Styling biggest reason people reject Acura

It’s no secret that the corporate schnoz adopted in recent years by Acura is, shall we say…controversial. But whether or not it’s helping or hurting sales is up for debate. On one hand, the brand’s 24-percent increase in sales in 2010 over the previous year has Honda’s luxury division outpacing the gains of its rivals. On the other hand, nearly everyone’s 2009 sales figures went down the economic toilet, and J.D. Power reports that exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by Acura’s interior styling.

Perhaps tellingly, Acura’s two most successful models in sales gains are the MDX and RDX utility vehicles, models competing in burgeoning segments (and the former of which features a somewhat muted faces compared to the rest of the company’s lineup). But hope may be on the way, and soon. According to Automotive News, Dave Conant, who owns an Acura store in Mission Viejo, California and has gotten an early look at the next-gen TL, Acura’s middle child is getting a major nose job.

And more new models are reportedly on the horizon as well, including hybrids and a likely return to the entry-level compact luxury class. What’s more, the automaker has promised dealers that future models will be better differentiated from one another, both styling-wise and in size. All that sounds good, just so long as no giant polished cow-catcher grilles get in the way.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets new four-cylinder model, refreshed styling

 

Look very closely – this is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which gets a very modest facelift for the new model year. Good thing, then, that the majority of changes made to the C-Class are found underhood, where Mercedes-Benz is offering an all-new four-cylinder engine option here in the United States (as well as a new model designation – C250), not to mention some tweaks for the V6 found in the top-end C350.

Design tweaks are limited to a new aluminum hood with slightly restyled headlamps and LED running lamps down below. Yes, it looks extremely similar to the 2011 model, but if we’re honest, the current C-Class design isn’t exactly growing old. In fact, we rather like it as-is. The styling upgrades to the rear end are hardly noticeable, and that’s just fine, too.

Four-cylinder powerplants are quickly replacing six-cylinder mills these days, even in the entry-level luxury segment. You’ll remember that just a few years ago, Audi discontinued the 3.2-liter V6 in its A4, leaving only the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine on tap. Based on preliminary specifications, the new direct-injected 1.8-liter turbocharged mill looks to be plenty potent, with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque on hand. That’s 27 less horsepower than the mid-range 3.0-liter V6, but the 1.8T offers eight more pound-feet of twist. Thus, both the C250 and the mid-range C300 4Matic will do the 0-60 sprint in 7.1 seconds, but the C250 returns 24 miles per gallon (combined) while the C300 nets just 20 mpg. The range-topping C350 also gets some help from direct injection, meaning its 3.5-liter V6 now produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft, gains of 34 hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

In addition to new engines, the 2012 C-Class benefits from a restyled interior, mimicking what we’ve grown accustomed to in the E-Class. New driver assistance systems like Attention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic help keep things in check out on the road.

The 2012 C-Class will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month with the cars going on sale in the United States next summer. (Full Disclosure: This information was under embargo, but a few other websites decided to spill the beans a bit early). Follow the jump for Mercedes-Benz’s official press release.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster

It’s rare. It’s fast. It’s expensive. Meet the 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster. First shown in October at the Paris Auto Show, the $204,400 humpbacked 911 arrives at U.S. dealerships early next year.

On paper, the rear-wheel-drive 911 Speedster appears to be a heavily optioned 911 GTS Cabriolet, albeit one with a bubbled tonneau cover. Having just driven the new GTS with the 408-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six and Turbo-width rear track, we knew going into this drive that the uprated equipment makes a good foundation for the Speedster. Building on the GTS’ enhanced mechanicals, the Speedster also gets the seven-speed PDK dual clutch, Sport Chrono Plus, Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. Take it or leave it, this is the only way the Speedster comes.

But so much for on-paper specs. To find out what the 911 Speedster is like on the road, we headed to Palm Springs, California for a mid-winter desert blast.

Rumored Jeep pickup far from a done deal

Please join us in a collective sigh of exasperation. According to Automotive News, the much-rumored Jeep pickup that had us all salivating earlier this year may be little more than hyped-up vaporware. It would seem that while Chrysler’s off-roading arm is game to create a small pickup once again, the vehicle isn’t as writ in stone as we were all led to believe. From what we can tell, Jeep is facing some grief from the Ram squad for wanting to play in their sandbox. Additionally, all of Chrysler is staring at a pretty hefty dearth of engineers, so adding another ground-up build to the company’s already sizable honey-do list isn’t exactly on the table.

And what of the military-spec Jeep truck currently on sale elsewhere around the globe? Automotive News says that Chrysler thinks it wouldn’t be worth the effort (or money) to try to dilute that vehicle down far enough for civilian duty. Maestro, cue up the sad trombone, if you’d be so kind.

That means that we can probably scrap the notion of seeing Jeep pickup by next year as we were initially led to believe. If the vehicle does manage to get past all of the hurdles before it, the pickup likely won’t see the light of day for a good long while.

Hyundai Sonata edges Volt in Autoblog’s informal Car of the Year poll

The finalists for this year’s North American Car and Truck of the Year awards may have been no big surprise, but the vehicle that our readers think will win Car of the Year honors came as something of a shock.

The NACTOY judges have picked the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf as finalists for Car of the Year. While the Leaf saw a little bit of love with 2,820 votes in our unofficial poll, as well as being named European Car of the Year, the final tally came down to a bare-knuckled fight between the Volt and Sonata. Surprisingly, the Hyundai eked out a win with 8,058 votes and 42.7-percent of the total votes cast, which just barely bested the 7,985 votes cast for the Volt and its 42.3 percent of the total vote.

That’s not a huge margin of victory by any means (a statistical dead heat, as they say), but considering that the Volt has whirred away with honors like the Green Car of the Year, Automobile Magazine‘s Automobile of the Year and Motor Trend‘s Car of the Year awards, we fully expected the Bowtiie to handily walk away with our impromptu poll.

We were pretty smitten with both the 2.0T and the hybrid variants of the Sonata when we hopped behind their wheels earlier this year, and buyers have been no less taken with the base model. The 2011 Sonata has enjoyed a huge year in terms of sales with 183,102 units sold by early December, a year-over-year increase of 65 percent.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Ford Explorer handily beat the 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in our informal North American Truck of the Year poll. You can check out the results from both surveys here, and the stay tuned for when the real winners are announced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in early January.

GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

General Motors is recalling a handful light-duty GMT900 pickups from the 2011 model year due to faulty rear axle cross pins. Both the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500 are effected, as are the Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra 1500 – a total of 1,262 vehicles in all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that these rear axle cross pins were not manufactured up to proper specification and that the pin could “fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.” NHTSA further details the consequences of a displaced pin, saying:

“The driver may hear a banging noise coming from the axle. If the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.”

GM will begin notifying owners about this problem in January, and dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin without any cost to the customer. NHTSA’s official statement is available after the jump

Opel Insignia: Prematurely Leaked on the Web

While Opel was busy handing out camouflaged images of the Insignia, the guys at Dutch magazine AutoWeek managed to get there hands on the first official images of Opel’s forthcoming mid-size sedan. As you can see in the pictures, the Insignia, which will most probably be sold in the States as a Saturn (Aura) and in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, is far more tasty in and out than the outgoing Vectra.

We don’t have the official details on the mechanics yet, but in Europe expect the range to kick off with 1.8-liter petrol (140 Hp) and 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines. There will also be a top-of-the line Insignia OPC model equipped with GM’s 2.9-liter V6 turbo engine pumping out approximately 300 Hp to all four wheels. 

Opel Insignia: Engine Range To Include 1.6 and 2.0 Turbo Units

We still have a few days left before Opel officially unveils the new Insignia, but since a whole set of images were leaked into the net the other day, there’s no point for hiding anymore. Apart from the pictures without watermarks, we also have initial details on the Insignia’s engine range.

Starting off with gasoline models, the Vectra’s successor will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.

In 2009 Opel will enhance the Insignia’s range with the addition of an OPC version that will be equipped with a 300 HP 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine combined with an all-wheel drive system. The Insignia will go on sale in Europe this summer and although this is not official yet, it is expected that it will also come to the States as the successor to the Saturn Aura.

Opel Insignia: Image Gallery Update

This will probably be our last “unofficial” post on the 2009 Opel Insignia sedan as the German carmaker is slated to release all official images and data on the Vectra’s successor over the next couple of days. The gallery that we’ve included after the jump consists of eight new pictures of the Insignia that is schedule to arrive in European dealerships this fall 

Opel Corsa OPC 202Hp by Steinmetz

Due to make its first public appearance at the German tuning show “Tuning World Bodensee 2008” that runs from May 1 to 5, the Steinmetz prepped Opel Corsa OPC has been mildly enhanced with minor mechanical and cosmetic upgrades.

The smallest member of the Opel OPC family has gained an extra 10 Hp -thanks to the use of the new left/right silencer system, raising the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine’s output to 202 Hp. The tuning firm has also added a lowering kit that brings the Corsa OPC 30 mm nearer to the tarmac

In terms of aesthetics, the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz is distinguished by the new honeycomb grille, a 2-piece front spoiler, the side strips in silver or anthracite and the aluminum filler cap complemented by a new set of 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels. Finally, the interior is enhanced by the stainless steel 

Official: Opel Vectra Successor To Be Named Insignia

Opel today announced that their next-generation mid-size car which will succeed the current Vectra will bear the name “Insignia” after the concept that broke cover at the 2003 Frankfurt Show in Germany. Furthermore, GM’s European subsidiary revealed that the Insignia will make its public debut at the at 2008 British Motor Show next July. The new Insignia family, which will be built at Opel’s home plant in Rüsselsheim, will be inspired from the GTC concept car (click here for the video) that we first saw at this year’s Geneva Show in March.

“Dynamic performance is one of the Opel brand’s core values. In the new Opel Insignia, this defining characteristic is realized by sophisticated powertrain technology, active safety and the interface between driver and car. The Insignia’s level of comfort and environmental friendliness is unrivaled even among considerably more expensive competitors,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe.

When it comes to the new car’s design, Visser says, “A closer look at our groundbreaking GTC concept car gives a good idea of how exciting Opel’s new design language will be.”

Konigseder Opel GT 300 PS

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Saturn Sky goes by the name Opel GT. Same car, different badges. So now that we’ve got that clear, let’s see what the tuning firm Konigseder has readied for the GT starting of with the engine. The Austrian tuner announces that the 2.0-liter turbocharged unit has been enhanced to deliver 300 PS (standard car: 264 PS), and no they didn’t say how they did it in the press release. A KW coilover suspension along with custom made Brembo brake system, complete the mechanical upgrades

Konigseder has dressed the GT with a front spoiler, a rear wing, chrome detailing and fire stripes on the side of the car –we could have done without that. The GT sits on the shiny, 20-inch “Las Vegas” alloy wheels combined with Yokohama tires. Finally, Konigseder has added a set of… hand made wooden floor mats.

Geneva Preview: Opel Meriva Minivan Concept

GM’s German subsidiary Opel has released a colored rendering along with extra details on its Geneva Motor Show Meriva Concept that previews the company’s next generation compact minivan expected sometime in 2009.

The prototype’s most prominent feature is the rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While many other manufactures like Mazda and MINI have already presented suicide type rear doors in the market, in the Meriva concept they can open independently from the conventionally designed front doors. However, we must note that we question the functionality of suicide type doors in tight parking spots. 

PRESS RELEASE

MERIVA CONCEPT: NEXT LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY

World premiere: FlexDoors make monocabs more comfortable, versatile and safer

Design: Dynamic lines with no concessions in practicality

Lifestyle: Exit the rear of the car in style

With the dynamically styled Meriva Concept, Opel/Vauxhall presents the next level of monocab flexibility at the International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008). The concept car features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the rear doors swing open towards the back of the car. Another feature of the family-oriented Meriva Concept is that the front and rear doors can open independently of each other. Rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened, which severely limits their practicality.

GM’s patented FlexDoors innovation offers a wide range of benefits:

Greater functionality: entering and exiting the vehicle is more convenient as the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle, creating a much wider aperture than standard car doors. Thanks to the high roofline, rear passengers also have more headroom when getting in and out of the car. The interior is much more accessible, so stowing a briefcase behind the front seat, for instance, is considerably easier.

Higher level of safety: securing children in the back seats is much easier. The

rear-hinged rear doors also improve control over children exiting the car, as they can be better seen from the different seating positions. The “safety zone” created between both doors also makes it much more difficult for them to step out into traffic than with conventional doors.

More style: entering and exiting the rear of the vehicle not only looks cool and elegant, but also feels much more natural.

FlexDoors’ smooth operation is backed up by an array of patented innovations developed by GM engineers. A safety system ensures the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk to the passengers. The Meriva Concept also features an automatic electronic child lock, which supplements the conventional mechanical system. The concept car also has B-pillars not only for independent opening but also for side-impact safety reasons.

The Meriva Concept’s design is distinguished by its attractive combination of practicality and spaciousness with very dynamic and cool styling. The concept car’s distinctive window line, arched roof, wide track and impressively sculpted body give a good indication of what is to be expected from future Opel/Vauxhall production monocabs.

“The Meriva Concept clearly illustrates how our new Opel/Vauxhall design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for the monocab segment,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, General Motors Europe. Especially eye-catching is the dynamic ‘wave’ of the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers. This also enabled designers to create a dynamic and unique silhouette and still provide good visibility for children in the rear. The body also boasts the distinctive “blade” bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers’ heads. Rear section elements – in particular the rear lights – echo the Insignia, Opel/Vauxhall’s new upper mid-size class car due to be unveiled in the summer. The monocab’s roof slopes gently downward towards the rear, underlining its dynamic character.

“The FlexDoors concept is a logical enhancement of our monocabs’ flexibility,” explains Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe. “With the Zafira’s Flex7® seating system and the Meriva’s FlexSpace concept, we took on a similar pioneering role in interior flexibility.”

Opel/Vauxhall is enjoying great success with its monocab designs: in 2007, almost 335,000 Zafira and Meriva models were sold. And with the new Agila, monocab experts Opel/Vauxhall now also offer an entry-level monocab in the mini-car segment. Every fifth Opel/Vauxhall model sold today is a monocab, while in the total market it is just every eighth car.

Opel Meriva Concept Official Images

The first official images of Opel’s forthcoming Meriva Concept made their way into various internet forums this morning giving us a full-blown view of the compact mnivan. The concept previews the next-generation Meriva and it features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides that open to a 90-degree angle. Weirdly enough –for a prototype that is, it retains the B-columns. As for the interior, the Meriva Concept’s cabin design looks like its two steps away from production. 

Geneva Preview: Opel Tigra TwinTop "Illusion" In Soft-Top Look

For some weird reason Opel believes that a number of buyers would like a hard-top convertible with the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio. While the new Tigra Illusion retains the the electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof, it is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas.

Customers can choose between a 1.4 (66 kW/90 hp) or 1.8-liter (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engine. Both come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.4 TWINPORT can also be ordered with an automated Easytronic five-speed manual gearbox. As with all Tigra TwinTops, the changeover from coupé to cabrio in the “Illusion” takes place at the touch of a button and requires about 18 seconds.

Officially Official: Opel Meriva Concept

Following a leakage on the net last Tuesday, Opel released five official images and yet another teaser press release containing initial information on its upcoming Meriva Concept that will debut at the Geneva Show next week. The compact minivan concept previews the second generation Meriva and possibly, a future Saturn model that could compete against the Honda Jazz. Apart from its more bold design language compared to the current generation Meriva, the concept also features rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car

Press Release:

Meriva Concept: Dynamic Design And Innovative FlexDoors System

-FlexDoors make monocabs more versatile, comfortable and safer

-Design: New level of dynamics and improved practicality

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Meriva Concept, due to be unveiled next week at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008), illustrates how the new Opel design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for this segment.

The Opel Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept’s front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.

The FlexDoors system also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof – just behind the B-pillars – is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. This architecture enabled designers to create a very dynamic and unique silhouette, with the arched roof line sloping down to the C-pillars.

Especially eye-catching is the dynamic “wave” in the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers, particularly for children. The body also boasts the distinctive ”blade” bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers’ heads – echoing the Astra GTC’s panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants.

Opel Vectra: New Spy Pictures Emerge

First of all let us give our props to Opel execs for allowing the next-generation Vectra designers to stay as close as possible to the Geneva Show GTC Concept. By doing this we have the impression that the new Vectra –and subsequently Saturn, will have one of the best looking mid-size sedans in the market. We just hope that its underpinnings prove an equal match to its spicy design in-and-out.

From what we’ve gathered, the Vectra will be based on GM’s all-new mid-size platform which will allow the use of a 4WD system for the very first time. The engine range will include a 1.6-Litre petrol motor (probably available in 150 and 180Hp guises), along with GM’s updated 280Hp 2.8-Liter V6 Turbo and 180Hp 1.9-Liter Turbo Diesel that were recently introduced in the revised Saab 9-3. There’s a slight chance that Opel will present the new Vectra in Frankfurt, but we’ll get back on you as soon as we confirm it with our insiders.