Changes coming to LA Auto Show

This year's show will have more design, more competition

The toughest opponent for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show has never been the weather, which is always perfect, nor the location, in car-crazed Southern California. It's been the calendar. After decades of being run on the exact same dates as the larger and more globally recognized Detroit auto show, LA finally stepped out of the shadow of the Motor City several years ago and grabbed its own spotlight -- in November. That lasted only until 2013, when both Tokyo and Guangzhou, China, two huge shows of global importance, were scheduled right on top of the LA Auto Show's Nov. 22-Dec. 1 dates. LA can't seem to win, and we're not talking about the Dodgers.

The LA Auto Show also had trouble making any kind of big news, with “world debuts” of trim levels and second-string concept cars instead of significant world-beaters. The show-opening keynote address didn't help much, either, with non-news public relations-scripted pablum delivered by various executives. Show management also seemed more interested in bringing in the local gate than shining on the international stage.

But don't give up on LA, baby. While scheduling conflicts are still a reality, a new general manager is in charge and hopes are higher than some of the guys living on the street only a few blocks from Staples Center.

Terri Toennies was hired as general manager earlier this year after a career in big-time event planning, including House of Blues Las Vegas.

“We have to think of this as 12 days of entertainment,” Toennies said. “It's about bringing the eye candy back to the show.”

First up will be the Motor Press Guild Invitational, a car show to be held from 6:30 to 8:30 the morning of the first press day Nov. 22. Toennies likens it to Cars 'N' Coffee events except that there will be art deco French masterpieces from the Mullin Automotive Museum, customs from local hero George Barris and what Toennies promises will be “celebrity” cars from local entertainment glitterati like Jay Leno and Billy Gibbons. Manufacturers will also bring cars to the invitational. It will be held outdoors on John S. Gibson Boulevard and in the area to the south of Staples Center. So that part certainly sounds promising. While the MPG Invitational won't technically be open to the public the first year, “We see this evolving into a public event,” Toennies said.

The car show at the car show will also replace the largely pointless keynote address as the opening event for press days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, another good thing.

In the West Hall Lobby, the Petersen Automotive Museum will park several cars from its 300-car collection and will provide “ambassadors” Fridays through Sundays to guide visitors and talk cars.

The big triangular area just off the West Hall Lobby and part of the Concours Hall will host a big design gallery, with displays from many, if not most, of the automotive design studios in Southern California. Each studio will get 8 feet of wall space to show off drawings, as well as floor space in the triangle for project and concept cars.

Inside Concours Hal itself will be the usual high-performance luxury suspects, which this year will include Aston Martin, Lotus and McLaren, among others.

Porsche will occupy its usual space in Petree Hall and will debut the Macon small SUV and possibly other models.

Effort will also be put into reviving Kentia Hall, which is sometimes lost to visitors because it sits underneath the massive South Hall of the Convention Center. Both Galpin Auto Sports and DUB will be out in force at Kentia and will also have display cars in the South Hall's ginormous lobby, so that show attendees get in the mood for cars right away.

Alfa Romeo and Maserati, missing in recent post-recession years, are not confirmed but are looking likely to attend. They'd be in the South Hall. Lamborghini won't make it in 2013 but has said it will return next year.

Even before the Nov. 20-21 press days, on Tuesday, Nov. 19 there will once again be a Connected Car Expo, featuring panelists, keynote speakers and participation by app developers, electronics interests and carmakers. Entrepreneurs will get to participate in fast-pitch sessions where they can make their case to industry titans.

Also on Nov. 19, the LA Auto Show will host the annual Western Automotive Conference at the Biltmore Hotel, put on by NADA and J.D. Power. It's mostly a dealer thing.

Thursday night, Nov. 21 will be the annual charity preview, where the paying public can pay a little more to see the show early and without the crowds -- though going Monday morning is probably just as uncrowded, if a little less glamorous.

“It will be a giant transition this year,” Toennies promised.

We Hear: GM Delays Chevrolet Cruze Redesign

The compact sedan segment has been hot recently, with numerous redesigns and strong sales across the board. Despite its age relative to the competition, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has enjoyed a surprising amount of sales success, boasting its best-ever sales month in June and coming out on top in the compact class. A new report from Reuters, though, claims that GM has pushed back the Chevrolet Cruze redesign by a year to 2015.

Reuters cites unnamed GM sources in saying that the next Cruze, which was set to debut in late 2014, will now be delayed until late 2015. The Canadian Auto Workers union allegedly announced the delay to workers in a supplier plant in Stratford, Ontario. The Chevrolet Cruze is currently manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio for the U.S. and Canadian markets, and GM has said publicly that the next-generation North American Cruze will continue to be manufactured in Lordstown.

Reuters presumes that the model’s recent uptick in sales numbers has allowed GM to take its time on the redesign – important, as GM needs to ensure the new model will be competitive in the rapidly evolving compact segment. The Chevrolet Cruze was introduced to the U.S. market in 2009. Since then, nearly every other major compact competitor has been redesigned, including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra in 2012, the Nissan Sentra in 2013, and the upcoming 2014 Toyota Corolla which debuted last month and will go on sale later this year.

We spotted a camouflaged mule of the new Chevrolet Cruze testing earlier this year, and the visible styling cues seemed to take from the smaller Sonic sedan and hatchback with its narrow headlights and vertical grille. It could be that GM is taking this test mule back to the drawing board to rework components of the updated Delta platform, which will also underpin the next Volt and Equinox, or the rumored nine-speed automatic transmission that is also under development in concert with Ford.

Chevrolet did recently introduce the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze diesel in the U.S., and the North American Cruze should also receive the mild facelift that debuted recently in South Korea. Until 2015, though, don’t expect to see an all-new Cruze, most likely as a 2016 model year vehicle.

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze starts at $17,995 and is available with the choice of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

Source: Reuters

Volkswagen prices limited-edition Beetle GSR

Only 3,500 built worldwide

Volkswagen is bringing back the yellow-and-black Beetle GSR for 2014, more than 40 years after the “Yellow Black Racer” (Gelb Schwarzer Renner) debuted for the first time. That car had around 50 hp; the new one will eclipse that by just a little bit.

On sale today, the Beetle GSR will use VW's turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine making 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The sprint to 60 mph will take a respectable 6.6 seconds while speed will top out at 130 mph. Peak torque is delivered at only 1,700 rpm, and a six-speed manual transmission is standard.

The 2014 Beetle GSR will start at $29,995, not including destination; the DSG-equipped car costs $1,100 more.

Only 3,500 will be produced globally, sporting the classic bumblebee paint scheme. “GSR” lettering is pasted on the side skirts, while 19-inch Tornado aluminum alloy wheels sit at all four corners. We first saw the hopped-up bug at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Inside, the Beetle GSR has a yellow/black theme, sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats are black leather with yellow stitching. Elsewhere in the interior, changes including an R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever and black floor mats with yellow accents. A badge on the steering wheel will note the limited edition.

The GSR is based on the R-Line with Sunroof and Sound with Navigation model -- yes that's the full name – and it comes with the Fender premium audio system, keyless access with push-button start, xenon headlights, heated front seats and Bluetooth, in addition to the sunroof and nav system.

China's BAIC interested in Fisker Atlantic model

Last minute visit to Fisker's facilities stokes buyout rumors

A delegation from Beijing Automotive Group, or BAIC traveled to Fisker's facilities in California over the weekend, China Daily is reporting is reporting. BAIC has expressed interest in the Fisker Atlantic electric car, a vehicle that was at one point slated for production until Fisker ran into money problems back in March. Since that time, a number of Chinese automakers in addition to BAIC have shown interest in the technology.

In April of 2012 Fisker showed a functioning Atlantic prototype at the New York auto show. The Atlantic was meant to be a plug-in hybrid with a BMW-sourced four-cylinder gas engine that would function as a range-extending generator. The rear-wheel-drive, four-door sedan was supposed to fit below the Karma in the model hierarchy, and was expected to retail for just below $40,000. The Atlantic was to be built at former GM plant in Delaware that Fisker purchased.

BAIC was said to be “racing against time” in a bid to purchase Fisker as the California-based automaker inches closer to a possible bankruptcy. Just days ago it was reported that bankruptcy was more likely than not for the company, which owes $170 million in federal loans.

It's not all that unusual for Chinese companies to buy flagging western companies, even just to acquire one product or one piece of technology, in any industry. Back in 2005 Nanjing Automobile received quite a bit of media attention for purchasing a number of MG Rover technologies and existing models, moving entire assembly lines to China.

With no shortage of cash or labor back home, this approach to gaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace seems to be quite effective, allowing China to overcome technological barriers almost overnight. We'll see how this tactic may or may not apply to Fisker moving forward.

 

We Hear: Volkswagen Phaeton Rejoining U.S. Lineup?

Volkswagen may bring the luxurious and expensive Phaeton sedan back to the U.S. market next year, according to Bloomberg. The new report says that the Volkswagen Phaeton will be re-introduced at the Detroit auto show, although company officials say otherwise.

The first-generation Volkswagen Phaeton was sold here from 2004 to 2006, but it was never much of a success and was quickly pulled from our market. The pricey luxury car didn’t necessarily fit with the Volkswagen brand image — an Audi-priced executive sedan was in the same showrooms as the Jetta. Moreover, customers who wanted a true luxury ride could instead pick the similar Audi A8. Sales of the Volkswagen Phaeton in America peaked at 1939 units in 2004, before dropping to 820 in 2005 and just 235 in 2006.

Since then, Volkswagen executives have vacillated over whether to bring the Phaeton back to America. Now Bloomberg reports that the car will be shown at the Detroit auto show in January, so that the high-end model can boost Volkswagen’s image in the U.S.

“A brand as large as Volkswagen needs a halo project in the upscale segment,” Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn told Bloomberg. “We’ve seen what happens to brands that don’t have that kind of project.”

However, a Volkswagen representative in the U.S. said the company is unaware of any plans to show a Phaeton concept or production car at the Detroit show. He stressed that the company is focused on building its core models, and that Winterkorn’s comments may have been talking about a long-term goal for Volkswagen of America to eventually add a halo product. He also noted that if the Phaeton were introduced here again, sales would be “not very high.”

“We’re concentrating on the segments that we’re already in,” the Volkswagen representative told us, conceding that, “there’s no reason why we can’t offer more niche vehicles” in the future.

Volkswagen U.S. sales for the first sixth months of this year are down 0.9 percent compared to the first half of 2012. However, the company did not plan any major introductions and sees 2013 as a “consolidation” year. Moreover, year-to-date sales of the Passat are up 1.9 percent after the car had its best ever June sales result. The car is holding its own against a strong suit of rivals: last month, the Volkswagen Passat was the ninth best-selling model in the hotly contested midsize sedan segment.

This generation of the Volkswagen Phaeton was introduced at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show. It is related to the Audi A8, and features expensive touches like traffic sign recognition, a selection of several types of wood trim, a length list of leather upholstery, massaging seats, and more. Prices in Germany start at €70,000, equivalent to $91,900.

Volkswagen is expected to launch a new midsize crossover at the 2014 Detroit auto show, which will likely be based on the CrossBlue concept shown in Detroit last January.

Source: Bloomberg

Maserati Ghibli Fast-Tracked for Shanghai Debut

The Trident Targets A7

Until now, we've assumed the next all-new product from Maserati would be the Levante SUV based on the Kubang concept. While rumors of a smaller sedan have been circulating, it appeared to be farther down the pipeline. Not so. 

We're now told that, with the new Quattroporte's growth into a proper S-Class/7 Series/A8 competitor, the Ghibli is jumping ahead in the line to do battle in the higher-volume and arguably more important E-Class/5 Series/A6 segment. Don't expect a traditional sedan, though. Our source says the styling will be "four-door coupe" in the vein of the Audi A7. 

The Ghibli will have the go to back up its show. We're told its engines will be lifted straight from the new Quattroporte, which means a twin-turbo V-6 to start and a twin-turbo V-8 to do battle against the E63, M5, XFR, CTS-V, and S7. To really make it competitive, it's rumored Maserati might pair the twin-turbo V-8 with an AWD system -- emphasis on "might." 

Our source didn't have power numbers, so it's unknown at this point whether the Ghibli will share the Quattroporte's output--but it's likely.

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Nissan Reveals Datsun Go Hatch for India, Other Emerging Markets

Datsun, the resurrected Nissan brand, has revealed its first new car that will launch in India next year. The Datsun Go is a simple, affordable four-door hatchback that will also be sold in Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa.

Nissan announced last March that it would resurrect the Datsun name for a line of low-cost cars for emerging markets. The new Datsun Go measures 149.0 inches long and 64.4 inches wide, putting it close in size to a Mazda2 hatchback. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission route power to the front wheels. There is no built-in radio, but Datsun says the new car features a smartphone dock for playing music. The Go will cost the equivalent of $6700.

“This is an historic day for Nissan Motor Company and for our customers,” Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said in a statement. “It’s also an exciting moment for many women and men here in India who — today — come one step closer to realizing the dream of purchasing a car.”

Although Datsun pitches the Go as a first car for many families, the company promises the Go is not a stripped-down car. It is said to be, “high-quality, stylish and modern, delivering an engaging driving experience.” Datsun will build the Go in Chennai, India, and also plans to launch a range of other new low-cost cars next year. Much of the engineering work for the car was also completed in India, although the styling was done by Nissan’s designers in Japan.

Nissan has no plans to sell Datsun cars in the U.S. or Europe. The company’s goal is to have a totally separate brand for selling low cost cars in emerging markets, so as not to tarnish the reputation of other Nissan and Infiniti cars.

Source: Nissan

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