Via Motors promises three EV debuts in Detroit

Via Motors will descend on the 2013 Detroit Auto Show with three new full-size electric vehicles. Company spokesperson Bob Lutz will pull the sheets back on each of the extended-range EVs personally, including an 800-horsepower, four-wheel-drive pickup truck, a luxury four-wheel-drive SUV and what VIA is calling the world's first 12-passenger extended-range electric van. Given the company's previous efforts, it's a good bet each of the new products will be based on General Motors platforms.

As you may recall, Via hopes to reduce fuel consumption by focusing on popular vehicles that use the most gasoline, including full-size trucks, vans and SUVs. A year ago, Bob Lutz joined the company in a spokesperson role, and has since showed up on Jay Leno's Garage to show off the company's wares. You can check out the full press release below for more information.
Via: Via Motors promises three EV debuts in Detroit

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Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a fun truck for all ages, and not just when it comes to blasting over rough terrain at high speeds. Ford says that its off-road performance truck has performed just as well on the shelves of stores as it does on real-world trails with the truck being used as the inspiration for everything from kids toys to video games.

For proof of this, we have to look no further than the Raptor Power Wheels from Fisher-Price or the Traxxas Raptor remote-controlled truck. The Raptor has even started showing up in video games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Ford says that it is one of the most popular downloads in Forza Motorsport 4. This isn't just an American phenomena either. The life-sized Raptor might be commanding a 300-percent markup in China's grey market, but Raptor toys are also popular in the country, as well as in Japan, Germany and Brazil.

Scroll down for more info about toy versions of the Raptor.
Via: Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing

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Why the 38-mpg 2014 Mazda6 is on dealer lots, but you can't drive it

If you stop by your local Mazda dealer this month, with any luck, you'll see the much-anticipated 2014 Mazda6 parked in the showroom there are already a few hundred of them out there. That's quite an accomplishment in light of the fact that it isn't even calendar year 2013. The move is part of a strategic decision by the Japanese automaker, which is hoping to capitalize on holiday showroom traffic. (The last five days of the year are typically among the busiest dealer days all year).

If you happen to spy the rakish sedan, you may notice something missing a window sticker. That's because Mazda (like other automakers) can't legally display the Monroney on a 2014 model year vehicle until January 1, 2013. According to Autoblog sources, Mazda dealers are legally prohibited from letting you test drive until the start of 2013, so it's more of a sneak preview than anything else. Even so, we reckon shoppers will be impressed when they finally get a look at those window stickers Mazda hasn't announced fuel economy figures yet, but Autoblog has learned that the 2014 model will carry a pair of impressive numbers: EPA estimates of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway using regular gas.

Mazda dealers are legally prohibited from letting you test drive until the start of 2013, so it's more of a sneak preview than anything else.

Those figures mirror that of the CVT-equipped 2013 Nissan Altima, but with a bit more power the document cites figures of 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter Skyactiv four cylinder figures that are down slightly from the 189 hp and 189 lb-ft overseas example we drove in October. Unlike the Nissan and many of its competitors, the engine can be paired with the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic. Other key rivals, including the Honda Accord, Kia Optima and Toyota Camry fall short of the Mazda's economy numbers, though the Kia does offer a bit more power at 200 hp/186 lb-ft.

The 2014 Mazda6 fuel economy figures come courtesy of a "Display Vehicle Playbook" dealer document obtained by Autoblog from an anonymous source. A word of advice don't bother trying to cajole your local salesman into an early sale or test drive. Those same dealer materials spell out in no uncertain terms that "there are SIGNIFICANT financial penalties that may be incurred should the vehicle be operated or driven prior to final invoice." Final invoices will be issued by Mazda district managers just before the car goes on sale January 2.

Unlike its rivals, however, the Mazda6 will only launch with one engine there is no uplevel V6 or turbocharged gas I4 in the cards. However, Mazda has already confirmed a 2.2-liter Skyactiv turbodiesel powerplant, which is mentioned in the document as having "late 2013 availability." No fuel economy or power estimates are provided.

Company officials have confirmed to Autoblog that its dealers still have a substantial inventory of 2013 Mazda6 models on lots around 7,000 units, or about a 100-day supply. With the much more advanced new model already on many lots set to carry similar pricing selling through the outgoing model is likely to be a challenge met only with substantial incentives.
Via: Why the 38-mpg 2014 Mazda6 is on dealer lots, but you can't drive it

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Nissan sells 4-millionth Altima in US, sets new sales record

Nissan is reporting that the four-millionth Altima has been sold, marking an impressive milestone for the model that has been around since 1992. Altima number four million was also a party to the best single year of sales ever for the nameplate Nissan broke its 2007 record of 284,762 Altimas sold.

The automaker is using the occasion of the record-breaking Altima to crow a little bit about the impressive stats for the 2013 car, as well. Nissan says that both transaction price and residuals are trending upward compared with Altimas past, and that 25 percent of those that have purchased the 2013 car traded in a Toyota or a Honda to do so.

Certainly the strong Altima sales have helped Nissan's fortunes as a whole, too. By our own reporting the maker's sales were up by nearly 10 percent, year-over-year, in November.
Via: Nissan sells 4-millionth Altima in US, sets new sales record

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BMW i3 continues to shed camo as it whirs silently toward production

While BMW was parading around its high-concept i3 Coupe at the LA Auto Show this year, the engineers and test drivers have been hard at work honing the real deal on the mean streets of, well, someplace European.

This is the same basic tester that we've seen in previous sets of spied images, though showing a bit more skin than in past outings. BMW has removed some of the obfuscating fake body panels from the i3, giving us a clearer view of the small car's taught and rather complex surfacing. Further, we've got a much better idea of what the production car's "face" will look like now, as the headlights have been somewhat less completely taped over, showing us the swept shape of the lenses.

The vehicle seen here is reportedly the range-extended Hybrid, rather than the pure EV. This car supposedly has a 600cc two-cylinder engine to sooth driver's minds on long trips, and improve on the electric car's presumed 100-mile range.
Via: BMW i3 continues to shed camo as it whirs silently toward production

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Volkswagen headed back to Super Bowl with new ad [w/videos]

Volkswagen has proven that it can make a big splash among the high-dollar Super Bowl ad blitz. In the 2011 edition of the Big Game, the German automaker debuted The Force spot, which was widely popular, arguably maintaining its significance even after the 2012 Super Bowl spots aired. Recognizing the popularity of that ad and capitalizing upon it, VW unveiled The Bark Side.

According to VW, its ad campaign pulled huge numbers, with more than 55 million online views for The Force, and said helped contributed towards VW's 35 percent year-to-date sales increase. Volkswagen sees this year's Super Bowl as another chance to make gains in the American automotive marketplace. To that end, it is returning a fresh new ad. While no details were given as to the content of the ad, the Star Wars-inspired ads will be a hard act to follow. Check out the previous VW Super Bowl ads below and let us know if you think VW will go the Star Wars route again in the comments below.
Via: Volkswagen headed back to Super Bowl with new ad [w/videos]

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Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts

The Detroit Free Press reports electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt aren't maintaining the same residual values as their internal combustion counterparts.

Kelly Blue Book says the 2012 Nissan Leaf will hold around 20 percent of its value after five years while the Nissan Sentra will retain around 30 percent of its value. KBB predicts the Volt, meanwhile, will be worth 30 percent of its MSRP after the same amount of time, which is a full eight percent less than the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. On average, a used car is expected to hold 36.6 percent of its value after five years, according to ALG.

Of course, those figures shift a bit when the $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs is taken into account. Since the cash lowers the new-car price for the Leaf and the Volt, the credit can actually make the vehicles worth less as a used car on a percentage of original value basis.
Via: Residual prices of used electric cars lag behind their gas counterparts

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2014 Mazda6 to start at $20,880*

We got our very first taste of the impressive 2014 Mazda6 back in October, and had more than a few good things to say about the midsizer. One piece of information that was conspicuous by its absence, however, was a sticker price.

Now, with zero pomp and circumstance (not even a press release as of this writing), Mazda has dropped what looks to be official pricing for the 6 on its consumer website.

$20,880 is the asking price for the base Mazda6 Sport with a manual transmission (plus $795 worth of destination charges, for a total of $21,675). Alaska residents will need to cough up $840 for destination. The loaded-up Mazda6 Grand Touring shown on the site will set you back a total of $30,290 (MSRP of $29,495), but it isn't clear if that's the starting price of the Grand Touring trim. Mazda is taking orders for the new 6 right now, and the cars will be available on January 2, 2013.

By way of comparison, the current 2013 model year Mazda6 starts at just $155 less than the new car, with an MSRP of $20,725 (before destination charges) for the base model. Interestingly, the outgoing top-of-the line Grand Touring trim is actually more expensive than the MY14 car on the site, with a sticker of $29,990 to start. We imagine that incentives on leftover 2013 models will start flowing pretty quickly, bringing down their prices quite a bit, but all of this still points to a rocking value proposition for Mazda's newest model.
Via: 2014 Mazda6 to start at $20,880*

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Cadillac teases production ELR ahead of Detroit Auto Show

General Motors has just confirmed that the 2014 Cadillac ELR will make its official debut next month at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. We've already seen the ELR testing earlier this year using the same range-extended electric drive system as the Chevrolet Volt, and based on the shadowy image above, we're happy to see that the coupe's styling has stayed pretty true to 2009 Converj Concept.

The two-door ELR will be built alongside the Volt at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant starting later next year. Aside from this info, Cadillac has remained tight-lipped on the specific details of the car. But all that will all change on January 15.

Until then, all we have to offer you is the press release posted after the jump.
Via: Cadillac teases production ELR ahead of Detroit Auto Show

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Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0

Our friends at Wired recently got their hands on the latest software release for the Tesla Model S. The 4.0 release adds a few interesting bits of functionality to the EV, including voice control for the navigation and telephone systems as well as Slacker Radio. Tesla employed Google voice-recognition software for the Model S, and Wired says the system is "far easier and more intuitive than most." High praise.

The update also adds another level of customization to the EV's steering wheel controls. The right knob now offers finer audio volume control while the left knob can be configured to handle everything from temperature setting to fan speed or even the opening and closing of the sunroof.

Wired also reports the 17-inch touch screen on the Model S now seems more responsive and that the update includes new graphical displays for the vehicle's range. Other nice tricks include revised throttle response and an adjustment to the vehicle's door handles now owners need only approach their Model S for the door handles to pop out from their hiding places. You can check out the video below for a closer look.
Via: Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0

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How Carfax has cornered the market on car history reports

Ever wonder why Carfax seems to be the only company you ever hear about that offers vehicle history reports?

According to an Automotive News report, Carfax has created undeniable brand cachet, and it has also arranged some deals that make it difficult for the competition to gain footing. Marketing agreements, inked with sites like AutoTrader.com and Cars.com, mean that dealers who would like to advertise on these sites are forced to use Carfax instead of less expensive competitors. AutoCheck, from Experian Automotive Inc, provides a similar service, and Cars.com allows for the use of AutoCheck, causing a battle between it and Carfax. At the moment, Carfax has roughly 32,000 dealers, compared to AutoCheck's 12,000.

Those dealers using Carfax are paying much more than those using AutoCheck. Pressure from clever ad campaigns and slogans like "Show me the Carfax," lead customers to think that Carfax offers the only legitimate vehicle history report available. That said, other dealers contend that Carfax has far more comprehensive reports, and favorable in-dealership support.

According to Automotive News, there are ten vehicle history report providers, including Carfax and AutoCheck, but in a market where the only competition is a near-unknown, Carfax can afford to do business like it is the only show in town.
Via: How Carfax has cornered the market on car history reports

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Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar

Word has it Audi is hard at work on a new diesel-electric supercar. Auto Express reports Wolfgang Durheimer, head of technical development for the company, is planning a road vehicle that will make the most of the lessons learned from the automaker's 24 Hours of Le Mans efforts. Durheimer says the supercar will be very different from the current R8 and will offer buyers state-of-the-art technology. Specifically, the as-yet-unnamed model will be able to best the current McLaren P1 around a race track. Details are, of course, scarce, though the company's recent past could point to what we can expect to see from such a machine.

The Audi R8 TDI LeMans Concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show promised the world an R8 with a V12 TDI diesel behind the front seats. With 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the machine would undoubtedly have been a blast to drive, but Audi shuttered any thought of a production model a year later. Odds are a modern interpretation of that machine would feature a smaller displacement diesel engine paired with a hybrid system for additional thrust.
Via: Audi boss talks about possible diesel-electric LeMans-inspired supercar

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Subaru axes WRX and STI in UK

Auto Express reports Subaru will stop selling the Impreza, WRX and WRX STI in the UK starting next year. A spokesperson with the company said Subaru has been evaluating the Impreza and its performance in the UK for the past year and has finally decided to pull the plug. That means all of the model's performance iterations will also drop off of dealer lots, including the WRX and the STI. The unnamed spokesperson said Subaru UK currently has no plans to to bring more stock of either model once the current supply sells out. That means buyers in the UK have until around early summer 2013 to get their hands on an STI.

The move comes in response to slow demand, which has trickled off in the face of competition that best the machine in terms of refinement, performance and emissions. Moving forward, the automaker says it will focus its sales efforts on models like the XV Crosstrek, Forester and Outback, as well as the company's new BRZ sports coupe.
Via: Subaru axes WRX and STI in UK

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BMW i3 video wants to help you make more sense of the Coupe Concept

For those still trying to figure out what the BMW i3 Coupe Concept is about, the Munich brand has provided an explanation in moving pictures, as well as a much better look at the interior. The result of 40 years of tinkering with electric cars, the production version of the i3 Coupe Concept will be the public's first taste of BMW's i brand and a prelude to the i8.

Word is that it will go on sale next year and, if it sticks close to the concept, should offer something like 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque being pushed to the rear wheels. That should get the high-sided hatch from zero to 60 kilometers not miles per hour in four seconds. For the rest of the skinny, have a watch of the video below.
Via: BMW i3 video wants to help you make more sense of the Coupe Concept

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Indianapolis plans for all-EV, hybrid fleet

Indianapolis is moving to replace its entire vehicle fleet with electric and plug-in hybrid options. The Detroit News reports mayor Greg Ballard signed an executive order this week that will see Indianapolis replace its sedans with EVs.

Over time, the municipality will work in natural gas-powered snow plows, fire trucks and other heavy equipment in a bid to wean Indianapolis off foreign energy sources. Ballard's plan includes police vehicles, which could save tax payers around $10 million per year in fuel, though the city also maintains a fleet of 500 non-law-enforcement cars. So far, there's no estimation on how much the initial changeover will cost.

Right now, Indianapolis is working with automakers and fleet firms to come up with the best deal for the EV fleet purchase. The area already boasts 200 EV charging stations and plans to install more locations soon. Expect to see the entirety of the Indianapolis fleet switch over to hybrid and electric propulsion by 2025.
Via: Indianapolis plans for all-EV, hybrid fleet

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Pics Aplenty: Meet the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra [w/poll]

Today was a pretty big day for General Motors, debuting the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks ahead of their official showcase at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. And now that the dust has settled at GM's big reveal event, we've had a chance to snap dozens of photos of the new pickup pair from every angle.

We already told you the important bits earlier today (click here in case you missed it), but let's recap. Under the hood are three new engines a 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 (you know, a version of the small-block that'll also be found under the hood of the C7 Corvette), all mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The 2014 model year marks the return of the Z71 off-road package with Rancho shocks, front tow hooks and beefier underbody protection. Inside, there's a host of new technology and a greater focus on better quality and refinement.

Some of the nitty-gritty specifics (like engine output numbers and fuel economy) have yet to be revealed, and since we haven't driven the finished products yet, it's hard to say how these trucks will fare against rivals like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. For now, we can only judge these two books by their covers, and while we do like the designs of the new trucks, we Autoblog staffers are torn on exactly which one looks best.

That's where you come into play. Click through the attached high-res image galleries of live photos and let us know in the poll below which truck you think looks the best. Feel free to explain your reasoning in the Comments, as well.



Via: Pics Aplenty: Meet the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra [w/poll]

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Tesla Model S is emissions-free burnout machine after pulling fuses

Add one more feather to the proverbial cap of the Tesla Model S. Road & Track West Coast Editor Jason Cammisa figured out how to make the electric luxury sedan extra frisky and then set about nuking the rear tires with electric-motor torque.

"Holy hell there's a lot of torque here," Cammisa wrote in his notes after pulling a fuse that took the ABS, stability control and traction control offline. That fuse also took out the speedometer and air suspension no big deal but power steering and brake assist went out, too, making hooning a parking-lot-only affair.

The best part is that they shot a video to accompany the hijinks, so you can see for yourself how the Model S does. If you want to try it for yourself, just be careful.

"There's no rev-limiter to contend with," notes Cammisa, and that means "you'll be spinning tire up to the car's 132-mph top speed." That makes the Model S capable of blowing tires very effectively. The upside to disabling the assistance systems is that the raw dynamics of the car show through, and Cammisa reports that the underlying car is very good, indeed. You've waited long enough, scroll down for the video.
Via: Tesla Model S is emissions-free burnout machine after pulling fuses

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2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra debut all-new designs, three new engines

General Motors has finally dropped the curtain on the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra. Both trucks have undergone substantial revisions with updated versions of the company's 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 engines. In a shot across the bows of both Ford and Chrysler, GM says it won't use a V6 engine adapted from passenger car applications. Instead, it developed the 4.3-liter engine based on its proven truck-duty architecture.

All three mills will boast direct injection fuel systems as well as a new cylinder head design. Combined with a revised piston, the new engines feature a smaller combustion chamber with a compression ratio of 11:1 or higher depending on the application. Cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing are all part of the recipe, and each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with auto grade breaking. So far, no fuel economy or horsepower figures have been released, though GM says the new engines will best their predecessors in both areas.

Outside, the trucks feature a number of enhancements to reduce drag and wind noise, and GM claims both the Silverado and Sierra will offer buyers some of the quietest cabins in the class. Extended cab models now feature front-hinged rear doors to allow easier access to the back passenger area, and Crew Cab buyers can now select between a five-foot, eight-inch bed or a six-foot, six-inch bed. Buyers with a mind toward going off road will also rejoice in the return of the Z71 package, complete with Rancho shocks, front tow hooks and additional under-body protection.

Indoors, both trucks now boast completely new interiors with a focus on soft-touch materials. Drivers are now met with a gauge cluster that features a 4.2-inch color information display, and the new trucks can be had with up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and one SD card slot. The option sheet also features the IntelliLink connectivity system, displayed through a high-definition eight-inch color touchscreen interface.

In addition, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will be available with safety add-ons like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and the Driver Alert Seat, which we first saw on the Cadillac XTS. Check out the full press releases below for more information.
Via: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra debut all-new designs, three new engines

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2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel [w/video]

Not so long ago, our Michael Harley drove the Porsche Cayenne Diesel up in flannel-lovin' Alaska, and he returned home safely from that expedition pretty well convinced that Porsche knows how to create a really heavy, mountain-topping 4x4. In fact, since the test for the first generation of the Cayenne Diesel back in 2008, it's been clear: The diesel version of the Spice Islands Porsche is among its very best.

I'm not taking away from the spectacularity of the latest Turbo S or GTS Cayennes, but when it comes to traditional 4x4 duties, a gnarly turbodiesel's progressive power delivery and spitting torque make for great satisfaction. And a 4.2-liter biturbo V8 diesel is just bound to do something right for you. Cue this drive of the Cayenne S Diesel.

Over the standard Cayenne Diesel, the S's horsepower is up by 137, torque is up by 221 pound-feet, and straight-line oil-burning acceleration to 60 miles per hour requires just 5.6 seconds, maybe less. For this additional chutzpah, you'd be staring at a window sticker with a starting price of around $71,500, or just over 25-percent more than seen on the monroney for the S-less Cayenne Diesel Michael left in Alaska.

If, that is, the Cayenne S Diesel was destined for the US, which it sadly is not.

Driving Notes

• Whether you really like or really hate the Cayenne, I have to say that since the first-generation packaging got itself fully sorted around 2006, this interior is about the most robust and finely crafted cabin in the automotive business. Not a flabby or overstuffed anything in sight, though; it's all muscle with an undeniable sense of premium quality.
• Check out the exhaust tips to hear the voice of the Cayenne S Diesel. As one Cayenne team member asked us, "It's not at all like a diesel, is it?" And it's almost entirely true that there's almost no hint of a diesel mill under the hood. Blipping the throttle and accelerating hard stresses this point even further. Pretty impressive (see video).
• Whereas for the most part the exterior still gives me troubles, from certain angles, this thing looks pretty incredible. The front three-quarter view is the best angle on the Cayenne, while I feel the rear three-quarter could also be as great if it weren't for the taillight design on this generation.
• The 377 horsepower peaking at 3,750 rpm is impressive, but it's the towering 627 pound-feet of torque punching things forward between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm (almost all of it available from 1,650 rpm) that can separate my retinas.
• A 4,400-rpm redline is a reality on this 4.2-liter V8 biturbo diesel. That rev limit is no limitation at all, though, as far as holding the throttle in a given gear for a long time.
• The eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission's action and the Porsche Traction Management chassis has reached near perfection here. The half-step gears here help smooth things while also improving fuel efficiency for cruising.
• Despite this storm of energy and the vehicle's 5,005-pound curb weight, this SUV can easily return an average of 25 miles per gallon.
• The performance figures for this Cayenne S Diesel are well beyond the thrills experienced in the already good V6 diesel. Punching the throttle is simply vicious in the midrange.
• Recommended braked towing weight remains 7,700 pounds. It feels like the Cayenne S Diesel would prefer five passengers and about 12,000 pounds to tow. Uphill.
• European deliveries of this exceptional tank begin before the end of the year. Russia is foreseen as a huge market. What a surprise.

Via: 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel [w/video]

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Coda Automotive undergoes "massive layoffs" *UPDATE

Plug In Cars is reporting that there have been "massive layoffs" at California electric vehicle startup Coda Automotive. Apparently, more than 50 employees, "including a substantial part of its sales and marketing staff," were let go according to an anonymous source. The source said the situation was a "real mess," and that, "They just cut everybody they possibly could."

That things have come to this is perhaps not exactly a surprise. Sales have been slow not even 100 units of the company's $37,250 all-electric sedan have been sold since it went on sale in March, then there was a safety recall and reviews haven't been kind. Last week, the vehicle scored just two stars in frontal crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We have reached out to Coda to confirm Plug In Cars' report, but have yet to hear back.

*UPDATE: Coda sent us this statement, from Forrest Beanum, SVP of Government Relations & External Affairs:

CODA has released approximately 50 employees or 15% of our workforce across all functions to streamline our operations and right-size the Company. The Company is taking this action to better position our business going forward. We remain committed to the continued development and distribution of our products. The quality and safety of our products is of paramount importance. CODA vehicles meet all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and achieved an overall 4-star rating in National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing.

Via: Coda Automotive undergoes "massive layoffs" *UPDATE

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The List 0004: Conquer the Rubicon Trail

Throughout the course of the year, we've had Jessi and Patrick check off some big items on our list of 1,001 Car Things To Do Before You Die things like lap the Nrbugring, drive over 200 miles per hour and race in the Baja 1000. But one item has been conspicuously absent: conquering the Rubicon Trail.

The ultimate test for off-roaders, the Rubicon Trail is a storied path over terrain that's practically inaccessible by 99.99 percent of production vehicles. Jeep, however, prides itself on selling products designed to traverse this granddaddy of off-road trails, and there are none so capable in its showroom as the Wrangler.

Jeep was kind enough to lend us a shiny, new Wrangler for this challenge, knowing full well it would not be returned unmolested, and to aid our intrepid hosts in their quest, we paired them with organizers of the famed Jeepers Jamboree, who were headed deep into Rubcon Springs for their annual bash. Unfortunately, the weekend turned somber with a reminder of just how dangerous off-roading can be, which in turn made Jessi and Patrick's exit from this adventure more dramatic than they had planned.

Watch Jessi and Patrick tackle the Rubicon Trail below, and if you've got an idea for The List, submit it by clicking the "Your List" link below.



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Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.
Via: The List 0004: Conquer the Rubicon Trail

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Ford publishes its first Trend Report, highlights trust

Automobiles are a long-lead business. It takes years to get a car to market, and because of that, carmakers need a crystal ball to gaze into, lest the sands of consumer desire shift out from under their feet. Ford has just released its 2013 Trend report, and the word from Dearborn is that things are looking up for 2013.

According to Ford, we're collectively coming out of a crisis-induced haze of negativism and entering a new phase of self-reliant trust in ourselves and each other while still remaining skeptical of big institutions. It's kind of like Ford is saying, "Hey, we're glad you're over it... oh, and by the way, it wasn't our fault. Buy our cars."

Ford's report notes that people want brands they think care about them, deliver good value and honest dealing. If they don't get what they want, consumers will call out corporations via newly powerful social media channels and consumer action. Ford says it's not that customers expect perfection all the time, but trusted brands react with grace and candor when there is a problem, solving it swiftly and helping to reinforce that sense of connection and authenticity that Ford says we all want. That should be helpful as Ford grapples with recent recalls.

There's more in the report, most of which sounds like Ford took a survey course in 2012 customers. Even so, these forehead-smackingly-obvious revelations might actually educate the insulated and out-of-touch about the zeitgeist of the nation. Or not. Check out the report yourself (in PDF) here.
Via: Ford publishes its first Trend Report, highlights trust

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Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump

The European financial crisis has claimed another victim, as Opel has stated that it is going to close its Bochum, Germany facility. The closure is set to occur in 2016, when the current Opel Zafira minivan ends its production run. According to Automotive News Europe, parent company General Motors is looking to minimize the impact to the 3,300-strong workforce by adapting the plant to focus on component and distribution efforts.

According to the report, GM believes the economy in Europe will not recover until 2014, and that this move was unavoidable. GM expects losses of between $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion from its Opel and Vauxhall brands in Europe. To try and stem the hemorrhaging, Opel is forced to lay off 2,600 employees, resulting in a $300 million spending cut. Another $500 million in cost cutting is excepted between from to 2013, through 2015 as part of a plan called Drive Opel 2022. The decade-long plan is rooted in cost-cutting, reorganization, and re-focusing products and marketing. As part of this plan, Opel will launch 23 new models between now and 2016.

Still, the plant closure comes as a blow to many Opel employees, and the labor union has hopes to save the Bochum facility. Unions, as well as the German Government, expect General Motors to compensate those who lose their jobs in this closure with appropriate severance packages. GM Europe stated that it is trying to move component production to the Ruhr Valley region, where the Bochum factory is located. It will be able to save some jobs through this effort, though certainly not all 3,300.
Via: Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump

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Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough

The throw-down between Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Volkswagen has heated up in earnest. According to Bloomberg, Fiat and Chrysler are now offering current Volkswagen owners in the US $1,000 rebates to trade in their ride. It's the latest in a series of shots Marchionne has taken at his German rival. As you may recall, the Fiat executive entered into a spat with Volkwagen board chairman Ferdinand Pich and CEO Martin Winterkorn in October after the duo called for Marchionne's resignation from presidency of the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (AECA). At the time, the Volkswagen executives were quoted as saying Fiat would not survive the European economic downturn.

In response, Marchionne called the German executives "reprehensible," and accused Volkswagen of using a pricing strategy that has created created a "bloodbath" in the EU. Volkswagen has taken to steep discounting to carve out ever-larger slices of market share in Europe, but the company has a much smaller foothold in the US. Marchionne may be trying to hit Volkswagen where the manufacturer is weakest with the new Fiat new incentive program.

Late last week, the Fiat executive was voted to a second term as ACEA president.
Via: Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough

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Maserati looking to book 13,000 sales of new Quattroporte in 2013

Europe's continuing financial woe is forcing automakers to get creative, and while Fiat may be scaling back its volume vehicles, it's looking to ramp up production of the exclusive Maserati brand. Following the debut of a new Quattroporte sedan, Fiat wants to boost Maserati sales to 50,000 vehicles by 2015. Maserati may lose as much as 7 million ($9.05 million) this year, and Fiat is betting big on Chrysler platforms and dealers to turn that around.

Currently regarded as a low-volume boutique carmaker, Maserati sold just 6,159 units last year, and 4,700 units through three quarters of this year. For 2013, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne is targeting 13,000 in sales of the redesigned Quattroporte alone. Fiat apparently wants the brand's low volume image to change, hoping to position it closer to BMW and Porsche in the market.

The recent unveiling of the new Quattroporte will be followed by more new vehicle launches, including a crossover utility called Levante, and a long-promised sub-Quattroporte sedan, called Ghibli. The latter will share certain components with the Chrysler 300 sedan in an effort to optimize production costs. The Ghibli will be positioned to take on the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's all in an effort to turn the profit tide for Maserati and its parent company Fiat amidst European economic turmoil.
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eBay Find of the Day: Andre Agassi's Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler

Before retiring in 2006, tennis legend Andre Agassi played big on the court, and, apparently, played really big off road. His heavily customized 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited has been served up on eBay Motors and, you might expect, it's as bold as Agassi himself.

The Wrangler began with a humble 3.8-liter V6, rated at just 202 horsepower. Obviously that's not enough oomph for a celebrity sports star, because Agassi had Burnsville Offroad replace the anemic plant with a more appropriate 6.1-liter Hemi V8. To handle the 420 horses, Burnsville added a 545 RFE automatic transmission, Rancho 9000 shocks, tubular doors and LNG suspension system that presumably gave the Vegas-native all the offroad capabilities he needed to navigate the Nevada countryside. Or the Strip.

Seller Classic & Collectible Cars of Las Vegas says almost $80,000 was spent on the 4x4 at The Custom Shop, also in Nevada. That's on top of the cost of the original vehicle. For that kind of money, you might think they would have thrown in some custom interior pieces, too, but at least the auction winner will have a custom sound system to enjoy.

As of this writing, the auction bidding is at $33,100 after 18 bids, a fraction of that claimed customizing bill. Reserve hasn't been met, but a listing on C&C's website shows a $48,995 asking price.
Via: eBay Find of the Day: Andre Agassi's Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler

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Rinspeed to unveil Micromax space pod EV concept in Geneva

Switzerland's Rinspeed does its thing every year at the Geneva Motor Show, annually revealing another left-field solution for urban motoring. In 2010, it was the Fiat-500-esque UC?, 2011 saw the debut of the otherworldly BamBoo, and 2012 brought with it the Smart ForTwo-centric Dock+Go. In 2013, it will be the Micromax, which looks like it could be one of the individual cars in an amusement park people-hauler.

Billed as a revolution in short-distance transport and similar to the Ligier VIPA show at the 2011 Challenge Bibendum, the purpose of the all-electric Micromax appears to be a cross between Daimler's Car2Go program and an airport shuttle an app-based way to gather a few more people who are going the same way. The same length as a Mini but more than seven feet tall, the Micromax has three upright seats for adults and one for a baby, plus room for a stroller or a cart. Enjoying yourself on the way to your stop won't be an issue with "unlimited connectivity," a coffeemaker and a refrigerator included in the vehicle plans.

We don't ever expect to see one on the roads, but we will look forward to seeing it in Switzerland next year. You can check out a couple of angles for yourself in the gallery, and get more info in the bubbly press release below.
Via: Rinspeed to unveil Micromax space pod EV concept in Geneva

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Scion xB death sentence uncertain, minor updates announced

The last time we discussed the Scion xB and xD, in April of this year, it was to announce a report that both models were being killed. The vice president of the brand had said, "We don't have plans for a direct xB or xD replacement," but no date was given for the termination. Turns out rumors of their deaths have been greatly exaggerated: as part of a Toyota press release that summarized feature and pricing changes for 2013, the Scion xB was included.

The 2013 hatchback (inset) gets a new front bumper and lower fascia with LED lighting, and the rear end gets a black diffuser. Stingray Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic exterior hues will disappear, Absolutely Red and Nautical Blue Metallic will take their places. Inside will be light bronze metallic and chrome accents, as well as new seat fabric and the availability of the BeSpoke Premium Audio. It increases in price by $500, the manual costing $16,800, the automatic $17,750.

The xD (above) has been left off the list and the Scion website it still hawking the 2012 car. But 2013 xD pricing and new features were announced earlier this year, the MSRP rising by $125 to $16,500. New equipment and options includes smoked headlight covers, more airbags and a two-tone paint job.

The press release with more details and pricing changes on a range of Toyota models is just below.
Via: Scion xB death sentence uncertain, minor updates announced

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Fiat Panda, Italian for Monster Truck [w/video]

No, this is not some creation from the backwoods of Georgia. Fiat actually partnered with Mercurio Cinematografica to wed a Panda 4x4 with a Jeep CJ7. The result is the plucky face of the Panda astride a set of 59-inch tractor tires. The whole contraption sits 12.8 feet tall and took just over two weeks to build from start to finish.

We imagine driving this thing is a bit like trying to coax a jello mold down the road. There's no word on whether engineers kept the Panda's engine and transmission or abandoned them for the AMC bits. Our money's on the latter. Fiat says the hardest part was getting the brakes, steering, clutch and accelerator controls to cooperate with the archaic bones below.

So, why build it? Fiat is currently in the midst of an advertising campaign that highlight's the Panda's attributes, and building a Big Foot version of the little hatchback was the easiest way to show off the vehicle's off-road prowess. You can watch it play in the snow in the video below.
Via: Fiat Panda, Italian for Monster Truck [w/video]

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All-electric Coda Sedan gets crashed, earns just two stars in frontal test [w/videos]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tested the 2012 Coda electric sedan, and here is the good news about the results: the Coda scored five stars for the side crash and rollover tests, and four stars overall. What kept it from a five-star overall score is the bad news: a two-star result for its frontal impact test.

NHTSA issued a recall for the 2012 Coda over its side and window airbags, so there are two Codas listed in the test results a pre-recall sedan that got no rating for the side impact test and no overall rating, and the post-recall sedan that was rated in every category.

To be even more precise on that frontal impact rating, the male crash dummy driver was left with a two-star score, the female crash dummy passenger got four stars. Judging from the videos, the frontal impact doesn't look like a two-star catastrophe, but NHTSA knows better than us and all of the deceleration and injury details are in these reports if you want to know everything.

If you just want to watch, however, videos of the crash tests can be found just below.

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Hyundai breaks all-time sales record

Less than a week into the month, and Hyundai has already announced that it has set an all-time sales record for the year in the US. Beating last year's best-ever total of 645,691, Hyundai's record-setting numbers are up eight percent through November, and it has broken monthly sales records in every month so far this year excluding June and October, which includes an all-time monthly record set in March of 69,728 units.

Helping to improve Hyundai's sales this year, new models like the Veloster and Azera have posted massive increases over 2011, while the Accent, Elantra and Tucson have all seen pretty big gains, too. John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, gave a brief statement about the momentous occasion in the press release we've posted after the jump.
Via: Hyundai breaks all-time sales record

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Subprime financing on the rise in new car sales, leasing too

We all remember the financial crisis that began several years back. At its core was a splurge of subprime lending for housing loans. The housing bubble burst, triggering a collapse of the mortgage-backed securities market. Apparently, those types of loans still exist in the automotive industry, and the market share for these types of "nonprime, subprime, and deep subprime," loans has grown 13.6 percent compared to the third quarter a year ago.

According to an Automotive News report, high-risk lending expanded to 24.8 percent of total loans in Q3, up from 21.9 percent for this time last year. As this level increased, average credit scores of borrowers dropped to 755, down from 763 a year ago. In that time, the average financing amount increased $90 per vehicle, to $25,963.

At 818, Volvo maintains the highest per-owner credit score, while Mitsubishi has the lowest, at 694. The highest rate of borrowers was at Toyota, with 14 percent of the market, followed by Ford with 13.1 percent and Chevrolet at 11.1.

Part of the growth in lending is the willingness to offer longer-term loans. Dealerships are starting to offer 60, 72 and 84 month borrowing periods. Carmakers are reluctant to do so, as it takes the customer off the market too long, yet the seven-year loan period is the fastest-growing category in automotive borrowing.

It all points to an industry that is eager to maintain the wave of recovery even at the risk of potentially aggressive lending practices.
Via: Subprime financing on the rise in new car sales, leasing too

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GM says Chevy Volt owners have logged over 100-million electric miles

It's only been two years since the Chevrolet Volt first when on sale, but Chevrolet is saying that owners of the car have driven a collective 100 million all-electric miles in this short period of time. Like any other alternatively powered car, owners are finding ways to maximize efficiency, and Chevrolet states that Volt owners are traveling under electric power more than 65 percent of the time leading to a savings in gasoline expenses to the tune of $1,370 per year.

In terms of gasoline, Volt owners are spending $1,370 less per year, but on the bigger scale, this represents a total savings of five million gallons of gas. With regular charges, Chevy says that the Volt can drive almost 900 miles on average before needing more gasoline, and one driver, Andrew Byrne of Los Angeles, said that he was able to drive 1,900 miles between fill-ups.

Scroll down for Chevy's press release.
Via: GM says Chevy Volt owners have logged over 100-million electric miles

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Spitballs flying between Nissan and Fiat

At the 2012 LA Auto Show, Fiat brand chief and recently crowned marketing genius, Olivier Franois, attempted to distance the Fiat 500e from other electric vehicles, asking rhetorically, "Isn't ugliness the worst kind of pollution?" Nissan has apparently taken issue with these comments, feeling slighted for what it considers digs at the Leaf's styling. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Nissan's marketing chief Simon Sproule shot back, "Let's face it, Fiat has not shied away from controversial styling themselves," he continued, "many would describe many of their products as visual pollution." Ouch.

Sproule says that while the 500e is a "me-too" product, made only to appease US emissions regulations, the Leaf is a serious effort at producing an EV. The Nissan marketing boss points out that the Japanese automaker has invested billions in EV development and production facilities, while Fiat will lose $10,000 on every 500e sold.

However sales of the Leaf in the US are down five percent. Nissan sold just 8,330 Leaf's so far this year, but Sproule contends that it has less to do with styling, and more with the charging infrastructure. Sproule also thinks that Nissan hit a balance between styling and practicality with the Leaf: "It's still very recognizable as a five-seat hatchback, fully functioning, absolutely competitive with the packaging of the Golf of any other mainstream vehicle." For a segment where efficiency is king, isn't that what matters most?
Via: Spitballs flying between Nissan and Fiat

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Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

Sales of plug-in hybrids tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The optimist would be likely to note that sales of the Chevrolet Volt were up 30 percent in November, at least when compared with year-ago numbers. But pessimists, of which there are many, would be more likely to point out that sales of the plug-in hybrid tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The Volt was toppled from its throne as the nation's top-selling electric car by both the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-In. But even those vehicles slipped a bit during what was otherwise the best month the US auto industry has had, overall, since March of 2008.

There's no question that demand for battery-based vehicles has increased this year, but here again it's a case of half-empty or half-full. Most products have fallen well short of expectations. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has already acknowledged Leaf will miss its 2012 target and Volt will be lucky to get halfway to its original US goal of 45,000. For its part, Mitsubishi had hoped to nail down 20,000 units of its tiny i electric car this year, but it has only sold in the hundreds, not thousands.

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Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

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Via: Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

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Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

Sales of plug-in hybrids tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The optimist would be likely to note that sales of the Chevrolet Volt were up 30 percent in November, at least when compared with year-ago numbers. But pessimists, of which there are many, would be more likely to point out that sales of the plug-in hybrid tumbled to nearly half their level from September and October.

The Volt was toppled from its throne as the nation's top-selling electric car by both the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius Plug-In. But even those vehicles slipped a bit during what was otherwise the best month the US auto industry has had, overall, since March of 2008.

There's no question that demand for battery-based vehicles has increased this year, but here again it's a case of half-empty or half-full. Most products have fallen well short of expectations. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has already acknowledged Leaf will miss its 2012 target and Volt will be lucky to get halfway to its original US goal of 45,000. For its part, Mitsubishi had hoped to nail down 20,000 units of its tiny i electric car this year, but it has only sold in the hundreds, not thousands.

---

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

---

Via: Are battery-powered cars losing their charge?

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GM profits threatened by glut of pickups

Automotive News reports that General Motors may slash production or ramp up discounts in order to deal with an oversupply of pickup trucks. GM currently has more than double the standard supply of pickups, and the vehicles are threatening to dampen the automaker's profits for 2013. Typically, automakers try to sustain a 60- to 75-day supply of vehicles, but GM is currently loaded with a 139-day supply, as of last month. At the end of November, the automaker was sitting on 245,853 units.

The manufacturer says that it will adjust production accordingly before laying any incentives on the profitable pickups. Even so, there's some concern that the inventory swell could hurt the roll-out of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. GM actually began slowly stepping back production in August, but it's clear the company will take further action as it heads toward the end of the year and into the next. Analysts predict the automaker could reduce pickup manufacturing by nearly half in the first quarter of 2013.

That still may not be enough to keep GM from laying extra cash on the Silverado and GMC Sierra. While the company's incentive spending was down in November compared to the same month in 2011, both the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 saw double-digit percentage increases in sales last month while the Silverado and Sierra numbers slid compared to a year prior. Incentive spending could help move more trucks and add some balance to the GM inventory surge.
Via: GM profits threatened by glut of pickups

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Jeep Grand Cherokee headed for Detroit reveal on diesel power

Time to quit your bellyaching and pony up your pennies, Jeep fans. Chrysler has announced the Jeep Grand Cherokee will bow with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine in the first quarter of next year. The engine yields 237 horsepower and an impressive 406 pound-feet of torque, and all that twist shows up from 1,800 rpm on. If you're counting, that's 16 lb-ft more than the 5.7-liter V8. Expect to see it bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. As you may recall, this isn't the first time we've heard this news.

Jeep CEO Mike Manley let the news slip while speaking with Ward's Auto at the LA Auto Show, and said if buyer feedback is any indication, the new model should see healthy sales. Manley also pointed to the now deceased Liberty diesel, which the executive said that enjoyed a faithful, if small following. Odds are we'll hear more about pricing and fuel economy when the diesel Grand Cherokee gets an official unveil at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.
Via: Jeep Grand Cherokee headed for Detroit reveal on diesel power

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Musk reports positive cash flow for Tesla last week

According to Bloomberg, Tesla actually earned money last week. CEO Elon Musk sent out a message on Twitter saying his company was "narrowly cash positive." That's big news for a company that hasn't turned a quarterly profit as of yet. Tesla is currently in the middle of stepping up production for its Model S sedan, and has announced the vehicle's MSRP will jump by $2,500, presumably to help fund that expansion.

So far, Tesla says it has built around 20,000 Model S units at its California production facility, though analysts say the ability to repeatedly generate a positive cash flow would go a long way toward the company's evolution into a "sustainable operating entry." So far, the Model S has garnered substantive praise, earning the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award among others. Tesla shares are up 19 percent this year over the same time period in 2011.
Via: Musk reports positive cash flow for Tesla last week

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Translogic tackles the weight-sensing ZBoard electric skateboard

There is nothing new about an electric skateboard (you can pick one up today at Sears or Toys 'R' Us), but the founders of ZBoard have come up with an innovative way to make electric mobility safe and easy. The ZBoard uses intuitively placed weight-sensing pads to control acceleration and braking, and Translogic recently had the chance to check one out.

Weighing in at 30 pounds, the ZBoard is powered by a 400-watt motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery giving the board a 10-mile range and top speed of 17 miles per hour. The unique sensors on the Canadian maple deck allow riders to lean forward to accelerate and lean back to slow down, stop and even back up. Early prototypes used electric brakes to bring it to a stop, but after it was discovered that this caused damage to some electrical components, the design was changed to incorporate regenerative braking for better stopping and longer range.

Created by Ben Forman and Geoff Larson as a part of a mechanical engineering project, the two men expected to sell 25 boards in three months, but instead they sold that many in just three days. There are two versions of the ZBoard with the Classic going for $649 and the Pro (the model tested by Translogic) priced at $949.

While we're still holding out for the day when hoverboards become a reality, the ZBoard definitely sounds like a lot of fun. Check out how it works in the video below.
Via: Translogic tackles the weight-sensing ZBoard electric skateboard

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Dodge Dart misses sales targets as inventory mounts

November was a rough month for the Dodge Dart. All told, Chrysler managed to deliver 4,489 units, down from 5,455 in October, but perhaps more telling is the sizable inventory Dodge now has on hand. Chrysler added a third shift to the Belvidere, Illinois plant that produces the new compact in order to satiate projected demand, and as a result, Dodge now has a 112-day supply of Dart models. That equates to 23,446 units waiting for a new home. Automakers typically average a supply of around 73 days. But the news wasn't so grim for the rest of the Chrysler stable.

Ward's Auto reports the Chrysler 200 saw particularly good sales through November, with the four-door seeing a 49.6 percent increase through the first 11 months of 2012 compared to the same time period on 2011. Likewise, the genetic sibling to the 200, the Dodge Avenger, saw sales jump 54.8 percent year over year through the same 11 months.
Via: Dodge Dart misses sales targets as inventory mounts

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Incentives aid smooth Suzuki wind down

American Suzuki is continuing to offer buyers substantial incentives even as the company winds down operations. Those looking to nab a new Suzuki vehicle will find rebates of between $500 and $2,000 and zero-percent financing for up to 72 months as dealers look to liquidate inventory following the automaker's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. The strategy is working so far. Last month saw Suzuki sell a total of 2,224 vehicles, up 22 percent compared to the same time period in 2011. The Japanese manufacturer says it will continue the incentives through December.

Suzuki had around 5,000 units in dealer inventory in the US when it went into bankruptcy protection, with an additional 1,500-1,700 vehicles headed to dealers at that time. The company says it will continue to honor warranties moving forward using its current dealer network. Most of the dealerships will become Suzuki service and parts stores after American Suzuki shutters car sales in the US.
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RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success

The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.

But wait, there's more! The report also suggests that a replacement for the full-size MKS is on the way, as well as a new Navigator and a luxury crossover based on the current Ford Escape.

These plans sound bold and optimistic, but they all hinge on the performance of the MKZ. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has not been shy about the possibility of abandoning Lincoln if things don't turn around soon. Currently the only all-new product in the brand's stable is the MKS, and it will need to be an immediate sales success for any talk of any future product to come to fruition.
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Toyota gunning for 200k RAV4 sales per year

Toyota just unveiled the 2013 RAV4 at the 2012 LA Auto Show, and according to a report in Ward's Auto, the automaker already has high hopes for strong sales of its new model. Bill Fay, Toyota's vice president of marketing, is expecting sales of 200,000 units in 2013 a jump over the projected 170,000 RAV4 models expected to be delivered in 2012.

Since 2008, the RAV4 has never sold anything close to 200,000 units; the model's best year in recent times was 2010 when 170,877 models were moved. But with this all-new 2013 model, Toyota is hoping to capture a larger chunk of younger buyers folks who might normally look at the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5.

"It has an awful lot of capability for the younger buyer, so we're hoping to get a little more share of that," Fay told Ward's Auto.

In addition to completely new styling and better refinement, the RAV4 loses its V6 option for 2013. The only engine offered will be Toyota's 2.5-liter inline-four, good for 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and able to achieve highway fuel economy as high as 31 miles per gallon when paired with front-wheel drive.

The 2013 RAV4 hits dealerships in January. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's on-sale date.
Via: Toyota gunning for 200k RAV4 sales per year

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