More Hyundai Genesis

More Hyundai Genesis photos have popped up on the internet. There want be much of a reveal when they introduce it to the public in January. I think this will be a winner for Hyundai. First sightings of the Genesis in testing were more than 2 years ago. Let's hope this long gestation produces an excellent car. I think the Genesis looks like a birth child of BMW and Infiniti. Not a bad choice for parents. Some critics and car lovers balk at the fact that there are little original lines on the Genesis. A trip back in time would reveal that Toyota's Lexus line introduced in 1990 took the same path to slowly siphon buyers away from Mercedes and BMW. The formula worked. I think a similar effect will happen over time with the Genesis--only this time, Hyundai is targeting Toyota/Lexus buyers.

Take a look at the photos and you decide. >>more photos

-A. Carter

Photos source: Autoblog

Cadillac CTS Coupe and Wagon

I've been reading rumors for a few months now that GM is planning a CTS Coupe and possibly a wagon for their hot seller the CTS. I think this would be an excellent addition to the CTS lineup. Yes, I am biased especially concerning the wagon, as I am a hatch/wagon fan. That said, I think there is a solid market for premium wagons, there's just a shortage of options available for those desiring a sporty sedan with a bit more storage space, yet not wanting to step up to a CUV or SUV.

The arrival of a coupe would be a great competitor for BMW 3-series coupe and inifiniti's G37. Cadillac hasn't had a coupe since it ended production of the Eldorado in 2002. What's next after this...I here there is a Cadillac CUV in the works. I can't wait.

-A. Carter

Autoblog Reports: Toyota Feeling The Threat of Hyundai

You know you've arrived when your competitors not only begin acknowledging that you exist, but actually see you as a threat. Hyundai got to enjoy this distinct pleasure today when Toyota's chairman Fujio Cho told a group of Korean journalists that it was a "strong enemy".

Not only has Hyundai completely transformed its image in North America from a slinger of bargain basement econo-boxes to a respected purveyor of reasonably priced, well built automobiles, but it's also going after emerging markets like China, Africa and the Middle East as hard as anyone else.

Plus, Toyota has directly felt the sting of Hyundai's success, having been forced to rub elbows with the brand at the top of many recent J.D. Power and Associates reports. Still, calling Hyundai a 'strong enemy' is a bit harsh, no? How about "worthy adversary" or "respected competitor"? Toyota really drives home the point that the business of selling cars is like war and that no 'enemy' should be underestimated.



Source: Autoblog via TradingMarkets.com

4 Things Ford Could Change To Move Way Forward!

It's no secret that Ford is not doing well at selling its cars lately. With the decline of pickup sales due to high gas prices, long in the tooth model refreshing, and quality issues that seem to repeatedly plague the manufacture, it's a wonder they still have hope that a bright light even exist at the end of the sales tunnel. The fact is, I believe Ford has forgotten how to design desirable vehicles for the American public.

Ford seems to be putting out models that would have look great 5 years ago, but are behind the design trends of its competitors. On top of that, it seems that the philosophy of "Jack the Nife" former president Jack Nasser still lives on in cost cutting. If you going to cut cost, don't do it with visible tactile pieces that are obvious to the most uninformed buyer.

GM figured it out 2 years ago that by capitalizing on its well designed cars from its foreign divisions it could turn itself around. Ford still can't seem to get its act together. Even more embarassing, is that other brands under its umbrella, Mazda and Volvo, to name a couple, are designing and engineering better cars. I don't understand what cloud its executives have their heads above.

I have compiled 4 things that Ford could change in design that would at least help point them in a new direction.

• C-pillar Quarter Windows: Delete those Quarter Windows in the C-pillar that you've
  tacked on almost every car design over the last 20 years.

• Slab-Sided Designs: More creative shillouets to the slab-sided 3-box designs of their recent cars: Taurus, Fusion, and MKX.

• Corporate Radio: I think this is one of the most telling piece of evidence that Ford is out of step with other mainstream automakers. Their corporate radio uses tiny buttons and a dated display instead of the more erogonmic and easy to use knobs that are the current trend. Also, don't use the same corporate radio in your entry-level cars as in your upmarket luxury brands.

• Modern Interiors: The title says it all.
  
  
  
  -A. Carter

2009 Hyundai Genesis Spotted!

New photos of Hyunda's flagship sedan, the Genesis were posted on TheHollywoodExtra, a great site by Vince Burlapp. Apparently, the car is being tested out in the open uncamoflauged in Korea.

Although the car looks good, albeit with styling cues from all the big luxury players, I am disappointed about the divergence from the prototypes front and rear styling.

It seems as if some of the crisp edges have been melted down a bit, taking a more japanese appeareance. My only concern is that many of cars it takes its styling cues from, are soon to be redesigned. I think they are better off sticking to the initial public unveiling earlier this year--that's the car we all were crazy about!

-A. Carter

Source: TheHollywoodExtra

A Wagon For Pontiac's G8

I was excited to hear a report from Autoblog that the new Pontiac G8 will be getting a new wagon a short while after the introduction of the G8 sedan. As a sport wagon fan and owner, I think this will be a good move for the Pontiac division. Soccer moms downgrading from mammoth SUVs all over the nation will now have an option to haul their kids and stuff in a sporty new package.

Also, reported was a sports truck edition too. The moves seems a little too niche market in my opinion. Nevertheless, it would bring folks into the dealership who are curious.

-A. Carter

Photo Source: Autoblog

Lincoln MKS Uncovered

Lincoln takes the wraps off its new flagship sedan the MKS. This couldn't have come at a better time for Ford as they are thin on products the public of late have found desireable.

The last successful sedan Lincoln had available was the LS which they literally let die on the vine. And of course the Navigator, which in it's chromed up retro redesign killed any remaining DNA from its previous iteration.

We'll talk more in a later post about Fords recent failed retro kick with Lincoln. My first instinct in seeing these photos were a resurrected design theme like the mid-nineties Lincoln Continental look in the bonnet! That's not a good thing.

I think Ford's (lincoln) designers are stuck in a one-note theme, from port windows, to tall ride heights, and a total lack of imagination in interior erogonomics. When does a car company say it's time to go in a new direction. I mean literally replacing its Chief of design!

Trying a mixture of designs from old to new will not move the public to find something genuine in this car. I don't smell a hit...but who knows my nose maybe clogged. Let's hope this new big sedan, based of Volvo's S80 platform will point Lincoln in the right direction.

-A. Carter

Photo source: Autoblog

2009 Nissan Murano Appears

The current Murrano has aged well among its other CUV competitors. Nissan's latest iteration is safe, but a good step forward as to not offend Murrano lovers. The nose is a radical departure from the original, some call jack-o-lantern, face of the old model. This new face is going to take some getting use to. Have no fear, the interior update looks to be of high quality with a new recently popular instrumentation layout. Check out the photos to see the full unveiling at the LA Auto show.

-A. Carter

Chrysler Axes Four Models

If you haven't heard the news, last week Chrysler put the death blow on four of its slowest selling models. The Pacifica, PT Cruiser Convertible, Magnum, and the Crossfire which will end their production sometime next year.

I agree with most of their cuts except for the Pacifica. I've always like this big family CUV. I had a chance to drive one a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it. The overall minivan look never took off with a large group of customers, nor the sluggish 3.5 liter V6, which now is 4.0 liters. The Pacifica had a better interior than any of Chrysler's recent cars or trucks.

Chrysler could stand to add a few more cars to the chopping block, like the Jeep Compass, Dodge Durango, and Serbring and convertible. The Compass is just a softer designed Jeep Patriot, I can't remember the last time I saw a new Dodge Durango or the piecemeal, disjointedly designed Serbring.

Althogether, I think this is a good move in the right direction. Hopefully, Chrysler can turn itself around before the axe falls on the whole company.

-A. Carter

Autoblog Post 2009 Hyundai Tiburon

It's great to finally see the Tiburon that I've been hearing so much about over the past few months. Hyundai's new Genesis platform is underpinning the sleek new skin. From the start you see Infiniti G37 styling ques in the rear and overall all shape. Is Hyundai looking to take the Tiburon a little more upmarket?

Autoblog reports that Hyundai wants to go up against Ford's Mustang. Though, I'm not sure if customers shopping for a Mustang are the same one looking at the Tiburon. I envision this coupe more in line with Nissans Altima Coupe or Honda's Accord Coupe. And from prelimenary reports the new Tiburon want be lacking in the engine department, offering a 2.0L turbo producing 215HP and 217 ft-lbs of torque, or a 3.8LV6 with 300HP and 280 ft-lbs. That easily would out do any of it's competitors base and optional engines.
-A. Carter

Kia's New Borrego: Too late to the party?

Kia has finalized the name for its new large SUV now called the Borrego which previously was the Mesa. Personally, I liked the name Mesa better. As you can see from the image, Kia's design is very nondescript.

The Borrego looks like it could be any SUV from a number of automakers. A Bland any brand look seems to be what the designers were looking to Achieve—they succeeded triumphantly.

I find it strange, given the rising gas prices here in America, that Kia would choose now to introduce a big body on frame SUV. Added, the market is already saturated with other brands, and crossover vehicles are steadily eroding sales from full-size vehicles and minivans.

Nevertheless, the Borrego's entry rounds out their offering with a larger hauler above the Sorrento.
I curious to see what people will think of the Borrego.

-A. Carter

2008 Pontiac Vibe

Pontiac introduced its all new 2009 Vibe today. Essentially this is a twin of the Toyota Matrix with just cosmetic changes to separate the two. The interior is identical to the Matix. The exterior has a chiseled appearance giving it a more aggressive look than its twin.

The last Vibe sold decently for Pontiac and I have no doubt that this new design will do the same. One very welcomed addition is the new 2.4 liter 4-cylinder to give it more punch on the road. Vibe loyalist will keep this car alive and only greater solidify the emerging lineup at Pontiac.
- A. Carter

Autoblog Breaks 2009 Lincoln MKS!

Autoblog recently posted snap shots of Fords new Lincoln MKS sedan being used in a new Hollywood movie. From what I can tell, the lines look clean and the shape is modern. I particular see a little Masarati Quattroporte in the MKS rear design and taillights.

I have not seen interior shots to gage whether it fits with the new slick shape. I am hoping this sedan will be one of a first to turnaround Fords fortune or misfortune in the auto business. Along with Chrysler, Ford struggles to design cars that the public would consider buying.

In an upcoming review, I'll outline at least 4 design practices that I think pigeon holds Ford and is indicative of how their understanding of current auto design trends and the shifting expectations of American buyers has not effective penertrated the minds of its designers and management. Until we can see the complete package, interior and all, judgement is tabled.
-A. Carter

Americans Too Fat for Disneyland Rides?

It seems that Americans are becoming fatty boom booms. In an article posted on Wired's blog, American's increasing rotundity are causing cute little Disneyland boats to loose their float. Literally running aground in the water. What's your take?

-A. Carter

If there's a sadder commentary on the state of American society, we can't think of it -- we've grown so fat we sink the boats of It's A Small World.

According to Miceage.com, the boats routinely bottom out under the weight of super-sized riders, bringing the popular ride to a grinding -- literally -- halt. That's increased the wear and tear on the fiberglass boats, which have been in use since the ride opened during the 1964 World's Fair, when Americans, on average, weighed 25 pounds less than we do today.

It's a big problem. Other rides, including the drop in the Pirates of the Caribbean, face the same problem, Miceage says, but nowhere is it more of headache than It's a Small World.

The ride features several twists and bends where overloaded boats easily bog down, including the "S" bend through the Scandanavian room.

Employees -- Disney calls them "cast members" -- have been aware of the issue for some time now and so discretely leave empty seats in boats carrying heavy riders. But backups persist, and in some cases no one realzes there's a problem until boats stop emerging from the ride.

Disneyland is putting the ride in drydock for 10 months to make it ship-shape again. The boats will be replaced with more buoyant models, and the new flume will be one inch deeper. Work will begin in January.

Source: Wired Blog via Miceage

The Next Elantra 5-Door?

Last week at the SEMA show, Hyundai displayed a tricked out 5-door known as the i30 else where in the world. A safe bet would be that this is the next Elantra wagon. It's unclear though whether we will get the wagon or the much sportier looking 5-door. Hopefully, along with the introduction of this new wagon will come an update to the current dowdy looking corolla-esque front. The current Elantra has one of the nicer interiors of its competitors with high-quality materials and good instrument layout. This new wagon would be a welcomed edition to the already great hyundai lineup. Now if Hyundai can manage to squeeze a bit more horsepower under the hood with its 2.4 liter 4-cylinder or even better a turbo 4 rumored to be available in the upcoming Tiburon.

-A. Carter

2009 Corolla: Another Misstep By Toyota?

When Toyota pulled the wraps off it's new 2009 Toyota Corolla at SEMA this week, I was very underwhelmed. Considering that I had heard earlier reports that Toyota, after the launch of Honda's new 2006 Civic, had gone back to drawing board to spice up its world seller the almighty Corolla.

This weeks reveal looked as if it was nothing more than a face and buttocks lift with a freshend interior. Has Toyota gotten so comfortable with their star status as the second largest automaker in the world that they think doing a little nip and tuck on an old face is good enough keep their appeal to the ecomomy minded buyer?

To me this is just another misstep in recent design and quality issues Toyota has begun to face. Getting bigger comes with some hurdles in keeping designs fresh and maintaining quality. Although this does seem to follow the latest trend of automakers choosing conservative redesigns that look more like mid-life updates.

Some of Toyota's recent designs, the RAV4, Scions, and the new Land Cruiser, to name a few, seem to be overstyled and bulburous--something you would find in a Hyundai five or so years ago. And when it comes to the Corolla a staple in transportation throughout the world, we get an ultra conservative, slightly new edition of a lack luster car.

Only time will tell if this new Corolla can live up to its past world sells status. Consumers no longer except bland design and performance in economy cars. With great offers like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Hyundai's latest offerings, well customers give it a thumbs up or down?

-A. Carter

2009 Hyundai Sonata

It's no secret among my circle of friends that I am a big Hyundai fan. I've always been one to root for the underdog and have enjoyed seeing this once fledgling car company slowly become a powerhouse player for world dominance--car wise, in the minds of customers.

It all began when I purchased my first new Hyundai, a 1993 turbo scoupe, as my first new car. Then Hyundai was just beginning to develop its own engines, the 1.5 liter alpha engine, and begin decreasing its reliance on Mitshubshi powerplants.

What a difference a decade or more can make in a car companies design, quality, and preception in the minds of American customers. Quite a difference, if you take a look at Hyundai's new 2009 Sonata with a mild refreshing of its hit mid-size sedan. Mild it my be, but its just enough to keep the buying momentum on the boil.

You first notice the new chrome grill and bumper accents that brighten up the front-end styling giving it a bit more upscale appeal like its big brother the Azera. In addition, larger headlamps with clear lenses provide an added fresh look to the front. The overall all look is a heavier front appearance than on the current Sonota. I'll be curious to see how the lines flow in person.








- A. Carter

2008 Chevy Malibu

Since the introduction of the 2008 Cadillac CTS I haven't been this excited about a new GM car in a while. The new Chevy Malibu is soon to hit the streets and I have a good feeling about the latest rendition of Chevy's new family sedan.

The general is hoping the new Malibu among other yet to be released new designs will wash clean the old ideas we Americans have about their past products. GM even acknowledges their forgettable previous offerings in its new Chevy Malibu commerical now airing nationwide.

I must say, after seeing this fresh perspective on what an American car can be, I am starting to forget the old conservatively bland Malibu they currently offer.

The first thing you notice about the new Malibu is its upscale appearance of a car costing thousands more than it actual does. When I first looked at the released photos, I immediately noticed Acuraesque design elements in the B-pillars.

In addition to the clean side profile, the rear has a wide stance giving it a tide to the road look that is clean and German-like.Of course there is nothing groundbreaking here, but when you consider the Mablibu designs of the past it is breaking new ground in that respect. Added touches of chrome round-out the bright work that gives a clean sport appearance.

Up front you are met with a large split grill, which seems to be a common design trend among many automakers today. I believe Chevy is adopting this as the look of the future for all Chevys. Overall, I am impressed. Now if they can assemble this new gem together well, I think we'll have a winner.

-A. Carter