Tag: AutoPacific

At the 2009 NAIAS, GM announced that in 2011, a production version of the global Beat minicar and the Orlando seven-seater will both join the U.S. lineup. The Beat, due for a Geneva show production introduction, will be called Spark for production. In the photos that follow, the white vehicle is the Orlando and the green the Beat (eventually to be renamed Spark.)

Profitable or not, GM is bringing an international minicar to the States. While the Spark will reward drivers with terrific fuel economy, will the efficiency gains be enough to adapt to the small size?

The Orlando brings an internationally sized seven-seater to the States. Orlando, introduced as a concept at the 2008 Paris auto show, will focus on moving people more than stuff. Its box shape will provide maximum cargo room for [...]

GM’s 2009 Sunday press conference packed a powerful punch, with several production vehicles and a hint of what a Cadillac based on the Chevrolet Volt architecture might look like. Introduced by Bob Lutz himself, the Cadillac Converj is likely to see light of day as a production vehicle down the road, though Cadillac is also just as likely to find an alphanumeric name. Though Cadillac did not specify launch timing, a logical expectation would be that the vehicle arrive about 2013MY.
Aside from distinctive Cadillac styling, the Converj gave GM a chance to discuss the next stage for their Voltec system (the new corporate name for their range-extended electric vehicle powertrain archicture). The 161HP Converj is, like Volt, a front-drive application, though a two-door coupe with seating for four.

Perhaps the current concerns about fuel efficiency, the allure of an ultra-cool-sounding powertrain, and the [...]

Along with looking at new-century powertrain options, Chrysler LLC showed off ideas for connecting drivers to their cars and houses in the future. This trick interior was found inside the stunning 200C concept.
Though the primary purpose of vehicles remains getting us from point A to point B, we live in an increasingly connected world. The technology is available to have your smartphone replace these new-fangled smartkeys, find your car remotely, find out if your friends are in the areas, and even see traffic real-time by connecting to city intersection cameras.
All manufacturers are working with partners to see how quickly and how well we remain seamlessly connected to our jobs, families, fun, and obligations as we move from home to car to work or school to car to destinations and everywhere between. Follow the jump to get an idea of the solutions Chrysler is looking for.

What wasn’t easily found at this year’s CES was a lot of technology that merged the personal tech world with the auto tech world. By that, I mean integration of all the technology we walk around with into our vehicles.

Volvo’s mid-range sedan, the S60, shares a platform with the newly updated XC70 and V70 wagons, but the updated sedan won’t arrive until next year. In the meantime, Volvo is building anticipation with a wonderfully styled S60 Concept said to be very close to the production car, minus the concept’s crystal center stack.

More photos and a Volvo press release after the jump.

Maserati tries to put a positive spin on product at the Detroit show, enhancing the Quattroporte into the GT S. More power and luxury, the stuff of dreams.



Follow the jump for Maserati’s announcement.

Cadillac’s CTS expands the range. This car was formally introduced in Paris, and some attendees of the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance caught a look, but this is the first U.S. auto-show circuit showing. With the goodness of the CTS for a base, it should be no surprise that Cadillac has created a Euro-style, sexy-but-practical wagon.


Follow the jump for more photos and the full Cadillac press release.

Though the future of Saab is very uncertain at the moment, the company does continue to work on new products. While we wait to see when new cars like the 9-4X might arrive, Saab gives the 9-5 a last special edition (a new 9-5 is also under development). The Griffin edition gets a fresh face, rear spoiler, specific 17-inch wheels, and two-tone interior with special stitching and high-gloss trim. The special edition is being offered on the wagon and sedan 9-5.

Follow the jump for Saab’s official press release.

Buick introduces the latest LaCrosse in Detroit. The mid-size sedan segment is still the largest, and with a three-vehicle lineup, LaCrosse is critical to Buick success. The LaCrosse is also the first U.S. production Buick to have its exterior styling led by GM’s group in China. Don’t let the idea discourage you; this is a good-looking sedan. Buick also ups the ante with technology features (side assist and adaptive forward headlights among them) to the brand and a notably improved interior (designed in the States). There are new engines, as well as available all-wheel drive for some models. The new LaCrosse will go on sale later in 2009.


More photos and the full release follow the jump.

After Mazda’s Miata, BMW, Audi, and Porsche revived the roadster market. Arriving as a late 2009MY, the third generation BMW Z4 promises to be the sweetest yet. With a retractable hardtop and available 300HP 3.0L I6, I’m going to start saving my pennies now. Someday, Z4, someday…


More photos and BMW’s full release after the jump.