Vehicles Blog

Updates from March, 2012

• By Brian Harper in Geneva

  There were plenty of premieres with alternative and eco-friendly technologies highlighted here.

  During press introductions, cars’ emissions outputs seemed to carry as much weight as their horsepower. That said, every now and again, the covers were pulled off something that showed a distinctly sporting if not outright scofflaw side — a spit in the eye of the worrisome eurozone crisis and a moribund European sales market.

  Following are my highlights:

  Aston Martin
  This year marks the fifth anniversary of an independently owned Aston Martin, once a key member of Ford’s Premier Automobile Group. To celebrate, the bespoke British manufacturer of high-end sports cars launched the production version of its V12 Zagato. The limited-production sports car (just 150 will be made) is based on a short-wheelbase version of the DBS and is a collaborative effort between Aston Martin and Italian styling studio Zagato. The price of the Zagato starts at more than $520,000.

  Chevrolet
  Chevrolet showcased a stylish station wagon version of its most popular global model, the Cruze. The Cruze Station Wagon features more generous storage space and a choice of efficient engines, including a new 130-horsepower 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine with start-stop technology as standard. At 4,678 millimetres, the Station Wagon is slightly longer than the sedan (4,597 mm). Load space ranges from 17.65 cubic feet up to the window line in the rear to 52 cu. ft. up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.

  Ferrari
  Ferrari debuted a new front-engine V12-powered model — the F12berlinetta — which replaces the 599 GTB Fiorano later this year as the marque’s top-of-the-line coupe.

  Touted as the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever, the F12berlinetta’s 6.3L naturally aspirated V12 pounds out an unprecedented 740 hp, which gives the car a superb weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kilograms/hp. Torque reaches a peak of 509 pound-feet, 80% of which is available at 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for the F12berlinetta’s performance.

  Related

  • Geneva Motor Show: Europeans push less pain at the pump

  • Chevrolet Volt snags Car of the Year title days after GM announces production halt

  Ferrari says the F12 accelerates to 100 kilometres an hour in 3.1 seconds and to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the marque’s Fiorano test circuit in one minute, 23 seconds, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Despite the power, Ferrari claims fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%.Deliveries to North American dealers are expected to begin late in the year.

  Pricing has not been set.

  

  Denis Balibouse/Reuters

  Ford debuted its new production-ready B-Max compact multi-activity vehicle for the European market.

  Ford
  Ford debuted its new production-ready B-Max compact multi-activity vehicle for the European market. The B-Max is powered by a fuel-efficient 125-hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost gas engine, with a Duratorq TDCi diesel engine available. The vehicle goes on sale in September.

  Jaguar
  Jaguar is taking another crack at a sportwagon with the new and very attractive XF Sportbrake.

  Sharing its underpinnings with the XF sedan, the Sportbrake’s overall length grows by just five mm, its weight by less than 70 kg. Rear-seat occupants benefit from 48 mm of extra rear headroom.

  Standard practical touches on the XF Sportbrake include remote fold levers mounted within the cargo area to lower the rear seats and powerful LED lights that illuminate the ground when the tailgate is open.Beneath the wagon are extensive changes to the rear suspension. A self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can tow. Initially powering the rear-drive XF Sportbrake is a range of powerful diesel engines in 2.2L four-cylinder and 3.0L six-cylinder form, each directing power via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

  The launch of the Sportbrake is set to take place in the third quarter of 2012. North America is not on the radar at this time.

  

  Sebastien Feval/AFP/Getty Images

  If sibling Jaguar can build a station wagon, Land Rover can build a convertible, which is what it has done with the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept.

  Land Rover
  If sibling Jaguar can build a station wagon, Land Rover can build a convertible, which is what it has done with the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept. The upscale off-road vehicle manufacturer says the Convertible Concept “explores the potential for a premium convertible SUV.” The concept is strictly a design and engineering study with no production plans confirmed.

  The soft-top convertible concept is based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe and features a fully retractable roof system with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The concept combines capability and versatility with a drop-down tailgate, a comfortable four-seat cabin and all-terrain capability. The cabin is packed with technology, including Terrain Response, surround cameras, an eight-inch touchscreen and a sound system from British audio company Meridian.

  Maserati

  The GranTurismo Sport sees an increase in performance as well as an overall restyling that stresses the car’s sporting nature.

  The redesigned front bumper optimizes the front air flow for both engine and brake cooling and frames the new headlights with LED technology. The rear of the Sport sees new tail lights in a darker tone. Inside, completely redesigned front and rear seats and a new steering wheel give the cabin a sportier look. Further improvements to the 4.7L V8 see a power bump to 460 hp.

  Mercedes-Benz
  Mercedes was particularly busy at the show, with two world introductions — the AMG version of the SL roadster and the A-Class hatchback.

  Since the first SL debuted 60 years ago, Mercedes says the letters “SL” have been synonymous with a “symbiosis of sportiness, style and comfort.” The new SL is almost entirely built from aluminum and weighs 125 kg less than its predecessor. The SL 63 AMG is powered by a 6.2LV8 that puts out up to 564 hp (depending on where it’s sold) and comes with an improved AMSG sport suspension based on Active Body Control, new AMG speed-sensitive sport steering, a high-performance compound braking system and a seven-speed SpeedShift transmission.

  With the continued growth of the premium compact car market, the new and aggressively styled and lowered A-Class five-door hatchback is poised to make a statement.

  Mini
  The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is the first Mini to combine John Cooper Works performance with ALL4 all-wheel drive. This JCW model is powered by a 218-hp four-cylinder engine boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger, gasoline direct injection and variable valve control.

  The car comes standard with an aerodynamic kit, a lowered sports suspension, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and specific design features. It is also the first JCW model to also offer a six-speed automatic gearbox as an option.

  Another world premiere from Mini shifts attention to a new concept designed to win over new target groups. The Clubvan Concept combines a premium small car with a compact panel van for business and leisure use. It differs from the Mini Clubman, on which it is based, with its two-seat layout, large and flat load compartment and opaque rear side windows.

  

  Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

  Porsche’s new drop-top two-seat Boxster weighs less than the previous model and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Here, the Boxster S.

  Porsche
  Porsche’s new drop-top two-seat Boxster weighs less than the previous model and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. It has larger wheels and a new electro-mechanical power steering system to enhance the mid-engined sports car’s driving dynamics.

  Available in familiar Boxster and Boxster S guises, both models are powered by flat-six engines. The base model’s new 2.7L motor delivers 265 hp — 10 hp more than its larger-displacement predecessor. The S’s 3.4L motor delivers 315 hp, up five hp. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed PDK available as an option.

  Smart
  The Smart fortwo gets an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix inside, giving it a more dynamic appearance. It features a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, side skirts and modified rear aprons.

  bharper@nationalpost.com

  
  

  

  
  3:58 pm on March 7, 2012
   

• Detroit • While the underlying theme of the North American International Auto Show was the greening of the automobile, the more overt them keyed on style. Regardless of manufacturer, elegant style was to be found on every stand. The Big Three, a group not known for pushing the stylistic envelope, unveiled some stunning rides. The European manufacturers countered with some equally provocative designs. For any lover of the automotive form, it was a veritable festival of eye candy.

  Related

  • Motor Mouth: Fuel economy is what sells

  Cadillac
  The Cadillac ATS is set to become the brand’s new entry point. The rear-drive luxury sedan is said to be the lightest in the category (some 45 kilograms lighter than the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class). When it lands, the ATS will be offered with three engine choices. The base unit will be a 2.5-litre direct-injection four that’s good for 200 horsepower. In the middle sits a 2.0L turbocharged four that kicks out 270 hp while the top model features a 318-hp 3.6L V6. A little further out, a diesel engine will be added to the mix.

  The power is put to the pavement through a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed manumatic that comes complete with magnesium paddle shifters. To ensure the requisite handling, the ATS will also be offered with General Motors’ driver-adjustable magnetic ride control suspension, Brembo brakes and an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.

  Chevrolet
  Since emerging from its dalliance with bankruptcy, GM has blossomed. The next new thing in Chevrolet’s portfolio is the Sonic RS. In this case, the suspension has been lowered and firmed to improve the handling, there’s a go-faster body kit, sport seats and sport steering wheel along with aluminum pedals. So far, it’s all cosmetic; however, beneath the hood sits GM’s up-level 1.4L turbocharged four — it puts forth 138 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque, which promises to put some serious spring in the Sonic’s step. Power is relayed to the road through the front wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox.

  Dodge
  While the name conjures up horrible images from the past, the Dart gives Dodge a true competitor in the compact segment — just about anything would have one-upped the Caliber this car replaces. Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Dart will be offered with three different engine choices. The list includes the base 2.0L (160 hp), a mid-level 1.4L turbocharged four (also rated at 160 hp but with a much more substantial 184 lb-ft of torque) and a 184-hp 2.4L four.

  The transmission choices include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and a six-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Inside, the clever use of ambient lighting, soft-touch materials and high-tech features introduces a very rich feel to the cabin.

  Ford
  The new Fusion has to rank as one of the best-looking cars at this year’s show — if you see shades of Aston Martin in the front face, you are not alone. It also promises to shake up the mid-sized segment with its broad array of powertrains. It will be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, a pair of four-cylinder EcoBoost engines (a 179-hp 1.6L and an up-level 2.0L that’s good for 237 hp!) and a base 2.5L naturally aspirated four. Rounding things out are a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and front- or all-wheel drive along with an idle-stop system that automatically shuts off the engine when the Fusion comes to a standstill.

  Inside, the cabin is stylish, with a look that keys on a large screen at the top of the centre stack. This and the latest version of MyFord Touch allows the driver to control everything through simple voice commands.

  Mercedes-Benz
  The new Mercedes SL looks very much like a pumped-up SLK but with a twist — the new aluminum body structure is 140 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. It is, as with its smaller sibling, a smart-looking piece that has an ornate face featuring LED daytime running lights along with light tubes that run above the headlights. The SL550 is powered by M-B’s new 4.6L twin-turbo V8. Blowing the air into the cylinders at 13 psi delivers a whopping 429 hp and an even more impressive 516 lb-ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm, all of which is relayed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed manumatic with three driving modes. This gives the lightweight speedster a zero-to-100-kilometres-an-hour acceleration time of 4.9 seconds!

  Mini
  Hot on the heels of the outré Coupe comes the next logical step — a droptop version. As with other Minis, the new Roadster is offered three ways — Cooper, Cooper S and the go-faster Works edition. The key feature is the new fabric roof. After unlatching the header catch, it is lowered manually (there is a power option). Thankfully, it includes a proper glass rear window with defroster. There are also two large rollover hoops that add to the overall look enormously. The one drawback is luggage space. With the top commanding much of the space, it leaves but 8.5 cubic feet of space, although there is a pass-through for longer items. In the end it matters not, as this car is about open-air fun not practicality!

  Porsche
  Following the launch of the 911 Coupe, Porsche revealed the Carrera Cabriolet. In engineering the new droptop, Porsche paid particular attention to mass — this version is 60 kg lighter than the previous model thanks to a rigorous diet and the use of magnesium in the top itself. It takes 30 seconds to raise or lower the canvas roof, and this can be accomplished at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The new Cabrio also benefits from a wind deflector that powers into place rather than having to install it manually after the roof has been lowered.

  Volkswagen
  VW is adding a hybrid model to its popular Jetta sedan. The new powertrain consists of a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder that’s hooked up to a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. Sandwiched between the two is the electric motor that gets its juice from a 1.1-kWh lithium ion battery. The gas side puts forth 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor chips in with another 27 hp. The combination is good enough to whisk the Jetta to 100 km/h in less than nine seconds while returning an average fuel economy of 5.2 litres per 100 km. A big part of the economy boils down to the Jetta’s ability to drive on electric power alone at speeds of up to 65 km/h and for a distance of up to two kilometres when the conditions are right. The other ace up its sleeve is that, whenever the driver lifts off the gas, the engine shuts off to preserve precious drops of fuel.

  
  

  

  
  3:30 pm on January 13, 2012
   

• Detroit • The role of the “concept” show car used to be so simple. Invariably outrageously sculpted, the concept car was intended to wow audiences into an automaker’s display area so they might then be tempted into one of the company’s less striking but eminently more practical production automobiles. Jet cars, motorcycles with car engines, phantasmagorical off-roaders with gun turrets and not even a hint of on-road practicality were all rendered with the same final destination — the museum or the scrap heap.

  Related

  • Motor Mouth: Fuel economy is what sells

  • Tokyo Motor Show: Cars we won’t see in Canada

  Then Dodge had the audacity to actually produce the Viper, a totally off-the-wall roadster we all assumed was just the musing of another testosterone-fuelled stylist yet to have his, er, cojones chopped off by the realities of the real world. The world of concept cars was forever changed.

  Now there are concepts just for display purposes, still others looking for public acceptance so that their backers will develop the testicular fortitude to produce them and still others that are concept in name only, the only difference between them and what will hit showroom floors in a few months being the location of the badge and the colour of the inlays in their alloy wheels. Hell, this year, Chevrolet even introduced the “virtual” concept car — two whose final styling it plans to palm off on the social media network as some sort of mass-market focus group trial by Internet.

  Nonetheless, the bottom line is that a concept car must thrill show goers, professionals and consumers alike. And at this year’s North American International Auto Show, the car that did that best was the return of Acura’s evergreen NSX. Never mind that it was the worst-kept secret of the entire show — or that it is unlikely that even the wheels will change before the revitalized supercar goes on sale later this year. And pay no mind to the Hybrid badge on its side, Honda making much of the fact that the car’s 3.5-litre V6 is backed up by an electric motor. The reason crowds of normally sanguine autojournalists flocked to Acura’s booth is that the NSX is just so hot — as in Ferrari, Lamborghini and, yes, even Audi R8 hot. If the new one is at all as technically competent as the original, Acura dealers are going to have to start booking appointments to prevent showroom overcrowding.

  Acura had another so-called “concept” on the floor in the form of the ILX, essentially Acura’s newest entry-level sport sedan. Far funkier than Honda’s stillborn Civic, if Acura futzes with the ILX’s styling at all, it would be very silly indeed.

  Another “concept” almost assuredly heading for production, albeit much later (possibly in 2014), is Volvo’s XC60 Plug-In Hybrid. Though the Swedish-cum-Chinese automaker is late to the hybrid game, it is throwing the entire gamut of fuel-conserving technology hardware into the electrified XC60. First, the four-cylinder engine is a small 2.0L turbocharged unit (à la Ford EcoBoost) with a whopping 280 horsepower. It drives the front wheels through an eight-speed transmission for even more miserly fuel economy. A 70-hp electric motor, meanwhile, drives the rear wheels (making the XC an all-wheel-drive, through-the-road hybrid) and combines with the gas motor for a very impressive 350 hp.

  All that horsepower doesn’t mean poor fuel economy, however. Volvo’s PHEV features three driver-selectable modes — Pure, Hybrid and Power — that allow the driver to tailor the XC60’s performance/consumption balance on the fly.

  Pure is an all-electric mode good for 102 MPGe (miles per U.S. gallon gasoline equivalent) and 50 kilometres of range thanks to a 12 kW-h lithium ion battery. Hybrid combines gas and electric motors for minimal consumption, said to be in the range of 4.7 L/100 km. And Power, as the name suggests, combines the full effect of the 280-hp gasoline and 70-hp electric motors to scoot to 100 kilometres an hour in less than six seconds, fuel economy be damned. Volvo may be late to the party, but the XC60 is an impressive first effort.

  Not (yet) scheduled for production — but it probably should be — is Lexus’ fantastic LF-FC roadster concept. A 2+2 coupe worthy of comparisons with BMW’s 650i and even Mercedes’ SL, the LF-FC is daring in a way we haven’t seen in a long time from a Japanese luxury automaker. The “spindle” grille’s lines are exaggerated to good effect, the side sightlines are classic Euro coupe and the rear end features tail lights that look they should be on an F-16. The LF is a hybrid, although Lexus will not detail the powertrain. We are, of course, hoping for big horsepower to accompany its projected parsimony. Inside, there’s more of the connectivity that’s making the rounds of the Detroit auto show, with an iPad-like tablet built into the Lexus’s centre console.

  Less likely for production but no less comely is the Smart-for-us pickup. Of course, North Americans like their pickups writ large, but the Smart topless roadster is just too cute to ignore, even if the bicycles stored in the display model’s rear bed seem to dwarf the micro car. The for-us is also electric powered, with a 73-hp motor said to accelerate the micro car, er, pickup to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. Don’t go to your local Mercedes dealers asking when you can buy one — there are no plans for production.

  Yet another twist in the concept format was Chevrolet’s introduction of two cars — the Tru 140S and the Code 130R — it hopes to design by consensus. The 140S is a classic coupe, albeit one with a whole bunch more Italian influence than anything we’ve seen out of Detroit in a very long time, while the 130R looks a little like an original M3 that’s been seriously butched up with massive fender flares and a big trunk-mounted rear wing. Both look to be powered by conventional 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec motors. Less conventional is that Chevy is looking to social media input to further solidify design and content. I’m not sure about this “focus-grouping” of the young; had GM asked me the same questions in my youth, the 130R would have ended up with about a bazillion horsepower, no trunk and speakers the size of a house. Be careful what you wish for.

  But, for the ultimate in futuristic design at the Detroit auto show, you have to head to the displays that cultivate the industry’s future automotive stylists, namely design schools such as the College for Creative Studies and the Lawrence Technological University. Both offer coming designers a forum to display their wares for the established automotive world to see. I can tell you that Lincoln, for one, should take some of their futuristic designers very seriously. With youth comes enthusiasm and, Lord knows, Ford’s luxury brand could use some of that.

  
  

  

  
  2:19 pm on January 13, 2012
   

• The list of cars sold in Canada but not in the United States is depressingly short. Over time, it has included some good rides such as the Acura EL and Toyota Echo along with some real dogs. One only has to look back to the bad, old days when the Ladas and Skodas of this world were using Canada as the launching point for a foray into the U.S. market.

  The latest to join this abbreviated list is the Chevrolet Orlando. It is another product from GM Daewoo (yes, that Daewoo), one that is heavily based on the Chevrolet Cruze. In this case, it is large enough to accommodate seven riders yet small enough to be a city-friendly conveyance. As such, it swells the ranks of the mini-minivan market.

  As with the other contenders in the segment, namely the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo, the Orlando is an either/or proposition. With seven riders aboard, cargo capacity is limited to just 3.6 cubic feet of space — it is essentially a vertical load area with little depth to it. Dropping the third row flat, which is a one-handed operation, opens up a large cargo area (General Motors does not provide a number) while providing enough space to carry five adults — four if they happen to be of the large variety. Lowering the middle row reveals a commendably flat floor and 56.3 cu. ft. My lone wish is for a fold-flat front passenger’s seat — it would allow much longer items to be accommodated inside the Orlando with the tailgate closed.

  Up front, the Orlando is very Cruze-like in its layout. The anomaly is the plastic that rings the cabin. While it is of decent quality, it is a mismatch of types. Some of it is textured, some not, some is piano black, other bits are titanium-like. Then there are the chromed door handles and air vent surrounds. It makes little sense. Likewise, forcing someone to move up to the top-level Orlando to enjoy toasted buns in not a wise move either.

  THE SPECS

  Type of vehicle Front-wheel-drive compact crossover
  Engine 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder
  Power 174 hp @ 6,700 rpm; 171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
  Transmission Six-speed manumatic
  Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
  Tires P215/60R16 (optional winter)
  Price: base/as tested $19,995/$24,815
  Destination charge $1,495
  Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km 10.6 city, 6.9 hwy.

  Quibbles aside, there are two very cool features. The first is a small button by the power window switches. When depressed, it not only locks out the rear windows, it also activates the childproof door locks — someone was obviously thinking. The second feature is something that’s destined to catch on and not just within GM. On the radio’s faceplate there is a button — push it upward and the whole faceplate lifts to reveal a fair-sized compartment that houses USB and auxiliary inputs. The beauty is that it allows an iPod to be plugged in and the face closed, which keeps it hidden and away from prying eyes.

  The Orlando is powered by GM’s ubiquitous 2.4-litre Ecotec engine. It puts out 174 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. In this application, the available oomph is up to the task of ferrying a couple of riders around with the desired punch. From a standstill, the Orlando runs to 100 kilometres an hour in 10.4 seconds and accomplishes the more important 80-to-120-km/h passing move in seven seconds. The nit has to do with the noise the engine makes when it’s pressed to redline. Thankfully, this is an infrequent occurrence. Using the Orlando to capacity does blunt the edge noticeably — this is where the turbocharged torque of GM’s 2.0L peppy turbo four would pay big dividends.

  The tester fired its power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that is typical GM — smooth and refined. There is a manual mode, but, given the Orlando’s station in life, it is not going to see much use. In somewhat of an unusual move, the Orlando arrives with a manual transmission as the base unit on all but the range-topping LTZ. This begs the obvious question — why? This is not a speedster where stirring one’s own gears amps up the fun; it is a utility vehicle that keys on its multi-passenger/cargo ability.

  The Orlando’s ride and handling characteristics are surprisingly good. Unlike many seven-passenger rides, the suspension has a planted feel that limits body roll almost as well as it cushions a rough road. Likewise, the steering delivers great feedback and it is nicely weighted across a broad speed range. The brakes are also up to the task of hauling the Orlando down from speed without fading into oblivion. This holds true when there is a full complement of passengers aboard. At last, here’s a multi-passenger vehicle that does not bore the driver to death.

  The Orlando cannot do what a full-on minivan does, but that is not where it comes into its own. Its forte is found in its availability to carry seven people without feeling like one is driving a bus. In somewhat of an irony, the original Honda Odyssey minivan failed in the mid-’90s because of its size; the Orlando is likely to succeed because of it.

  
  

  

  
  2:00 pm on December 7, 2011