photo: Autoweek.com
For car enthusiasts who are combing through the Geneva Motor files it would appear that the looks of the product models are at the top of the list for reveals at the Geneva Motor Show. Both Jalopnik and AutoWeek have devoted considerable pixels to the floor fly girls in their coverage.
Perhaps these car writers should consider a double career as fashionistos, where they could drool over the sexy cuts on the runway, and skip over to Milan, without having to feign interest in the sheet metal. It’s worth noting that what these women share with the auto show aesthetics is an emphasis on styling. And, as usual, they are killing it. But that’s the appeal of Europe — where everything just looks hotter.
But onto the real goods to emerge from Geneva — lots of news about cars we should have in the US, but won’t. Ahh well, like we said, Europe is always ahead when it comes to style. Consider the Aston Martin Cygnet, a considerable departure that’s taken compartmental chic to a new level of refinement..
Here’s a good aerial look at the Audi A1, with a cool interpretation of hatchback curves. Pleased to learn that driver Katheine Legge will rep in the Audi A4 DTM for Glamour Magazine. We met Katherine when she was an up and coming star on the Champ car circuit, with Paul Newman watching trackside.
We’re definitely itching to get a closer look at the Audi RS5, too.
And there’s the Alfa Romeo’s sculpted Giuletta.
Perhaps next year, in a progressive move at the Geneva Motor Show, male product experts will appear donning sports uniforms and beautifully sculpted Tom Ford style suits to appeal to the women/gay males sense of sex appeal, who are also a part of the press corps. However, for all Europe’s progress, some traditional elements will remain firmly in place.
1930 Salon Automobile Geneve poster art
Let’s be clear: the information you’re about to read was not gathered from live reporting. We’re not at the Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the press on Tues. March 2 and to the public March 4 to 14, but we’ve got great sources on hand to act as a filter for the latest in product news streaming from Switzerland.
Geneva, like most Euro-based car shows, is a reminder of how behind America is in when it comes to variety, style, quirkiness and functionality. Better diesel, check. Better options for urban life, check. Crazy colors, oh yeah. Here’s the round up what we find compelling before the product reveals officially begin tomorrow:
• First, time sensitive material — Tesla TAG Heuer — The 80 year old Swiss watchmaker has shed it’s image of Tiger Woods and opted to align with the electric roadster. “TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world’s most prestigious racing teams — but this is the first ever partnership we’ve forged with an electric sports car company,” said Jean-Christophe Babain, CEO of TAG Heuer.
The car is made in Foucault Field Gray, which appeals to both electric vehicle and mechanical watch sensabilities. The car includes a TAG Heuer mobile phone and a limited-edition stopwatch for those quarter-mile splits.
(Via Automobilemag.com)
• The Ford Focus Wagon. Here’s the version of the Focus that I want to drive. I want to be the mom that drives the new-fangled grocery getter. Will the wagon make it to a stateside dealer? Car companies take note from the fashion work: What works in Europe, eventually works here. Europe digs up the best of America, serves it up, and sometimes it takes a decade to work here.
(Via autoblog.)
• Your basic eye candy: The lustrous Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition beams with metallic grey and golden nuanced sheen. Open up and say, ahhh. And a glimpse of the pristine Jaguar XKR Special Edition:
courtesy: Mercedes-Benz
The first brand the fashion industry types came across was not Halston, Rodarte or Marc Jacobs. That distinction belonged to the event’s title sponsor whose logo was plastered on closeups cutaway shots at Bryant Park. It was Fall 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the last season for the Bryant Park Tents. At the overcrowded tents, the traffic-stopping Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet managed to cut a sharp figure. For those who wandered close enough to take a peek, product specialists were on hand to provide details about both cars’ nifty features, which go on sale later this year, as they waited to be harangued into the show of the hour at the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week.
The view from Mercedes-Benz seats at Tadashi Shoji, Feb. 15, 2010
While some would argue that fashionable women and men could care less about cars, it’s undeniable that the title sponsor adds to the ambiance — hinting at a world where the finer things in life are indeed still a possibility. As the dirge of shows commenced, details were being finalized for the automaker to expand their roll even further when the New York Fashion Week moves permanently to Lincoln Center in September for Spring Fashion Week 2011. “The important piece is to relate the brand to the style, the quality and the craftsmanship of Fashion Week,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing at Mercedes-Benz USA, who has overseen the German automaker’s relationship since signing on for sponsorship in 2008. “We’re in discussion over a multiple year contract. It’s a very important platform for us and we planning to grow that on a more meaningful level. Lincoln Center will be great because of the fact that we have big sexy cars to move, and it makes it easier for us to actually drive the cars.”
Eric Villency, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing Lisa Holladay, and Adam Paige of Mercedes-Benz attend Fashion Week Spring 2010 presented by Mercedes-Benz at Bryant Park on September 12, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)
The fashion industry, faced with cost-cutting measures, is particularly reliant on sponsor dollars and the Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer program (featuring past pairings with Yigal Azrouël, Chado Ralph Rucci, Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, 3.1 phillip lim, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Narciso Rodriguez) carries a certain amount of cache. This season, the program centered on the pairing of Rodarte and Alexander Wang’s collections with photographer Nick Knight’s SHOWStudio — a well-placed tie-in for an automaker that strives to highlight its technical prowess.
During Fashion Week, Mercedes found clever ways to connect with prospective customers through invite-only online groups such as Generation Benz. Selected members were invited to Bryant Park to witness the action up close from the vantage point of the Mercedes-Benz backstage lounge. “Mercedes-Benz owners put an importance on fashion. Fashion indexes high with current consumers and prospects,” Holladay said. Wedged between the IMG and W Hotel lounges, celebrities, newscasters, fashion editors and a designer or two wandered in and out of the lounge for a cocktail and to plop down on the fluffy white sofas. There was a bit of tittering when someone new strode through the door as the guests nonchalantly whispered among themselves, “What show is he on? Oh, I don’t watch Gossip Girl.”
More Fashion on Gotryke:
Karl Lagerfeld x Les Ateliers Ruby helmet
More Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week:
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010
What do the New Jersey Nets, the sport of kick boxing, Siberia and cars have in common?
courtesy of mprovhorov.com
Mikhail Prokhorov, the richest man of Russia, who plans to buy the New Jersey Nets NBA franchise, intends to launch a new city car through his company Onexim Group. Edmunds Inside Line reports that the vehicle will sport some kind of “advanced technology,” according to Russian media sources, which is being interpreted as including a hybrid or fully electric drivetrain. The vehicle will be sold at a very city-budget prices of $12,500.
“The car will be built in the Yarovit Motors plant in Russia, and in order to get the new city car into production, Onexim is putting in an estimated $141 million investment. That’s an amazingly small amount of money to get a new project such as this off the ground, leading many to suggest that it will never happen unless the government gets itself involved somehow.”
Prokhorov has taken an interest in alternative energy for some time. On his site he writes, “The world’s population is growing by millions each year, and our energy needs are rising accordingly. The future of energy will have to accommodate this rapid growth, and will combine traditional forms of energy (such as petroleum and natural gas), as well as “new” sources, like wind, solar and hydrogen power. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology is one of the most exciting advances, and has the potential to provide up to 20 percent of the world’s energy.”
He also defends Russia’s ability to play a role in the future of renewable resources. “It is worth considering how Russia, as a major supplier of oil and gas, can contribute towards new technologies and solutions in this era of renewed environmental responsibility. In Russia today there is an understanding that our resources are not infinite. There is also a growing realization that in order to address current environmental challenges and to provide a sustainable future for all, we must commit to investing in new technology and redouble our efforts to explore alternative technologies.”
courtesy of mprokhorov.com
Prokhorov is into making headlines with his moves. Assuming his pending contract with the Nets franchise moves forward transplanting the Nets to Brooklyn from the Jersey Shore, he will be the first international owner of an NBA team. Prokhorov, an avid sportsman himself, clearly likes a challenge. His father worked as Head of the International Relations Department of the Soviet State Sports Committee, and Prokohorov, who rose to prominence in banking, has inherited a thirst for the game and zest for competition. He is #40 on Forbes list of billionaires.
More Gotryke Go Green:
Tamara Warren and Lee Quinones on the Toyota Prius
Nissan turns a new leaf with the approval of a $1.4 billion government loan for production of the Nissan Leaf in Smyrna, Tenn providing up to 1,300 green-minded jobs in a move that calls attention in the automakers’ race to claim the greenest car company award.
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy sealed the deal today, after Nissan met rigorous and technical standards for Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. The $25 billion program was authorized by Congress as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act in 2007.
The plan can build up to 150,000 Nissan LEAF electric cars per year, and a capacity of 200,000 batteries. A lithium-ion battery-powered chassis supports the Nissan LEAF.
The Leaf has a range 100 miles and is chargeable through a 200V battery in eight hours. Leaf buyers can arrange for an electrician to install a home-charging unit and get the required local permits to do the work.
The Nissan Leaf has had a banner week earning Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car Vision Award winner at The Washington Auto Show.
More Nissan on Gotryke:
2010 Nissan Murano LE
2010 Nissan Cube: Wacky Wedding Chariot
It’s starts early — in fact the pre-paparazzi party started this evening for me as I popped in a few car-centric events, starting with Infiniti’s push of it’s new M in clubbed-out Comerica Park. It’s become somewhat of annual event with DJs, and ambient lighting.
The real deal kicks off in the morning — the North American International Auto Show opens it’s door at 6:30 with the usual January blustery temps. In a few short hours, politicians, publicists, and patrolling reporters will bunker down in Detroit, attempting to take it all in in less than 48 hours — the state of the car economy in 2010. House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood are on the bill. The razzle-dazzle of sparkly auto shows past is giving ways to tech-bling and environmental advances, whispered references to economic catastrophes, and a whole lot of political posturing.
We’ll be there, present and accounted for, clamoring to get a view, but also to soak it up and assess the difference between game-changing trends and unnecessary hype. Against all odds, (they said the auto show might evaporate last year) we’re back to Detroit. That’s how we do. The cars are already there. Now come the people.
The early bird catches the worm. Jumping the gun, car companies are teasing with news of their reveals to get the edge on the barrage of product announcements that will take place next week in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Here’s what we spied so far, up close and personal:
We’re loving the Mini Beach Comber Concept – particularly the interior with seats in a unique color combination symbolizing the four elements, with stitching to match the interior trim. Mini had custom porous floor mats manufacturered, which allow the driver and passengers to see pieces of the floorpan. Two gauges — a liquid-style hemispherical compass and clinometer show off the Beachcomber’s angles. But, a concept is just a theory — production TBD.
Hyundai’s Blue-Will Plug-in Concept car is charging up the competition with polarizing lines and form language. But, it’s always fun to see some fresh curves, at a show that’s lacked luster in recent seasons.
Cadillac CTS-V — For the Cadillac enthusiasts and the newly converted CTS drivers. Will M drivers go the way of the CTS-V? Let the car wars begin.
On-Star is taking us into techno-territory with an app that monitors charging on the 2011 Chevy Volt.
Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The lustrous 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet was revealed in December, but is a reminder of elegance to come.
Ford Mustang BOSS 302R
Ford is on a roll with products in the pipeline, but we give big props to the return of the iconic BOSS, ready for the racetrack.
The new 5.0
And in gearhead glory, Ford has revealed the return of the 5.0 engine V8. This was the Mustang engine that inspired all kinds of classic rock anthems, and dare we say it — yes we will: Vanilla Ice’s Rolling in My 5.0. The new version is serious metal, but trust us — hearing is believing. Grrr, with extra bass. 412 hp at 7000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm on premium fuel. Ford promises 25 mpg, too.
With the announcement that America’s first rally star Ken Block is now riding for Ford, we speculate he might be making an appearance at the show, too. See you in Detroit next week for our annual live coverage from Cobo Hall of the auto-overload.
For more technical coverage of products:
Popular Mechanics
AutoWeek
The LA Auto show media paused to throw up the Roc. Or at least they wrapped their heads around news that Jay-Z adds his considerable swagger to one of the first half-dozen 2010 Jaguar XJs — well before the vehicle goes on sale in April.
The coveted sedan will be feature in the video for his next single “On to the Next One” from The Blueprint 3 album.
Jaguar previewed a 60-second trailer in the making of the XJ’s role in the video at the Jaguar XJ launch party at Milk Studios Los Angeles.
JAY-Z fans and auto enthusiasts will be able to log onto www.InteractiveJaguar.com and www.Jaguar.com to see the video. J certainly adds the X to the J.
The latest fun stats on Sean Carter’s msic, who celebrates his birthday today:
On to the Next One,” produced by Swizz Beatz, is the fourth single. Debuting at #1, The Blueprint 3 sold over 475,000 copies in its first week and remained in the #1 position for 2 weeks. The album became JAY-Z’s 11th # 1 on the Billboard albums chart, propelling him past Elvis as the solo act with the most # 1 albums in Billboard’s history.
More Jag on Gotryke:
Jaguar XFR
Jaguar X Performance Academy
*Stay tuned for exclusive Gotryke/Jag interviews.
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