumers.

Employees... and Face-to-Face, Town-to-Town

Ford employees are appearing in advertisements and Internet videos. The campaign is focused on telling people about Ford's accomplishments in four areas: QGSS - Quality, Green, Safe and Smart.

While the employees will be touting QGSS, Ford is also using a spinoff of its 2007 research based ad theme where a Ford vehicle is put in the hands of a person for a week who presently drives a competitor and reacts to the Ford. In the Drive One scenario, Ford gives a Ford vehicle to a person driving a competitive product for a week. At the end of the week, the initial driver passes the vehicle to a friend so they can experience it as well. During the hand-off, Ford captures the transaction on video and uses it in their ads. Initially, Southern California and Atlanta are the areas used for the trials. Additional cities will be added as time goes on and even some individual dealers are thinking about doing this on their own.

Ford's Press Release on Drive One is found below the fold:

• • • • •]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/ford_drive_one.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/04/ford_drive_one.html The Car Biz Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:06:22 -0800 A New Coupe, A Year Away
Hyundai spent their New York auto show time introducing their new rear-drive sporty coupe, the Genesis Coupe. Related to the Genesis sedan on sale this summer, the coupe arrives in spring 2009.

Genesis sits on Hyundai's first in-house rear-drive car platform. The stylish coupe tames down its looks from the concept introduced in Los Angeles in November 2007, but mostly in losing hood scoops and refining lights, front grille, and spoiler shapes. What Hyundai held back for introduction was that the powertrain lineup includes a turbocharged and intercooled 212HP 2.0L I4 as the base engine. The 3.8L V6 arrives as expected, but most figured the second powertrain would be the sedan's V8.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_2010_h.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_2010_h.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:45:33 -0800 The times, they are a changin'

AutoPacific has completed the latest in a long series of fuel price impact surveys. And it now looks as though fuel prices have remained high enough for long enough for buyers to have begun to change their vehicle segment preference, their engine preference and even, so some extent, their driving habits.

Fuel Prices

The reported median price paid for fuel in March, 2008 was $3.36, up from $2.83 last August and $2.63 in March, 2007, and the highest since the survey began in September, 2005.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/latest_fuel_price_survey_findi_1.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/latest_fuel_price_survey_findi_1.html Survey Results Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:16:11 -0800 It's All About the Look
Pontiac introduced a hardtop version of the extroverted Solstice at this year's New York auto show, along with the G8 GXP and G8 ST. As cool as it looks, don't rush to the dealer. Your Solstice coupe won't be there until early 2009.

The Solstice coupe looks great. With the same engines and suspension setup as the roadster, you can bet it'll be just as fun on the road. But Pontiac built in compromises with a lift-off roof panel, liftglass (versus tailgate), and useless but nicely styled rear quarter windows. Yes, small coupes always offer less interior and cargo space and poor visibility compared with sedans and SUVs. Small, sporty coupes (or convertibles) are always compromised. But the compromises don't need to be this obvious.

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_2009_p.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_2009_p.html Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:55:24 -0800 Kia's New York auto show stage held both concept and production surprises. We believe that the KOUP concept, though too cutely named, hints at the next-generation Spectra. Kia described the KOUP as "closer to production than you might think," strongly hinting Kia may add the coupe itself. The production surprise was the facelifted 2009 Optima. This new look takes Optima a step forward.

Kia KOUP: Is there a pocket rocket in Kia's future?

2009 Kia Optima gets a fresh look

]]> http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_a_pair_1.html http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/2008/03/new_york_auto_show_2008_a_pair_1.html Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:19:00 -0800

The next time someone calls my Cooper S “cute” I think I’ll commit a felony. While I understand the sentiment, it misses most of what a MINI is.

At the New York Auto Show Jim McDowell, Vice President – Marketing, MINI USA introduced the John Cooper Works MINI to North America with a reminder that MINI has racing in it’s blood, including Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964, 1965, 1967. John Cooper has been synonymous with the high-performance MINIs for forty years. Earlier this year, MINI acquired John Cooper Works JCW as a sub brand of MINI.

In a town where most tans are purchased and delivered indoors, BMW offered the US release of the outdoor Ultimate Tanning Machine, the M3 Convertible.

Strolling Miami and LA beaches for years, the 3 series convertible has become iconic for the look-at-me yuppie set. Many have been delivered to brand-enthusiasts with little care for the vehicle’s performance potential. In recent years, however, BMW has offered up M versions of the coupe and convertible to those drawn to open top tanning and motoring. The coupe M3 launched in 1986 and two years later the first BMW M3 Convertible hit the streets.

One of the coolest things about working on the VehicleVoice team is the differing taste the team has. Trucks, SUVs, muscle cars, small cars. Lunch can be interesting, to say the least. While I appreciate anything with wheels, I’m slowly becoming more and more interested in minicars. Maybe it’s Europe-envy, or an increased sense of green, but I‘ve always been attracted to minimalism. From architecture to coffee without the fancy names.

Respect. Suzuki gets less than it deserves. Consider some facts. Suzuki Motor Corporation took 35 years to sell 1 million vehicles per year worldwide. 15 more years to reach 2 million vehicles in 2005. Nearly 2.4 million vehicles last year. And in fiscal year 2009, expects to produce 3 million vehicles.

We’ve liked the Fit since it was first imported from Japan for US Sales in April 2006. Conceptually very good, but lacking a sporty look. The second generation of the Fit for US sales gets a lot better looking, as well as some package improvements to make it more compelling. “The goal is to provide entry-level vehicle customers with functionality and refinement that’s a class above,” said Dick Colliver. “Buying a Fit is a choice, not a compromise.” Ah yes. A nod to the aspirational small car.

VehicleVoice covered the reveal at last Month’s Chicago Auto Show of the 2008 challenger SRT-8. With 435 hp culled out of its 6.1 liter Hemi V-8, it’s sure to be true to the muscle car image of its sheetmetal. Today, New York is host to the kinder, gentler, 2009 Challenger model line, if that’s possible. In reality, the real focus here is on the volume of these models, the Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and the Challenger SE with the Challenger SE with a 3.6-liter V-6.

You have to look long and hard to find a more difficult job than designing future Scion products. In its short life, Scion has raced to the forefront of Gen Y desirability. From zero to 173,000 units in just 4 years. Toyota Motor Sales claims the Scion brand to have a median buyer age of just 30 years old, which makes it the youngest brand in the United States. From the same group of people who bring us the Camry and Avalon, both standards for Boomer buyers, but neither evoking a youthful image.

While the New York Show has been certainly less green than LA, Detroit and Chicago, the march towards environmental altruism continues with automakers.

The Nissan Cube has always looked somewhat like an automotive battery, so an electric concept for the Cube is fitting. Denki (Japanese for “electric”) is the name Nissan is giving its latest Cube Concept shown at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The concept carries some of Nissan’s green banner and hints strongly at Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market. Nissan plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube in the United States and Canada starting next year. It’s been a long wait for the Cube. Will cars shaped like boxes still resonate by the time we finally get the US-bound Cube?

The FX keeps its unique overall shape, with short overhangs and coupe-style roofline, but a slightly longer wheelbase makes for a longer hood and better-proportioned stance. Everything about the FX has been tucked and reshaped. The reshaped integrated rear spoiler and tailgate surround are bodycolor, though the tailgate opening looks as though it is smaller this time. There are still dual exhaust pipes, but the shape of the lower rear fascia is smoother. The new LED taillights carry a more distinct, decorative shape than the prior car.

Well, that didn’t happen this time. I reserved a Chevrolet Aveo, and instead of getting the usual free upgrade to something bigger and nicer, I got…wait for it…a Chevrolet Aveo. Rats!

Despite knowing quite a few people who profess their admiration for the old El Camino, the coupe-meets-truck thing never did much for me. A very unscientific show-floor poll found several people who thought the G8 ST looked cool, but didn't think they really wanted one for themselves. This does not bode well for the G8 ST's general acceptance. But Pontiac sees a market and has an inexpensive way to meet it, so meet it they will. The 2010 G8 Sport Truck gives Pontiac something no one else has and a truck that sort of fits with a sport-oriented lineup. They may not sell many, but as an image car it just might work in some circles.

Described by the marketers as "segment-bending," the G8 ST is a version of Holden's coupe-with-a-bed Ute. The G8 ST will offer strong performance, interesting looks, and give most buyers enough truckability with carlike fuel economy. Not to mention not seeing one on every corner can make it that much more interesting when you do. This isn't a product GM would be wise to share among their many U.S. brands, and it is different enough from the GMC Denali XT shown at 2008 Chicago show that those two could co-exist, assuming the GMC reaches production.

Pontiac is asking consumers to name the car, which can help build excitement as well gauge real interest. Cast your vote at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar; the winning entry is being announced April 15.

This truck will take 6.0L V8 of the sedan, the GT's upgraded braking system, and all of its convenience and safety features. As you might guess, it carries distinct sheetmetal, including doors, roof, and everything behind the B-pillar. It shares the sedan's rear-drive architecture, beefed up in key areas to allow for its expanded cargo and towing capacity. The truck is also longer than the sedan, almost all of the extra length between the axles.

Pontiac promises a zero-to-sixty time of 5.4 seconds, with 1074 payload and 3500-pound towing capacities, enough to tow a couple of jet skis, motorcycles, or a small boat. (The G8 sedan is only capable of towing 2000 pounds.) Though not my flavor, I can its appeal among the single, young, and nomadic.

Putting fuel-cost concerns aside, I find the GXP more interesting. Given the tight chassis and sound handling of the G8s we've already driving, the GXP promises to be a real treat. The GXP, which is set for launch later in 2008 as a 2009MY product, takes GM's 6.2L LS3 V8 to give the range a 402HP entry and an optional all-new Tremec six-speed manual transmission, though the GXP comes standard with the six-speed autobox.

Along with the extra power, the GXP's nose takes a lower splitter and the rear gets a rear fascia diffuser. Inside, it gets more standard equipment, including two-tone leather seats, XM radio, an uplevel Blaupunkt audio system, power front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and alloy sport pedals. The GXP also makes XM satellite radio standard, and expect that feature to join the options list for the rest of the 2009 G8 range.

Visually, I love the flowing lines of this car. Check out the detail around the headlights and the lovely use of a canvas, folding top. Designed as a collaborative effort between the Alfa Styling Center, Giugiaro and Pinnfarina, the Spider includes traditional Alfa cues, such as the log and front grill, not to mention the the very Alfa interior.

Case in point: The popular Ford Mustang. The 2020 CAFE rules, expected to start showing up in 2013 or so, will make the current engine lineup in the more powerful Mustang vehicles, ah... um... problematic. On the surface, an engine diet and workout program might give life to the car from an engineering point of view, but what about the perception of the public?

The 1 Series represents a significant step for BMW. As the 3 Series has become larger with each new edition, room has opened up at the bottom of the model range for a new addition. And the 1 Series is only new in America - European models being available since 2004. The 1 Series is currently the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine

Our video stories are typically fairly short, so you can enjoy them during a coffee break, or while waiting for that report to print. Two recent surveys show that more than three quarters of the people who use the Internet watch an hour or more of video every week. And, a huge percentage of that audience takes advantage of the lunch hour to enjoy the various video clips and stories now being posted everywhere from CNN to political campaigns to your own private website -- to, yup, right here at VehicleVoice.

Volvo Cars of North America Returns to Rockleigh Headquarters

The first was that Volvo Cars of North America is returning to its former headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey at the foot of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Beautiful location and much closer to Sweden, but we can't help but wonder how the Volvo mindset in the USA will change with a New Jersey perspective rather than one from California? But, this does make sense.

Jaguar and Land Rover Likely Will Move to Jag's Old HQ in Mahwah

In due time, Jaguar and Land Rover locations will very likely move from Irvine, California back to Jaguar's old HQ in Mahway, New Jersey. One veteran Land Rover manager quipped, "Well, I've worked for Land Rover through four owners. One more (Tata) won't be too much different."

This means that Ford's Premier Automotive Group headquarters building in Irvine will be pretty empty except for some Ford regional and PR offices. This is also where Ford has some advanced design activities.

Chrysler Pacifica to Shut Down, Operations Relocated to Auburn Hills

The second announcement was that Chrysler is closing its Chrysler Pacifica operation in Carlsbad. Used as an advanced concept design center and monitoring operation, several Chrysler show cars were designed at Chrysler Pacifica and in the heyday, were fabricated by Metalcrafters in Fountain Valley. Here is Chrysler's blurb on the demise of Pacifica: "Increasingly, we are leveraging resources worldwide, forming new joint ventures and alliances and consolidating operations in order to better achieve global balance and manage fixed costs. These moves are designed to help Chrysler become a more globally focused manufacturer, with design, engineering, sourcing and a local presence to serve local customers.

As such, we are closing the Pacifica Advance Product Design Center, consolidating the Advance Design function in Auburn Hills. Advance Design remains an integral part of our future design efforts, led by Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President -- Design.

These changes set the stage for Chrysler's future global growth efforts, which also include our intent to establish global expertise in design, engineering and sourcing through centers of excellence. These actions will help the Company meet its long-term globalization goals."

Expect Many Staffers to Refuse to Move - Nissan's Experience

Volvo, Chcysler Pacifica and soon Jaguar Land Rover will lose valuable and experienced staff who will refuse to relocate out of Southern California. This is what happened when Nissan North America moved from Gardena to Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. Less than 30% of their folks went with them and it has been turmoil ever sense.

All of these operations (with the exception of Nissan North America which was "born" in Southern California) moved to Southern California to be part of the most trend-setting area in the USA and arguably the tip of the spear in advanced automotive design in the world. In the case of PAG, it can be argued that staffers spent too much time at their desks to really benefit from being here. But designers need to breathe the air and see the colors and vibrancy of the area. Viewing the world as a designer in Detroit is, simply, different.

At a recent meeting I was giving a presentation on the State of the Automotive Industry (SOI) in the United States. The SOI includes information on consumer expectations, state of the economy, the growth in nameplates and AutoPacific's forecast for the industry through 2013. Clearly, the industry is in the dumps in 2008 with sales being forecast to be 15.8-million units. Sales could even be lower with the first two months coming in at a rate of about 15.2-million units.

Record Sales Years on the Horizon

So, in light of this Annis Horribilis (quoting Queen Elizabeth in 1997 "Horrible Year"), the AutoPacific forecast for light vehicle sales going forward peaks at about 18-million units in 2013. That's after three years when overall sales are higher than the previous 2000 record of 17.3-million units.

Economic Doldrums - Short Term

Several things are keeping sales depressed right now. The sub-prime mess, credit crisis, devaluation of the dollar, slow down in housing, high fuel prices, etc. All negatively impact sales and consumer confidence in wanting to acquire a new vehicle. These issues impact brands and vehicle classes and vehicle lines differently. For instance, full size pickups are hurt because commercial users defer purchases until the housing sector picks again and retail users who have primarily been buying big pickups for personal use can decide not to buy a new one or add one to their family fleets. The dynamics are really churning.

However, the factors stressing out the economy are generally cyclical and right themselves over time.

GenY to the Rescue

But the ace in the hole, as the economy bounces back, is the emergence of Generation Y (Those car buyers who today are 18 to 30 years of age). GenY is the largest population cohort - equaling or surpassing the Boomer generation (43 - 61). They are just now getting into their vehicle acquisition and family formation years, so they will stimulate sales. At the same time, Boomers are not going quietly into the night. They will continue buying new vehicles well after retirement. So, demographic shifts will provide much of the push for higher sales going forward.

Don Esmond at Toyota has said a 20,000,000 unit year by the middle of the next decade would not be surprising. Don't know about 20,000,000, but 18-million does seem possible.

February, 2008 vehicle sales are now out, so we have two months worth of data. What's happening? Some of the highlights:

-- Last year light vehicle sales were 16.15 million units. For the first two months of this year, the SAAR (seasonally adjusted annual rate) is about 15.4 million units. So it looks like sales are down about 7% so far.

-- Car sales are down about 4%, and light truck sales (includes pickups, SUVs, minvans etc) are down 10%. So there is a shift from "truck" to more fuel efficient cars.

-- Within car sales, small car sales are up (+4%) and all the rest (mid-size, large and luxury) are all down - especially large car, -28%.

-- Within "truck", the subsegment down the most is Minivans (-26%). Probably not a fuel economy issue, more likely a style/fashion issue.

-- Most major manufactures sales are down (Chrysler -15%, GM -8%, Ford -7% on a sales days adjusted basis), but not all: Mercedes-Benz sales, for example are up 5% over the same period last year. New product (essentially the C-Class) trumps the down stock market, down real estate market, and increased fuel price issue, at least for these buyers. Rolls-Royce sales are pretty small, but they are up 100% year over year. Somebody has money to spend! Hyundai sales on the other hand are down 17%. perhaps those buyers are more impacted by the economy.

-- Toyota Prius sales were down 14% in February, but are +6% calendar year to date. Perhaps this reflects availability more than actual demand?

So there you have it...some of the highlights. Generally, sales are down, but not catastrophically. Despite the negative economic signs and consumer confidence signs there is still a chance for a 15.5 - 16 million industry this year. Many forecast a better 2nd half. I hope that isn't just wishful thinking.

I’ll come back to this is a moment. I think it should first be said that there is a universal truth about automobiles. This universal truth is that people tend to buy vehicles that make them feel good. What makes people feel good varies with the times. Back in the 1950s, big cars with tailfins and jet-exhaust lamp clusters reflected the progress and optimism of the era; these attributes on vehicles made drivers feel good to be alive at that time. In the 1990s, gas was cheap and the economy was strong. These factors helped spur the growth of SUVs, which made owners feel independent and strong – and of course feel good.

One of Pontiac's successes with this project we heard before we even got behind the wheel: The base price is only $27,595; moving to the G8 GT and its V8 engine means you have to shell out $29,995. Fully optioned, the car is less than $33,000. These prices make the G8 an exceptional deal, coming in with a lower MSRP its closest competitor, the Dodge Charger SXT and R/T.

We started the driving day with base G8 and its 256HP 3.6L V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 gives you usable power, whether merging onto the highway or passing an aged pickup truck on some California two-lane. It is responsive and strong, though a heavy right foot was sometimes necessary to keep the pressure on. The five-speed holds gears to high rpm under heavy throttle, enabling access to all 256HP when you want it, even in Drive. But both versions offer a sport shift. Manumatics aren't my cup of tea, but GM calibrated these to allow driver-controlled upshifts all the way to redline. Whether five gears of the G8 or six of the G8 GT, the transmissions allow you to pull all you can out of both very willing engines. Along with enough power for entertaining driving, the V6 delivers satisfying exhaust and engine notes.

Perhaps best known for his Hot Rod “Cadzilla” - created for ZZ Top, Coddington was also the host of the TV Reality show “American Hot Rod.” He started building cars when he was 13 years old, operated a gas station in Utah, and was always known as an individual dedicated to creativity, workmanship, and detail.

He grew up in Rupert, Idaho, but by the time he was a teen, he knew his destiny was closer to the California coast. But it wasn’t the sound of the Beach Boys or the surf that drew Boyd west, it was his desire to build little deuce coupes, powered by a variety of then popular hot-rod motors. Years later, Beach Boy Al Jardine contracted Coddington to create a deuce coupe - a 409 Chevy woodie for him.

Boyd opened his first hot rod shop, Hot Rods by Boyd, in Cypress in 1977. By the time of his death this week, his business covered more than 50,000 square feet, had more than 70 employees, and helped bring a number of talented designers into the light of stardom, including Chip Foose.

As with most entrepreneurs, Coddington also had his challenges, including a 1998 reorganization (Chapter 11 bankruptcy), and more recently, some legal issues related to registering cars to avoid emissions and tax liabilities. Regardless, his designs were truely visionary - smooth lines, sharp edges, and a look that always communicated speed and class. Even his daily driver, a Mercedes CLS four-door coupe, had the door handles removed and featured other nuances that dictate the “Boyd look.”

In addition to his custom car business, his reality TLC TV show, Coddington owned a popular wheel company, Boyd Wheels (started in 1988) offering up highly polished wheels designed to make any hot rod a bit hotter.

The offices at VehicleVoice and AutoPacific are filled with models of cars built through the ages, including some fantastic hot rod examples. Tonight, we’ll raise our glasses and toast one of the masters: Boyd Coddington. We’ll miss you and your vision.

The XC60 goes on sale in the States in early 2009, and will be offered with only one powertrain. This single powertrain, a 285HP six-cylinder, should provide a nice combination between get-up-and-go and efficiency. Judging by these photos, I'm looking forward to seeing the XC60 on the road and getting my chance behind the wheel. Smaller and better-looking than the aging XC90, its size is better suited to my own life. U.S. buyers get their first look in March at the New York auto show.

There are buyers for whom small but Spartan will not be acceptable, and they are being targeted with vehicles like the XC60. Small, nimble, but still practical in both cargo and their cost-per-mile. Volvo looks to sell 50,000 XC60s around the world, with the United States one of the top five markets. These entries are not poised to take the lion's share of SUV sales, but they will be important for the bottom line, for meeting regulations, and for keeping market share.

Enough talk. More photos, plus Volvo's official release, below the fold.

We live, however, in one of those “in-between” times when society hasn’t yet figured out how to merge progress with basic safety. You know, like back when automotive engineers figured out how to make cars go really fast but hadn’t yet invented the 3-point seatbelt. To what am I referring? I’m talking about being able to use all of these devices that keep us connected safely while driving.

This is a topic that’s been talked about time and time again over the last decade. Initially, people talked about people distracted as they talk on their cellphones, but since then, it’s gotten a lot worse. Now, people scroll through reams of playlists on their iPods (yes, I’m guilty as charged) as they read their email and text messages on their phones (and many try to write messages too). All this, while talking on their handsets while negotiating traffic filled with similarly distracted drivers? Oh dear.

Manufacturers have been trying for years to find ways to reduce this distraction, with mixed results. Among the most ambitious and comprehensive systems that attempt to reach the Holy Grail of connectivity and safety is Ford’s new SYNC, co-developed with Microsoft. It’s available on most Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products – even the lowly Focus. So, it’s available to everyone, not just those rich guys who can afford all the gadgets.