Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Auto Show. Show all posts

Saturday, June 11, 2011

VW Releases Fresh Drawings of New Midsize Sedan, will Replace the Passat in the USA

In an effort to stem the outpouring of criticism aimed directly at the recently-revealed B7 Passat, VW has released some more pics of the upcoming American NMS (New Midsize Sedan). Thankfully, we here in the States won't have to deal with the reskinned Passat and its - according to our readers - "boring" looks. Instead, we'll be getting a production version of the car seen here, Teutonic and built in Tennessee.

VW says the NMS will debut at the NAIAS in Detroit in January 2010, with sales beginning in the third quarter. Short of the pics they've released, there have yet to be any official details; however, it's safe to say this will essentially be a Passat with a more Ameri-centric look.

Other than that, one styling bonus over the B7 that's immediately noticeable is the C-pillar's BMW-derived Hofmeister kink. Other design elements that would be appreciated in a production model are the higher belt line, squat appearance, narrower daylight opening, and Audi-inspired tail lights. VW, get us some pics of this thing pronto.

By Phil Alex



Friday, June 10, 2011

Porsche Returning to Detroit Show for 2011 after a Three Year Hiatus


After a three year absence, Porsche will return to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next year. The show's organizers say they see this move as an indication that the auto industry is getting "stronger".

The show's co-chairman, Bill Perkins said, "We're very excited about it. The demand for space is very strong. People see the market coming back."

Porsche abandoned the Detroit Show in 2008, citing that it wanted to find more personal ways to reach out to potential customers. It must have worked with Porsche selling 15,719 vehicles in the U.S. between January and August 2010, up 23.5% from same time last year.

The upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 (see spy video here), which will feature a new engine and lighter chassis, could make its world debut at the 2011 NAIAS, though chances are the Stuttgart automaker will prefer to reveal the car at the Frankfurt show in September of the same year.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Suzuki have also been absent the past two years the show was held, and are unconfirmed for the 2011 edition.

By Tristan Hankins


2011 Chrysler 300: More Photos, Including Interior and Official Press Release


We've already had the chance to share with you a first batch of photos of the redesigned for the 2011 model year (and not 2012MY as originally speculated) 300, but today, the Chrysler Group continues its media assault with additional photography, which includes pictures of the interior, and a rather uninformative press release on the firm's full-size sedan.

The press announcement, which you can read after the jump, focuses exclusively on the design content and the quality upgrades of the interior, leaving out the mechanical details. Apparently, Chrysler plans to bombard us with press releases on revamped 300 until it world premiere at next month's Detroit Motor Show.

However, as we've noted before, the 2011MY 300 will be offered at launch with a standard 3.6-liter V6 producing around 290-ponies and an optional 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. Sales of the new 300 will start in the first quarter of 2011.






PRESS RELEASE:

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Series Flagships Redefine the American Luxury Sedan Once Again

December 20, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - With its iconic rear-wheel drive proportions, elegantly sculptured bodyside, world-class craftsmanship and refinement, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series proudly delivers the distinction, innovation and premium large sedan features at a legendary value, while setting a new course for the American brand.

With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details unexpected in the segment. At the front, an all-new grille features seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades that express precision. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge provide a unique contrast against the beautifully drawn bright chrome grille surround. Illuminating the road ahead are signature “key slot” headlamps with a scalloped lower edge. Inside, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a “C” shape for unmistakable on-road presence.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the distinctive proportions of its predecessor with added design refinement for a more tailored appearance. Dramatic front-fender forms rise above the sculpted hood and are echoed by rear-quarter forms which rise above the deck lid and travel down the vertical taillamps for an unmistakably bold signature silhouette. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the all-new Chrysler luxury flagship’s windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent. To take in the sky above, a new dual-pane panoramic sunroof provides Chrysler 300 passengers with twice the outward visibility of a standard sunroof. For a more contemporary appearance, the 2011 Chrysler 300 features a clean bodyside with a distinct windswept A-line that emphasizes the sedan’s long wheelbase and spacious cabin. Delivering a touch of world-class sophistication, the all-new Chrysler 300 is highlighted by chrome daylight openings, chrome front- and rear-fascia accents and available 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels.

Elevating the all-new Chrysler 300’s presence from the rear, the deck lid now incorporates a lip spoiler while the new Chrysler wing badge is proudly centered below. Jeweled-like rear taillamps feature harmonious LED illumination, while signature “light pipes” illuminate for an alluring nighttime appearance. Straddling the vertical lamps, Chrysler 300’s rear fascia integrates a chrome appliqué that seamlessly connects the taillamp elements while emphasizing the road-holding stature of the flagship sedan. Standard fascia-mounted 3.5-inch oval dual exhaust tips complete the sedan’s appearance.

Combining world-class accommodations with American style, the all-new Chrysler 300’s interior delivers expressive style, authentic materials, passenger comfort features and precise fit and finish. Substantial interior upgrades on the all-new Chrysler 300 consist of soft touch materials, premium interior trim, available heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and real wood appliques on the instrument panel, doors, center console and steering wheel.

Designed to exude a luxurious environment, the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedans feature cast-skin instrument and door panels with three-dimensional dual gloss graining for a premium appearance and suppleness. Bright chrome contrasted with liquid chrome accents give the Chrysler flagship sedan the appearance of milled aluminum. For added detail, a new instrument cluster features two large gauge faces with sapphire blue illumination and chrome ring accents. Providing a premium and contemporary environment is an all-new sapphire blue LED-illuminated ambient interior lighting.

With its massive 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch infotainment center, the all-new Chrysler 300 sedans feature the segment’s largest standard touchscreen display, integrating world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. From touchscreen navigation to dual-zone climate controls, to the ability to check fuel prices and personalize convenience features, Uconnect Touch makes life in the all-new Chrysler flagship sedan an excellent experience for the driver and passengers.

Built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Chrysler 300 arrives in showrooms in the first quarter of 2011.