Automotive

Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments

Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments As February concluded, a number of automakers saw new changes in executive leadership. Ford Motor Company, among the most notable, announced a handful of senior leadership changes following the departure of their North American president Raj Nair. In addition to Ford, here is a brief look which other automakers have made recent changes to their senior leadership team.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Effective April 1st, Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc (MMNA). According to the company, Diaz will lead Mitsubishi Motors’ business in North America leveraging his 29 years of sales, marketing, and customer relations experience in the United States. Kobashi will return to Mitsubishi Motors’ headquarters to assume an important role in overseas sales in Tokyo, Japan.
“With his in-depth background and experience in North America, Fred has a strong ability to proactively engage with Mitsubishi Motors’ dealers and customers as we aim to expand our dealership network, enhance our brand, and drive sales growth,” said Trevor Mann, Chief Operating Officer, MMNA.
In October, Mitsubishi Motors announced its three-year Drive for Growth plan, which aims to improve the company’s U.S. dealership network and grow sales by 30 percent to 130,000 units per year. The automaker notes that under Kobashi’s leadership, MMNA was able to rebuild Mitsubishi Motors’ sales and successfully launch the Eclipse Cross CUV as well as other important models in North America.
Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Kia Motors America
Jang Won (Justin) Sohn has transitioned from his role as President and CEO of Kia Motors America to Head of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Operations. SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, currently the President and CEO of Kia Canada Inc., will transition to President and CEO of Kia Motors America. Yoon returns to KMA after previously serving the company from 2006 to 2012.
Kia says during Sohn’s tenure, the brand recorded a number of historic achievements in the United States. Among them: record-breaking new car sales in 2015 and 2016; best-ever Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales; back-to-back number one rankings in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study; and the Stinger becoming the first Kia vehicle to be named a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award.
Polestar
Polestar, the new electric performance brand associated with Volvo, has appointed August Wu as President of Polestar China, reporting to Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. August joins Polestar from Volvo Cars in Shanghai where he was Head of Product and Offer for the APAC region. In this role, he was responsible for local product, specification, pricing, and vehicle line management of all Volvo products in the APAC region. In the new role, Wu will over see Polestar’s commercial offerings and retail presence in China, a key market for the brand.
“The appointment of August Wu as the new President of Polestar China is an important step in the development of our team in China,” explained Ingenlath. “With China being one of the world’s fastest developing markets for electrified cars, it’s clear that having somebody with a very deep understanding of the market was vitally important. In August Wu, we have found that person.”
President of Polestar China, August Wu. Photo: Polestar.
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai has established the High Performance Vehicle & Motorsport Division to enhance the company’s presence in those areas. Hyundai says the new division will “streamline Hyundai’s strategy, product planning, sales, and marketing capabilities for high performance vehicle operations to maximize synergy between headquarters and the company’s Motorsport arm, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, to further develop the high performance vehicle business.”
Thomas Schemera, a former BMW executive, has been appointed to lead the new division.
“I am thrilled to join Hyundai Motor, which is presenting incredible prowess in its high performance technologies through models like the i30 N, despite being relatively new to this competitive scene,” he said. “I will dedicate my expertise and knowledge obtained over my three-decade career to making a significant contribution to Hyundai’s development in this field and to provide pure driving pleasure to our customers.”
German-born Schemera, 55, studied mechanical engineering at Bochum University of Applied Science and industrial engineering & economics at Munich University of Applied Science. He began his career as a design engineer for BMW in 1987. He played various key roles at BMW Group including four-years as Vice President of Sales & Dealer Development in the mainland and Greater China region, where he led the four-fold increase in sales of BMW and BMW M models from 2005 to 2008. Most recently, he served as the Head of BMW M and BMW Individual in the Americas.
Sources: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Kia Motors America, Polestar, Hyundai Motor Company.

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2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned!

2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned! dun-dun-DUNNNNNN!!! You have every right to be afraid, track-types. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is here and it is going to kick your you know what around the track unless you unload some serious rolling stock off your trailer. Yes, it’s road legal, and yes, it’ll beat you there too, but this beast’s natural environment is the track.
Get ready.
Front & Center
This line from Porsche pretty much tells you everything you need to know, and with great brevity: “World premiere of the most powerful naturally aspirated series-production 911 ever.” If you can extrapolate from that, you know just what a terror the GT3 RS is going to be. Look at what Porsche has done since day one. They have made more with less at an aggravating rate. For example, mid-1980s 911s were able to run with Ferraris and Lamborghinis with engines half the size running half the cylinders.
Power & Performance
The mill in the 2019 GT3 RS sounds like something NASA would make. It’s a four-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine that produces 20 horsepower more than the 2016 version of the 911 GT3 RS. That adds up to 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque. It has plasma coated cylinder liners, a central oil supply through the crankshaft, larger bearing diameters, larger con-rod bearings, and a more rigid valvetrain with shims for clearance compensation. The red line is set at a superbike-esque 9,000 rpms, while the transmission is a specifically-tuned, seven-speed PDK unit with performance-oriented gearing.
The exhaust is made of titanium and air is ingested through ram-style openings in the rear quarter panels. Just for good measure.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weight Reduction Strategies
Said plant lives in a home where aerodynamics and lightweight construction have driven the overall design. The body is wide, weight-optimized, and features a fixed rear wing. The front and rear fascias are made of lightweight polyurethane. The front trunk lid and fenders are made of carbon fiber and the roof is friggin’ magnesium. There are NACA ducts in the front trunk lid for improved brake cooling without adding drag. The front fascia has a larger spoiler lip that increases downforce and works with the larger side skirts. Out back, that (comically) large wing is mounted on a carbon fiber deck lid and works with a rear underbody diffusor to make the RS stick like a limpet. Bottom line: Double the downforce of the regular 911 GT3 at 124 mph.
The racy stuff continues on the inside as well. Full bucket seats with carbon fiber reinforced backrests and a high degree of lateral support; lightweight glass for the rear and side windows; lightweight door panels with door opening loops in place of metal handles; abridged sound insulation, and the rear seat? Gone. You don’t need the weight. And the cherry on top is a 360 mm Alcantara steering wheel with a yellow 12 o’clock center marker. Sweet!
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Ride & Handling
Now, about that chassis. Yes, I know, shoot, we all know, that 911s have certain, shall we say, quirks in their handling. Let me be blunt: 911s can be a complete bear to hang on to in corners. All the chassis tricks, computer controls, and such are working against the cruel physics of having all the weight of the drivetrain way, way at the back. These things spin like a Frisbee.
To counter that, the 2019 GT3 RS comes with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM), active engine mounts, rear axle steering, and the fully-variable electronic locking rear differential with Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+). The ball joints on all links deliver greater precision than conventional bearings and rubber bushings. Added into the mix are new “helper springs” at the front and rear axles. Ride height, toe, camber, caster, and sway bar settings of the suspension can be adjusted to suit individual driver preferences.
Further, the wheels are forged lightweight deals measuring 9.5 x 20 inches in diameter and are wrapped in newly developed 265/35 ultra-high performance tires up front. Out back there are 12.5 x 21-inch wheels with 325/30 tires. Braking, always a Porsche performance ace, is accomplished by large, cross-drilled grey cast iron rotors measuring 380 mm front and rear, standard. If you like, Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system with even bigger 410 mm rotors at the front and 390 mm rotors at the back are available. In case you’re interested, the ceramic rotors weigh around 50 percent less than the cast-iron jobs.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weissach Treatments
There’s an optional Weissach package available, which seems to be a thing for all Porsche models now. The Weissach package reduces weight even further with upgraded front and rear sway bars and coupling rods, plus an even lighter vehicle roof and steering wheel. The shift paddles are all made of carbon fiber, dropping weight by 13 pounds. There are optional forged magnesium wheels, weighing around 25 pounds less than the standard wheels – but only if you get the Weissach package. Go with this option and the car scales in at 3,153 pounds. Nice!
Pricing & Availability
A lot. Much, much dollars. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, and is expected at dealerships this fall. The base price is (gulp) $187,500. The Weissach package will run you another $18,000, and the mag wheels can be yours for an additional $13,000. So, over $200,000 by the time you’re done, and, let’s be honest here: It’s. Worth. Every. Penny.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Chevy Designers Address Everyday Life With 2018 Equinox

Chevy Designers Address Everyday Life With 2018 Equinox

You know what? Some people are just pigs! I know gearheads so clean and neat they don’t want you eating near their car, let alone in it. But you’re not like that, are you? Or most of you. Most drivers, and by that I mean especially American drivers, use their cars as mobile offices, diners, beauty parlors, and daycare centers.
Chevrolet is way ahead of you. Rather than teach everyone some manners, they decided to go the other direction and start making interiors that are easier to clean and more stain resistant.
Market Research
Chevy did something a little dangerous: they started paying attention to people on “The Internet.” They did this with the best of intentions. The design team for Chevy’s 2018 Equinox noted (correctly) that people have a tendency to over-share stuff on social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the whole lot of them is clogged with people showing you what they’re eating for lunch. That burrito the size of a Dachshund? Well that just dropped onto the dash, foot well, and/or front seats of their car immediately after that selfie.
Very smart of Chevy. They realized this goldmine of free, real-world user data could be leveraged into more usable interiors.
The design team working on the 2018 Equinox’s interior followed “real” people, including other designers and lifestyle influencers. They observed color and fabric trends and common consumer problems, like dark-wash denim staining other fabrics in the vehicle, such as the seats.
“By following real people and absorbing the little things in life that help or hinder them – such as photos posted of muddy paws, spilled drinks or stains on the seats – we learned more about how we could make the new Equinox easier to live with and enjoy every day,” said Mara Kapsis, Color and Trim Designer for the 2018 Equinox.
With the 2018 Equinox, Chevy designers pushed for a fashion-forward interior with materials that compliment everyday use. Photo: Chevrolet.
Fashion & Function
So, being the bright young spark she is, Kapsis made the 2018 Equinox interior from a durable, denim-like seat fabric that’s easy to clean but offers exceptional wear resistance. The interior team also came up with a new treatment that resists staining and scuffing for the available leather seats on the 2018 Equinox.
“The fabric is very durable, while the color and even the pattern help hide dirt and stains,” Kapsis added. “It’s also very easy to vacuum and clean, which saves owners time and helps keep the interior looking great year after year.”
Fashion forecasting was also taken into account. The design team needed to predict color trends about three years past the 2018 Equinox’s launch. In addition to having an interior that’s easy to live with, the 2018 Equinox has increased cargo space, the latest connectivity gadgetry, even more available safety features than before, and an all-new range of turbocharged engines, including the segment’s first diesel.
If all this piques your interest, or you’re just a suburban parent that’s this close to losing it about having to clean up that mess one more time, you’ll be interested to know the 2018 Equinox is on sale now and starts at $24,525.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn Review: Smooth & Powerful

2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn Review: Smooth & Powerful 94Excellent 2019 Ram 1500 LonghornOverall ImpressionRoomy and plush interior.5.7-liter Hemi is a powerhouse.Optional air suspension is smooth as butter.ProsTowing CapacityComfortable CabinEngine Performance ConsOptions Can Push The Price UpDriver Assist Systems Limited To Higher TrimsThe 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn is a workhorse with added luxury and tremendous cargo-hauling capability. Add in the 5.7-liter V8 and you can haul about anything: a horse trailer, large camper, speed boat, or a trailer full of four wheelers to go hunting. It has all the bells and whistles you’ll need to keep the entire family comfortable on the trip.
We recently drove the luxurious 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Ram 1500 is entirely new and completely re-designed, losing some significant weight in the process. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, despite adding higher grades of steel to its frame. Max towing and payload also increase making it even more effective as a work truck.
Features & Options: A Laundry List
The 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4 ($53,695) moves into luxury territory with leather upholstery, power-adjustable 40/20/40-split bench (heated and ventilated) front seats; driver’s-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry.
Other upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt rear seat outlet, and two rear seat USB inputs (one is charge-only). Tech features include the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a nine-speaker audio system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Buyers who want functionality with style will appreciate the 20-inch wheels, spray-in bedliner, chrome side steps, power tailgate release, and automatic high beams and wipers. Moving deeper into creature comforts, the Longhorn adds front bucket seats with upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel, and, yes, even a CD player!
Finally, our tester came with additional safety features, premium sound, panoramic sunroof, tow package, air suspension, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Total MSRP including destination: $66,700. By comparison, the entry-level Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $33,340.

Interior Highlights: Plenty of Luxury
The Longhorn cab feels big and is a luxurious place to spend your day with lots of leather and soft-touch materials throughout. We used the generous amount of adjustment range for the steering wheel and driver’s seat to find the perfect driving position. There’s plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room in all seating positions. The center console has a large flat surface too. It’s big enough to carry everything you’ll need for a long trip.
The center stack is close enough too, putting all the controls within easy reach. The buttons and knobs are logically positioned for easy operation, just as you’d expect for a truck in this class. We used the heated seats and heated steering wheel liberally this week as the temps dropped in Colorado. Once underway, we cranked up the Harmon Kardon premium sound system and felt like we were in a concert hall.
Related: The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition is ready to tackle winter.
Interior Highlights: Good Visibility & Lots of Space
The amount of side glass and the design of the dash makes for good visibility, despite the truck’s size. The redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long shot. Stepping in the back reveals even more space for the kids as they have plenty of room to spread out with their electronics. The rear bench also folds up easily, opening up a large cargo area if you need to carry anything extra.
The kids will stay extra comfortable with the heated and cooled seats in back too.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Ram 1500 Longhorn was powered by the optional 5.7 Hemi producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque. When paired with an eight-speed automatic and 3.92 rear axle ratio, EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 15/21 city/highway and 17 combined.
When compared to the competition, the 2019 Ram 1500 lands in the middle in terms of fuel economy.
In this powertrain configuration, max payload is 1,800 lbs. while max towing capacity is 11,290 lbs. GVWR is 7,100 lbs. and GCWR is 17,000 lbs.
You can't go wrong with the Hemi if you need to pull trailers or move a bed full of cargo. Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: Smooth & Powerful
When we stepped on the pedal, the big 5.7 Hemi roared to life. We couldn’t wait to push it hard! We loaded up with cargo and headed west on I-70 into the mountains west of Denver. You can’t go wrong with the Hemi if you need to pull trailers or move a bed full of cargo. It’s strong from a standing start, serving up excellent roll-on acceleration when merging or passing.
We pushed hard up the Floyd Hill with a six percent grade, powering up the fast lane and leaving everyone behind as we went. It helps that there’s plenty of torque and that the eight-speed automatic always seemed to be in the right gear at the right time.
Our Ram 1500 tester came with the optional Four Corner Air Suspension that made the big Longhorn feel more like a luxury car than a pickup. Even over rough pavement and a washed out dirt road, the truck soaked up the bumps. We didn’t feel much inside the cabin. As we moved throughout the city, the front and rear parking sensors were handy.

When we stepped on the gas, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 roared to life and we couldn’t wait to push it hard. Click To TweetConclusion: More Than Just Looks
The 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn is a work truck dressed up in fancy clothes. It’s a truck you won’t mind taking your girl out for a night on the town in. Just don’t let those fancy duds fool you. If you need to haul a large trailer or carry a heavy payload, this Ram will get down and dirty.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn Gallery

Photos: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review: Sporty & Safe

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review: Sporty & Safe 90SOLID2019 Toyota Corolla HatchbackOverall ImpressionPlenty of standard equipment.
Manual transmission version is fun to drive.
Performance lacks in a few key areas, however.ProsMaterial Quality Safety Features Infotainment FeaturesConsRear LegroomCargo CapacityThose wanting a compact car with attitude should take a look at the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback. If you want a safe compact car, the Corolla gets a suite of safety features not typically found in this segment. Add in a dash of the Corolla’s excellent fuel economy and its high resale value, and you have all the ingredients for a car that will please budget-conscious consumers.
Over the weekend, we drove the top-trim, 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE.
What’s New For 2019
The redesigned Corolla debuts in a new hatchback body style and comes with improved interior design and materials. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa are standard.
Features & Options: XLE Trim Offers Enough
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE ($22,990) is the sportier Corolla. It comes standard with 18-inch machined wheels, unique front-end styling, a rear spoiler, steering-wheel paddle shifters (for CVT automatic models), sport front seats, SofTex upholstery with cloth inserts, and a sport-style gauge cluster.
Also included are the XLE’s upgraded headlights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XSE is the only trim that can be had with a manual transmission, which brings with it keyless ignition and entry, plus an upgraded infotainment system. The XSE also adds heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and full SofTex upholstery.
This XSE tester came with the optional adaptive headlights, rear window spoiler, and protective package. MSRP including destination: $25,123. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback starts at $19,990.

Interior Highlights: Tech-Focused
We slid into the XSE Hatch and saw the most up-to-date cabin yet for Toyota’s compact car. It features a stylish dashboard, a sporty steering wheel, and a six-speed gear shifter that fit perfectly into our hands. We particularly liked the traditional audio and climate controls unlike some that are put in difficult-to-use touchscreen menus. When we did need to use the eight-inch touchscreen, it offered up large buttons, clear graphics, and quick responses.
It could be one of the easier infotainment systems to operate in this class.
Various connectivity features came courtesy of the Entune App Suite with services like Bing, Facebook, Yelp, Pandora, and real-time traffic data.
Interior Highlights: Comfortable But Less Cargo Space
The sport seats hugged us from behind and provided excellent support, particularly with the firmer bolstering found in the XSE. We adjusted the telescoping steering wheel, came up with a comfortable driving position, and were able to see the gauges perfectly. Out back, there’s more legroom than most small compact sedans and headroom is a plus for taller passengers.
Unfortunately, the Hatchback’s shorter length means the cargo area is a bit smaller. Maximum storage behind the rear seat is 18 cubic feet.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 168 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic is available.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 28/37 city/highway and 31 combined. When compared to the competition, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback holds its own in terms of fuel economy.
Related: The Toyota Corolla sedan receives a number of improvements for 2020.
Driving Dynamics: Lacking Some Luster
The Corolla’s four-cylinder engine is bulletproof when it comes to reliability, but it does lack in the performance department. We pushed it hard at altitude but were asking for more power as we tried to pass slower traffic. This is not a hot hatch like the Honda Civic Si, but it’s still fun-to-drive and works well for an urban commuter with the extra versatility of a five-door hatch.
As expected for a friendly commuter car, the manual’s clutch pedal is light with an engagement point not too far from the bottom of the stroke. The manual also features automatic rev-matching for smooth downshifting, though the shifter’s throws are a little long.
However, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is perfect for zipping around the city. We were able to park in tight spots and the extra safety tech is helpful in traffic.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

The @Toyota Corolla Hatchback has a light clutch pedal with an engagement point not too far from the bottom of the stroke.Click To TweetConclusion: Ideal For Toyota Fans
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes with lots of standard features. Driving enthusiast might be disappointed with the lack of performance, but most buyers will be pleased by this new Corolla’s expressive styling, vastly improved cabin, and comprehensive list of advanced safety features.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
*Additional models shown.

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From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences

From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences Looking Back At The Tiny Car Era
Microcars, those automobiles with engines under 1,000cc and holding no more than two people, occasionally re-enter the public’s view. While usually considered curiosities, they have a fascinating history, and were very popular for a time. Car enthusiasts will not soon forget the Peel P50, the world’s smallest car that ceased production in 1965. While only fifty original Peel P50s were made, this style of vehicle has historical significance and is a dramatic contrast to anything we see on streets today.
The Peel’s small production numbers, however, make it an outlier. Many microcars sold in the tens and hundreds of thousands. Before we go further, let’s take a step back and compare the evolution of cars and driving in the United States vs. Europe.
1960s-era advertisement for the Peel P50.
Wide Open Spaces
The U.S. is a large and young country compared to European ones. Our cities and towns are spread far apart. As cars were introduced into commerce, the dirt horse paths did not suffice as motor roadways. These paths were eventually paved, and since land was aplenty, they were also made wide. Gasoline was plentiful and cheap. As people spent more time in their cars, they wanted room for comfort. All these factors conspired to result in the large American motor car.
The birth of the interstate highway system in 1956 and advent of more drivable roads only fueled the desire for Americans to take road trips in their new stylish rides. But for car producers abroad, smaller cars made more sense. European cities and towns are older than U.S. ones by a factor of several millennia. When motorcars first appeared, they had to navigate narrow, windy passages. Fuel was not readily available, and was more expensive. For these reasons, Europeans generally favored smaller vehicles.
This beautiful red BMW Isetta belongs to Richard Reina of CARiD Auto Parts and Automoblog. Richard is fond of taking it to shows and telling attendees about its history.
Bubble Car History
The end of World War II changed everything. European factories had been bombed, and companies struggled to get back into operation. Microcars (also known as “bubble cars”) came about as affordable and safe alternatives to motorbikes. At a time when steel and fuel were still scarce commodities, these bubble cars were an all-weather option for those on a budget.
Post-war Germany was home base for many popular microcars. One of the best-known was the BMW Isetta. Its tiny 300cc engine only made 13 horsepower, but globally, BMW sold 161,000 units. Another favorite was the Goggomobil. Unlike the Isetta, the “Goggos” were available as sedans, coupes, or minivans. A total of 285,000 were made from 1955-1969.
Perhaps the oddest-looking German bubble car was manufactured by Messerschmitt, a company known for their military aircraft production during World War II. With its tandem seating, yoke steering, plexiglass canopy top, and three tiny eight-inch wheels, the ‘Schmitt looked like nothing else on the road.
1964 Messerschmitt KR200 on display at the Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium. With its one cylinder, two-stroke engine and 9.5 horsepower, it could reach a top speed of almost 70 mph. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Post-War Tastes
The first iteration of the Messerschmitt was the KR175, and the name “kabineroller” translates directly to “scooter with cabin,” which is an apt description of the vehicle. Messerschmitt improved the KR200 in 1955 by installing shock absorbers on all three wheels in an attempt to smooth out the ride and make for safer travel. About 45,000 of these three-wheel wonders were built.
Consumers in post-war France were also smitten with tiny cars, but many of their smallest microcars were not big sellers. The French preferred “supermini” cars such as the Citroen 2CV (4 doors, 600cc) and the Renault 4CV (4-doors, 760cc), which was the first French vehicle to sell over one million units. Many of these car makers attempted to market their microcars in the U.S. with limited success. Our expansive roadways, covering great distances between destinations, did not favor the small car. In some cases, American car dealers treated these tiny rides as a joke (“Buy a new Cadillac, get a free Isetta!”).
The one exception was the original Volkswagen. While not a microcar per se, it was smaller than anything coming out of Detroit, and a growing number of U.S. buyers gravitated toward it. VW’s success is a story for another time, but even in Europe, as the economy recovered in the years after the war, there was a declining demand for economical and efficient cars.
The GMC Yukon and other similar large, luxury SUVs are a reflection of how tastes have evolved regarding choices in personal transportation. Pictured here is a 2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition. Photo: GMC.
Bigger But Better?
In 2018, most of our vehicles in the U.S. are larger than ever, with even the traditional sedan expanding in size. Last year, SUV, van, and pickup sales rose 4.3 percent while overall car sales saw a decline. As a class, trucks comprise about two-thirds of all new vehicle sales. One possible reason as to why big vehicles are now favored could be the boom of millennials, who are beginning to have families and crave space and comfort as they move to the suburbs. Historically cheap gas continues to drive sales, and you won’t hear any complaints from the Big 3 automakers, as their profit margins are much higher on the big trucks compared to compact cars.
As we’ve seen over time, car design directly reflects the broader trends of the era, whether it be an economic boom (or bust), or a shift to a more urban lifestyle. While upsizing seems like a trend that is here to stay, you never know when tiny cars may make their comeback.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
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Cover Photo: 1965 BMW Isetta 300, Carl Anthony.

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DB11 Volante: Aston Martin Makes A Pretty One

DB11 Volante: Aston Martin Makes A Pretty One

Oh you pretty thing . . . British design can be so frustrating. On the one hand, you have things like the Supermarine Spitfire and the Jaguar E Type and anything Sir Christopher Wren designed. On the other, you have stuff like the Ford Anglia and that MI6 Building.
The brand new Aston Martin DB11 Volante is definitely one of the former.
Shaken, Not Stirred
Aston Martin, purveyor of cars to likes of James Bond, refers to its convertibles as Volantes. And the car we are looking at here, the DB11 Volante, is indeed the drop-top version of last year’s DB11 Coupe. Unlike the Coupe, there is no V12 engine available in the Volante. Some will bemoan this loss, but I am not one of them. Although the V12 plant is very impressive, the engine found under the Volante’s hood provides for a lighter package, meaning the convert will be more nimble and responsive. Said plant is a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 503 ponies.
The mill sits within an all-new bonded aluminum structure the Volante shares with the DB11 Coupe, minus the roof and such. The DB11 Volante is lighter and more rigid than the model it replaces and offers a much broader envelope of abilities, greater levels of performance and handling, and all that typical British character, refinement, comfort, and interior space Aston Martin is known for.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Performance Tech
That small block V8 is hooked up to and integrated with a whole slew of computer controlled subsystems and powertrain elements to make the Volante a grand tourer with some serious performance abilities. For example, there are 3-stage powertrain and chassis modes that operate harmoniously with the 8-speed automatic transmission, the electric power steering, and the dynamic torque vectored limited-slip differential. Aston Martin says this allows the Volante’s driver to “tailor its behavior in a way that best suits the road, weather conditions or their mood.”
Or, as I would put it: “There’s enough drivetrain nannies, chassis tuning, and fail-safe gizmos that will prevent you from spinning this thing into a ditch and scarring up its pretty face.”
Sounds like a fair deal.
Styling & Design
The DB11 Volante has the same single-piece aluminium bonnet (that’s “hood” to those of us that speak American) found on the DB11 Coupe. It has the same “Curlicue” styling bit, which I quite like; wonderful integration with the wheel well and it helps with air extraction to boot. Other styling touches include wood or carbon fiber veneer panels on the seat backs, a tailored fabric top in a choice of Bordeaux red, black silver or grey silver, “light blade” taillights, and new forged alloy wheels. Aston Martin says the end result is “breathtakingly sleek and athletic” and I am not going to argue with them.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.

Topside Testing
That fabric roof sounds like it’s a cross between a Savile Row suit and the mainsails from the HMS Ark Royal. It’s an all-new, 8-layer cosset design so the occupants are snug and dry from the extremes of weather and wind; it folds up into a class-leading, stack height at the touch of a button. Hit that button and 14 seconds later, the roof is down. Hit the button again, and in 16 seconds the top is up. You can also raise or lower the roof remotely from the key while moving at speeds up to 31 mph.
And the cherry on top is you get a 20 percent increase in trunk volume compared to the previous model.
The roof can take a pounding too. They ran it through more than 100,000 test cycles in special weather chambers designed to simulate atrocious conditions; they compressed 10 years of use into one month of testing, and drove prototypes of the thing around Death Valley and the Arctic Circle.
Pricing & Availability
They sum it up like this: “Engineered to be the most advanced and complete open-top Aston Martin ever built. Styled to put its rivals in the shade and honed to achieve a fine balance of ride, handling, responsiveness, and refinement, the DB11 Volante is dedicated to delivering a new dimension of driving pleasure.”
Which all sounds like a serious throwdown to the likes of, let’s see, who is the competition here? Jaguar, naturally. Also various German drop-tops – big BMWs, Mercedes-Benz and the like. The Italians don’t make convertibles like this, or at least Ferrari doesn’t. And let’s face facts here, nothing the Americans, French or Japanese make are even in the same league.
And what league are we talking about? The league that will run you the cost of a suburban home to get into. The price for the Aston Martin DB11 Volante starts at $216,495. Which is, obviously, a lot of money. Does all that work for you? If it does, then get down to your Aston Martin dealer by the first quarter of 2018 because that’s when the DB11 Volante is scheduled to show up.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Aston Martin DB11 Volante Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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New General Motors Platform Addresses Transportation Challenges

New General Motors Platform Addresses Transportation Challenges

General Motors is diving headlong into several high-tech futures simultaneously. Autonomous vehicles, fuel cells, logistics simplification, even natural disaster relief. What I notice here is GM putting all this on the back of a semi-old idea of theirs: The flexible fuel cell platform.
In 2002, GM had this show car, but the whole thing wasn’t about the car itself, but the de facto chassis it was riding on. They called it “the skateboard” because that’s what it resembled: A huge, lowered platform with wheels at all four corners.
Essential Foundations
The deck of the skateboard formed the unified chassis and the fuel cell workings. There were electric motors at each wheel, powered by the energy the fuel cell produced, and here’s the beautiful part: you could mount any number of different bodies on it. To a company like GM, who wants to make their products as efficiently as possible, this is still perceived as a stroke of genius.
The bottom line is this: You make the skateboard chassis that contains all the running gear. You make them by the millions, literally millions of them, and the unit costs drop like an anchor without a chain. Then you can attach whatever body you want to that running gear, and the vehicle will still “work.” You need to produce a bunch of minivans? No problem! Just lengthen the skateboard a little, and you’re all set. Want an electric Corvette? Simple, shorten the whole thing, “tune” the software for more performance, and you’ve got a new Corvette. Pickup trucks, family sedans, delivery vans, cop cars: No problem! They’re all the same underneath.
Photo: General Motors.
General Solutions
Like I said, GM has been fixated on this theoretical concept for a while, and when growing needs (green efficiency, autonomous vehicles etc.) are coupled to a slew of growing possibilities (increasing capabilities with computer processing power, miniaturization of sensor suites and such), GM has a perfect opportunity to combine all of them into one big package, and be all things to all buyers. This is, in my estimation, the Holy Grail for GM. Why, it’s even right there in their name: General Motors. “What we do, generally speaking, is get you and/or your stuff from point A to B.”
I have long felt GM has been wanting, for decades, to be to transportation what Xerox is to photostatic copying and Kleenex is to blowing your nose: The generic answer to everyone’s transportation needs. “Hand me a Kleenex, will ya?” “Xerox me some copies of this report, will ya?” “I got to get to the airport, call me up a GM, will ya?” To some degree, GM already has this with Cadillac. “Well, sir, I can assure you, this is the ‘Cadillac’ of vacuum cleaners.”
And the funny thing is, with GM’s latest swing they call SURUS, they might be able to achieve that with all their brands, not just Cadillac.
The SURUS commercial platform leverages over 50 years of research and development in fuel cell technology by GM. The scalable and adaptable technology enables land, sea, and air applications across commercial and military environments. Photo: General Motors.

Combined Approach
SURUS stands for Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure, and GM aims to use the platform to solve some of the toughest transportation challenges brought up by natural disasters, global conflicts, and otherwise complex environments. The Detroit-based company showed off the flexible fuel cell electric platform with its autonomous capabilities at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) recently.
This is very smart of GM. If they can make SURUS work in a military environment, then they should be able to adapt it into a platform for everyday use. If they can make it work in the middle of a desert, or the middle of a jungle, then it should work everywhere.
SURUS pulls together GM’s newest Hydrotec fuel cell system, autonomous capability, and various truck chassis components for high-performance, zero-emission power. The combination is meant to reduce logistical problems and lessen human exposure to harm. In other words, GM wants it to run for a long time, make little to no noise, withstand getting shot at, be able to take a beating, and drive on its own, with nobody getting hurt. Benefits include easy field configuration for a variety of uses, instantaneous high torque from the EV motors, “exportable power generation” so you can power stuff back at camp, water generation (the main “pollutant” from fuel cells is pure water), and quick refueling times.
A rendering of the SURUS platform as an ambulance to show the number of possible flexible fuel cell applications. Photo: General Motors.
Endless Possibilities
And that’s not just speculation on my part. GM states flat out “SURUS was designed to form a foundation for a family of commercial vehicle solutions that leverages a single propulsion system integrated into a common chassis.” While working on the military version, GM is also working on versions that are utility trucks, mobile and emergency backup power generation units, flexible cargo delivery systems (Hello UPS! Hello Amazon!), and commercial freight delivery vehicles. GM is also evaluating military configurations for SURUS and how the platform can be applied to light- and medium-duty trucks.
If General Motors can extrapolate this platform onto our roads, who is really going to notice? Us, the gearheads of this world. Sure, if you’re a minivan buyer or agonizing over which shade of beige to get for your Impala, a common drivetrain platform won’t mean much to you. But would you accept that same drivetrain on a new Corvette? I dunno, man . . . but then again, maybe this will allow The General more flexibility? Maybe they can crank out that mundane stuff for everyone else, and still keep Vettes and other factory hot rods powered by real internal combustion engines?
Performance exclusivity for us gearheads, predictable transportation for everyone else? Works for me!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
GM SURUS Platform Specifications
Four-wheel steering
Advanced suspension
Gen 2 fuel cell system
Autonomous capability
Lithium-ion battery system
GM truck chassis components
Two advanced electric drive units
State-of-the-art propulsion power electronics
Hydrogen storage system with over 400 miles of range
GM SURUS Platform Gallery

Photos & Source: General Motors.

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Honda Engine Production Hits 25 Million In Ohio

Honda Engine Production Hits 25 Million In Ohio

Associates at Honda’s Anna, Ohio engine plant celebrated a milestone this week as the facility produced its 25 millionth engine. Honda recently invested $47 million there to bolster engine production for the 2018 Accord. New are two direct-injected VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engines and a 2.0 i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine for the Accord Hybrid.
“Building 25 million engines is not just a major production milestone, but symbolic of the passion and commitment invested by our associates, past and present, to satisfy 25 million customers,” said Paul Dentinger, Plant Manager, Anna Engine Plant.
Versatile Facility
The 25 millionth engine, produced on Line 4, was a 1.5-liter turbo that will be shipped to the Marysville Auto Plant, about 45 miles east of Anna. Anna Engine produces more than 1.18 million engines annually, making it Honda’s largest engine plant in the world. The 2.5 million square foot facility supplies engines and components for 14 Honda and Acura vehicles made across the globe. The plant also makes the turbo engine for the Civic Type-R, the most powerful production Honda in the United States. Further, in the spring of 2016, master technicians at the Anna plant starting building the hand-assembled twin turbo engine for the Acura NSX.
“We continue to invest in our plant and our people to build a new generation of Honda engine products for customers here and around the world,” Dentinger said.
The Anna Engine plant opened in 1985 and total investments there by Honda exceed $2.7 billion. At its current production rate, the Anna staff should reach another 25 million engines sometime in the year 2038.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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