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:
The show must go on — and it is at Cobo Hall. In case Detroit isn’t your #1 destination in January, we present the Gotryke Detroit Auto Show roundup of some of our favorite vehicles unveiled in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.
#1 The Ford Focus
The five-door hatch back is the new American dream car. The 2012 production car will be in dealerships. There’s a four-door version, too, that has snazzy appeal. Ford reinvented the game.
#2. Audi E-Tron
The R4 stirs us and the E-tron hints of the rrr to come. It’s a zero-emissions electric powertrain, producing 204 hp and death-defying 1,955 lb-ft of torque that zooms 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds, with a range of 155 miles. The Audi A8 made the Audi stand an eye catching stop for autoshow traffic.
3. Cadillac XTS Platinum concept
Cadillac has been working from the inside out for some time. The luxury marque attached to GM has a track record of making interiors’ a priority, and years of research play out on the thoughtfulness of the XTS.
4. Volkswagen Compact Coupe
Performance + Fuel Economy: = 2010 straight A report card. The Jetta pedigree has advanced to the next level.
5. BMW ActiveE concept
The 1 is BMW’s foray into design guided by efficiency for maximum proportions with electric car DNA. It zooms zero to 60 coming in 8.6 seconds. The range is about 100 miles and will be offered for lease in limited numbers in 2011.
6. Toyota FT-CH
A car for the WII generation, the FT-CH design is inspired by video games. The design is polarizing, but definitely a further exploration into what comes after Prius.
7. Honda CR-Z
Honda departs from Accord blandness into the Z-territory with a two-seater sporty hybrid.
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8. Chevy Aveo
The Aveo is GM’s small car sensation – fresh-faced and very different for Chevy styling.
9.Mini Beachcomber Concept
Just plain fresh. Mini could be the new big dog with innovative creations like these on the streets, should it become a reality.
10. Potential Car-in-the-making: BYD. Build Your Dreams – that’s the acronym behind this Chinese car company’s electric car that’s due out by the end of 2010. What makes this intriguing: If the company can deliver on it’s plans to tie the launch with the Chevy Volt.
Vibe’s 7 Next Gen Cars
It’s the week of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The international media has already come and gone, after the unveiling of product smorgasbord over two days press reveals. The themes centered around a renewed commitment to a brighter, greener future.
For the public, the auto show buzz begins with tonight’s charity benefit, which is among the area’s largest fundraisers. Last year official numbers are at $2.6 million. At writing, local socialites are picking up their tuxes, gowns and spending today primping to make an impression. Then there are the parties like that of 944 Magazine Launch Party at the MGM Casino — a little glitz to add some flourish to the short, freezing January days.
After a week of car talk, here are a few initial impressions in the post- 21st century breakdown:
• Education has replaced entertainment for the auto show. Green innovation and technology aren’t intuitive. Tactile exhibits have replaced razzle dazzle with Electric Avenue and test tracks for green car demos. The Detroit Auto Show is becoming more like CES in Vegas. Perhaps they should consider a partnership with the Science Center to reinforce this commitment to futurism.
• Everything changes, but stays the same. The Detroit Auto Show began in 1907 and was organized the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. Many member continue to be active in the North American International Auto Show, officially renamed in 1989. Aligning with the another older organization the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, founded in 1919, was one step toward broadening the international scope of the show after foreign manufacturers began to show their cars over the years.
• The old and the new guard converge are converging. The old guard – rushing to press conference and sprinting to the newsroom has been all but replaced by a flurry of handheld devices, driven by the blogging economy, but the the technology gap is narrowing as people of all ages are becoming more savvy with their 3.0 skills.
• In light of the major losses of market share, the tone of executive speeches has shift from boastful to promising — but can they deliver in the new decade? The politicians were present and accounted for with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bringing dozens, and the political undertones certainly were a reminder that the car business isn’t just about dollars and cents — its about the roads we take to the future.
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.
Via: dezeen
The hybrid-engined car features 2+2 seating, polycarbonate windows and gull-wing doors.
It has an anticipated top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and can reach 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
[click to continue…]
Get a load of Maserati’s first four door convertible. The Maserati GranCabrio debuts at Frankfurt on Sept. 15, but here’s an early peek at what’s to come from the Italian automaker, created by the master craftsmen at Pinafarina design. It’s stocked with a 4.7 liter V8 engine churning out 433 hp. While this Maserati’s first four door, the carmaker has a storied history in cabriolet building dating back to the lustrous 1950 A6G Frua Spyder. Convertible Maseratis from the era are coveted on the classic circuit.
For contrast here’s imagery of the GranCabrio from the back. That’s amore.
This weekend, the Detroit Movement Festival commences. Movement has become a hard-fought for annual event, established in 2000 by a few visionary dreamers cum business folks. When techno legend Carl Craig began spreading the concept, no one thought it could happen. Then when it did, Craig was ousted. After much rigamarole, Craig will finally resume his position as artistic director proving that everything does eventually come full circle. The city of Detroit needs to pay attention to the politics of the local music community and take heed. Do what needs to be done until the circumstances improve.
Outside of the auto show, Movement is one of the few events that generates international attention to Detroit. Soon, it may be one of the last. The North American International Auto Show that happens here in Detroit every blustery January may be peeling out of town by 2011. Oh Detroit, what are you thinking? Oh, that’s right, you’re not. Too many cooks in the kitchen, and no master chef.
Poor new Mayor Dave Bing has walked into a standoff with City Council that seems downright petty given the ramifications on the town — losing more money and the symbolic jump off of the car year. The struggle? Not giving Detroiters’ priority for jobs to work the show. Never mind, that by a matter of default the number of jobs this international event creates for the hotel and restaurant industry, the taxi cabs is at stake. January, in most towns, is a slow month in the service industry, but not in Detroit. And, by convenience and default, most likely many Detroiters will still work the show anyway.
This move could not come at a worse moment. We need this event to bring cameras to Detroit to remind people of what’s here, or risk the adage — outta sight, outta mind. With the Big Three’s struggle, this is where they have people on their turf, and where product shines.With our struggles to revive our limping economy, it’s imperative that people don’t forget about us, as other places take priority in the national discussion. We risk being forgotten completely, another has been ghost town, where at best, people can make cheap movies with blighted backgrounds.
Auto shows are where the industry converges to discuss all issues of relevance from the glitz of media previews, to the gathering of dealers, suppliers, and executives. It’s where the industry meets and greets and establishes relationships. All of this happens before the charity preview and the public day. If it leaves it will go to Novi, or out of state completely to Chicago or Los Angeles who will gladly sweep in that revenue.
The answer — work it out. Do what has to be done to keep the auto show here. The industry makes concessions traveling to Detroit in January, a town that is already hard to navigate for non-natives. As it stands we do not offer the conveniences or logistics or accommodations that make for simple easy business to be conducted. Because of this we are forced to concede until we can get our business community on the same page. It’s no secret that things are rough — with staggering unemployment. Every job is precious. Rather than fighting for what’s already a lost cause, don’t hurt those who rely on this business. It’s no time for the stubborn to make a point. Detroit, get it together; the show must go on.
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