12:22 AM
Mazda's design and engineering team in Germany has taken the MX-5 roadster and boiled it down to its pure speedster form to create the Superlight concept. We'll get a close look at the car at the Frankfurt motor show.
Some changes are obvious. Gone are the windshield--which means we won't see this car on U.S. roads--and the exterior door handles have vanished, which is no big trick for the custom-car crowd.
But our friends at Mazda haven't given up any technical details yet. Based on the name, we expect the Superlight to make extensive use of lightweight metals such as aluminum or magnesium. And a sketch of the cockpit shows areas of exposed body structure. There's no word on what engine might sit under the hood. But a lightweight body makes the engine's job much easier.
Sketch of the interior of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept.
A picture of Sketch of the interior of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept.
Sketch of the interior of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept.
The production MX-5 isn't exactly a heavy car. But stripping away more weight will give it a boost in the fuel-economy department, techniques that could find their way to the production car.
This all comes as Mazda is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the MX-5, which was launched in the United States with the Miata name. We're looking forward to mid-September to get the full story.
1:38 AM
The size of the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-class family is growing with the upcoming release of the wagon body style.
The E-class wagon will get its formal debut next month in Frankfurt, but Mercedes-Benz has released photos.
And there's some info for U.S. buyers: We'll get only one version of the new wagon, at least to start. The E350 4MATIC arrives in U.S. showrooms next June as a 2011 model. Yes, four-wheel-drive is standard. A Sport trim is available, with unique grille, revised fascias and cross-drilled front discs with painted calipers.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 268 hp. It's mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. We continue to hold hope for a diesel version.
The E-class wagon gets the full suite of safety technologies introduced on the new sedan and coupe, along with a self-leveling rear suspension.
1:07 AM
Two long-gone luxury liners, a 1939 Delahaye and a 1934 Packard, won best of show honors Sunday at the 30th Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, standing out from a field of 250 pristine cars from bygone eras on a sun-drenched afternoon of nostalgia in suburban Detroit.
The Delahaye 165 Cabriolet by Figoni & Falaschi won in the European category, while the Packard V-12 Sport Sedan by Dietrich, a ghost of Detroit's luxury car-making past, returned to grab top honors among the American products.
The Delahaye, a drop-dead gorgeous maroon showpiece dripping in chrome and set off with yellow headlights, also won the People's Choice award. It's from the Peter Mullin Automotive Foundation. Delahaye was a French luxury car company that disappeared after World War II.
The stately Packard had 160 hp and was from collection of Ray Scherr. It was an encore victory for him, as his 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider Touring also won best of show in the European class in 2007.
A 1938 Brough Superior SS-100 owned by Jack Wells won best of show in the motorcycle field.
Though plenty of awards were given out, the event was also about enthusiasts reveling in museum-quality cars rarely seen on public streets, including Duesenbergs, Cords and Auburns. Cadillacs, Lincolns and elaborate Chryslers also were featured prominently.
But organizers have made an effort to diversify the concours from simply old cars, and this year it had a field of about a dozen drag racers from the early days of the sport. Indeed, one of the afternoon's highlights was when many of the drag cars fired their engines--emitting deafening growls and a haze of exhaust to the delight of the crowd.
As usual, the show had many themes. Fins and Chrome: The Convertibles of 1959, drew plenty of interest, as a pink Cadillac and white Thunderbird were two of the more striking exhibits. The “Swoopy Coupes” display illustrated the lines and stylings of cars from another time, including a dramatic 1941 Lincoln Zephyr.
In a show of support for its beleaguered hometown car companies, Meadow Brook honored General Motors, Ford and Chrysler with a “Best of Detroit” theme, and about 90 cars from the Big Three were on display.
There was also a trio of orange McLarens, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the company and its many racing exploits, including the 1974 car Johnny Rutherford drove to victory in the Indianapolis 500.
Perhaps the ultimate ghost car at the show was a 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 Spyder owned by Hollywood director-turned car guy James Glickenhaus. Officially, this red racer wearing chassis No. 0846 was scrapped by Ferrari after being damaged in crashes. But the car on display might have the tube frame chassis and other components from the original, which won the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours. Its case is bolstered by damage marks on the frame and race inspection marks from Le Mans.
Ferrari made these rare cars in direct response to Ford's overwhelming 1966 Le Mans triumph. The car at Meadow Brook had the body of a P3, but was modified to hold the engine of a P4--hence the name.
Less controversial was another Glickenhaus car, a bright yellow Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, which also attracted plenty of attention.
Other headliners included a rare 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, which made its North American debut at the concours, a 1954 Fiat 8V Supersonic and a 1911 Hupmobile. A 1934 Packard owned by AutoWeek Editorial Director Keith Crain was also among the honorees.
Organizers were hoping for a crowd of 10,000, the record-tally drawn last year, and the turnout appeared to be strong. It's held in the shadow of Meadow Brook Hall, a 1920s castle-like structure that's the former residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of auto pioneer John Dodge.
The Delahaye 165 Cabriolet by Figoni & Falaschi won in the European category, while the Packard V-12 Sport Sedan by Dietrich, a ghost of Detroit's luxury car-making past, returned to grab top honors among the American products.
The Delahaye, a drop-dead gorgeous maroon showpiece dripping in chrome and set off with yellow headlights, also won the People's Choice award. It's from the Peter Mullin Automotive Foundation. Delahaye was a French luxury car company that disappeared after World War II.
The stately Packard had 160 hp and was from collection of Ray Scherr. It was an encore victory for him, as his 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider Touring also won best of show in the European class in 2007.
A 1938 Brough Superior SS-100 owned by Jack Wells won best of show in the motorcycle field.
Though plenty of awards were given out, the event was also about enthusiasts reveling in museum-quality cars rarely seen on public streets, including Duesenbergs, Cords and Auburns. Cadillacs, Lincolns and elaborate Chryslers also were featured prominently.
But organizers have made an effort to diversify the concours from simply old cars, and this year it had a field of about a dozen drag racers from the early days of the sport. Indeed, one of the afternoon's highlights was when many of the drag cars fired their engines--emitting deafening growls and a haze of exhaust to the delight of the crowd.
As usual, the show had many themes. Fins and Chrome: The Convertibles of 1959, drew plenty of interest, as a pink Cadillac and white Thunderbird were two of the more striking exhibits. The “Swoopy Coupes” display illustrated the lines and stylings of cars from another time, including a dramatic 1941 Lincoln Zephyr.
In a show of support for its beleaguered hometown car companies, Meadow Brook honored General Motors, Ford and Chrysler with a “Best of Detroit” theme, and about 90 cars from the Big Three were on display.
There was also a trio of orange McLarens, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the company and its many racing exploits, including the 1974 car Johnny Rutherford drove to victory in the Indianapolis 500.
Perhaps the ultimate ghost car at the show was a 1967 Ferrari 330 P3/4 Spyder owned by Hollywood director-turned car guy James Glickenhaus. Officially, this red racer wearing chassis No. 0846 was scrapped by Ferrari after being damaged in crashes. But the car on display might have the tube frame chassis and other components from the original, which won the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours. Its case is bolstered by damage marks on the frame and race inspection marks from Le Mans.
Ferrari made these rare cars in direct response to Ford's overwhelming 1966 Le Mans triumph. The car at Meadow Brook had the body of a P3, but was modified to hold the engine of a P4--hence the name.
Less controversial was another Glickenhaus car, a bright yellow Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, which also attracted plenty of attention.
Other headliners included a rare 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, which made its North American debut at the concours, a 1954 Fiat 8V Supersonic and a 1911 Hupmobile. A 1934 Packard owned by AutoWeek Editorial Director Keith Crain was also among the honorees.
Organizers were hoping for a crowd of 10,000, the record-tally drawn last year, and the turnout appeared to be strong. It's held in the shadow of Meadow Brook Hall, a 1920s castle-like structure that's the former residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of auto pioneer John Dodge.
1:05 AM
Nissan has taken the wraps off its production-bound electric vehicle, named Leaf, that is plans to sell in Japan, the United States and Europe.
The Leaf seats five and measures 175 inches long--about the same size as a Versa sedan. It uses an 80-kilowatt AC electric motor and draws from a laminated lithium-ion battery pack--the same type of batteries used by cellular telephones and laptop computers. Nissan says the Leaf will have a driving range of 100 miles. The battery pack is mounted under the car's seats and floor.
Using a direct-current quick charger, Nissan says the Leaf's battery pack can be recharged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. Recharging at home, with 200-volt AC service, will take less than 8 hours. Regenerative braking is also a key factor in extending the Leaf's range.
Nissan says the Leaf will be priced at about the same as a well-equipped C-segment vehicle--such as the Sentra--which points toward a sticker price somewhere near the $30,000 range.
Power-saving technologies include the use of light-emitting diodes for the headlamps, which are also shaped to direct airflow around the front door mirrors. Owners will be able to use their mobile phones to command the car's air conditioning to turn on.
Nissan plans to build the Leaf at its assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn. It recently received funds from the U.S. government to build a battery-making operation in Tennessee.
SPECS
Length: 175.0 inches
Width: 69.7 inches
Height: 61.0 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Driving range: 100 miles
Maximum speed: more than 90 mph
Motor type: AC motor
Maximum power: 80 kW
Maximum torque: 280 Nm
Battery type: laminated lithium-ion battery
Total capacity: 24 kilowatt-hours
Power output: more than 90 kilowatts
Energy density: 140 Wh/kg
Power density: 2.5 kW/kg
Number of modules: 48
12:44 AM
Schumacher’s shock announcement today has got us thinking about the musical chairs we might expect ready for 2010.
There hasn’t been much seat swapping in the last few years, but with BMW’s unexpected exit and three new teams set to join the grid next year the ‘silly season’ should provide us with some big changes.
So we’ll start with Ferrari. Unless Michael gets bitten by the racing bug again – which he might, should he win a race or two – then it’s rumoured that Fernando Alonso will move over from Renault to replace Kimi.
That would leave the 2007 world champion without a seat, but it’s also possible Massa won’t come back, so he might stay put. If he does leave, it looks like a WRC drive might be on the cards – he’s doing his first race this weekend in Finland.
Jenson Button won’t go anywhere now that he’s found the sweet spot at Brawn, but it’s unlikely Barrichello will stay – especially after that post-race outburst the other weekend – which might leave the door open for Bruno Senna.
Like Button, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will want to stay with Red Bull – why would they leave the team most likely to keep winning races?
And I can’t see Toyota’s Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli moving. Ever.
Keeping up? Good. On to McLaren. Lewis will stay, but Rosberg (and I’ve said this before) should be his wingman. How about Nico and Heikki swap jobs?
Kovalainen would thrive in a number one spot, supported by current test driver Nico Hulkenburg. Surely it’s time they dumped Nakajima?
Renault, having lost Alonso, could pick up the now seatless Robert Kubica. He would pair up well with their test guy Romain Grosjean, and has shown he can lead a team (even though BMW wouldn’t listen to him).
STR will keep their new pairing of Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi and Force India will stick with Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella, I reckon.
And so we get on to the new teams. Campos are expected to make their first driver announcement at Valencia in three weeks, and although there are no real rumours, it’s likely to be someone with development experience and bags of track time. Pedro de la Rosa maybe?
And I may have got her results wrong, but I still think that current F2 driver Natacha Gachnang is in with a should for the second spot, through her ties with Campos who she drove for in F3 last year.
Danica Patrick has denied interest in racing for USF1, but I think she’s holding out for more money. She could then be teamed with an experienced driver, who’s maybe lost his seat and is maybe from Brazil… Rubens Barrichello?
And what of Manor? I have no idea who they’re talking to, so I’ll take a punt on Anthony Davidson, and maybe Kimi Raikkonen if they offer him enough money.
Nah, actually that’d be ridiculous. Next you’ll be telling me Michael Schumacher’s making a comeback…
There hasn’t been much seat swapping in the last few years, but with BMW’s unexpected exit and three new teams set to join the grid next year the ‘silly season’ should provide us with some big changes.
So we’ll start with Ferrari. Unless Michael gets bitten by the racing bug again – which he might, should he win a race or two – then it’s rumoured that Fernando Alonso will move over from Renault to replace Kimi.
That would leave the 2007 world champion without a seat, but it’s also possible Massa won’t come back, so he might stay put. If he does leave, it looks like a WRC drive might be on the cards – he’s doing his first race this weekend in Finland.
Jenson Button won’t go anywhere now that he’s found the sweet spot at Brawn, but it’s unlikely Barrichello will stay – especially after that post-race outburst the other weekend – which might leave the door open for Bruno Senna.
Like Button, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will want to stay with Red Bull – why would they leave the team most likely to keep winning races?
And I can’t see Toyota’s Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli moving. Ever.
Keeping up? Good. On to McLaren. Lewis will stay, but Rosberg (and I’ve said this before) should be his wingman. How about Nico and Heikki swap jobs?
Kovalainen would thrive in a number one spot, supported by current test driver Nico Hulkenburg. Surely it’s time they dumped Nakajima?
Renault, having lost Alonso, could pick up the now seatless Robert Kubica. He would pair up well with their test guy Romain Grosjean, and has shown he can lead a team (even though BMW wouldn’t listen to him).
STR will keep their new pairing of Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi and Force India will stick with Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella, I reckon.
And so we get on to the new teams. Campos are expected to make their first driver announcement at Valencia in three weeks, and although there are no real rumours, it’s likely to be someone with development experience and bags of track time. Pedro de la Rosa maybe?
And I may have got her results wrong, but I still think that current F2 driver Natacha Gachnang is in with a should for the second spot, through her ties with Campos who she drove for in F3 last year.
Danica Patrick has denied interest in racing for USF1, but I think she’s holding out for more money. She could then be teamed with an experienced driver, who’s maybe lost his seat and is maybe from Brazil… Rubens Barrichello?
And what of Manor? I have no idea who they’re talking to, so I’ll take a punt on Anthony Davidson, and maybe Kimi Raikkonen if they offer him enough money.
Nah, actually that’d be ridiculous. Next you’ll be telling me Michael Schumacher’s making a comeback…
3:06 AM
It's official. Suzuki confirmed its next midsize sedan will be called the Kizashi, and it is set to launch in the United States at the end of this year.
The company pulled the cover off the production version of the Kizashi on Thursday. It will have a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Horsepower and torque ratings were not revealed. A hybrid version is also planned.
It's based on the Kizashi 3 concept shown at the 2008 New York auto show. The line of the car drops in the front, and the circular headlights standout a bit and have projector beams offering 30 percent better illumination than halogens, Suzuki says.
This sedan also offers all-wheel drive, which can be deactivated with a switch. It measures 183.1 inches in length, 71.7 inches in width, 58.3 inches in height and has a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Look for the car to get better than 30 mpg on the highway.
The sedan will have a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.
The company says the Kizashi will have sporty yet comfortable handling, in an effort to attract enthusiast buyers. There will be 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels offered. Key competitors include the Mazda 6, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Passat.
We haven't driven it yet, but we did sit inside the Kizashi. The interior was decent with quality plastic materials filling the dash and center console. The cylindrical gauges give off a sporty vibe and are backlit by LED lighting. The three-spoke wheel is available leather-wrapped.
Suzuki wants to lure younger buyers, and the Kizashi offers plenty of technology, including an optional 425-watt audio system, Bluetooth technology and MP3 connectivity.
Pricing will be released closer to launch, and it's expected to be competitive in the midsize segment.
